During this time the Gentiles wield the scepter over God's
people (Israel) by God's determinate counsel (Jeremiah 25:8-11; Jeremiah 27:5-7)
The glory of these Gentile kingdoms which hold sway over
Israel and the world are symbolized by the precious metals in the Great Image of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31-45)
The lesson that God teaches the nations in this book thru
the first Gentile "king of kings" is that "the MostHigh ruleth in the kingdom of
men" (Daniel 4:17,25,32)
The Divine title "the Most High God" is used
in connection with God as "the possessor of heaven and earth" and is, therefore, the only True Sovereign
Ruler (Genesis 14:18-20,22)
The blasphemy of the Antichrist (as well as that of Lucifer
at his Fall when he became Satan) will be to claim this sovereign ownership for himself (Isaiah 14:12-14)
Like his prototype (Nebuchadnezzar), the Antichrist will
be humbled by "the Most High" (Isaiah 14:15-16 cf. Daniel 4:30-32)
The Purpose for Israel (prophetic section: chapters: 7 - 12)
The glory of the Gentile kingdoms which are symbolized
by the precious metals in the Great Image of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31-45) are viewed differently in Daniel's visions, because from the standpoint
of God and His earthly people (Israel) - these oppressive kingdoms are likened to wild beasts (Daniel 7:2-7,16-17)
Daniel's prophecy is sealed up until "the time of
the end" at which time it shall be opened up and give knowledge and understanding to "the wise"
of Daniel's people (Daniel 12:3-4,9-10)
The One Who is the "Everlasting Father" (Isaiah 9:6),
i.e. the "Father of the ages":
Has "framed the worlds", i.e. "prepared
the ages" (Hebrews 11:3)
Has revealed the ages in the "sure Word of prophecy",
which is like a "light that shineth in adark place" (II Peter 1:19 cf. Daniel 2:22,45)
Daniel's prophecy is ALL about Israel's final "Great
Tribulation" (Daniel 12:1)
- the time described as: