Bible Study Guides – The Eastern Question (continued)

November 27, 2004 – December 3, 2004

Memory Verse

“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.” Daniel 11:33.

Suggested Reading: Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet, (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 224–245.

Introduction

“The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. . . . A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders.” The Great Controversy, 55.

“Amid the gloom that settled upon the earth during the long period of papal supremacy, the light of truth could not be wholly extinguished. In every age there were witnesses for God—men who cherished faith in Christ as the only mediator between God and man, who held the Bible as the only rule of life, and who hallowed the true Sabbath. How much the world owes to these men, posterity will never know. They were branded as heretics, their motives impugned, their characters maligned, their writings suppressed, misrepresented, or mutilated. Yet they stood firm, and from age to age maintained their faith in its purity, as a sacred heritage for the generations to come.” Ibid., 61.

1 After a league (agreement) was made by the Jews with Rome, how were the growth and work of that power referred to in Daniel 11:23? Compare Daniel 8:25.

note: “In the year 161 b.c., the Jews were being continually attacked by the Syrians, with whose force they were unable to cope. Being informed that the Romans were always ready to support weak nations against the oppression of kings, whose power gave them umbrage, it was thought necessary to make an alliance with that people. Ambassadors sent to Rome for this purpose were well received by the senate, and a decree was passed, by which the Jews were declared friends and allies of the Romans, and a defensive league was made with them.

“At this time the Romans, who were still a small people, were rapidly coming to the front, working deceitfully, or with cunning, as the word implies, and by rapid strides they arose to the height of their power. Thus Rome became strong with a small people.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 29.

2 How was Rome to enter upon the “fattest places of the province”? Unlike her predecessors, what was she to do? From whence, and for how long a time, was Rome to forecast devices? Daniel 11:24.

note: “Verse 24—‘He [Rome] shall enter peacefully even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers [receive large acquisitions of territory through peaceful means, by legacy of other kings]; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches; yea, and he shall forecast his devices against [from] the strongholds [from the fortress of the seven-hilled city], even for a time.’

“ ‘Even for a time.’ This, doubtless, is a prophetic time, which should be computed as follows: A time, 1 year, or 360 days; each day for a year gives 360 years, during which, according to this prediction, the empire was to be governed from the city of Rome. The next verse [verse 25] introduces the battle of Actium, which was fought between Egypt and Rome, in the year b.c. 31. Exactly 360 years from that date Constantine moved the seat of the Roman Empire to Constantinople, a.d. 330.” Quarterly, 29.

“Rome’s method of conquest, first promising peace then confiscating ‘the fattest places,’ is brought to our notice in verse 24. Under the pretense of offering protection, they gradually moved in to steal the liberties of the world.” Roy Allan Anderson, Unfolding Daniel’s Prophecies, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1975, 147.

“Before the days of Rome, nations entered upon valuable provinces and rich territory by war and conquest. Rome was now to do what had not been done by the fathers or the fathers’ fathers, namely, receive these acquisitions through peaceful means. The custom was now inaugurated of kings leaving their kingdoms to the Romans by legacy. Rome came into possession of large provinces in this manner.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1944, 259.

3 What is meant by the expression, “at the time appointed”? Daniel 11:29.

note: “Verse 29—‘At the time appointed [a.d. 330, see last clause of verse 24] he [Rome] shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.’ The triumphs of former days were not repeated. The removal of the seat of government from Rome to Constantinople, under Constantine the Great, in a.d. 330, is recognized as the signal of the downfall of the Roman Empire.” Quarterly, 29, 30.

“Recognizing that a ‘time’ in prophecy equals a year of 360 days, it is interesting to note that from 31 b.c., the year in which Egypt capitulated, until Constantine moved his seat of government from the city of Rome to Constantinople in a.d. 330, makes exactly 360 years.” Anderson, 147.

4 To what period in Roman history has this prophecy brought us? Daniel 11:29.

note: “[The prophecy has brought us] to the rise of the papacy, which henceforth stands for Rome.” Quarterly, 28.

5 What was to stand on the part of the papacy? What were they to do to the “sanctuary of strength”? What was to be taken away? What was to be established in its place? Daniel 11:31. Compare Daniel 8:11.

note: “The breakup of the empire of the Caesars opened the way for the establishment of the papacy, which did indeed ‘pollute the sanctuary of strength.’ Verse 31. In other words, papal worship corrupted the true understanding of Christ as our Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary. Many teachings such as the doctrine of transubstantiation undermined the doctrine of the finished sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Roman Catholicism claims that ‘Christ is offered every day on our altars.’

“The prominent powers of Europe exchanged their paganism for another type of paganism under the name of Christianity. . . . In place of the continual ministry of Christ a human priesthood was established which claimed the power to forgive sins and open the gates of heaven to the transgressor.” Anderson, 148.

“ ‘Sacrifice’ is a word erroneously supplied. It should be ‘desolation.’ The expression denotes a desolating power, of which the abomination of desolation is but the counterpart, and to which it succeeds in point of time. It seems clear therefore that the ‘daily’ desolation was paganism, and the ‘abomination of desolation’ is the papacy.” Smith, 270.

6 What was the papacy to do to those who wickedly departed from the covenant? Daniel 11:32, first part.

note: “Those who forsake the book of the covenant, the Holy Scriptures, who think more of the decree of popes and the decisions of councils than they do of the word of God—these shall he, the pope, corrupt by flatteries. That is, they shall be led on in their partisan zeal for the pope by the bestowment of wealth, position, and honors.” Smith, 278.

7 Who were to perform marvelous acts of self-sacrifice and heroism in behalf of the true faith? Who were to hold up the torch of truth during the long, dark night of papal rule? Daniel 11:32, last part, 33.

note: “At the same time a people shall exist who know their God, and these shall be strong, and do exploits. These were Christians who kept pure religion alive in the earth during the Dark Ages of papal tyranny, and performed marvelous acts of self-sacrifice and religious heroism in behalf of their faith. Prominent among these stand the Waldenses, the Albigenses, and the Huguenots.” Smith, 278, 279.

1260 years—from a.d. 538 to 1798? While the people of God were thus going down beneath the hand of persecution, what were they to receive? How long were some of the saints of God to be permitted to fall by persecution? Daniel 11:34, 35.

note: “The same hatred that prompted the cry, ‘Crucify Him! crucify Him!’ the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. . . . The history of truth has ever been the record of a struggle between right and wrong. The proclamation of the gospel has ever been carried forward in this world in the face of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering.” The Acts of the Apostles, 85.

“At times God allows His children to suffer, even to the point of death, that their characters may be purified and made fit for heaven. Even Christ ‘learned . . . obedience by the things which he suffered’ (Hebrews 5:8).” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 874.

[Questions 1–8 were adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904. The balance of these lessons have been written by Mike Baugher, John J. Grosboll, and Maurice Hoppe.]

note: The last verses of Daniel 11 have captured the interest of many scholars over the years and continue to generate interest for those who want to understand Bible prophecy. The study of this chapter may not disclose an understanding of every point, but true study always produces a blessing. As the scroll continues to unroll, more and more information is revealed concerning last-day events. Because of the lack of precise understanding we will bypass the last of Daniel 11 and move into Daniel 12.

9 When will the events in the latter part of Daniel 11 reach a culminating crisis point? Daniel 12:1.

note: “ ‘At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.’ Daniel 12:1.

“When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them.” Great Controversy, 613.

10 What happens when Michael stands up? Daniel 11:2,3; Revelation 19:1-4.

note: “Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, ‘Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.’ All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, ‘It is done. It is finished.’ The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, ‘Too late! too late!’ ” Early Writings, 281.

11 What pronouncement is made when Michael stands up? Revelation 22:11.

note: “An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received ‘the seal of the living God.’ Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, ‘It is done;’ and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” Great Controversy, 613, 614.

12 From the quotation below, underline and number the things that will happen after Michael stands up.

note: “When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received ‘the seal of the living God.’ Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, ‘It is done;’ and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” Ibid.

“When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” Ibid., 614.