Sunday, March 16 – Daniel 8, 9

1. What did Daniel see that grew out of one of the four horns of the male goat? Daniel 8:9

2. When would the sanctuary be cleansed? Daniel 8:13

In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel receives a prophetic vision. He sees a ram with two horns, one higher than the other. Gabriel later explains that this ram represents Medo-Persia, with Persia being the dominant power.

Then, a male goat appears from the west, moving swiftly across the earth without touching the ground. This symbolizes Greece under Alexander the Great, who conquered Persia with incredible speed. The great horn between the goat’s eyes, representing Alexander, is broken. In its place, four notable horns arise, symbolizing the division of the Greek Empire among Alexander’s four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy.

A little horn from one of these four divisions arises, expanding toward the south, the east, and the Glorious Land (Israel). This little horn represents Rome, both in its pagan and papal phases. It exalts itself against God, removes the “daily sacrifice,” casts down truth, and persecutes God’s people.

“The daily sacrifice” represents the continual priestly ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 7:25; 8:1-2). “Taking away of the daily” means that the “little horn” representing the papacy obscured Christ’s high priestly work by introducing human mediators, confessionals, the mass, and other traditions that diverted attention away from Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This is what is meant when the prophecy says that the little horn “cast truth to the ground” (Daniel 8:12), referring to the distortion of the gospel and substituting Christ’s direct mediation with human authority.

Daniel hears two heavenly beings discussing the duration of these events. One asks, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the desolation?” The answer is: “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14).

This is one of the most significant time prophecies in Scripture. It foretells the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, which began in 1844, marking the beginning of the investigative judgment. This is the final phase of Christ’s work as our High Priest, preparing for His Second Coming.

Daniel does not fully understand the vision, and when Gabriel explains the 2,300-day prophecy, Daniel faints. The interpretation remains incomplete until Chapter 9.

In chapter 9, Daniel earnestly prays for Israel’s restoration, realizing that Jeremiah’s prophecy of 70 years of captivity is about to end. While Daniel is still praying, Gabriel arrives, stating that he has come to give Daniel wisdom and understanding. He refers to the vision of Daniel 8 and proceeds to explain the missing portion—the time element.

Gabriel begins by introducing the Seventy Weeks (490 years) prophecy, which is “determined” (cut off) for the Jewish people. These 490 years are the first segment of the 2,300 years, establishing a clear starting point for both prophecies.

Gabriel outlines six key purposes of the prophecy:

1. To finish transgression – Israel would have 490 years to end their rebellion.

2. To end sins – A call to repentance and reform.

3. To make reconciliation for iniquity – Christ’s sacrifice would bring atonement.

4. To bring everlasting righteousness – Christ’s righteousness would be available to all.

5. To seal up vision and prophecy – The fulfillment would confirm God’s word.

6. To anoint the Most Holy refers to Christ’s anointing as the Messiah.

Gabriel then provides the starting point for the prophecy: “From the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem” (Daniel 9:25). This decree was issued by King Artaxerxes in 457 B.C. From this date, the prophecy unfolds: 7 weeks (49 years), Jerusalem is rebuilt. 62 weeks (434 years), leads to the arrival of the Messiah, the Prince. The Messiah confirms the new covenant in the final week (7 years).

The 69 weeks (7 + 62 weeks = 483 years) reach A.D. 27 when Jesus is baptized and anointed as the Messiah. In the middle of the 70th week (A.D. 31), Jesus is crucified, fulfilling the prophecy: “He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (Daniel 9:27). Christ’s death ended the need for the sacrificial system, as He became the true Lamb of God.

The prophecy continues until A.D. 34, marking the end of the seventy weeks. At this point, Israel’s probation as God’s chosen nation ends with the stoning of Stephen, and the gospel spreads to the Gentiles.

Since the Seventy Weeks are cut off from the 2,300 years, the remaining 1,810 years extend to 1844, marking the beginning of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary.

Daniel 8 and 9 provide a roadmap of God’s redemptive plan. They reveal how Jesus fulfilled prophecy and point us to His ministry’s final phase before His Second Coming.

As we see history unfolding according to prophecy, we are invited to trust in God, remain faithful, and prepare for Christ’s soon return.