The Little Horn, Daniel 7

[Gregory Matthews]

I hesitate to post the following.  It goes against everything that I beleive about how one might understand the Bible.  It certainly does not represent the views of the editors of Adventist Today.   The authors do not reveal who they are.  I understand as I would nto want to be associated with such an article.

But,  notwithstanding, I post the reference knowing that some will read it and some will think it has merit.

https://atoday.org/a-new-interpretation-of-the-little-horn-of-daniel-7/

 

[8thdaypriest]

11 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

I hesitate to post the following.  It goes against everything that I beleive about how one might understand the Bible.  It certainly does not represent the views of the editors of Adventist Today.   The authors do not reveal who they are.  I understand as I would nto want to be associated with such an article.

But,  notwithstanding, I post the reference knowing that some will read it and some will think it has merit.

https://atoday.org/a-new-interpretation-of-the-little-horn-of-daniel-7/

 

I'm searching for a word. . . . . 

Hooey!!! 

You started a thread about the caravan and troops to the border. 

You started a thread about universal healthcare. 

Next you'll be posting a thread about protecting the Muller Investigation, or impeaching Justice Kavanaugh. 

 

[Sorry.  You can neither read my mind, nor precict what I will do next--GM.      ]

[Lone Ranger]

I have for some time thought that the standard SDA escatology needed revision: this is one of the things that initially put me at odds with the "the brethren." And I thought that this article showed signs of doing that.

I was disappointed. On several counts.

1. The authors, (who have wisely and justifiably remained anonymous) have followed the same pattern of interpreting Dan/Rev. as the early church pioneers, in that they have applied the prophecies to their current political/social/economic landscape.
2. It is "Americentric." Meaning that, in keeping with the Trump doctrine of the primacy of the US in everything, it ignores the political/social/economic landscape of the rest of the world. If the Bible is for ALL humanity, IMO any prophecies contained in it should be "interpreted" globally, and not simply nationally, (This is the same trap that Henry His Child has fallen into.)
3. It does not address large sections of the prophecies. (For example, the details)
4. IMO, the Bible, being a Spiritual book, addresses spiritual issues. Yes, political entities play a role, but the article does not mention any (OK, few) religious applications. It's all about the US and Donald Trump.
5. There is another entity that fits the prophecies a lot closer, and No, it is NOT the Pope and /or the Catholic church.
6. The above is my opinion based on....my opinion.

Just my two-bits...

[Lone Ranger]

9 minutes ago, 8thdaypriest said:

I'm searching for a word. . . . . 

Hooey!!! 

You started a thread about the caravan and troops to the border. 

You started a thread about universal healthcare. 

Next you'll be posting a thread about protecting the Muller Investigation, or impeaching Justice Kavanaugh. 

Good word! I like it.

I have been disappointed by the dearth of doctrinal/religious/biblical topics and discussions. Of course, one can discuss anything they like; I am not the judge. But I did come here to explore faith questions. Perhaps I misread the forum...

[Gregory Matthews]

To all:  I clearly do not think that there is value in the substance of what I posted.  I have substantial reservations as to posting it.  But, I did.   Hooy, is a good word.

[Lone Ranger]

1 minute ago, Gregory Matthews said:

To all:  I clearly do not think that there is value in the substance of what I posted.  I have substantial reservations as to posting it.  But, I did. 

And I am glad you did; IMO end-time events needs revision. Perhaps this will start the conversation.

[JoeMo]

Okay - here's my 2 bits:

The Bible is a book written by Israel, written about Israel, and written for Israel.  It almost exclusively deals with various happenings in the Middle East, North Africa, and (later) parts of Europe.  These folks had no idea about the existence of the Americas.  So why would the scene suddenly change to America?  How about a "beast closer to the Middle East and a much larger threat to Israel - like radical Islam?  America is NOT the center of God's universe - Jerusalem (specifically the Temple Mount) is the center of God's universe.

I won't even get into the ridiculous rant about President Trump.  This isn't a political thread.

[8thdaypriest]

Just my opinion:

I do believe the Glorious Return is close at hand, therefore the end time power players (the beasts) are coming into focus - that is - less blurry than say 50 years ago. 

USA, China, Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia and/or Muslim coalition, the United Nations

The lion with eagles wings, could represent the USA, but I think could more likely represent Israel (the geopolitical nation) with USA help.   The tribal symbol for Judah was a lion, and the USA (symbol eagle) does give Israel a LOT of help.  

The eagles wings are "torn off".  Perhaps the USA will suffer an economic collapse such that she can no longer "carry" Israel.    Perhaps the USA will suffer natural disasters or nuclear attack, such that she no longer has money to support Israel. 

The bear represents Russia (or possibly China).  When the USA suffers - such that she cannot support Israel - she will not be strong enough to stop either Russia or China.  The 3 ribs would be three small nations/powers that Russia (possibly China) will absorb.

Who is the other power player?  Maybe a union of Muslim countries (4 heads - 4 wings). 

The terrible beast is a global power, which will devour, overpower, the previous beasts and absorb them.  Revelation 13 shows the terrible beast at full power, after having overpowered and absorbed the other power players.  This last global power is ruled by 10 kings (maybe some sort of economic or security council).   A new king (the little horn) comes to power, overpowering 3 of the horns who object.  This leaves 7 horns/kings + 1 (the 8th).

Anyone heard of "globalism" lately?  

The terrible beast will persecute "the saints" for 1260 days -  right up until "the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom".  Just this detail tells us this TB (terrible beast) is an END TIME power (not ancient Rome). 

The detail in Daniel 7:11-12 also puts the beasts at the END of this age.   The first 3 beasts will survive the TB.   After the TB is destroyed, the lives of the Lion, Bear and Leopard "are prolonged for a season and a time".  This makes the beasts contemporaneous - not sequential.  This strongly suggests the Lion, Bear, and Leopard were simply dominated and absorbed by the TB.  When the power of the TB is broken, the other nations emerge with identities intact. 

The TB is destroyed at the very END of this age.   This doesn't give the 3 beasts very long to "live" - unless they will exist as distinct nations - 1000 years later - at the 8th millennium, when "the rest" are resurrected.  The 8th millennium would be the "season" "time".  Revelation 20 does say there will be "nations" "in the four corners of the earth" when Satan is released to deceive them, after his 1000 year imprisonment. 

Just my opinion.