August 29, 2021
The LORD has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4 (see also Hebrews 5:6,9,10)
We have been looking at the threefold office of Jesus. Prophet, Priest, and King! The priestly role He currently fills in the heavenly sanctuary was still future at the time of Daniel who was born some 600 years before Christ. Daniel well understood the role of priest in the sanctuary, ministering and making intercession on behalf of the people.
Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 reviews the same timeline presented in chapter 2 plus additional details. It is the time-honored teaching method of “review and enlarge.” The four beasts of chapter 7 correspond directly with the four metals in the image described in chapter 2, describing four kingdoms: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Chapter 8 is an even closer look at the last three kingdoms from a religious perspective, as indicated by the symbolic references to ceremonially clean animals. Why is this important? Because it will lead the reader of Scripture to an awareness of the intense efforts of Satan to harm God’s people. The four aforementioned kingdoms are political entities, but a shift occurs that makes the fourth kingdom become “different from all other kingdoms” (7:23). In the descriptions of the fourth kingdom there is a strong continuity: “iron that crushes”(2:7), “dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong…huge iron teeth, devouring, breaking, trampling… (7:7). Historians refer to the Roman Empire as the “Iron Monarchy of Rome.” After its fall, we learn of the appearance of the “little horn that speaks pompous words” (7:8, 7:11, 7:20, 7:25). Up until this point, the activities of the successively conquering kingdoms were moving on a horizontal plane. The “little horn” is mentioned again in 8:9. But then something changes after the little horn has become “exceedingly great”(again verse 9):
And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 8:10-11
In prophetic vision, God showed Daniel this power on the earth after establishing itself in place of the priestly role of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. It has moved onto a vertical plane. We also know the Prince of the host as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the Prince of princes (Daniel 8:25). Believers pray and confess directly to Him. We address the LORD God Almighty, our Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus! This counterfeit, “little horn” power puts forth this message: “If you need forgiveness, come to me. I speak for God on the earth. I am God’s representative on the earth. I will show you the way to heaven. I will tell you when and where to worship. I am God’s authority on the earth.” Scripture tell us: The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2b) The dragon is Satan. His plan is to eclipse Jesus and the truth of His Word with substitute ideas, altered commandments, and earthly grandeur. In this way, Satan deceives people into worshiping him instead. Beloved, thank Jesus for His Word! He speaks with impartial honesty on every subject. Just the facts!
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." "...Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation." Hebrews 4:15-16, 9:11