Scripture

“This vision about the 2,300 evenings and mornings is correct. But none of these things will happen for a long time, so keep this vision a secret.”

Observation

As Daniel tries to understand his vision, the angel Gabriel comes to him. Daniel is overcome by fear, but Gabriel rouses him with a touch.

Gabriel explains that the two horned ram represents the kings of Persia and Media. The male goat is the king of Greece. The Greek Empire will break into four parts.

At the end of their rule, a new king will arise, who will bring a shocking amount of destruction. He will destroy many without warning. He will be broken but not by human power.

The vision about 2,300 mornings and evenings is true. But none of this will happen for a long time, so Daniel is to keep it quiet.

At the end of all this, Daniel is sick for seven days.

Application

The specific time period of 2,300 evenings and mornings is astounding. This is about seven years, or three and a half years if you count mornings and evenings as separate times,

King Antiochus Epiphanes IV removed the high priest in 171 BC, and he desecrated the Temple with unclean, sacrifices in 167 BC. The Temple and altar were cleansed and rededicated in December 164 BC. This was seven years after the high priest was removed and a little over three years after the temple was desecrated.

The Lord knows what is happening and what He is permitting to happen. Therefore, we have hope in this life because God works in all things to bring good to those whom he has called (Romans 8:23).

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for this assurance that you have all things in hand. Amen.

Scripture

It even challenged the commander of heaven’s armies, cancelling the daily sacrifices offered to him and by destroying his Temple

Observation

Daniel recounts another vision of future Empires. This vision is explained in the second half of the chapter. In the vision, a ram with two long horns stands beside the river at Susa. This ram, butts everything in every direction, and no one can stand against him.

A male goat appears swiftly from the West, The goat tramples the ram and nobody can stop him.

The goat becomes very powerful, but at the height of its power, the horn is broken off and replaced by four smaller horns. From one of these horns comes another horn that extends into Israel. This horn attacks the Heavenly Army challenging the Commander Himself.

One of the holy ones asks, “How long will the temple be trampled on?” The other responds “2, 300 days and nights.”

Application

There is an arrogance at the heart of men and women who do not surrender to God. Sometimes this takes the form of petty rebellion and wanton sin. In the case of rulers of nations, it becomes defiance against God and His people, even to the point of attacking God Himself.

How can we be so insolent and deceived?

How can we, the creatures, take issue with the Creator?

This defies all logic, and yet has been the universal experience of humanity.

Praise God for his forbearance with us,

Praise God for dealing with our sins in sending His Son to lay down His life for us.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for your great patience with us. Thank you that while I was still a sinner, Jesus died for me. Amen.