Study 37
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 7
Dear Young People,
UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY
Prophecy is one of the most intriguing aspects of the Scriptures to study. It is also one of the hardest subjects to master. How do we make sense out of prophecy when so many symbols were utilized?
PROPHECY REVEALS MUCH ABOUT GOD
Prophecy has its place in the Scriptures. Prophecy was God’s special way of teaching Israel and the world lessons that might otherwise never be learned.
1. Through prophecy, God was saying that He was Sovereign over the affairs of the world!
2. Through prophecy, God was saying that He had foreknowledge!
3. Through prophecy, the Lord was demonstrating that He was indeed God! Only God could know what is in the future. Only God had full control of the future!
PROPHECY AND HISTORY
Daniel understood the importance of understanding prophecy.
1. God was giving glimpses of future events.
2. God was involved in the affairs of the world.
3. God was in control of the events of the world.
4. God was the One who allowed one kingdom to be set up. It was also God who caused a kingdom to be put down..
Remember what Nebuchadnezzar said about the Lord as Daniel explained to him one of his dreams?
“All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ ”
Daniel 4:35
THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY
From a careful study of the prophecies in Daniel 2 and 7, and from our study of world history, we note the fact that God had revealed to Daniel about four mighty empires that once ruled the earth.
These four great empires were the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greek Empire and the Roman Empire! God revealed that they would arise and that they would also be destroyed.
When we see how prophecy is fulfilled, our confidence and faith in the Lord’s Word should be both confirmed and renewed. Keep reading with confidence!