What Makes Jesus Unique? No one else made the claims that He did, He is alive...............
All the great religious leaders of history have one thing in common: they are dead. Only one man has risen from a grave never again to taste death. Jesus Christ died, was buried, remained in the grave for 3 days, then was raised to life again.
Jesus is unique. He is the only one proven to be the Son of God because God validated His Kingship and accepted His payment for our sins all with one incredible stroke: He raised Jesus from the dead!
Paul opens his letter to the Romans with this evidence about who Jesus is:
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which He had promised before by His prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:1-4
Because Jesus Christ is very much alive, five things are true right now that wouldn’t be true if He were just another dead religious leader like Confucius, Mohammed or Buddha.
Because Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive…Prayers are answered, We can talk to Jesus 24/7
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3. How Do I Use My Money?
When I was a young assistant pastor, my mentor and lead pastor said, “If your pocketbook isn’t converted, neither is your heart.” Christians spend their money differently than non-Christians do. Christians support the Lord’s work. Money is not a “lord” to serve, but a means by which we serve the Lord.
Look at your garage, your home … what have you been spending your money on?
No one should conclude that I am against vacations and various forms of recreation. This is not an appeal to leading an austere life of sleeping in a cave and only eating a bowl of gruel or watery porridge at mealtime. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound” (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul is not saying that we must never want change or improvement, but simply that he is not disturbed or disquieted with whatever his condition is.
4. What Do I Do With My Leisure Time?
When I was touring in Germany several years ago, our guide pointed out that under communism, farmers worked from 9 to 5. If a cow was calving at 11 p.m., it didn’t matter to the farmer. The government owned the farm. Under a private ownership arrangement, however, there is no one who was responsible for the calving cow except the farmer. “Leisure time” is a rare commodity for some professions.
However, most employers allow employees vacation time. People take their vacation and are involved in a variety of pursuits. Some stay home and work through a “honey-do list”—“honey here’s a list of things I would like you to do on your vacation.” Others are quite free in what they do and where they go. Freedom can be used responsibly or irresponsibly. We all have a limited amount of time to serve God. The Bible says, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16).
Family time is a good way to use leisure time. Sometimes our schedules are so busy and cluttered that the family suffers, though we would wish that would not happen. Time for family Bible studies, looking at Christian movies together, attending special services or Christian concerts, are all valid. Leisure time is rare for some, but necessary for all. Use it wisely.
5. What Kind Of Company Do I Enjoy?
The circle of your friends reveals a lot about you. We spend time with people that we are comfortable with because they are like us. We enjoy their acceptance and are glad to be a part of their group. So, who are you comfortable with? Can you speak to God about your friends or do you wish that God didn’t know about your friends?
Someone may ask, “Pastor Larry, are you saying that there are some people we should be unfriendly to? Isn’t that being stuck up and elitist?” We should never have a holier-than-thou attitude. But we have to make a distinction between an acquaintance and a friend. We all have many acquaintances. They are people we work with and go to school with. But friendship goes deeper. A true friend is someone who can encourage us when we are down, and correct us when we stray. A true friend is a person whose values mirror those values taught in the Scriptures. Friends should be chosen wisely because, as Paul reminded the Corinthians, the wrong company can corrupt the best of character (see 1 Cor. 15:33).
As the moral standards of our culture become further removed from biblical standards, I’ve noticed a strange phenomenon: People admire those who exhibit the worst sort of behavior. People who despise authority, mock their parents, and live outside the circle of decency and propriety are the new heroes. There is something about the way they flaunt the rules and have no regard for respecting others. They are the new moral models for an immoral culture.
Christian character can be seen in those who admire Jesus and admire those who most model His example. People who are slow to judge and condemn, who think before they answer, who show patience and kindness are regarded as wimps. Meekness is seen as weakness, but meekness is really strength under control. What kind of people are you drawn to? Whom do you admire? Answer these questions and you will experience self-discovery.
7. What Do I Laugh At?
Before I was saved I laughed at jokes—and told some myself—that I would never tell now. In fact, there were two things in my life that I noticed after I was saved: a change in my language, especially when I experience anger, and the jokes I used to laugh at. They don’t produce laughter any longer—only grief.
America is at a crossroads. We need to pray fervently. We need God’s help. Without it we will perish as a nation of free men. The whole world will suffer. The Bible is clear. Good character has a lot to do with the prayers God answers. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Ps. 66:18).
For years, many Bible students have sought after answers to the identity of the “mark of the Beast.” The first mention of a mark upon a man was Cain, who had murdered his brother Abel. The question is, “In what form was the mark?” Was the mark a physical mark, such as something like a tattoo? Or, was it a spiritual mark that conveyed to others that he was an outcast of God? In Genesis 4:15, Scripture states that a “mark” was placed upon him, not in him.
However, in the case of the “mark of the Beast” the mark is said to be placed inside the unbeliever: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads” (Rev. 13:16). Could the tiny microchip meet the qualifications of the “mark”? The process of inserting a tiny chip into the right hand of individuals for identification has already begun.
It is well known that Biohax International of Sweden has implanted over 4,000 employees with microchips in their right hands. The process began over five years ago by a firm established by a former professional body piercer. Workers use the chip for train tickets, gym memberships, food, soft drinks, and entrance into locked doors at work. This makes punching a timeclock obsolete. Workers also use these to store their emergency contact information. The convenience it provides is catching on in European and American businesses and personal lives.
In July 2017, in River Falls, Wisconsin, fifty employees of Three Square Market voluntarily received the microchip implants (www.theatlantic.com).
In Florida, a wife had her family implanted to help with her husband’s health monitoring. There are many good reasons to get an implant, such as a person can be found who has lost his way because of dementia or other mental illnesses. A company that implants reports that company scientists are already working on a global positioning system (www.cbs.com).
However, just how common is the use of implantable microchips? According to
The above noted source also stated, “Those workers—typically on the IT side of a business—get an implant for personal use. The microchip is typically inserted between the thumb and index finger. The chips Graafstra’s company sells start around $50, plus an optional $50 for insertion with an affiliated doctor or piercing expert.”
Is the introduction of human microchipping a precursor to the “mark of the Beast,” or just another step forward in future conditioning of people in order to better control them during the Tribulation period, or is it a giant conspiracy to cover-up what is really happening behind the scenes? The most notable conspiracy involves billionaire Bill Gates. It has been reported that he is donating billions of dollars to WHO to immunize the world against COVID-19. And, the vaccine is to contain a chip that will allow everyone to unknowingly be able to be controlled in the future. The part about chipping has not been proven one way or the other (www.usatoday).
There is always a certain amount of truth in every conspiracy. In this case we are looking for a possible clue as to what the mark will be and how it will be distributed. If the microchip is the answer, then Satan’s helpers will need to get busy and start chipping everyone who will enter into the Tribulation period. The question is, “How will they know who to chip?” Prior to the Tribulation period the chip cannot be the “mark” because this will invariably include some Christians who are clueless as to what is happening. Will these be accepting the “mark” and not be removed at the Rapture? Will babies who are chipped be included in this group? The Rapture will separate the wheat from the tares. Those during the Tribulation who refuse the “mark” will be beheaded. Therefore, chipping could be a control device for the Antichrist. There will be nothing that will keep a born-again believer in Jesus Christ as Savior from being removed at the Rapture. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 8:38–39).
What’s Happening To Our Children
One of the greatest crimes being carried out today is sex trafficking. “Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide—including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations” (www.dhs.gov).
Every day on the news we hear of children—both boys and girls—who have been reported missing. Many are never found and many are found dead. Perhaps your family has been affected by this heinous crime and grievous sin. There are many stories being circulated by different groups about different important celebrities and political figures which cannot be proven because of their protected status.
However, there was one celebrity who could not be suppressed: Jeffrey Epstein. With his unmasking, publicity showed just how many Hollywood giants and high-profile politicians are involved in the industry of sex trafficking. It has been rumored that Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, the Gates, and the Clintons are under house arrest. While the rumors are not true, this does not necessarily exempt them from guilt. This is a crime by godless individuals and should be punished as such. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus said: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 460,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. This is only a fraction of children who go missing here and abroad. In many countries, missing children are not even reported and no statistics are kept. Canada is a far second to the United States with 45,288 children reported missing each year (www.globalmissingkids.org).
Where are these children? Frantic parents place everything on hold until they are found, or exhaust themselves and others in search of them. Many have gone into slavery of various kinds, including sex slavery. Many have been shipped off to brothels and labor farms in foreign countries, never to be heard from again.
Having been to many Muslim countries in the Middle East, I was reminded that blonde-haired girls are in high demand for sex slaves and should be guarded at all times and not be allowed to wander alone. All abductions, including those in the United States, can take only seconds but can last a lifetime for the victim and the family as well.
When I was a kid in the 1940s, abductions were seldom heard of. We were reared in a different world than exists today. Our most precious possessions are our children, and forces are at work to destroy them and the homes they came from. Stealing a child must carry the harshest penalty to curb it from happening, including the death penalty. Our children are God’s gift and our next generation of leaders and must be protected.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they … shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3–5).
Larry Spargimino...October 5, 2020
There are some tragedies that have a way of lodging in our hearts, producing hidden images that often surface in times of crises. Forty years ago, I pastored a church in rural Tennessee. One rainy night, a distressed grandmother called and said that her granddaughter, fifteen years of age, had been killed in an auto accident. Later that evening, in trying to comfort the family, the grandmother kept on repeating the granddaughter’s name, and said, “You are too young to die.”
This past July 4th, America celebrated 244 years since the Declaration of Independence roused the sometimes-lucid King George III. We are a very young nation—too young to die.
Should a Mayor Apologize to Violent Protesters?
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, a frightened woman named Tara Durant dialed 911 to report protesters swarming her and her young daughter while driving through town. That 911 call has since been released (potomoclocal.com).
“They’re on my car. They’re on my car right now,” Durant tells the 911 dispatcher.
“So we would suggest that you slowly drive through the area. Don’t hit anyone with your vehicle,” the dispatcher responds.
To that the woman says, “I can’t. I cannot get out of here, okay?”
The dispatcher then tells the caller: “Please be patient. I’ll let the officer know, OK?”
“Are you serious?” the woman who dialed 911 asks.
The dispatcher responds, “We can’t do anything, ma’am. The city told us this is a sanctioned event.”
“Get out of my car! You know, this is going to get dangerous. I got a kid here,” the woman shouts.
But the dispatcher only calmly replies, “Yes, ma’am. We would suggest you call up the city hall to let them know about your frustrations.”
Durant is then heard yelling: “Get out of the way! Get out of the way! This is getting scary! They’re on my car! They’re on my car! I’ve got a little girl in the car crying. Are you kidding me?!”
Once Fredericksburg mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw got involved, the true state of our nation became very evident. Greenlaw apologized to protesters after police tried to disperse the crowd. She wrote, “I am personally sorry. I apologize to those who went through this fearful experience.”
Note, the Mayor “apologized to protesters.” Should a mayor be apologizing to criminals? Should a city be supporting a mob and describe their activities as a “sanctioned event”?
Wake Up Before It’s Too Late
Americans have been living the good life and we are not used to deprivation and suffering. We think we are experiencing a disaster of epic proportions if our smart phone doesn’t work or if we have to wait more than three minutes for our bacon cheeseburger. We would rather compromise, bend, hold back on doing the right thing than doing the right thing. We hope problems would go away, and we have adjusted to the fact that they usually don’t.
Our failure to confront serious issues will be our downfall. We are still stuck with North Korea and have to tremble when the country’s fatso nuclear brat makes a threat. We’ve allowed China to steal our secrets, tap into our technology, infiltrate our centers of higher learning, and expand exponentially through the Belt and Road Initiative.
In his “End-Of-The-Day Report” (7/8/20) Gary Bauer writes:
For decades, the American political class and the corporate chieftains have embraced a myth that is now disappearing before their eyes. They believed that capitalism would tame communist China, that trade with China would change China. Once hundreds of millions of Chinese started reading the financial pages to see how their stocks were doing, they would put down Mao’s Little Red Book. Or so they thought. History may eventually conclude that this was one of the biggest mistakes ever made by free people in the history of free people making mistakes. …
Speaking to the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, as reported by bbc.com (1/8/20), FBI director Christopher Wray said China has begun targeting Chinese nationals living abroad, coercing their return, and is working to compromise U.S. coronavirus research. “China is engaged in a whole-of-state effort to become the world’s only superpower by any means necessary,” Wray said.
In his presentation Wray mentioned “Fox Hunt,” a program President Xi developed to round up Chinese dissidents, rivals, and critics abroad who are seeking to expose China’s barbaric human rights violations. In one case, when the communist government couldn’t locate one Fox Hunt target, the government sent an emissary to visit the target’s family here in the United States. What was the message they said to pass on? The target had two options: “Return to China promptly, or commit suicide.”
President Trump is hated by many Americans for just this reason: he confronts evil and calls it what it is. In a politically correct world, the president’s repeated use of strong language and his penchant for bringing moral clarity to an issue sets the Democrats to writing op-ed pieces about the president’s dangerous character. They wax eloquent and question his sanity. It is deemed safer to be polite and let the thieves steal the farm than to face the fact that we are going to lose the farm because of our cowardice. The way to peace is never in retreat. A cancerous tumor needs to be removed. If not it will destroy the entire body.
Dealing With Fear by Finding Shelter in Denial
People with an addiction often deny the addiction. Progressive ideologues deny the threats to America’s existence by claiming that President Trump has resorted to a politics of fear for the purpose of gaining a following. They critique the president and say fear and anger are often cited by him in tandem as the method of Trump’s particular political appeal. They are so frequently paired that they become a refrain—fear and anger, fear and anger. One commentator asserted that the Republican National Convention was “a fear-fueled acid trip.” The Left claims that the president’s desire to build the wall is a good example of his politics.
However, the critics who point a finger at the president and accuse him of fear-mongering just need to look at what’s happening on the streets of America: looting, burning, a total break-down of law and order. Children being shot, buildings and businesses burning. The threat from our porous borders is real. Islamic prayer shawls and koranic literature have been found in Texas. OTMS (other than Mexicans) coming into the U.S. is a documented fact. Last year the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa wrought death to many. The news later reported that some of the illegals seeking to cross our southern border were from Central Africa. The COVID-19 crisis shows just how real the danger from our porous borders really is.
The Left never misses an opportunity to claim that Trump is a threat to peace. Bernie Sanders said, “I fear that Trump could drag us into war.” The Hill reported, “Trump has repeatedly touted the drone strike that killed Soleimani, claiming the general was directing attacks against multiple U.S. embassies. Several Democrats, however, including the 2020 hopefuls, have expressed skepticism that the general posed an imminent threat to U.S. interests.”
The Left’s Politics of Fear
“COVID-19 vaccine may never be found”
“CA, TX Biggest Death Day”
“Birx and Fauci Blame Spike on Re-opening too fast”
“Dems fear president will push vax to boost Re-elect”
“Brain damage worry”
President Trump has made it clear that America can’t stay in a lockdown mode. He’s right. What would happen to the economy, to the mental health of the population, and to the entrepreneurial spirit of American business? The president recently threatened to cut federal funds from schools that don’t reopen. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos chimed in and slammed “adults who are fear mongering and making excuses” for not reopening. Not surprisingly Bobby Scott (D-VA), the chair of the House Education Committee, said that Trump’s push to “prematurely reopen” schools ignored the health experts and was “dangerous.”
We have to face the fact that the real pandemic in America is not a virus but the will of a surprisingly influential group that wishes the death of America and has manipulated the public with fear.
In 1947, young Bedouin shepherds, searching for a stray goat in the Judean Desert, entered a long-untouched cave and found jars filled with ancient scrolls. That initial discovery by the Bedouins yielded seven scrolls and began a search that lasted nearly a decade and eventually produced thousands of scroll fragments from eleven caves. During those same years, archaeologists searching for a habitation close to the caves that might help identify the people who deposited the scrolls, excavated the Qumran ruin, a complex of structures located on a barren terrace between the cliffs where the caves are found and the Dead Sea.
Within a fairly short time after their discovery, historical, paleographic, and linguistic evidence, as well as carbon-14 dating, established that the scrolls and the Qumran ruin dated from the third century B.C.E. to 68 C.E. They were indeed ancient! Coming from the late Second Temple Period, a time when Jesus of Nazareth lived, they are older than any other surviving manuscripts of the Hebrew Scriptures by almost one thousand years.
Since their discovery nearly half a century ago, the scrolls and the identity of the nearby settlement have been the object of great scholarly and public interest, as well as heated debate and controversy. Why were the scrolls hidden in the caves? Who placed them there? Who lived in Qumran? Were its inhabitants responsible for the scrolls and their presence in the caves? Of what significance are the scrolls to Judaism and Christianity?
This exhibition presents twelve Dead Sea Scroll fragments and archaeological artifacts courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority as well as supplementary materials from the Library of Congress. It is designed to retell the story of the scrolls' discovery; explore their archaeological and historical context; introduce the scrolls themselves; explore the various theories concerning the nature of the Qumran community; and examine some of the challenges facing modern researchers as they struggle to reconstruct the scrolls from the tens of thousands of fragments that remain.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is located in Israel and Jordan, about 15 miles east of Jerusalem. It is extremely deep (averaging about 1,000 feet), salty (some parts containing the highest amount of salts possible), and the lowest body of water in the world. The Dead Sea is supplied by a number of smaller streams, springs, and the Jordan River.
Because of its low elevation and its position in a deep basin, the climate of the Dead Sea area is unusual. Its very high evaporation does produce a haze yet its atmospheric humidity is low. Adjacent areas to it are very arid and favorable for the preservation of materials like the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The Bible's description, in Genesis 19, of a destructive earthquake near the Dead Sea area during the time of Abraham is borne out by archaeological and historic investigation. While no evidence remains of the five cities of the plain (Zeboim, Admah, Bela or Zoar, Sodom, and Gomorrah) their sites are believed to be beneath the waters at the southern end of the sea.
Map of the Dead Sea Region
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The Psalms Scroll
This scroll fragment was displayed in the exhibit at the Library of Congress, May-August 1993. It was provided courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The exhibit caption and translation provide background on the fragment and its relationship with the other Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran Community, and its Library.
The Psalms Scroll
This impressive scroll is a collection of psalms and hymns, comprising parts of forty-one biblical psalms (chiefly form chapters 101-50), in non-canonical sequence and with variations in detail. It also presents previously unknown hymns, as well as a prose passage about the psalms composed by King David.
One of the longer texts to be found at Qumran, the manuscript was found in 1956 in Cave 11 and unrolled in 1961. Its surface is the thickest of any of the scrolls--it may be of calfskin rather than sheepskin, which was the more common writing material at Qumran. The script is on the grain side of the skin. The scroll contains twenty-eight incomplete columns of text, six of which are ...
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Tehillim. 11QPs. The Psalms Scroll (with transcription). Parchment. Copied ca. 30 - 50 C.E. Height 18.5 cm (7 1/4 in.), length 86 cm (33 3/4 in.) Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority (5)
Read the translation
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Artifacts from the Qumran Site
These artifacts from the Qumran Site were included in the exhibit at the Library of Congress, May - August 1993. They were provided courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The exhibit captions provide background on the objects and their relationship with the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran Community, and its Library.
Scroll Jar
Some of the scrolls found by Bedouin shepherds in 1947 were discovered in cylindrical pottery jars of this type, which are unknown elsewhere. Many authorities consider the discovery of these unique vessels in the Qumran excavations as well as in the caves, as convincing evidence of the link between the settlement and the caves. These jars, like the other pottery vessels recovered at Qumran, were probably manufactured locally.
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Textiles
The textiles shown here are two out of scores of pieces collected together with scrolls and other objects from the floor of the Qumran Cave 1 in the spring of 1949. The textiles were examined at the H. M. Norfolk Flax Establishment in England, and the material was identified as linen. A total of seventy-seven pieces, plain and decorated, were cataloged and described by the renowned textile expert Grace M. Crowfoot.
It is possible that all of the cloths found at Qumran are linked with the scrolls. Some of them were certainly scroll wrappers; the remains of one scroll was found wrapped in a small square of linen. Other cloths, found folded into pads, may have formed a packing for worn-out scrolls inside the scroll jars. Still other pieces--with corners twisted or bound with linen cord--may have been used as protective covers, tied over the jar tops.
The wrapped scrolls may have been concealed in the cave at a time of national panic or simply buried, as was a common practice, when they wore out. The condition of the cloths would coincide with either suggestion.
Reference:
Crowfoot, G. M. "The Linen Textiles." In Qumran Cave I. Discoveries in the Judaean Desert, I, pp. 18-38. Oxford, 1955.
This cloth is cut along three sides, rolled and oversewn with a single thread; the fourth edge has a corded starting border in twining technique, followed by a woven strip and an open unwoven space. It was found folded into a pad and was probably used as packing material for discarded scrolls.
Linen Cloth. First century B.C.E.-first century C.E. 7Q, cloth 30 Length 35.5 cm (13 7/8 in.), width 24 cm (9 3/8 in.) Counts: 14x14, 13x13, and in one place 16x14 threads per cm. Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority (76)
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The edges of this cloth are cut, rolled, and whipped on two opposite sides with single thread. On the other two sides, a double thread was used. Two corners are twisted, and the third has a piece of string knotting it, indicating that it was probably used as a cover for a scroll jar.
Reference:
Discoveries in the Judaean Desert, I, pp. 33-34. Oxford, 1955.
Linen Cloth. First century B.C.E.-first century C.E. 1Q, cloth 15. Length 29 cm (11 15/16 in.), width 25 cm (9 3/4 in.) Counts: 17x13 threads per cm. Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority (75)
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Tabs and thongs like these may have been used to bind and secure individual scrolls. The fastening method is thought to consist of a slotted tab folded over the edge of the scroll (see "Prayer for King Jonathan" scroll fragment) with a thong inserted through the tab's slot. The thong then could be tied around the scroll. Fasteners were generally made of leather and were prepared in different sizes. The leather thongs may have also been used in the making of phylacteries.
Reference:
Carswell, J. "Fastenings on the Qumran Manuscripts." In Qumran Grotte 4:II. Discoveries in the Judaean Desert, VI, pp. 23-28 and plates. Oxford, 19
by ragoborn@gmail.comMarch 9, 2023
We previously looked at the basic principles used in the discipline of Textual Criticism. We then applied these principles to the New Testament. By these measures the New Testament reliability exceeds that of any other ancient book.
But what about the books of the Old Testament? Are they as reliable and unchanged as the New Testament? What role do the Dead Sea Scrolls play in this?
The Old Testament: An Ancient Library
The Old Testament’s uniqueness comes in several ways. First it should be thought of more as a library since many authors wrote the various books of the Old Testament. Second, they wrote them a very long time ago. To appreciate the immense antiquity of the Old Testament writings, we compare them in a timeline with other ancient writings:
Historical Timeline with Major Biblical Characters
The timeline above places Abraham, Moses, David and Isaiah in history. They are the major characters of the Old Testament. Compare where they sit on the timeline with Thucydides and Herodotus, whom historians consider the earliest ‘Fathers of History’. Herodotus and Thucydides only lived when Malachi wrote the final Old Testament book. Their writings only looked back about 100 years before their time to conflicts between Greek city states, and between Greece and Persia. Other important historical persons and events like the founding of Rome, Alexander the Great, and the Buddha all come much later than the Old Testament characters. Essentially, the rest of the world only woke up to history when the Old Testament added its final books to its rather extensive collection.
Textual Criticism of the Old Testament Masoretic Text
The authors of the 39 Old Testament books wrote between 1500 BCE and 400 BCE. They wrote in Hebrew with small portions in the later books written in Aramaic. The blue band shows the 1100 year period when the various Old Testament books were written (1500 – 400 BCE):
Timeline of the Old Testament Masoretic Manuscript
These original writings are preserved today in Hebrew manuscript copies known as the Masoretic Text. Modern Bible translators use the Masoretic Text to translate the Hebrew Old Testament into today’s languages. So using the principles of Textual Criticism (see here for details), how reliable is the Masoretic Text?
The Earliest Existing Masoretic Copies
Manuscript Date of Composition
Codex Cairensis 895 CE
Aleppo Codex 950 CE
Codex Sassoon 1000 CE
Codex Leningradensis 1008 CE
So you can see that the earliest existing Masoretic manuscripts date only starting from 895 CE. If we put these manuscripts in a timeline with the original writings of the Old Testament, we are given the following:
Timeline of the Old Testament Masoretic Manuscript
You can also see that the interval between the date of composition and the earliest existing copies (the primary principle in Textual Criticism) exceeds 1000 years.
The Qumran Caves (Cave #4)
In 1948, Palestinian shepherds discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls hidden in caves by the shores of the Dead Sea in Qumran. A shepherd boy had thrown some stones into the mouth of a cave higher up in the face of a cliff. He then heard the sound of clay jars breaking from the impact of the stones. Intrigued, he climbed up the cliffs and found the sealed clay jars with the Dead Sea Scrolls inside. The Dead Sea Scrolls contained Hebrew manuscripts of all the books of the Old Testament, except the Book of Esther. Scholars date their composition between 250 and 100 BCE.
Dead Sea Scrolls in the Timeline of the Old Testament Manuscripts
Significance of Dead Sea Scrolls for Textual Criticism
With the discovery and publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-twentieth century the whole world witnessed a monumental event in Textual Criticism. In basically one instant, the Dead Sea Scrolls pushed the Old Testament Hebrew text 1000 years back in time. This raised the intriguing question: Had the Hebrew text of the Old Testament changed during this 1000 year period from 100 BCE to 900 CE? Europe at this time had built its civilization over the preceding 1500 years based upon the Old Testament. Had that text been changed or altered during its history? The Dead Sea Scrolls could shed light on this question. So what did they find?
“These confirm the accuracy of the Masoretic Text… Except for a few instances where spelling and grammar differ between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Masoretic Text, the two are amazingly similar.”
M.R. Norton. 1992. Manuscripts of the Old Testament in The Origin of the Bible.
Dead Sea Scrolls in the Timeline of the Old Testament Manuscripts
Scholars found almost no change in the Hebrew between the Masoretic Text and the Dead Sea Scrolls, though they jumped back 1000 years. In comparison, consider how much the English language has changed in the last 700 years, yet the remarkable Hebrew text remained static over such a great length of time.
The Psalms Scroll
Photograph: The Israel Antiquities Authority, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Bible’s Integrity
The Dead Sea Scrolls support the Bible’s primary claim to authenticity. The New Testament claims that Jesus fulfills God’s Plan announced since the beginning of human history. The many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by him throughout his life provides a central proof, or evidence, for this claim. The reasoning is as simple as it is logical. No human, no matter how clever, educated, or knowledgeable knows the future, especially when looking hundreds of years ahead. But God does know, and even sets up, the future. So if we find writings that correctly prophesy minute details of monumental events hundreds of years into the future they must have been inspired by God rather than merely thought up by men. You can think of the Old Testament prophecies forming a lock, waiting for a key to ‘fit’ into the lock to open it. Jesus claimed to be that key.
Genesis 1:1-8 From the Dead Sea Scrolls
Photograph: The Israel Antiquities Authority, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
However, before the Dead Sea Scrolls, we did not have definitive proof that these prophecies were actually in writing before the events that they foresaw. Some dismissed them by arguing, for example, that perhaps the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus were ‘inserted’ into the Old Testament say in 200 CE. Since no Hebrew Old Testament text before 900 CE existed, that objection could not be quickly refuted. But with the Dead Sea Scrolls we find these prophecies had indeed been written down at the very latest by 100 BCE, 130 years before Jesus taught, performed miracles, and resurrected from the dead.
With the discovery and publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-twentieth century the whole world witnessed a monumental event in Textual Criticism. In basically one instant, the Dead Sea Scrolls pushed the Old Testament Hebrew text 1000 years back in time. This raised the intriguing question: Had the Hebrew text of the Old Testament changed during this 1000 year period from 100 BCE to 900 CE? Europe at this time had built its civilization over the preceding 1500 years based upon the Old Testament. Had that text been changed or altered during its history? The Dead Sea Scrolls could shed light on this question. So what did they find?
“These confirm the accuracy of the Masoretic Text… Except for a few instances where spelling and grammar differ between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Masoretic Text, the two are amazingly similar.”
M.R. Norton. 1992. Manuscripts of the Old Testament in The Origin of the Bible.
Dead Sea Scrolls in the Timeline of the Old Testament Manuscripts
Scholars found almost no change in the Hebrew between the Masoretic Text and the Dead Sea Scrolls, though they jumped back 1000 years. In comparison, consider how much the English language has changed in the last 700 years, yet the remarkable Hebrew text remained static over such a great length of time.
The Psalms Scroll
Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Bible’s Integrity
The Dead Sea Scrolls support the Bible’s primary claim to authenticity. The New Testament claims that Jesus fulfills God’s Plan announced since the beginning of human history. The many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by him throughout his life provides a central proof, or evidence, for this claim. The reasoning is as simple as it is logical. No human, no matter how clever, educated, or knowledgeable knows the future, especially when looking hundreds of years ahead. But God does know, and even sets up, the future. So if we find writings that correctly prophesy minute details of monumental events hundreds of years into the future they must have been inspired by God rather than merely thought up by men. You can think of the Old Testament prophecies forming a lock, waiting for a key to ‘fit’ into the lock to open it. Jesus claimed to be that key.
Genesis 1:1-8 From the Dead Sea Scrolls
Photograph: The Israel Antiquities Authority, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
However, before the Dead Sea Scrolls, we did not have definitive proof that these prophecies were actually in writing before the events that they foresaw. Some dismissed them by arguing, for example, that perhaps the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus were ‘inserted’ into the Old Testament say in 200 CE. Since no Hebrew Old Testament text before 900 CE existed, that objection could not be quickly refuted. But with the Dead Sea Scrolls we find these prophecies had indeed been written down at the very latest by 100 BCE, 130 years before Jesus taught, performed miracles, and resurrected from the dead.
The Old Testament Prophecies in the Dead Sea Scrolls
So the Dead Sea Scrolls prove that the prophecies were in print before Jesus fulfilled them. The prophecies found in the Dead Sea Scrolls include:
The coming Seed of the Woman
The location of Jesus’ sacrifice
The day in the calendar of Jesus’ sacrifice
The day in the calendar of Jesus’ resurrection
The details of Jesus’ crucifixion, including the piercing of his hands and feet
The significance of Jesus’ sacrifice as one who will carry our sins
The resurrection of Jesus
The coming virgin birth
The name of Jesus predicted
The year that Jesus would be revealed as the Messiah
The daily events of Passion Week
The coming ‘Son of Man’
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Israel
The world discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1948. This was the same year as the modern revival of Israel into a nation.
The world discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1948. This was the same year as the modern revival of Israel into a nation after almost 2000 years of Jewish exile. The timing of these two central events of the 20th century, being the same year, makes their remarkable re-entry to our world even seem scheduled by a Higher Power. Even just in their discovery, the Dead Sea Scrolls hint that The Mind foreordaining Jesus’ coming thousands of years ago seems to be still organizing events today.
by David Treybig
There’s more to it than Daniel in the lions’ den. The prophecies of Daniel outline events down to today. What are the keys to understanding the book of Daniel?
Who was Daniel in the Bible?
Roughly 2,600 years ago a Judean teenager was taken captive by the rapidly ascending Babylonian Empire—a governmental juggernaut of unstoppable military strength, great wealth and technological advancement. While such an event normally led to a life of misery as a slave, God had something else in mind for this young man.
Daniel—the teenager who had been taken captive—came to realize that God was miraculously working with him, and not just to preserve his life. God was revealing through him major prophecies of future world-ruling empires.
As a resident of the world’s premier capital city and an honored wise man in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court, Daniel demonstrated God’s superiority over the pagan gods of Babylon. He also left a legacy of faithful obedience to God in spite of grave trials and difficulty.
Here are some of the key issues regarding the book of Daniel that are covered in articles in this section of our website.
The book of Daniel
The book of Daniel is one of the most intriguing books in the Old Testament. Because its author, Daniel, was recognized for his wisdom (Daniel 1:17; 2:14), his work is included in the Writings section, also called the wisdom section, of the Old Testament in the Jewish canon.
Today we find the book of Daniel in the prophets section of the Old Testament in English Bibles, and this location is supported by Christ’s recognition of Daniel as a prophet (Matthew 24:15) and by the similarities between the book of Daniel and the New Testament book of Revelation.
Not only do both Daniel and Revelation contain end-time prophecy, but both books are also written in a similar style, known as apocalyptic writing.
Another little-known fact about the book of Daniel is that approximately half of it was written in Hebrew (as were the other books of the Old Testament), and approximately half of it in Aramaic, another language used only sparsely in the Bible. Daniel has the largest collection of Scripture that was originally written in Aramaic.
Few people know Daniel’s three friends by their original Hebrew names: Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Fewer still know what their Babylonian names mean and why they were likely given these names.
Although Daniel’s three friends also served with him in King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian government, they are likely best known for their example of faith in refusing to bow down to an image created by the king.
After being told that they would be thrown into a fiery furnace if they did not worship the image, the three respectfully told the monarch that they would not do so. They explained that their God could save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow down to the king’s image.
While understanding the background of the names of Daniel’s friends is interesting information, these men’s outstanding examples of faith are much more important. Their tests of faith in regard to their diets and threats of the loss of their lives remain as timeless encouragement for us today to live similarly.
Nebuchadnezzar’s statue
The book of Daniel contains much prophecy—some that has been fulfilled and some that will be fulfilled in the future. The prophecy in this book begins in chapter 2 with King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian Empire receiving a strange dream of a great image. God, through Daniel, revealed that this dream meant that three great world-ruling empires would follow after the Babylonian Empire.
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The successive empires following Babylon did occur. We now await a revival of the last empire noted in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream—a revival that is prophesied to exist at Christ’s return. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream indicates that when Jesus returns to earth, another kingdom will conquer all the human governments and remain forever. Other prophecies make it clear that this kingdom is the coming Kingdom of God.
Overlooked by many, this prophecy was an important part of Jesus’ teaching when He came to earth as a human. As Mark 1:14 explains: “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.” In other words, the prophecy God gave through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was relevant in Jesus’ day—and it continues to be relevant today.
There are plenty of bad guys in the Bible—people who disobeyed God and inflicted much pain and suffering upon others. But there is only one such person whose words comprise an entire chapter in the Bible. This person is the king who destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and carried thousands of Jews captive to Babylon—King Nebuchadnezzar.
While most people, especially kings, don’t like to admit their faults, King Nebuchadnezzar had an experience that led him to share his mistake and punishment from God via an edict written to all nations and peoples. God ensured that this king’s message was recorded in His Word because it still has relevance for us today.
Learn the details in the article “The Gospel According to Nebuchadnezzar.”
Interpretation of dreams
Two of the ways God communicated with people in the Old Testament were through dreams and visions. These closely related means of communication figure prominently in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel are the primary individuals with whom God communicated in the book of Daniel.
A key principle related to these messages from God is that when God sends such a message, He also provides a means for clearly understanding what has been communicated. Approximately eight of these instances are found in the book of Daniel.
To see a chart listing these occurrences and further explanation of how Christians should view dreams today, see the article “Interpretation of Dreams.”
Daniel in the lions’ den
But there is more to the story.
This story is also about how Daniel prayed to God, and it is about Daniel’s faith to continue to honor God through prayer even though a government edict forbade him to do so. In this story we are also reminded that even though God allowed the nation of Judah to fall to the Babylonians and permitted many of the Jewish people, including Daniel, to be taken captive, God was still the all-powerful God. He was superior to the Babylonian gods, and He could still protect those who honored Him.
This narrative reminds us that God has a history of intervening in the lives of those who love Him. To see a fuller explanation of this timeless story, see the article “Daniel 6: Daniel in the Lions’ Den.”
Four beasts, 10 horns and a little horn
Sometimes the Bible repeats a story, a historical record or a prophecy for emphasis. The prophecy that was revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, that there would be four world-ruling empires, was repeated about 50 years later in Daniel 7. This time, however, the message came directly to Daniel, and there were added details.
In this vision Daniel saw four beasts—representing the same four world-ruling empires that were described in Daniel 2—come up out of the sea. But in this vision Daniel noted that there was also a little horn that spoke pompous words against God and made war against the saints.
Daniel 7 also gives greater explanation of the fourth beast, which had 10 horns, representing 10 kings that would arise from this fourth kingdom. This prophecy concludes with more about the establishment of the Kingdom of God.
A detailed explanation of this vision is available in the article “Daniel 7: Four Beasts and the Little Horn.”
Ancient of Days
For analysis of these passages to determine who this being is, see the article “Ancient of Days.”
The vision of a ram and a goat
In the eighth chapter of the book of Daniel there is further revelation of the details regarding the world-ruling empires first identified in Daniel 2. In this chapter, Daniel sees in vision a ram with two horns and then a male goat with a single notable horn between his eyes conquering the ram. This chapter provides insight into the third world-ruling empire spoken of in Daniel 2 conquering the second world-ruling empire.
The historical fulfillment of this is Greece under Alexander the Great conquering the Medo-Persian Empire. For a careful study of the prophecy and additional explanation of what happened to Alexander’s kingdom following his untimely death, see “Daniel 8: The Vision of a Ram and a Goat.”
The 70-year prophecy of Jeremiah
The ninth chapter of the book of Daniel contains two well-known prophecies, both involving the number 70. The first prophecy is one of 70 years. This prophecy is known as the 70-year prophecy of Jeremiah because God gave it through Jeremiah.
A reference to this prophecy is found in the book of Daniel because Daniel happened to be studying this prophecy and came to understand its meaning. In general, the Jews were prophesied to experience 70 years of punishment for their sins via the Babylonian Empire.
There are two components to this prophecy with overlapping 70-year periods of time. For a full explanation, see “Daniel 9: The 70-Year Prophecy of Jeremiah.”
70 weeks of Daniel
The 70-weeks prophecy, also found in Daniel 9, is more complex and extensive in its duration than the 70-year prophecy of Jeremiah. While the latter has long been fulfilled, the 70-weeks prophecy dated the coming of Jesus Christ to earth and also identifies significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry.
Some of these aspects of Christ’s ministry were partially fulfilled, and other aspects of this prophecy are still awaiting fulfillment. For an insightful analysis of this prophecy, see “70 Weeks of Daniel: What Does the Prophecy Mean?”
Daniel 11: one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible
Additionally, God had revealed to Daniel much prophecy about mankind’s history that would occur after he (Daniel) passed from the scene. This history included a brief understanding of the coming of the Messiah, as noted in Daniel 9, and it included some very detailed prophecies in Daniel 11 about the human governments that would arise and continue until the second coming of Jesus to earth.
Of particular interest to students of prophecy is Daniel’s reference to “the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). In Daniel 11 this referred to events that occurred in Jerusalem around 168/167 B.C.
In chapter 12 the abomination is in the context of the “time of the end” (Daniel 12:4). Jesus later spoke of this same end-time event (Matthew 24:3, 15). For a thorough explanation of its historical and future fulfillments, see “What Is the Abomination of Desolation?”
Writing from his location in the Middle East, Daniel wrote of other powers coming into the region from the north and south. Daniel referred to these leaders as “the king of the South” and “the king of the North” (Daniel 11:5-6). Of special interest to us, verses 40-45 speak of these same powers waging war at “the time of the end.”
For additional insight into the prophecies of Daniel 11 relating to these end-time powers, see the articles “Daniel 11: The Most Detailed Prophecy in the Bible,” “The King of the North” and “The King of the South.”
Daniel 12: End-time events
While previous prophecies in the book of Daniel have touched upon end-time events, the final chapter gives special emphasis to this time period. Even though this will be “a time of trouble” unlike any other, the encouragement for God’s people is that after Christ returns they will receive eternal life and be glorified (verses 1-3).
A brief reference to the resurrections is found in verse 2. Verse 4 shows that indications of the end time will be mankind’s ability to travel and an explosion of knowledge.
For further explanation of these prophecies, how long this time of trouble will last, and the correlation of these prophecies with Christ’s teaching, see the article “Daniel 12: End-Time Events.”
Angels
Angels are spoken of in at least 34 books of the Bible, including the book of Daniel. While there are a vast number of angels, we know very few of their names. The Bible provides the names of only three of these spirit beings, and the book of Daniel provides two of these.
by Larry Murray
Daniel the prophet warns us of terrible end-time events that will affect the entire world! But he also provides wonderful hope for those who submit to God.
Daniel 12 end-time events
Prophecy of end-time events
This final chapter of the book of Daniel focuses on end-time prophecy—events that will occur just before and after Jesus Christ returns to earth.
Satan had tried to keep Daniel from understanding the visions he had received and thus prevent God’s truth from being revealed!
Earlier, an angel had told Daniel: “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia [a powerful evil spirit] withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, [the archangel] Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come” (Daniel 10:13-14, emphasis added throughout).
Daniel 11 provides a very long and detailed prophecy of events that would occur from the time of the Medo-Persian Empire through the end time. Verse 40 speaks of this “time of the end” when “the king of the South” will attack “the king of the North.” The latter will enter the “Glorious Land” (the Holy Land) and overthrow many of the surrounding countries (verse 41).
A time of trouble is coming
Daniel 12 is a continuation of the angel’s words to Daniel. It begins: “At that time [the time of the end and the incursion of the king of the North into the Middle East] Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation” (verse 1).
This “time of trouble” corresponds with the one spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah: “Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labor, and all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it” (Jeremiah 30:6-7).
This yet-to-be-fulfilled end-time prophecy will first be directed toward the modern descendants of the ancient Israelites, many of whom today reside in the United States, Britain and related countries. (For additional study, see the article “Jacob’s Trouble” and the section “12 Tribes of Israel.”)
Jesus Himself also referred to this time in His Olivet Prophecy saying, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22).
Signs of Christ’s return
As for exactly when Jesus Christ will return, the Bible tells us that no man may know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). However, we are also told that when certain signs appear, we will know that it is imminent, that it is “at the doors” (verse 33).
Regarding this end-time prophecy, Jesus told His disciples (and us today) that in the time leading up to His second coming (verses 3-7) there would be:
Religious deception.
Wars.
Famines.
Pestilences.
Earthquakes.
Since these events have been ongoing problems of mankind, Jesus referred to them as the “beginning of sorrows” (verse 8). In the time leading up to Christ’s return, these events will increase in intensity.
Then Jesus listed these signs:
False prophets will arise to deceive many (verse 5).
Many of God’s people will be hated, hunted and killed (verse 9).
Lawlessness shall abound (verse 12).
And even as these tragic sorrows intensify, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come” (verse 14).
The gospel of the Kingdom must be preached
Mark documents this, writing: “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15).
New Call-to-actionAfter the first century, those who taught and believed the gospel of the Kingdom were severely persecuted. Many gave their lives for their adherence to Christ’s teaching. Today this gospel is again being taught by a small group of faithful people.
To understand what this gospel is and how it differs from what is commonly taught, see “Messiah’s Message: Gospel of the Kingdom” and “This Gospel Will Be Preached.”
Other key components of the end time include the “great tribulation” (Daniel 12:7; Revelation 12:14; Matthew 24:21-22) and the Day of the Lord, which includes the return of Jesus Christ to rule the earth.
Resurrections: some to everlasting life
The angel then told Daniel: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth [those already dead] shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt [those who have rejected God and turned their backs on Him]” (Daniel 12:2). These awakenings refer to resurrections—God’s process of bringing people who are dead back to life.
Then the angel revealed: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (verse 3). These people are ones who will be part of the first resurrection.
Those in the first resurrection will be changed into spirit as they rise from their graves to meet Christ in the air when He returns to earth (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52). God’s people who are alive at this momentous time will also be changed into spirit and likewise rise to meet Christ at His return.
As Paul explained, “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Saints who are changed into immortal beings in the first resurrection will then rule the earth with Christ for 1,000 years. “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).
How do we know Daniel 12 refers to the future?
Previously, Daniel had told King Nebuchadnezzar that “there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets” (Daniel 2:28). In spite of Satan’s attacks, Daniel was able to record these key concepts for people living in the tumultuous time before Christ’s return.
The end time of Daniel 12:4 is described as a time when “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Certainly over the last 100 years methods of travel have been developed that make it possible for men to journey across the world in a short time, and the number of people visiting other countries has mushroomed.
Also over the last 100 years, the rate of accumulation of new knowledge has exponentially increased. World-changing inventions like penicillin, the atomic bomb, heart transplants, travel to the moon, and the Internet have seemingly arrived almost together. So now the meaning of the book of Daniel is becoming clearer to us!
How long will the Great Tribulation last?
Daniel 12:5-6 continues: “Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others. … And one said to the man clothed in linen, … ‘How long shall the fulfilment of these wonders be?’” Here, one angel asks another how long these final wonders (including the “time of trouble” spoken of in verse 1) will last.
The answer follows in verse 7: “It shall be for a time, times, and half a time [“three and one-half years,” Nelson Study Bible]; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.” For further explanation of this 3½-year period, see the article “Great Tribulation.”
The wise shall understand
Although Daniel apparently understood part of what he was inspired to write (Daniel 10:14), he was curious to know the final outcome. “Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end’” (Daniel 12:8-9).
Then the angel continued: “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (verse 10). The “wicked” are those who break and ignore God’s law. The “wise” are those living at the end of the age, who humbly obey God’s commands. These people are promised understanding by God.
Beware the abomination of desolation!
Daniel 12:11 describes two simultaneous events that apparently begin just before the start of the 3½ years of tribulation. The passage states that “from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.”
The first part of this verse is clear: In order for animal sacrifices to be stopped, sacrifices must have resumed by this time. But what is this “abomination of desolation”?
Jesus Christ spoke of this sign of the end of this age and His imminent return saying, “‘Therefore when you see the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15).
This passage indicates that the sign is something that we will be able to literally see and that it can be understood by those who read this prophecy. For additional study, see “What Is the Abomination of Desolation?”
Jesus spoke of another event that will occur at the same time: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near” (Luke 21:20).
As these prophesied events begin to unfold, God’s people need to remember that Daniel was also told: “And at that time [this time of the end] your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1).Now Daniel 12:12 offers a blessing: “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” God places great emphasis on patient endurance at the end of this age of man. This is similar to Jesus’ instruction: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Although it remains to be seen exactly when the 1,290 days and the 1,335 days will begin and end, these end-time events all seem to culminate at the time of the return of Jesus Christ. The point is: God’s people will need to endure until these times are fulfilled.
Daniel prophesied the deliverance of God’s people in the end times
As these prophesied events begin to unfold, God’s people need to remember that Daniel was also told: “And at that time [this time of the end] your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1).
In the broadest sense, the return of Jesus Christ will bring deliverance not only to the Jewish people, but also to the people of God (who are now of all nationalities and backgrounds) and the whole world. Yet when we specifically consider what will happen to the people of God, the Bible has some important explanations and advice.
Regarding people who have their names “written in the book,” this phrase seems to be referring to the “Book of Life”—a document containing the names of God’s faithful people (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). A careful study of the passages speaking of the “Book of Life” reveals that those whose names will be included in this book will be obedient to the instructions found in the Bible (especially note Revelation 3:5 and 20:12).
Protection for God’s people during the end times
God said to Church members in Philadelphia, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). Although we are not given every detail as to how God will protect His people during the end time, we do find two components of this protection.
First, Christ spoke of a time when Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies, which would be a sign for the people of God to flee that area. “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her” (Luke 21:20-21).
In type this occurred when the Roman army marched into Judea and surrounded the city of Jerusalem beginning around A.D. 66. (Jerusalem fell in A.D. 70.) The final fulfillment of this sign will take place again at the time of the end.
Why is fleeing Jerusalem necessary? Because “these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled” and because “there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people” (verses 22-23).
During this time, the Church, which comprises God’s people, will be gathered “to her place,” where she will be nourished for 3½ years “from the presence of the serpent” (Revelation 12:14). For additional study, see “Place of Safety.”
The really good news
Jesus Christ is going to return and establish the Kingdom of God. As Daniel had explained to King Nebuchadnezzar, this Kingdom will eventually “break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).
Are the events in Revelation going to happen in the future? How can we know?
About the Author
Larry Murray
Larry Murray, a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association in South Africa, is an electronic engineer who has worked for several multinational computer organizations, including Hewlett-Packard. Upon leaving HP, he was called into the Church of God after reading a book by Herbert W. Armstrong. He now lives in Pretoria with his artist wife and his son and daughter.
But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:4 NIV)
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. (Revelation 22:10 NIV)
Although the instructions given by the angel to Daniel and John were separated by about 500 years, more than 2000 years have passed since then and the end times have yet to happen. What could be the reason for the change in the instructions regarding the sealing of the prophecies?
Several times in Daniel's record it is stated that he was deeply troubled by the end-time visions, becoming pale, and keeping those things to himself - Dan. 7:28. Then, Gabriel gave him the vision of the ram, the goat, and the small horn, adding that none of those things would happen for a very long time, so he was to keep the vision secret - Dan. 8:26. The next verse adds that Daniel was overcome with sickness for several days, thereafter remaining greatly troubled by that vision, which he could not understand.
Later comes the verse you ask about, which refers to things not seen by Daniel in vision, but of a future resurrection of the dead, some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting shame and disgrace. That resurrection hinted at a time beyond the scope of the visions Daniel received. His job was to faithfully record then seal the record, and live out an earthly life in faith, knowing he would rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for him (Dan. 12:13) as Gabriel assured him.
The visions that were to be sealed dealt with events that would not be properly understood by anyone until the last book of the Bible was written, which book was not to be sealed. John's record enables the full meaning of Daniel's record to be grasped. Apparently, despite Daniel being obedient to the command to seal his writings up, after his death others opened it up and it became part of the written scriptures of the people of God. Since then, many have tried to give an interpretation of the visions; mere guesses based on what was known at their time. But when John received later visions (e.g. the one beast arising out of the sea, with similar characteristics of Daniel's 4 beasts in Dan. ch. 7) then it can be seen that Daniel's visions dealt with world powers up to and including the empire of Rome, but John's revelation shows an amalgamation of those and with more features applicable to the end times. The following explanation is taken from a p.d.f. sent to me:
"John is told that there are seven kings, five fallen, one extant and one yet to come. These are the same kings as the four that Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of (then forgot and Daniel reminded him). He, of Babylon, was one of them, then came three more, Persia (including Media), then Greece, then Rome. In the days of Belshazzar, his son, the vision was also of four kings, but they were four in the future - Persia, Greece, Rome, and one more, a diverse kingdom. So this agrees also with John's vision - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and one to come...
This is an example of how Daniel's visions could not be understood until seen as integral to the visions given to John. Yet the truth of what Daniel was told remains to this day, about many seeking to understand but failing: "None of the wicked shall understand : but the wise shall understand." (Daniel 12:10) There have been incessant attempts to give the meaning of such end-time prophecies; I have a massive tome published at the start of the 20th century, going on about the Napoleonic wars as proof of the writer's interpretations that 'the end' was imminent. I have another book published by a religious group in 1963, going on about World War I and events thereafter as proof that they were used by God to pour out the 7 last plagues of Revelation via public proclamations they made, with a literal millennium on earth about to start. Both those books have been proven to be ridiculously wrong, yet the authors seemed to feel that they had to give interpretations, to show that they were not "the wicked", but "the wise". Well, they did not understand.
It is God's seal that is upon the visions he gives to his prophets. None can open what he has sealed, until (as Revelation chapter 5 onwards shows) the Lamb in heaven takes the 7-sealed book in God's hand and begins to open the seals. John's vision shows that when the 7 plagues are poured out on a wicked world, the ungodly curse God all the more. They do not understand, for they are wicked.
Jesus, when on earth, spoke in parables to fulfill the saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 13:35). Christ opens up the mysteries of God and reveals them to so whoever he will.
When John was told "the time is near", he knew what Daniel had written, and that Christ had started his reign in heaven after his ascension; from then on, the Revelation prophecies began to unfold and continue to do so until Christ returns in glory to usher in the Day of Resurrection and Judgment. The understanding is not for those rushing around all over the world, with the explosive, vast knowledge of earthly things since world transport became a common-place. The unsealing is under God's control, and happens in the hands of the Christ who is in the midst of heaven's throne.
While the followers of the Lord Jesus are caught up, several groups are left behind on Earth. In this chapter, we will examine which groups these are and what happens to them. Many Bible verses discuss this topic, and for the purposes of this book, we will focus on a small selection of these verses.
Group 1: The People of Israel
In Chapter 4, we read that the people of Israel will be disciplined during the Great Tribulation and will undergo a difficult time. Many will be killed, but a small remnant will find favor with God and be saved. In this section, we will briefly discuss the key moments in the history of the people of Israel. It's important to first go back to the Old Testament because without this foundation, we won't fully understand the New Testament and the Great Tribulation.
Israel in the Old Testament
The Old Testament speaks of the people of Israel and God's covenant with various individuals from this people. In the Book of Genesis, we read that God made a covenant with Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, and blessed him. God chose one people to live as holy before Him, and through this people, God intended to bless all other nations.
"Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3)
This is how the people of God were born. It began with one man who lived in separation. He had to leave his land, family, and house and go to a place where he knew no one. The people of God consisted of one person initially, but not just any person – a person with faith in God.
"Now Abram took Sarai, his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. (...) Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants, I will give this land." And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him." (Genesis 12:5-7)
Abraham left his home and went to the land of Canaan, which is modern-day Israel. While he lived there as a stranger, he received the promise that the entire land would be given to his descendants.
"And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you."" (Genesis 13:14-17)
The descendants of Abraham would inherit the land forever, and the descendants would be innumerable (Genesis 15:5). God promised it, and not only that, but God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:7-21). It was going to happen.
"On the same day, the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants, I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates."" (Genesis 15:18)
This land is vast, stretching from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Syria and Iraq. The Promised Land includes (parts of) Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and modern-day Israel. This has never happened in history and will occur during the Millennial Reign. Afterward, Abraham received a great promise.
"And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." (Genesis 22:8).
"So the two of them went together. In your seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have obeyed My voice."" (Genesis 22:18)
The blessing of Abraham was passed down only to his son, Isaac. Abraham's other sons received beautiful and unique blessings from God but were not counted as Abraham's descendants. They even had to leave the territory of Isaac.
"But God said to Abraham: (...) Only the son of the bondwoman will I establish as your heir." (Genesis 21:12)
"Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son." (Genesis 25:5-6)
After Abraham had passed, Isaac received Abraham's inheritance and, in addition, God blessed Isaac.
"And it came to pass after the death of Abraham that God blessed Isaac his son." (Genesis 25:11)
Isaac received the same promises as Abraham. His descendants would be numerous, and they would dwell in the promised land (Genesis 26:3-4). The blessing of Isaac was passed on (through a trick) to Jacob, who later became known as Israel.
'Then he said: "Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed. Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!"' (Genesis 27:27-29)
Many years later, the kingdom of Israel was established. The second king was King David, and God made a significant promise to him.
"Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:16)
The throne of David would be established forever. Initially, God spoke about David's son Solomon and his further descendants. However, this is also a prophetic reference to the Millennial Reign (and beyond) and pertains to the Lord Jesus, as the angel told Mary. The Lord Jesus is a descendant of King David, and He will soon take His place on the throne of David forever.
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33)
Some blessings for Israel include:
Those who bless Israel will be blessed.
Those who curse Israel will be cursed.
Israel will become a great nation with innumerable descendants.
Israel will receive the land between the Euphrates and the Nile.
The Lamb of God comes from the lineage of Israel.
Nations will serve Israel, and Israel will rule over their brethren.
The kingdom of David will stand forever.
The Lord Jesus will be the eternal king over Israel.
Israel in the New Testament and Today
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus was born. It is noteworthy that initially, He was sent only for the people of Israel and not for the Gentile nations. We do not see Bible stories where the Lord Jesus went to Europe, America, Africa, or East Asia. The Lord Jesus was a Jew and was there for the Jews. He spoke to them and performed miracles and signs in Israel. The Lord Jesus said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). Israel is not just any land or people on Earth; it is God's chosen people. God Himself (Jesus) lived among them for 33 years, and Jesus preached about the kingdom of God for three years.
"For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world (...)" (Romans 11:15)
The Jews rejected their Messiah, and as a result, the Gentiles gained access to God. God knew this from the beginning, yet He sent His Son to Israel. What grace from God. Today (and in the past), we see that some Jews believe in Jesus and thus become part of the body of Christ. They will be caught up with the other believers during the Rapture. However, a significant part of Israel has experienced hardening, and God has closed their eyes.
"God has given them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day." (Romans 11:8)
God made great promises to the people of Israel: Israel would become the mightiest nation on earth, and all nations would be blessed through them. The King came to the people, but they rejected Him. Now, God has closed their eyes and put them into a deep sleep. Is this the end of the story? No! Because the Jews will awaken, and their ears will hear. God has put Israel on hold so that He could work with the Gentiles and the Church of Christ for two thousand years. At the end of these two thousand years, we see that God is restoring Israel. Presently, Israel is once again a nation in the Middle East, but spiritually, Israel is still asleep. The body is there, but it is waiting for God's Spirit to breathe life into it (Ezekiel 37). This will happen at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Israel and the Antichrist
Let's look at Israel during the time of the Great Tribulation. The Antichrist strengthens his covenant with the land, ushering in a period of peace and safety. The Jews will believe that the Antichrist is their long-awaited Messiah, not realizing that they are making a pact with evil. The following text refers to the Antichrist.
"Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week, he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate." (Daniel 9:27)
Midway through the week, during the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation, the 'friendly' Antichrist, whom Israel thought was their Messiah, becomes a terrible person. He stops the sacrificial system in Israel and places a horrifying abomination in the temple of God. He sits in the temple and demands that the Jews worship him as their God.
"Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (2 Thessalonians 2:4-5)
During these 3.5 years, he seeks to destroy the Jews and wage war against God.
"He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time." (Daniel 7:25)
The 'saints of the Most High' refers to Israel.
Israel Under Fire
Today, Israel is a small country in the Middle East with an area of 22,145 square kilometers. For comparison, the Netherlands is nearly twice as large at 41,543 square kilometers, and Suriname is over seven times larger at 163,820 square kilometers. Yet, Israel is frequently in the news, continually criticized, and has experienced several wars since its rebirth in 1948. According to the Bible, during the Great Tribulation, there will be two or more terrible wars. We read about the Gog and Magog war, the ten kings (are they at war, or do they seize power through an alliance?), and the Battle of Armageddon.
In the Gog and Magog war, the Antichrist is not mentioned. This war might occur before the Antichrist comes to power, or it may happen before the Great Tribulation begins. The Bible speaks twice of Gog and Magog attacking Israel. The first war is described in the book of Ezekiel, and the second in the book of Revelation. The first one occurs during or just before the Great Tribulation, and the second takes place after the thousand-year reign. A detailed account of this war is found in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Many nations will wage war against Israel, including, according to some Bible scholars, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and North African countries. It's a massive military force against which Israel would typically lose. However, God decides that Israel will achieve victory through supernatural intervention.
"For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,' says the Lord GOD. 'Every man's sword will be against his brother. And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD." (Ezekiel 38:19-23)
The Bible calls here one week is 7 years ...............jenny
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Revelation 11:3–12)
It is not unlike John to leave us with a great mystery. Certainly, he is only quoting what the angel—most certainly Christ—said, but he surely could have relieved many a Bible student the challenge of identifying these two witnesses. Is it necessary to identify them, or is there some message in their identity? Most Bible students tend to agree that there is a possibility of three Bible characters from which to choose. Each of the three has his own peculiarities, and with good reason. The three personalities most often identified are Enoch, Moses, and Elijah. We will briefly examine each as to their possible place in this prophecy.
First we must examine the testimony of Enoch. In Genesis 5:24, we read these words: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Excluding Cain and Abel, Enoch was the seventh generation from creation. He walked the earth for a relatively short time compared to his lineage, only 365 years. Yet in his short life he was contemporary with Adam for 322 years, and was translated only sixty-nine years before Noah’s birth. What stories must he have heard from the first man on Earth; the man who witnessed the Garden of Eden in its perfect sinless state. He listened as Adam told him how he named every living thing—even the dinosaur. He shared in Adam’s joy of how God walked and fellowshipped with him and the mother of all mankind, Eve. How they must have shared with tears of sorrow as he related how he and Eve failed the Creator and allowed sin to enter into the world. How they lost their first two sons—one to murder, and the other to banishment—after their own banishment from the Garden. Perhaps even joining Adam in a trip to see the Garden Gate that was guarded by cherubims and a flaming sword. Perhaps he could even see the “tree of life.”
Then the joy of a new son, Seth—a new beginning. He listened as Adam related how the plan of redemption, through the death of God’s Son, was promised. These things must have endeared Enoch to his Maker. How he must have loved the walk with God as Adam once had.
Enoch’s father, Jared, lived a total of 962 years—435 years after Enoch’s translation. Enoch’s son, Methuselah, lived for 969 years, the oldest recorded living being in the Bible. Enoch walked with his son for 300 years before he was translated.
Those who believe that Enoch will be one of the two witnesses arrived at their conclusion because of several clues. However, we must be reminded that similarity is not identity in any of the possibilities.
First, Enoch was translated alive and did not die (Gen. 5:24). While walking with God one day, he simply disappeared. He vanished without a clue. Had his family been warned about the possibility of this? Did they gather a search party to look for him? I believe we can find the answer to those questions in his name, Enoch.
Most Bible scholars agree that Enoch means “initiated or dedicated.” Initiated or dedicated to what? Certainly his name was prophetic. In order for him to receive this name, his father must have known that God had a purpose for his son. So we must assume that God also talked with Jared. The term “dedicated” has the same meaning as the word “sanctified,” which we use today. It means to set apart for a particular purpose or task. It does not mean to be perfect or flawless, but simply reserved for something special.
The church building is sanctified, or set apart for a particular purpose—that being reserved for the use of the meeting place of the body of Christ. So, Enoch was dedicated from birth to represent something, or someone. From Enoch’s birth God began to prepare him for what his mission in life was to be. God walked with him on a continuous basis, instructed him, and prepared him for his destiny. If he were to represent others, he must be special. The other word used to describe his name was “initiated.” Webster’s Dictionary gives this as one definition of initiation: “The rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society.” It also carries the idea of setting a precedent. Enoch was therefore chosen to set a precedent of becoming the first of many in a future society. Therefore, many believe that Enoch, who was “translated that he should not see death” (Heb. 11:5), is a picture of that society of believers in the Church Age who will also be translated or raptured when the Lord returns for His Church. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul says: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath.” God always removes His godly remnant prior to judgment. The judgment to come was the judgment of the Flood. Noah and his family are believed to represent Israel being brought through the Tribulation in the Ark of Jesus.
If we accept Enoch as one of the two witnesses, then are we violating his precedent of representing the Church Age saints at the Rapture? The saints removed at the Rapture certainly do not return for a physical death, but they accompany Christ at His triumph at the Battle of Armageddon, then continue on to “rule and reign” with Him during the Millennium.
The next possibility we have to deal with is Moses as one of the witnesses. Does he fit the description of either of the two witnesses, or do we have only circumstantial evidence? As God prepared a man, Joseph, to guide Israel to safety into Egypt, He also prepared a man, Moses, to guide them out of harm’s way and deliver them to safety in the Promised Land.
In Midian, Moses completed his second forty years of preparation and was now commissioned to return for His people. He returned to Egypt with God-given powers and skills to convince Pharaoh to allow God’s people to leave Egypt and return to Mt. Sinai. He was given his brother Aaron to be his voice—but he was only used as a staff bearer. It seemed Moses could speak after all. The miracles Moses performed in Egypt are comparable to those the witnesses will perform during the Tribulation, and may lend credence to the possibility of his being one of the witnesses.
Verse 6 of our text says: “… and have power over waters to tum them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” Although God could give the two witnesses miracle-working powers, especially for the Tribulation, these are similar to Moses’ power in Egypt. In Exodus 7:19, we see that Moses instructed Aaron to smite the waters of the river and they turned to blood. The Egyptians dug wells all around the river for drinking water. How successful they were, we don’t know. He then brought about a series of plagues and diseases upon Egypt that were unprecedented. These awful things came and went at Moses’ command (Exod. 8: 13). God honored Moses’ word because he was speaking for Him. Although the Bible does not record Moses ever withholding the rain—he did command the skies to drop hail with fire, and it was honored. I suppose whether you command it to hail, or not to rain, it would be about the same.
In Deuteronomy 18:15 we read about Moses and a future event: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” Does Moses here mean that it is he, or someone like him that will reappear in some future event? Some believe that the term “like unto me” would preclude Moses.
Another reason for Moses possibly being one of the witnesses is in the mysterious way he was buried. Deuteronomy 34:6 says: “And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.” Was God preserving Moses’ body in a special way to resurrect him for some future prophetic event? Or is the reason found in Jude 9: “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” Why would the devil be interested in the body of Moses? Could it be that the devil wanted to use Moses’ body to somehow frighten or discourage Israel as they crossed the Jordan? Perhaps the devil thought he could prevent Moses from future appearances by destroying his body. Maybe he just wanted to abuse Moses’ body to get some form of satisfaction and victory over the one who caused him so much humiliation. After an animal has killed its prey, it will often play with it and mutilate the body as if to celebrate its victory. Whatever the reason, the devil was evidently unsuccessful. He was not successful over Moses in life, and he was not victorious over him in death. We know of one instance for certain that he will reappear.
These verses, as well as Mark 9 and Luke 9, are a description of Christ, Elijah, and Moses in a discussion about Christ’s future kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, which was being offered to Israel. Here Christ is imbued with all His godly attributes which is witnessed by the Apostles. Israel ultimately refused this Messiah, which was Christ, and therefore delayed the Kingdom until after the Church Age and the Tribulation.
The Kingdom of Heaven, or the Millennium, is now yet future. Therefore, with the Kingdom of Heaven being rejected by Israel, Christ turned to the Gentiles and inaugurated the Kingdom of God—a spiritual kingdom with Jesus Christ as King of those who accept Him as their Savior. Moses’ attendance at this time shows that he will be involved in the Kingdom of Heaven. He would have been involved immediately; however, the Kingdom was rejected. Will he be one of the two witnesses of Revelation 11? He certainly has all the earmarks of one of the two. He was at the Mount of Transfiguration for a purpose. If the purpose was not fulfilled at that time, must he fulfill it at some future time? Moses is a good candidate for one of the two witnesses.
The last possibility we must examine is Elijah. Most agree that he will be one of the two witnesses for several reasons. Elijah first appears in 1 Kings 17. He immediately fits the type of Revelation 13 by announcing that it will not rain for the next three and a half years, the exact length of the first half of the Great Tribulation. This seems to be a fulfillment of a warning given by Moses in Deuteronomy 11:17. Moses tells the Hebrews that if they are not careful to turn away from other gods, “then the Lord’s wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.” Elijah has the same power in 1 Kings as the witnesses will have in Revelation 13.
Some believe that Elijah will be one of the witnesses because he never experienced physical death. As he was talking to Elisha, his protegé in 2 Kings 2:9–11, “there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” He was taken alive in the flesh for a reason. Many believe the reason being that God would bring him back at a future date to take part in a future event. There is nothing in Scripture that is there by accident or as filler. God had a purpose for every word. He had a purpose for taking Elijah alive.
Then Elijah was at the Transfiguration with Jesus and Moses. This was after John’s death, so I suppose Elijah is still a good candidate for Revelation 11. If Moses is one of the witnesses, then Elijah most certainly should be.
In conclusion, since John in Revelation 11 does not name these witnesses, we must rely on the scriptural evidences, if possible, to identify these two. The main reason many believe that Enoch cannot be a witness is because he represents the church and its Rapture. Very plausible. Some say he cannot return and die because Hebrews 9:27 stated that: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This cannot be used because Jesus Himself set a precedent in raising Lazarus from the dead. It is further believed that Enoch was a prophet of judgment as were the two witnesses. He may still qualify.
Moses is an excellent nominee because he fits the description of the powers of the witnesses and has in fact already experienced them. He was present at the Transfiguration, and his body was preserved for a possible reappearing. He also is mentioned as the giver of the law in connection with the Day of the Lord.
Elijah is the most likely to be one of the two witnesses. He was a prophet of judgment and was taken without seeing death—which may not be necessary. He too has experienced similar miracles, even the three and a half-year drought corresponds. He was present at the Transfiguration and was prophesied to be a vital part of the Day of the Lord (Mal. 4). We have already discussed that John the Baptist was not Elias (Elijah), therefore, he still has a mission.
This is in no way an adequate discussion of the mystery. Identity may be attained by elimination. Remember, similarity is not identity. Just think—there are those who don’t believe any of the three are meant. They believe the two witnesses are simply two who are yet to be named.
Death is an enemy, the kind of enemy that only the Lord Jesus Christ can, and will, destroy (1 Cor. 15:26). Yet sadly, our world seems to be viewing this enemy as a “savior,” “a deliverer” who is to be invited into our lives in a variety of ways for our comfort and our deliverance.
Such twisted thinking has led to a number of strange scenarios. A few years ago a physician in the Netherlands euthanized a 26-year-old ballerina because she had developed a bad case of arthritis in her toes. She could no longer pursue her career and requested to be put to death. The doctor complied and said, “One doesn’t enjoy such things, but it was her choice.” A person who is “pro-choice” is not only someone who wants to be free to terminate a pregnancy. It also means someone who wants to be free to terminate their own life.
How far down the foul-smelling back alleyway of the culture of death have we come? Abortion is now seen as rescuing the unborn from a future life of misery, just as euthanasia is seen as rescuing the living from a life of physical and psychological pain. I have a video show titled “From The Front Lines” that can be accessed on our website (www.swrc.com). I remember a response to a show that I did on the sanctity of human life. The viewer was unhappy with what I said. The writer’s basic response was that abortion rescues a lot of people from a life of misery. I had, supposedly, ignored the facts that prove that. What facts? The writer alleged that out of the 60 million aborted babies at least 59 million of them would have been sexually abused, molested, hungry, impoverished, physically abused, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically abused, and 50 percent of them would have come into adulthood with mental disorders and personality disorders. The writer forgot to mention, however, that under her plan to rescue the unborn by abortion from an alleged life of misery her plan would have also killed hundreds of future scientists, school teachers, pastors, and many others whose service and expertise have made life better for multitudes. In our culture of death, the most noble and beneficial thing you can do is either kill yourself, or kill your baby.
Farewell: The Traditional Medical Ethic
In 1970, an editorial in California Medicine stated: “The traditional Western ethic has always placed great emphasis on the intrinsic worth and equal value of every human life. The sanctity of life ethic has been the basis for most of our laws and much of our social policy, and it has been the keystone of Western medicine. This traditional ethic is being eroded at its core and may eventually be abandoned.” Fifty years later, in 2020, this erosion is producing a barren landscape of grief and misery.
The Hippocratic Oath, usually attributed to the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 b.c.), is an oath of ethics historically taken by physicians. It is known primarily by the words, “First, do no harm.” These exact words were probably not in the original form, though the sentiment is. It is significant that during the Third Reich the words “First, do no harm” were omitted. Under that devilish regime “doing harm” was the first order of the day.
Today medical organizations have modified and/or departed from the Hippocratic Oath, which is not surprising. However, whatever happens in academia and in the developing psyche of the world, the Christian must abide by the Word of God. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” A ballerina is more than toes—arthritic or otherwise—and her life more valuable than her career as a dancer.
For the Christian, value is determined not simply by who we are, but by whose we are. In John 10:11, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” First Corinthians 6:19–20 reveals what this means for every Christian: “… ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.”
Joseph Fletcher, Peter Singer and the Modern Culture of Death
Joseph Fletcher (1905–1991)—philosopher and ethicist who was a lapsed Episcopal priest and also the man who gave the “Culture of Death a degree of “intellectual legitimacy”—insisted that “man is not a worshipper.” The father of “situational ethics” also fathered “the new bioethics,” a godless belief system ruthlessly redirecting the medical profession. We have left the age of “do-no-harm medicine” and have entered the age of “do-harm medicine.” Fletcher said that morality and human worth is best determined through a “rational analysis” based on secular philosophical precepts rather than revelation and church dogma.
Fletcher was like the proverbial camel with its nose in the tent. Fletcher opened the door for a bigger camel that moved into the tent. That camel is Peter Singer, Princeton University professor of ethics who talks about “post-birth abortion.” Singer teaches that species membership is irrelevant in determining value. Personhood is what’s really important. In this new and radical paradigm, a person is “a creature capable of valuing its own existence.” This would include some people, animals, extraterrestrials, and machines. Notice, it does not include all people. Hence, according to Singer it is not ethically wrong to kill “human nonpersons,” nor is it wrong to fail to save their lives. This kind of thinking goes back to Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, and the eugenics movement, and occurred along with the school of German Higher Criticism which concluded that the Old Testament and all Scripture, was a collection of several late documents recording Hebrew myths. The lesson: Devaluing the Bible leads to trivializing human life.
What Does This Lesson Mean for the Next Presidential Election?
It simply means that if we get a president who doesn’t respect the Bible and who devalues the Bible, you can be sure our beloved country will become more deeply caught up in the culture of death. Both voluntary and involuntary euthanasia will be applied by the federal government. Healthcare will also involve “death squads” for those who are not “fit” to live. No kidding! Those who are vulnerable—either because of psychological pain and depression, or because of serious physical infirmities—will find that they are being pressured to choose death “for the good of the country.” Their so-called right to die will become their duty to die. And the slaughter of untold numbers of infants will increase in number. Personhood, rather than species membership, will determine who lives and who dies.
At the Democratic National Committee meeting in August of 2019, Democrats passed a resolution praising secular humanists and the religiously unaffiliated. The Democratic contenders for the office of president are essentially God-deniers. Though “Mayor Pete” refers to the Bible and claims he is following Christ while President Trump and Vice President Pence are not, Mayor Pete’s Christianity is not of the kind found in Scripture. The “god” of the Democrats is big government and their own imagined infalliblity.