THE STUDENT OF PROPHECY

Text: Daniel 7:15-22
18 February 2013

THE STUDENT OF PROPHECY

1. Be prepared to be deeply impacted

a) Grieved in my spirit within my body Daniel 7:15a

b) Visions of my head troubled me Daniel 7:15b

c) Significance:-

i) Not just intellectual curiosity

ii) Not idle interest

iii) Deep impact must be felt

2. Search for understanding

a) Taking the initiative to draw nearer Daniel 7:16a

b) Going further by asking questions Daniel 7:16b

c) Expressing desire to know the truth Daniel 7:16b

d) Significance: The onus is on the seeker

i) Proverbs 2:1-11

ii) Seeking the kingdom of God Matthew 6:33

BASIC ANSWERS

1. An angelic tutor

a) He told me Daniel 7:16c

b) Made known to me the interpretation Daniel 7:16d

i) Explanation of the four beasts as four kingdoms Daniel 7:17

ii) The saints of the Most High shall possess the eternal kingdom Daniel 17:18

iii) The fifth kingdom is the Kingdom of the Son of Man Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13-14

2. Daniel’s part

a) Comprehension
He has to comprehend what the angel explained to him

b) Further questions:
i) I wished to know Daniel 7:19a

ii) To know the truth of the fourth beast Daniel 7:19b

c) Daniel’s observations about the fourth beast Daniel 7:19-20

i) Different from all the others Daniel 7:19b

ii) Teeth of iron

iii) Nails of bronze

iv) Devoured and broke in pieces

v) And trampled the residue with its feet

vi) And the ten horns that were on its head Daniel 7:20

vii) The other horn which came up, before which three fell

viii) The horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words

ix) Whose appearance was greater than his fellows

d) I was watching Daniel 7:21a

i) The same horn was making war against the saints

ii) And prevailing against them

iii) Until the Ancient of Days came Daniel 7:22

iv) Judgment was made in favour of the saints of the Most High

v) Time came for the saints to possess the kingdom