Bible Study Guides

Bible Study Guides – The Gospel Message to Medo-Persia

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August 7, 2004 – August 13, 2004

Memory Verse

“Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” Daniel 6:16.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, 539–548.

Introduction

“It may be a difficult matter for men in high positions to pursue the path of undeviating integrity whether they shall receive praise or censure. Yet this is the only safe course. All the rewards which they might gain by selling their honor would be only as the breath from polluted lips, as dross to be consumed in the fire. Those who have moral courage to stand in opposition to the vices and errors of their fellow men—it may be of those whom the world honor— will receive hatred, insult, and abusive falsehood. They may be thrust down from their high position, because they would not be bought or sold, because they could not be induced by bribes or threats to stain their hands with iniquity. Everything on earth may seem to conspire against them; but God has set His seal upon His own work. They may be regarded by their fellow men as weak, unmanly, unfit to hold office; but how differently does the Most High regard them. Those who despise them are the really ignorant. While the storms of calumny and reviling may pursue the man of integrity through life, and beat upon his grave, God has the ‘well done’ prepared for him. Folly and iniquity will at best yield only a life of unrest and discontent, and at its close a thorny dying pillow. And how many, as they view their course of action and its results, are led to end with their own hands their disgraceful career. And beyond all this waits the Judgment, and the final, irrevocable doom, Depart!” The Signs of the Times, February 2, 1882.

1 What responsible position was given Daniel in the Persian empire? Daniel 6:1, 2. What especially commended Daniel? Verse 3.

note: “What an impression was produced upon Darius by the conduct of Daniel! Daniel lived a pure and holy life. God was first with him. Whenever real Christianity reigns in the heart, it will be revealed in the character. All will take knowledge of such, that they have been with Jesus. The undivided affections must be given to God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 443.

2 According to the testimony of his enemies, how faithful was Daniel? Daniel 6:4.

note: “Let nothing turn the attention away from the great work that is to be done. Let the thoughts, the aptitude, the keen exercise of the brain power, be put to the highest uses in studying the word and will of God. The Lord has a place for the very best ability He has intrusted to men. In the work of building up His kingdom, we may employ every capacity given of God, as faithfully and earnestly as did Daniel in Babylon, when he was found faithful to every duty to man, and loyal to his God.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 305.

3 How did Daniel’s subordinates seek to trap him? Daniel 6:5. What scheme was laid for his destruction? Verses 6–9.

note: “Daniel’s position was not an enviable one. He stood at the head of a dishonest, prevaricating, godless cabinet, whose members watched him with keen, jealous eyes, to find some flaw in his conduct. They kept spies on his track, to see if they could not in this way find something against him. Satan suggested to these men a plan whereby they might get rid of Daniel. Use his religion as a means of condemning him, the enemy said.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 1, 1900.

4 How was Daniel affected by this proclamation? Daniel 6:10.

note: “Some may ask, Why did not Daniel lift his soul to God in secret prayer? Would not the Lord, knowing the situation, have excused his servant from kneeling openly before him? Or why did he not kneel before God in some secret place, where his enemies could not see him?

“Daniel knew that the God of Israel must be honored before the Babylonian nation. He knew that neither kings nor nobles had any right to come between him and his duty to his God. He must bravely maintain his religious principles before all men; for he was God’s witness. Therefore he prayed as was his wont, as if no decree had been made.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 1, 1900.

5 What motive was clearly revealed by the princes’ conduct before the king? Daniel 6:11–15.

note: “[Daniel’s] adversaries watch him an entire day. Three times he has repaired to his chamber, and three times the voice of earnest intercession has been heard. The next morning the complaint is made to the king that Daniel, one of the captives of Judah, has set at defiance his decree. When the monarch heard these words, his eyes were at once opened to see the snare that had been set.” Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.

“Eagerly [Daniel’s adversaries] hastened to Darius, concealing their cruel joy under a cloak of regret that they were obliged to inform against Daniel. But they declared that by Daniel’s act the king’s position as sovereign of the land was endangered, and his authority despised.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 1, 1900.

6 What reason did Darius state as to why God would protect the aged prophet? Daniel 6:16.

note: “Great light has been given to the people of God. Let our people awake, and go forward to perfection. You will be exposed to the fallacies of Satanic agencies. Fearful waves of fanaticism will come. But God will deliver the people who will earnestly seek the Lord, and consecrate themselves to His service.” Pacific Union Recorder, December 31, 1908.

7 What did the king do? What was implied in the king’s call to Daniel the next morning? Daniel 6:19, 20.

note: “Daniel’s testimony had made a deep impression on his [Darius’] mind. He had some knowledge of the dealing of God with the people of Israel, and Daniel’s conduct sent home to his heart the conviction, that the God of the Hebrews was the true God. He was filled with remorse for having signed the decree brought to him. His conscience was awakened, and he passed a sleepless and troubled night. The chamber of royalty was one of sorrow and prayer. All music was hushed. All amusements were laid aside. No comforters were admitted.

“During that sleepless night the king thought as he had never thought before. Early the next morning, hoping and yet despairing, condemning himself, and praying to him whom he began to recognize as the true God, Darius went to the lion’s den, and cried aloud: ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?’ ” The Youth’s Instructor, November 1, 1900.

8 What reason did Daniel give for God’s protection? Through what agency was Daniel delivered? Daniel 6:21–23.

note: “Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To Abraham, with promises of blessing; to the gates of Sodom, to rescue righteous Lot from its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he was about to perish from weariness and hunger in the desert; to Elisha, with chariots and horses of fire surrounding the little town where he was shut in by his foes; to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom in the court of a heathen king, or abandoned to become the lions’ prey; to Peter, doomed to death in Herod’s dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and his companions in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the message of salvation to the Gentile stranger—thus holy angels have, in all ages, ministered to God’s people.

“A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. . . . The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence.” The Great Controversy, 512, 513.

9 How were the accusers of the prophet punished? Daniel 6:24. Compare Deuteronomy 19:19.

Note: “Jesus, the mighty Commander of the host of heaven, sent his angel to close the mouths of those hungry lions that they should not hurt the praying man of God, and all was peace in that terrible den. The king witnessed his preservation, and brought him out with honors. Satan and his angels were defeated and enraged. The agents Satan had employed were doomed to perish in the terrible manner they had plotted to destroy Daniel. The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian, and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our advocate, he detests, and when we earnestly come to him for help, Satan’s host is alarmed.” Spiritual Gifts, Book 4b, 85.

10 How did Darius acknowledge God? Daniel 6:25–27.

note: “What an impression was produced upon Darius by the conduct of Daniel! Daniel lived a pure and holy life. God was first with him. Whenever real Christianity reigns in the heart, it will be revealed in the character. All will take knowledge of such, that they have been with Jesus. The undivided affections must be given to God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 443.

“While Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While honored by men with the responsibilities of the court and the secrets of the kingdom, he was honored by God as His ambassador, and taught to read the mysteries of ages to come. Heathen monarchs, through association with Heaven’s representative, were constrained to acknowledge the God of Daniel.” Education, 56.

11 What was Daniel’s condition in the empire? Daniel 6:28.

note: “The wicked opposition to God’s servant was now completely broken. ‘Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.’ [Daniel 6:28.] And through association with him, these heathen monarchs were constrained to acknowledge his God as ‘the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.’ [Daniel 6:26.]” Prophets and Kings, 545.

“The experience of Daniel as a statesman in the kingdoms of Babylon and Medo-Persia reveals the truth that a businessman is not necessarily a designing, policy man, but that he may be a man instructed by God at every step. Daniel, the prime minister of the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the same time a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration describes him as without fault. His business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found to be without one flaw. He was an example of what every businessman may become when his heart is converted and consecrated, and when his motives are right in the sight of God.

“Strict compliance with the requirements of Heaven brings temporal as well as spiritual blessings. Unwavering in his allegiance to God, unyielding in his mastery of self, Daniel, by his noble dignity and unswerving integrity, while yet a young man, won the ‘favor and tender love’ of the heathen officer in whose charge he had been placed. Daniel 1:9. The same characteristics marked his afterlife. He rose speedily to the position of prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon. Through the reign of successive monarchs, the downfall of the nation, and the establishment of another world empire, such were his wisdom and statesmanship, so perfect his tact, his courtesy, his genuine goodness of heart, his fidelity to principle, that even his enemies were forced to the confession that ‘they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful.’ [Daniel 6:4.]” Prophets and Kings, 546.

12 By what means may we enter into a like experience? 11 Chronicles 15:7; 1 Corinthians 15:58.

note: “We may, like Daniel and his fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, . . . we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession.” Conflict and Courage, 254.

“Daniel possessed the grace of genuine meekness. He was true, firm, and noble. He sought to live in peace with all, while he was unbending as the lofty cedar wherever principle was involved. In everything that did not come in collision with his allegiance to God, he was respectful and obedient to those who had authority over him; but he had so high a sense of the claims of God that the requirements of earthly rulers were held subordinate. He would not be induced by any selfish consideration to swerve from his duty.

“The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking example of what God’s grace can make of men fallen by nature and corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 78, 79.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – The Fall of Ancient Babylon

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July 31, 2004 – August 6, 2004

Memory Verse

“When his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.” Daniel 5:20.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, 522–538.

Introduction

“In the history of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, God speaks to nations of today. We are to take to heart the lessons he sought to teach these rebellious kings; for if Belshazzar had pursued a course in harmony with the instruction given to his grandfather, he would have retained not only his kingdom but his life. He disregarded the lessons, and went on in rebellion against God, committing the very sins for which his grandfather had been reproved and punished. He, too, lifted himself up in pride and exaltation, and the final judgment of God fell upon him and his house. His great sin was that, notwithstanding God had given him light, he refused to walk in the paths of righteousness.” The Signs of the Times, July 20, 1891.

“The condemnation that will fall upon the nations of the earth in this day will be because of their rejection of light, and will be similar to that which fell upon the kings of Babylon; it will be because they have failed to make the most of present light, present opportunities for knowing what is truth and righteousness. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have lived in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for discovering truth. The means of becoming conversant with the truth are within the reach of all; but, like the indulgent, selfish king, we give more attention to the things that charm the ear, and please the eye, and gratify the palate, than to the things that enrich the mind, the divine treasures of truth. It is through the truth that we may answer the great question, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ ” Ibid., July 27, 1891.

1 What was God’s gracious purpose in sending messages (Daniel 2:47; 3:28; 4:1–3) to Babylon’s king? Jeremiah 51:8, 9.

note: “Through the folly and weakness of Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, proud Babylon was soon to fall. Admitted in his youth to a share in kingly authority, Belshazzar gloried in his power and lifted up his heart against the God of heaven. Many had been his opportunities to know the divine will and to understand his responsibility of rendering obedience thereto. He had known of his grandfather’s banishment, by the decree of God, from the society of men; and he was familiar with Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion and miraculous restoration. But Belshazzar allowed the love of pleasure and self-glorification to efface the lessons that he should never have forgotten. He wasted the opportunities graciously granted him, and neglected to use the means within his reach for becoming more fully acquainted with truth. That which Nebuchadnezzar had finally gained at the cost of untold suffering and humiliation, Belshazzar passed by with indifference.” Prophets and Kings, 522, 523.

2 Who was the last ruler of Babylon? Daniel 5:1. What blasphemous scenes were enacted at his last feast? Verses 2–4.

note: “Ignorance is no excuse now for the transgression of law. The light shines clearly, and none need be ignorant, for the great God Himself is man’s instructor. All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which He is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate; for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory.

“The inhabitants of the Noachian world were destroyed because they were corrupted through the indulgence of perverted appetite. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed through the gratification of unnatural appetite, which so benumbed the intellect that they could not discern the difference between the sacred claims of God and the clamor of appetite. The latter enslaved them, and they became so ferocious and bold in their detestable abominations that God would not tolerate them upon the earth. God ascribes the wickedness of Babylon to her gluttony and drunkenness.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 162.

3 What evidence was given that an unseen Watcher was witnessing this blasphemous revelry? Daniel 5:5.

note: “It is the most abhorrent form of selfishness that leads the worker to neglect the improvement of time, the care of property, because he is not directly under the eye of the master. But do such workers imagine that their neglects are not noticed, their unfaithfulness not recorded? Could their eyes be opened, they would see that a Watcher looks on, and all their carelessness is recorded in the books of heaven.

“Those who are unfaithful to the work of God are lacking in principle; their motives are not of a character to lead them to choose the right under all circumstances. The servants of God are to feel at all times that they are under the eye of their employer. He who watched the sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar is present in all our institutions, in the counting-room of the merchant, in the private workshop; and the bloodless hand is as surely recording your neglect as it recorded the awful judgment of the blasphemous king. Belshazzar’s condemnation was written in words of fire, ‘Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting’; and if you fail to fulfill your God-given obligations your condemnation will be the same.” Messages to Young People, 229.

4 What offer was made to the wise man who could interpret the writing? Daniel 5:6, 7.

note: “In vain the king tried to read the burning letters. He had found a power too strong for him. He could not read the writing. [Daniel 5:7 quoted.] In vain the king offered honor and promotion. Heavenly wisdom can not be bought and sold.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 19, 1898.

5 Why did the queen mother call attention to Daniel? Daniel 5:8–12.

note: “There was in the palace a woman who was wiser than them all,—the queen of Belshazzar’s grandfather. In this emergency she addressed the king in language that sent a ray of light into the darkness.” The Bible Echo, May 2, 1898.

“Daniel is remembered, and brought to the banqueting hall. The servant of God sees the evidences of the degradation and idolatry of the feast, so suddenly brought to an end; but Daniel was not disconcerted in the presence of the king and his lords.” The Signs of the Times, July 20, 1891.

6 What did the king say when Daniel came before him? How did Daniel esteem the king’s offer of gifts? Daniel 5:13–17.

note: “Then is Daniel brought before the king without delay, and the monarch promises him great rewards if he will interpret the writing. Daniel looks upon that wicked throng bearing evidence of intemperate feasting and revelry. He stands before them in the quiet dignity of a servant of the most high God, not to speak words of flattery, as was the custom of the professedly wise men of the kingdom, but to speak the truth of God. Sternly disclaiming all desire for rewards or honor, he says, ‘Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.’ [Daniel 5:17.]” Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.

7 Of what was the king reminded? Daniel 5:18–21. Why had judgment been pronounced against him? Verses 22, 23.

note: “Daniel did not swerve from his duty. He held the king’s sin before him, showing him the lessons he might have learned but did not. Belshazzar had not heeded the events so significant to him. He had not read his grandfather’s history correctly. The responsibility of knowing truth had been laid upon him, but the practical lesson he might have learned and acted upon had not been taken to heart; and his course of action brought the sure result.” The Bible Echo, May 2, 1898.

8 What was the meaning of the writing on the wall? Daniel 5:25–28. How soon was the sentence executed? Verses 30, 31.

note: “Belshazzar was without excuse, for abundant light had been given him to reform his life. He had had opportunity for knowing the truth; but he lost all the benefits of the knowledge by his course of self-indulgence; he did not meet the mind of God, as a man or a king, and because of this the kingdom had been taken from him. He who has power to set up and to tear down, gave the kingdom to another.” The Signs of the Times, July 20, 1891.

“This was the last feast of boasting held by the Chaldean king; for He who bears long with man’s perversity had passed the irrevocable sentence. Belshazzar had greatly dishonoured the One who had exalted him as king, and his probation was taken from him. While the king and his nobles were at the height of their revelry, the Persians turned the Euphrates out of its channel, and marched into the unguarded city. As Belshazzar and his lords were drinking from the sacred vessels of Jehovah, and praising their gods of silver and gold, Cyrus and his soldiers stood under the walls of the palace.” The Bible Echo, May 2, 1898.

9 What lessons come to us from the fall of nations? Jeremiah 18:7–10. Compare 11 Corinthians 10:4, 5.

note: “The history of the world from the beginning is contained in Genesis. There it is revealed that all nations who forget God and discard His way and his sign of obedience, which distinguishes between the just and the unjust, the righteous and the wicked, the saved and the unsaved, will be destroyed. The first books of the Bible, which trace down the history of nations, including the destruction of the old world, show the overruling providence of God, which from generation to generation has provided for the education of a chosen people. The plainly written word in regard to the just and the unjust is a living testimony in regard to those whom the Lord will sanctify. None who live in disobedience can receive His blessing. Only those who are obedient can receive this.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 184.

10 In what words had the prophet foretold God’s deliverance of His people from Babylon before the captivity? Jeremiah 50:33, 34; Jeremiah 51:19–24.

note: “In the unexpected entry of the army of the Persian conqueror into the heart of the Babylonian capital by way of the channel of the river whose waters had been turned aside, and through the inner gates that in careless security had been left open and unprotected, the Jews had abundant evidence of the literal fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the sudden overthrow of their oppressors. And this should have been to them an unmistakable sign that God was shaping the affairs of nations in their behalf . . . .

“Nor were these the only prophecies upon which the exiles had opportunity to base their hope of speedy deliverance. The writings of Jeremiah were within their reach, and in these was plainly set forth the length of time that should elapse before the restoration of Israel from Babylon.” Prophets and Kings, 552.

11 By what assurance had captive Israel looked forward to this? Jeremiah 51:57, 58.

note: “With what tender compassion did God inform His captive people of His plans for Israel! He knew that should they be persuaded by false prophets to look for a speedy deliverance, their position in Babylon would be made very difficult. Any demonstration or insurrection on their part would awaken the vigilance and severity of the Chaldean authorities and would lead to a further restriction of their liberties. Suffering and disaster would result. He desired them to submit quietly to their fate and make their servitude as pleasant as possible . . . .” Prophets and Kings, 441.

12 How certain is spiritual Israel of judgment upon spiritual Babylon and of final deliverance? Revelation 18:21–19:2.

note: “After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying, ‘Lo, here is Christ, Lo, he is there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, he has sent me with great light.’ Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false Sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God himself by supplanting the day he has blessed and sanctified. This false Sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law. Satan and his angels are wide-awake, and intensely active, working with energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God. But while Satan works with his lying wonders, the time will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelation, and the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, will proclaim the fall of Babylon, and call upon God’s people to forsake her.” Review and Herald, December 13, 1892.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – The Review

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September 18, 2004 – September 24, 2004

Memory Verse

“And I heard a man’s voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.” Daniel 8:16.

Suggested Reading: Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet (1904), TEACH Services Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 88–133.

Introduction

“As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’

“Our faith in reference to the messages of the first, second, and third angels was correct. The great way-marks we have passed are immovable. Although the hosts of hell may try to tear them from their foundation, and triumph in the thought that they have succeeded, yet they do not succeed. These pillars of truth stand firm as the eternal hills, unmoved by all the efforts of men combined with those of Satan and his host. We can learn much, and should be constantly searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so. God’s people are now to have their eyes fixed on the heavenly sanctuary, where the final ministration of our great High Priest in the work of the judgment is going forward,—where He is interceding for His people.” Review and Herald, November 27, 1883.

1 Why had special blessings been bestowed upon Israel? When the majority of the people failed, how did God accomplish His purpose? What enabled God to reveal Himself through the young men in Babylon? See Genesis 12:2, 3; Isaiah 39:5–7; Daniel 1, 2:1–30.

2 What had become of God’s material kingdom on the earth? At this time, what purpose did God announce? What was the reason for outlining the course of earthly empires? What will fit us for a home in the abiding kingdom? See 1 Chronicles 9:1; Daniel 2:37–49; Hebrews 12:28; 11 Peter 3:11–14.

3 What is the “gospel of the kingdom”? Why was it preached at all times? What is the “mystery of the kingdom”? How personal does the “mystery” become? For what does it prepare? See Matthew 4:23; Genesis 12:1–3; Galatians 3:8; Luke 1:31, 33; Colossians 1:26–28; Matthew 25:31–34.

4 How did Babylon’s king seek to reverse God’s plan? What purpose had the evil one in this? How fully was the “mystery of the kingdom” demonstrated by the young Hebrews? What result came to the king and to the young men? See Daniel 2:32, 37, 38; 3.

5 Give the substance of the three messages that resulted in the conversion of the king of Babylon. What was Daniel’s advice? What could have come from heeding it? What was the result of rejecting it? How fully did the king at last recognize Jehovah? See Daniel 2:47; 3:28; 4.

6 What would have come to Babylon if she had heeded God’s messages? Why was Daniel called? What was pronounced? Why could God do nothing else for her? How has this history been repeated? See Jeremiah 51:9; Daniel 5.

7 How was Satan still plotting under the reign of Darius? What enabled Daniel to remain steadfast? What was the result? What were the consequences for Daniel and his people? See Daniel 6.

8 What would prepare God’s people for deliverance from Babylon? What would keep them steadfast? How early had Cyrus been called for this work? What results had been promised him? See Isaiah 40:1–12, 22, 25–27; 44:24, 28; 45:1, 2, 13, 14.

9 Name the four universal empires. Give, as far as possible, dates for them. How did the little horn differ from the others? How was it like them? What was its work against God and His people? What was this power called by the Revelator? What will God give to those who overcome this power? See Daniel 7; Revelation 17:5, 6.

10 When do the 1260 days begin and end? Who will survive the domination of the little horn? Who will finally overcome it? How is heaven affected by its downfall? See Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:14, 6; 13:7–10; 17:14; 18:20–24; 19:1–6.

11 What does the little horn of Daniel 8 represent in addition to what was represented by the little horn of Daniel 7? How will this power obscure the priestly work in the sanctuary? By what event will the sanctuary work be restored to its rightful importance? See Daniel 8; 7:26; Revelation 11:18, 19; 22:3–5, 12.

12 Why did righteous Daniel confess sin? What blessing came as a result? When does the time period of Daniel 8:14 begin? Therefore when will it end? What preparation is demanded of us who are living in such times? See Daniel 9; Malachi 3:1–3.

note: Regarding Daniel 7:25: “We must now consider that we are in the midst of symbolic prophecy; hence in this measurement the time is not literal, but symbolic. The inquiry then arises, How long a period is denoted by the three years and a half of prophetic time? The principle given us in the Bible is, that when a day is used in symbolic prophecy, it stands for a year. (Ezekiel 4: 6; Numbers 14: 34.) . . .

“Bible students have recognized this principle through the ages. The following quotations reveal the agreement of various authorities on this point. Joachim, abbot of Calabria, one of the great ecclesiastical figures of the twelfth century, applied the year-day principle to the 1260-year period. ‘The woman, clothed with the sun, who signifies the church, remained hidden in the wilderness from the face of the serpent, a day without doubt being accepted for a year and a thousand two hundred and sixty days for the same number of years.’ [Joachim of Floris, Concordantia, book 2, chapter 16, 12b.]

“ ‘Three times and an half; that is, for 1260 solar years, reckoning a time for a calendar year of 360 days, and a day for a solar year. After which “the judgment is to sit, and they shall take away his dominion,” not at once, but by degrees, to consume, and to destroy it unto the end.’ [Sir Isaac Newton, Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel, 127, 128.]

“The Bible year, which must be used as the basis of reckoning, contained three hundred and sixty days. . . . Three years and a half contained twelve hundred and sixty days. As each day stands for a year, we have twelve hundred and sixty years for the continuation of the supremacy of this horn. Did the papacy possess dominion that length of time? The answer again is, Yes. The edict of the emperor Justinian, dated a.d. 533, made the bishop of Rome the head of all the churches. But this edict could not go into effect until the Arian Ostrogoths, the last of the three horns that were plucked up to make room for the papacy, were driven from Rome; and this was not accomplished . . . until a.d. 538. . . . The edict would have been of no effect had this latter event not been accomplished; hence from this latter year we are to reckon, as this was the earliest point where the saints were in reality in the hands of this power. From this point did the papacy hold supremacy for twelve hundred and sixty years?—Exactly. For 538 + 1260 = 1798; and in the year 1798, Berthier, with a French army, entered Rome, proclaimed a republic, took the pope prisoner, and inflicted a deadly wound upon the papacy. Though it has never since enjoyed all the privileges and immunities which it possessed before, we are seeing a gradual restoration of its former strength.

“After describing the terrible career of the little horn, and stating that the saints should be given into his hand for 1260 years, bringing us down to 1798, verse 26 declares: ‘But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.’ In verse 10 of the same chapter we have substantially the same expression regarding the judgment: ‘The judgment was set.’ It would seem consistent to suppose that the same judgment is referred to in both instances. But the sublime scene described in verse 10 is the opening of the investigative judgment in the sanctuary in heaven . . . Daniel 8: 14 and 9: 25–27. The opening of this judgment scene is located by the prophecy at the close of the great prophetic period of 2300 years, which terminated in 1844.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1944, 144, 145.

Regarding Daniel 8:14: “It is thus evident that the decree granted to Ezra in the seventh year of Artaxerxes, 457 b.c., is the point from which to date the seventy weeks. [Daniel 9:24.] That was the going forth of the decree in the sense of the prophecy. The two previous decrees [Ezra 1:1–4; 6:1–12] were preparatory and preliminary to this. Indeed they are regarded by Ezra as parts of it. . . .

“Our starting point then is 457 b.c. Forty-nine years are allotted to the building of the city and the wall. On this point, Prideaux says: ‘In the fifteenth year of Darius Nothus ended the first seven weeks of the seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecy. For then the restoration of the church and state of the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea was fully finished, in that last act of reformation, which is recorded in the thirteenth chapter of Nehemiah, from the twenty-third verse to the end of the chapter, just forty-nine years after it had been first begun by Ezra in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus.’ [Humphrey Prideaux, The Old and New Testament Connected in the History of the Jews, Vol. 1, 322.] This was 408 b.c. . . .

“Let us apply the measuring rod of the prophecy still further. Sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, were to extend to Messiah the Prince. Dating from 457 b.c., they end in a.d. 27. What event then occurred? Luke thus informs us: [Luke 3: 21, 22 quoted]. After this, Jesus came ‘preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled.’ Mark 1: 14, 15. . . .

“Further, the Messiah was to confirm the covenant with many for one week. This would be the last week of the seventy, or the last seven years of the 490. In the midst of the week, the prophecy informs us, He should cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. These Jewish ordinances, pointing to the death of Christ, could cease only at the cross. There they did virtually come to an end when the veil of the temple was rent at the crucifixion of Christ. . . .

“We see that, reckoning the seventy weeks from the decree given to Ezra in the seventh year of Artaxerxes, 457 b.c., there is perfect harmony throughout. The important and definite events of the manifestation of the Messiah at His baptism, the commencement of His public ministry, the crucifixion, and the rejection of the Jews and the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, with the proclamation of the new covenant—all come in in their exact place, sealing the prophecy and making it sure. . . .

“The seventy weeks are but the first 490 years of the 2300-year period. Take 490 from 2300, and there remains 1810. The 490, as we have seen, ended in the autumn of a.d. 34. If to this date we now add the remaining 1810 years, we shall have the termination of the whole period. So to a.d. 34, autumn, add 1810, and we have the autumn of a.d. 1844. Thus speedily and surely do we find the termination of the 2300 days, when once the seventy weeks have been located. . . .

“The momentous declaration made by the angel to Daniel, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days: then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,’ is now explained. In our search for the meaning of the sanctuary and its cleansing, and the application of the time, we have found not only that this subject can be easily understood, but lo, the event is even now in process of accomplishment. . . .

“We have seen (and this is what brings the solemnities of the judgment to our own door) that that long prophetic period which was to mark the beginning of this final work in the heavenly sanctuary, has met its termination. In 1844 the days ended. Since that time the final work for man’s salvation has been going forward. This work involves an examination of every man’s character, for it consists in the remission of the sins of those who shall be found worthy to have them remitted, and determines who among the dead shall be raised. It also decides who among the living shall be changed at the coming of the Lord, and who of both dead and living shall be left to have their part in the fearful scenes of the second death. All can see that such a decision as this must be rendered before the Lord appears.

“Every man’s destiny is to be determined by deeds done in the body, and each one is to be rewarded according to his works. (11 Corinthians 5: 10; Revelation 22: 12.)” Ibid., 211–220.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – Daniel’s Prayer and the Explanation of the 2300 Days

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September 11, 2004 – September 17, 2004

Memory Verse

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 409–422.

Introduction

“The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement, and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people.” The Great Controversy (1888), 423.

“These pillars of truth [the Three Angels’ Messages] stand firm as the eternal hills, unmoved by all the efforts of men combined with those of Satan and his host. We can learn much, and should be constantly searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so. God’s people are now to have their eyes fixed on the heavenly sanctuary, where the final ministration of our great High Priest in the work of the judgment is going forward,—where He is interceding for His people.” Review and Herald, November 27, 1883.

1 What definite promise as to time was given in Daniel 8:14?

note: “The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem, went into effect, in the autumn of b.c. 457. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25–27. . . . The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, a.d. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From a.d. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. ‘Then,’ said the angel, ‘shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ ” Maranatha, 247.

2 What physical condition prevented Daniel from receiving full explanation of the beginning and ending of the time period? Daniel 8:27.

note: “As the terrible persecution to befall the church was unfolded to the prophet’s vision, physical strength gave way. He could endure no more, and the angel left him for a time.” The Great Controversy, 325.

3 Where did the prophet turn for light after his recovery? Daniel 9:1–3.

note: “Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain—so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in books ‘the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.’ Daniel 9:2.

“With faith founded on the sure word of prophecy, Daniel pleaded with the Lord for the speedy fulfillment of these promises. He pleaded for the honor of God to be preserved. In his petition he identified himself fully with those who had fallen short of the divine purpose, confessing their sins as his own.” Prophets and Kings, 554, 555.

4 What did Daniel confess as the causes for the trouble that had come upon Israel? Daniel 9:5–12. What requests did he make? Verses 16–19.

note: “Daniel did not seek to excuse himself or his people before God; but in humility and contrition of soul he confessed the full extent and demerit of their transgressions, and vindicated God’s dealings as just toward a nation that had set at nought His requirements and would not profit by His entreaties.

“There is great need today of just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and confession. Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not confessed our sin with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit, abhorring our iniquity, we have never sought truly for the forgiveness of sin.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 636.

5 What answer was given to his supplication? What had the angel come to bestow upon him? To what was he asked to give consideration? Daniel 9:21–23.

note: “God had bidden His messenger: ‘Make this man to understand the vision.’ That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying: ‘I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding;’ ‘therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.’ Daniel 8:27, 16; 9:22, 23, 25-27. There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time.” The Great Controversy, 325.

6 How much was to be cut off from the period of the vision for Daniel’s people? Daniel 9:24.

note: “The word rendered ‘determined’ means also ‘cut off.’ The period of seventy weeks, or 490 years, could be cut off only from the longer period of 2,300 years, the part of the vision which the angel had not before explained.” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, April 1918, 30.

7 From what was Daniel to begin the calculation of the time periods, both the seventy weeks for the Jews, and the remainder of the 2300 days? Daniel 9:25.

note: “The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of 457 b.c.” The Great Controversy, 410.

8 Who was the Persian king that gave the last installment of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem? Ezra 6:14. What year did the proclamation go forth? Ezra 7:7, 11–13.

note: “Ezra’s faith that God would do a mighty work for His people, led him to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to return to Jerusalem to revive an interest in the study of God’s word and to assist his brethren in restoring the holy city. As Ezra declared his perfect trust in the God of Israel as one abundantly able to protect and care for His people, the king was deeply impressed. . . . He made him a special representative of the Medo-Persian kingdom, and conferred on him extensive powers for the carrying out of the purposes that were in his heart. . . .” Conflict and Courage, 261.

9 By what event was the period of seventy weeks terminated? Acts 8:4, 5; 22:21. Compare Matthew 10:5, 6.

note: “The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of b.c. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of a.d. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In a.d. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed. ‘The time is fulfilled.’ [Mark 1:15.]

“Then, said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].’ [Daniel 9:27.] For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself; and afterward by the apostles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ Daniel 9:27. In the spring of a.d. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.

“The one week—seven years—ended in a.d. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel; the disciples who were scattered abroad by persecution ‘went everywhere preaching the word’ (Acts 8:4); and shortly after, Saul the persecutor was converted, and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

10 In what year did the remaining 1810 years expire?

note: “The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, a.d. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From a.d. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. ‘Then,’ said the angel, ‘shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ [Daniel 8:14.] All the preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unquestionably fulfilled at the time appointed.” The Great Controversy, 410.

11 What searching question comes to each one who expects deliverance from sin while the Judgment work is going on? Malachi 3:1–3.

note: “Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.” The Great Controversy, 425.

12 What is the basis of confidence in our great High Priest? Hebrews 7:25, 26.

note: “God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sinner’s only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith, he is sure of pardon and that full and free. There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.

“These lessons were taught to the chosen people of God thousands of years ago, and repeated in various symbols and figures, that the work of truth might be riveted in every heart, that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The great lesson embodied in the sacrifice of every bleeding victim, impressed in every ceremony, inculcated by God Himself, was that through the blood of Christ alone is forgiveness of sins; yet how many carry the galling yoke and how few feel the force of this truth and act upon it personally, and derive the blessings they might receive through a perfect faith in the blood of the Lamb of God. . . .

“Justice demanded the sufferings of man; but Christ rendered the sufferings of a God. He needed no atonement of suffering for Himself; all His sufferings were for us; all His merits and holiness were open to fallen man, presented as a gift.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 912, 913.

“For eighteen centuries this work of ministration continued in the first apartment of the sanctuary. The blood of Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent believers, secured their pardon and acceptance with the Father, yet their sins still remained upon the books of record. As in the typical service there was a work of atonement at the close of the year, so before Christ’s work for the redemption of men is completed, there is a work of atonement for the removal of sin from the sanctuary. This is the service which began when the 2300 days ended. At that time . . . our High Priest entered the most holy, to perform the last division of His solemn work—to cleanse the sanctuary. . . .” The Faith I Live By, 207.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – The Message of the Sanctuary and Its Cleansing

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September 4, 2004 – September 10, 2004

Memory Verse

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 49–56; 428–434.

Introduction

“As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office.” Evangelism, 222, 223.

1 In the year that Babylon fell, what appeared to Daniel? Daniel 8:1, 2.

note: “Shortly before the fall of Babylon, when Daniel was meditating on these prophecies and seeking God for an understanding of the times, a series of visions was given him concerning the rise and fall of kingdoms. With the first vision, as recorded in the seventh chapter of the book of Daniel, an interpretation was given; yet not all was made clear to the prophet. ‘My cogitations much troubled me,’ he wrote of his experience at the time, ‘and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.’ Daniel 7:28.

“Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of the future.” Prophets and Kings, 553, 554.

2 What do the ram and the he-goat symbolize? Daniel 8:3–8, 20, 21.

note: “The angel . . . identifies this symbol [ram] as representing the kings of Media and Persia. . . .

“[The goat is] identified as representing Greece, . . . that is, the Macedonian Empire of Alexander.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 840.

3 In what form was the Grecian Empire to exist for a time? Daniel 8:8, 22.

note: “Prophecy predicted that Alexander would fall while his empire was at the height of its power. At the age of 32, still in the prime of life, the great leader died of a fever aggravated, no doubt, by his own intemperance.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 840.

“Alexander left no heir capable of ruling the kingdom, and in less than twenty years of strife, his four leading generals succeeded in dividing the empire among themselves.

“Ptolemy had Egypt to the south; Seleucus took Syria and the eastern division; Lysimachus had Asia Minor and territory to the north; while Cassander had Greece or the western division. These four had not the power of Alexander.” Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 109.

4 What power was represented by the other horn of Daniel 8:9, 23, 24?

note: “In the division under consideration, the prophet sees a little horn coming forth from one of these divisions. Here is brought to his view the power symbolized by the fourth beast of Daniel seven. In his first vision the fourth beast was so terrible and had such a strange appearance that Daniel asked for a clearer explanation of its work. . . . The little horn is not named, but its work as a kingdom is still further portrayed. One feels when reading both the vision and the interpretation that he is coming into the presence of a power greater and more terrible than any which had hitherto existed. The accumulated force of the evil of past ages is concentrated in this rising power, which waxed exceeding great. It is in truth the masterpiece from Satan’s workshop.” Haskell, op. cit.

“ ‘The interpretation already given to this vision shows plainly that the power represented by the little horn is the successor of Medo-Persia and Grecia. In the vision of the seventh chapter of Daniel, which is closely related to this vision, the fourth beast represented the fourth kingdom, or Rome, in its entirety, special attention, however, being given to the “little horn” phase of its history. As shown by the work attributed to it, this little horn, which arose among the ten kingdoms into which Rome was divided, was to be a religio-political power, which was to change the times and law of God, and persecute the people of God. In the vision of the eighth chapter, the ecclesiastical features of this fourth world power are especially noticed and emphasized, and hence the only symbol there used to represent it is the “little horn” which waxed “exceeding great.” . . . The little horn of the eighth chapter represents Rome, both pagan and papal, in its ecclesiastical aspect, with its union of paganism, and later of apostate Christianity, with the secular power; with its antichristian persecutions of the saints of God; with its perversion of the priesthood of Christ; and with its assertion of both temporal and spiritual power over all the world. It is evident . . . that the emphasis is to be placed upon the fulfillment of the prophecy in the work of papal Rome. A careful comparison of Daniel 7:21, 25, with Daniel 8:10–12, R.V., and 11 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, will amply justify this conclusion.’ Bible Readings, edition of 1916, page 227.” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, April 1918, 27.

5 What could this power do to God’s faithful people? Daniel 8:10, 24.

note: “The Scriptural ordinance of the Lord’s Supper had been supplanted by the idolatrous sacrifice of the mass. Papal priests pretended, by their senseless mummery, to convert the simple bread and wine into the actual ‘body and blood of Christ.’—Cardinal Wiseman, The Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist, Proved From Scripture, lecture 8, sec. 3, par. 26. With blasphemous presumption, they openly claimed the power of creating God, the Creator of all things. Christians were required, on pain of death, to avow their faith in this horrible, Heaven-insulting heresy. Multitudes who refused were given to the flames. . . . In their secret councils, Satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their iniquitous decrees, and writing the history of deeds too horrible to appear to human eyes. ‘Babylon the great’ was ‘drunken with the blood of the saints.’ The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried to God for vengeance upon that apostate power.” The Great Controversy, 59, 60.

6 What would this power do to Christ and His heavenly sanctuary service? Daniel 8:11. Compare Revelation 13:6.

note: “Rome first deprived the Jews of the right to worship, grinding that nation beneath the heel of oppression. Then Christ came, when the oppression was the most severe, that Rome might see God in human flesh. He came to identify himself with that downtrodden people, and to show to men that God is always with the oppressed and enslaved. He came to illustrate the workings of the Spirit in the human heart, and to prove that it is possible to have a heaven within, although outward circumstances are to the contrary.

“But Rome crucified him whom Heaven sent.” Haskell, op. cit., 111.

7 To what time would this power be allowed to continue to desecrate the Holy Place? Daniel 8:13, 14.

note: “As Jesus died on Calvary, He cried, ‘It is finished,’ and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that the services of the earthly sanctuary were forever finished, and that God would no more meet with the priests in their earthly temple, to accept their sacrifices. The blood of Jesus was then shed, which was to be offered by Himself in the heavenly sanctuary. As the priest entered the most holy once a year to cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation, and thus to cleanse the sanctuary.” Early Writings, 253.

8 By what event would God’s people and law be freed from the domination of the papacy? Daniel 7:26. What, then, must constitute the cleansing of the sanctuary?

note: “God will most assuredly call the world to judgment to avenge the death of His only-begotten Son, the One who stood at the bar of Pilate and Herod. That One is now in the heavenly courts making intercession for the people who refused Him.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 139.

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357, 358.

9 At the time of the Judgment, what change in ministration did Jesus, our great High Priest, make? Revelation 11:18, 19.

note: “ ‘The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.’ Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. . . . Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.” The Great Controversy, 433.

10 At the conclusion of the Judgment, what will be given to God’s faithful children? Revelation 11:18.

note: “In the account of the judgment scene, when the reward is given to the righteous, and sentence is passed on the wicked, the righteous are represented as wondering what they have done that they should receive such reward. But they cherished an abiding faith in Christ. They were imbued with His Spirit, and, without conscious effort, they performed for Christ, in the person of His saints, those services that bring a sure reward. But their motive in working was not to receive compensation. They regarded it as the highest honor to be allowed to work as Christ worked. What they did was done from love to Christ and to their fellowmen, and He who has identified Himself with suffering humanity accredited these acts of compassion and love as tho done to Himself.” The Signs of the Times, August 9, 1899.

11 What incentive is held out to those who, by a study of the priestly work of Christ, are being drawn near to Him? Revelation 22:12.

note: “Not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples. Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, ‘to give every man according as his work shall be.’ Revelation 22:12. Before His coming, then, the character of every man’s work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ’s followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310.

12 What is the crowning blessing that is to come to those who are delivered from the deceptions and bondage in modern Babylon? Revelation 22:3–5.

note: “Is your name written in the book of life? Only by looking to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and following in his steps, can you prepare to meet God. Follow him, and you will one day walk the golden streets of the city of God,—you will see him who laid aside his royal garments and his kingly crown, and, disguising himself with humanity, came to our world and bore our sins, that he might lift us up, and give us a revelation of his glory and majesty. We shall see him face to face if we now give ourselves up to be molded and fashioned by him, and prepared for a place in the kingdom of God.

“Those who consecrate their lives to the service of God will live with him through the ceaseless ages of eternity.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 20, 1896.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – The Time of the Domination of Modern Babylon

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August 28, 2004 – September 3, 2004

Memory Verse

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 438, 439; Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1944, 270–299.

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. . . . They [the people] were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. 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.

1 For how long would modern Babylon exercise dominion over God’s people and law? Daniel 7:25.

note: “ ‘Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.’ And, says the prophet, ‘I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.’ [Revelation 13:5, 3.] And again: ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.’ The forty and two months are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time,’ three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7—the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy,
a.d. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.’ ” The Great Controversy, 439.

2 In prophetic time, what is the scale of measurement? Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6.

note: “A day in prophecy stands for a year.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

3 How is this same period of affliction for the church expressed in Revelation 12:14, 6?

note: “In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had given to the beast ‘his power, and his seat, and great authority.’ Revelation 13:2. And now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5–7. Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman’s ax. . . . Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity.” The Great Controversy, 54, 55.

4 What events mark the beginning of the period when the saints were “given into his hand” (Daniel 7:25)?

note: “ ‘The decree of the emperor Justinian, issued in a.d. 533, recognized the pope as “head of all the holy churches.” (Justinian’s code, book 1, title 1, Baronius’s Annals, a.d. 533.) The overwhelming defeat of the Ostrogoths in the siege of Rome, five years later,
a.d. 538, was a deathblow to the independence of the Arian power then ruling Italy, and was therefore a notable date in the development of papal supremacy. With the period 533–538, then, commences the twelve hundred and sixty years of this prophecy, which would extend to the period 1793–1798. The year 1793 was the year of the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, and the year when the Roman Catholic religion was set aside in France, and the worship of reason was established in its stead.’ Bible Readings, edition of 1916, page 223.” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, April 1918, 25.

5 What events mark the close of this prophetic period? Revelation 13:10.

note: “ ‘As a direct result of the revolt against papal authority in the French Revolution, the French army, under Berthier, entered Rome, and the pope was taken prisoner February 10, 1798, dying in exile at Valence, France, the following year.’ Bible Readings, edition of 1916, page 223.” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, April 1918, 25.

6 What does the Revelator say concerning the power of this system over God’s people? Revelation 13:7.

note: “The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of the papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High.

“The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. 11 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. ‘Faith ought not to be kept with heretics, nor persons suspected of heresy’ (Lenfant, volume 1, page 516), she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ?

“It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth in Protestant countries that Catholicism differs less widely from Protestantism than in former times. There has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much of the Protestantism that now exists, because Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of the Reformers.” The Great Controversy, 571.

7 In the final and full destruction of mystic Babylon, who will be the conqueror? Revelation 17:14, first part.

note: “Today, Satan has great power in the world. He has been permitted to have proprietorship of this earth for an appointed time. During this period, when iniquity prevails, men and women are given a chance to take sides. In every possible way, Satan tries to make the broad road attractive and the narrow road grievous, humiliating, and objectionable. He lays ingenious plans to allure men and women to indulge appetite. Cheap, unsatisfying pleasures are made all and in all in this degenerate age. Satan throws his glamour about these amusements, which eclipse eternal things. Many will sell their birthright, as did Esau, for trifling consideration by the indulgence of appetite. Worldly pleasure will appear more desirable to them than the heavenly birthright.

“But Christ has overcome in our behalf. He was the only one who could be a competent Saviour. He had divine wisdom, ability, and power. He could stand before the world as a wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” The Upward Look, 39.

8 What qualifications have they who share in the victory? Revelation 17:14, last part.

note: “In all ages the Lord has had a people who, while holding communion with God, have by word and character called the attention of their fellow-men to the grand themes that are of eternal interest to humanity. Saints and martyrs of former ages, and the disciples who were privileged to hear the lessons from the lips of Jesus, were holy and self-denying. They were beloved and honoured of God above many who in our day profess to be disciples of Christ and teachers of the people,—not because God is a respecter of persons; not because a clearer, brighter light shone upon them, but because they steadfastly believed the truth, and practiced it in the daily life. These men faithfully improved their talents, and God registered them among His profitable servants. They were acknowledged and honoured by God because they were faithful to the light which shone upon them. To those around them they reflected that light received from the Light of the world. By their close connection with heaven, their pure and holy conversation, they became channels of light and blessing to the world. They walked humbly with their God, rejoicing, not in the favour and praise of men, but in the light of truth. They did not seek ways, nor fashion excuses, whereby they might evade obedience to the commandments of Jehovah. The chosen of God believed His word, rested on His promises, and their steadfast confidence and strong faith made them willing and able to suffer the loss of all things for His dear sake.” The Bible Echo, January 4, 1897.

9 Who is called to rejoice over the downfall of modern Babylon? Revelation 18:20.

note: “The summary desolation of Babylon brings victory and joy to all righteous beings throughout the universe. . . . The inhabitants of heaven are first to rejoice in the triumph of Christ and His church. . . . She had decreed the death of God’s people . . . but now suffers the very fate to which she had consigned them.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 865, 866.

“The world see the very class whom they have mocked and derided, and desired to exterminate, pass unharmed through pestilence, tempest, and earthquake. He who is to the transgressors of His law a devouring fire, is to His people a safe pavilion.” The Great Controversy, 654.

10 How complete will be the destruction of this system? Revelation 18:21–23. Compare Jeremiah 51:64.

note: “When the voice of God turns the captivity of His people, there is a terrible awakening of those who have lost all in the great conflict of life. While probation continued they were blinded by Satan’s deceptions, and they justified their course of sin. The rich prided themselves upon their superiority to those who were less favored; but they had obtained their riches by violation of the law of God. They had neglected to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to deal justly, and to love mercy. They had sought to exalt themselves and to obtain the homage of their fellow creatures. Now they are stripped of all that made them great and are left destitute and defenseless. They look with terror upon the destruction of the idols which they preferred before their Maker. They have sold their souls for earthly riches and enjoyments, and have not sought to become rich toward God. The result is, their lives are a failure; their pleasures are now turned to gall, their treasures to corruption. The gain of a lifetime is swept away in a moment. The rich bemoan the destruction of their grand houses, the scattering of their gold and silver. But their lamentations are silenced by the fear that they themselves are to perish with their idols.

“The wicked are filled with regret, not because of their sinful neglect of God and their fellow men, but because God has conquered. They lament that the result is what it is; but they do not repent of their wickedness. They would leave no means untried to conquer if they could.” The Great Controversy, 654.

11 What does this judgment discover in her? Revelation 18:24.

note: “Those who have once been convicted of the truth, but have resisted the Holy Spirit’s influence, walk and work in co-partnership with Satan, the first apostate. Blinded by the sophistry of him who was once found in the heavenly courts, they join his ranks. The apostle Paul, speaking of this says, ‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.’ [1 Timothy 4:1, 2.] Those who have turned away from a plain, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ will be blinded in a superstitious faith in every kind of apostasy, and will be led into that terrible iniquity which God’s word represents as being drunken with the blood of the saints.” Review and Herald, August 31, 1897.

12 Describe the heavenly rejoicing over Babylon’s downfall. Revelation 19:1–6.

note: “Satan’s work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God’s creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. ‘The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing.’ Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. ‘The voice of a great multitude,’ ‘as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,’ is heard, saying: ‘Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.’ Revelation 19:6.” The Great Controversy, 673.

These lessons are adapted from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1918.

Bible Study Guides – The 2300 Days

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October 23, 2004 – October 29, 2004

Memory Verse

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, 697–699; The Great Controversy, 324–328.

Introduction

“As Jesus died on Calvary, He cried, ‘It is finished,’ and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that the services of the earthly sanctuary were forever finished, and that God would no more meet with the priests in their earthly temple, to accept their sacrifices. The blood of Jesus was then shed, which was to be offered by Himself in the heavenly sanctuary. As the priest entered the most holy once a year to cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation, and thus to cleanse the sanctuary.” Early Writings, 253.

1 At the conclusion of Daniel’s prayer, in the ninth chapter of Daniel, who again appeared to him? Daniel 9:20, 21. For what reason does Gabriel tell Daniel he has returned? Verse 22.

note: “God had bidden His messenger: ‘Make this man to understand the vision.’ That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying: ‘I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding;’ ‘therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.’ Daniel 8:27, 16; 9:22, 23, 25-27.” The Great Controversy, 325.

2 When does Gabriel tell Daniel he had received the commandment to come to his assistance? Daniel 9:23. For what does he again say he has now come? What vision does he tell Daniel to consider? Daniel 8:26.

note: “There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time.” The Great Controversy, 325.

3 How much of the 2300 days does Gabriel say was to be allotted to Daniel’s people, the Jews? Daniel 9:24, first part.

note: “The word here translated ‘determined’ literally signifies ‘cut off.’ Seventy weeks, representing 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem.” The Great Controversy, 326.

4 What event does the angel say would mark the beginning of this great prophetic period? Daniel 9:25.

note: “The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of b.c. 457. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25–27.” The Faith I Live By, 208.

5 How many years from that event does the angel say would reach to Messiah, the Prince? Daniel 9:25.

note: “The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of b.c. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of a.d. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In a.d. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

6 What three decrees constitute “the command to restore and to build Jerusalem”? Ezra 6:14.

note: “Since it takes the commandments of Cyrus (b.c. 536—
Ezra 1), of Darius (b.c. 519—Ezra 6), and of Artaxerxes (b.c. 457—Ezra 7) to constitute ‘the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem,’ it is apparent that we must date from the last one, since the ‘commandment’ was not complete until Artaxerxes’ decree was issued.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 16.

7 Read carefully Ezra 7:11–28. What is the date of this royal commandment to restore and build Jerusalem?

note: “In the seventh chapter of Ezra the decree is found. Verses 12–26. In its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 b.c.” The Great Controversy, 326.

8 Beginning in the autumn b.c. 457, 483 years extend to the baptism or anointing of Messiah the Prince, in the autumn of a.d. 27 (Mark 1:10). How much remained, then, of the period allotted to the Jewish people? What was to take place during that remaining time? Daniel 9:26, 27.

note: “In the midst of this last seven-year period, or week, just three and a half years from the autumn of a.d. 27, when Jesus was anointed the Christ at His baptism, He was crucified (the spring of a.d. 31), thus causing the sacrifices to cease.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 16.

9 In what year did the 70 weeks, or 490 years, allotted to the Jews end, and when did the gospel go to the Gentiles? Acts 8:1–5, 25.

note: “The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, a.d. 34.” The Faith I Live By, 208.

10 Beginning in the autumn of b.c. 457, when must the whole period of 2300 years terminate?

note: “Thus far every specification of the prophecies is strikingly fulfilled, and the beginning of the seventy weeks is fixed beyond question at 457 b.c., and their expiration in a.d. 34. From this data there is no difficulty in finding the termination of the 2300 days. The seventy weeks—490 days—having been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 days remaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From a.d. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844.” The Great Controversy, 328.

11 What event was looked for in the autumn of 1844? Daniel 8:14.

note: “Under the Mosaic system the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the great Day of Atonement, occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month (Leviticus 16:29–34), when the high priest, having made an atonement for all Israel, and thus removed their sins from the sanctuary, came forth and blessed the people. So it was believed that Christ, our great High Priest, would appear to purify the earth by the destruction of sin and sinners, and to bless His waiting people with immortality. The tenth day of the seventh month, the great Day of Atonement, the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, which in the year 1844 fell upon the twenty-second of October, was regarded as the time of the Lord’s coming. This was in harmony with the proofs already presented that the 2300 days would terminate in the autumn, and the conclusion seemed irresistible.” The Great Controversy, 400.

“The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith was the declaration: ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ Daniel 8:14. These had been familiar words to all believers in the Lord’s soon coming. By the lips of thousands was this prophecy repeated as the watchword of their faith. All felt that upon the events therein foretold depended their brightest expectations and most cherished hopes. These prophetic days had been shown to terminate in the autumn of 1844. In common with the rest of the Christian world, Adventists then held that the earth, or some portion of it, was the sanctuary. They understood that the cleansing of the sanctuary was the purification of the earth by the fires of the last great day, and that this would take place at the second advent. Hence the conclusion that Christ would return to the earth in 1844.

“But the appointed time had passed, and the Lord had not appeared. The believers knew that God’s word could not fail; their interpretation of the prophecy must be at fault; but where was the mistake?” Ibid., 409.

12 What two events had they confused?

note: “Those who followed in the light of the prophetic word saw that, instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to perform the closing work of atonement, preparatory to His coming. . . .” The Faith I Live By, 284.

“ ‘And, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.’ Daniel 7:13. . . . The coming of Christ here described is not His second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of days in heaven to receive dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, which will be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take place at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies, and there appears in the presence of God . . . to perform the work of investigative judgment, and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits.” Ibid., 209.

These lessons are adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904.

Bible Study Guides – The Vision of Daniel 8

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October 16, 2004 – October 22, 2004

Memory Verse

“Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].” Daniel 8:19.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, 547.

Introduction

“The light that Daniel received from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon come to pass.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 112, 113.

1 When did Daniel have the vision that is recorded in Daniel 8:1?

note: “This vision was given to Daniel in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar, that being the year when Babylon was overthrown.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 13.

2 To what place was Daniel taken in this vision? Daniel 8:2.

note: “Prophets in heavenly vision are often taken to places where the scenes opened up to them are to occur, so that they are living amid the very events predicted by them, even though those events may be thousands of years in the future.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 13.

3 What did the ram symbolize? What was symbolized by the two horns and by the higher one coming up last? Daniel 8:3, 20.

note: “In his previous vision the second kingdom had been represented by a bear which raised itself on one side and had three ribs in its mouth. Both symbols apply to the double nature of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, but the uneven horns of the ram give a more specific description; for while the Median kingdom was the older of the two, the Persian excelled it in strength.” Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 105.

4 In what direction was the Medo-Persian Empire to extend its conquests? To what position did the ram attain? Daniel 8:4.

note: “The Medo-Persian Empire covered much more territory than its predecessor, Babylon. So successful were Persian arms that in the days of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:1) the empire extended from India to Ethiopia, the eastern and southern extremities of the then-known world. A frequent title of the Persian monarch was ‘king of kings’ or ‘king of the countries.’ ” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 840.

5 Of what was the goat a symbol? What was symbolized by the great horn between his eyes? Daniel 8:5, 21.

note: “[The goat is] identified as representing Greece.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 840.

“[The great horn is] a symbol of Alexander the Great, the ‘first king’ of the Greco-Macedonian world empire that was destined to replace the Persian Empire.” Ibid., 845.

6 What was the attitude of this goat toward the ram? What did he do to the two horns of the ram? Daniel 8:7. (Choler means irritation or anger.)

note: “Alexander stands without a rival for the rapidity of his conquests. He was but a young man of twenty when, by the death of his father, Philip of Macedon, he fell heir to a small dominion. He united the Greek states, placed himself at the head of affairs, and led her armies in a series of wonderful victories. In the space of a few short years he was the recognized master of the world.” Haskell, 108.

7 To what position did the goat attain as compared to that of the ram? What happened to the great horn between the eyes of the goat? Daniel 8:8. What came up after this notable horn was broken? What was symbolized by the breaking of the great horn and four others coming up in its place? Verse 22.

note: “It is a fact noted in history that Alexander died in a drunken debauch, at the age of thirty-two years, and at a time when his kingdom was in the very height of its glory and greatness. Thus the kingdom represented by this horn was broken ‘when he was strong.’

“While Alexander lived he made no provision as to who would succeed him in his kingdom. About twenty years after his death it was divided among his four strongest generals. . . . Lysimachus had that portion lying to the north of Palestine, including Thrace, Bithynia, and some smaller provinces of Asia Minor. Ptolemy took that portion to the south, including Egypt, Libya, Arabia, and Palestine. Seleucus took the east,—Syria and all the country to the river Indus. Cassander had Macedon and Greece, lying to the west.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 13, 14.

8 What did the prophet behold as coming forth from one of the four horns of the goat? To what position did this little horn power attain? In what directions were the conquests of the little horn power? Daniel 8:9.

note: “In the division under consideration, the prophet sees a little horn coming forth from one of these divisions. Here is brought to his view the power symbolized by the fourth beast of Daniel seven. In his first vision the fourth beast was so terrible and had such a strange appearance that Daniel asked for a clearer explanation of its work. In this second vision the little horn is not named, but its work as a kingdom is still further portrayed. . . . The accumulated forces of the evil of past ages is concentrated in this rising power, which waxed exceeding great.” Haskell, 109.

9 What characteristics are given of this little horn power by which it may be identified? Daniel 8:9, 24, 25.

note: “Rome extended her territory around the Mediterranean; there was no place where her arms were not victorious. Some of the greatest battles which history records were fought by the Roman armies. . . . Cities which dared resist the power of Rome were blotted out of existence. . . . But aside from the strong central government which was built up by Rome, which brought every other nation to her feet, and made slaves of the noblest of races . . . the great arrogance of Rome was displayed when the nation magnified itself against the host of heaven.” Haskell, 110.

10 What power, in the person of its rulers, stood up against “the Prince of princes,” Jesus Christ? Acts 4:27.

note: “Pilate, Herod, the Roman soldiers, were ignorant of Jesus. They knew not that he was the sent of God. They thought by abusing him to please the priests and rulers. They had not the light so abundantly given to the Jewish nation. They were unacquainted with Old-Testament history. Had they known what the Jews knew, they would not have treated Jesus as cruelly as they did.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 14, 1900.

“In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. About Him are the guard of soldiers, and the hall is fast filling with spectators.” The Desire of Ages, 723.

“When he [Pilate] heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to shift the responsibility of the trial from himself to Herod. He also thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod. And so it proved. The two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Saviour.” Ibid., 728.

11 What subject is introduced in this vision, in addition to the ram, he goat, and little horn? Daniel 8:14.

note: “Such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I [Ellen White] have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell.” Early Writings, 63.

12 As Daniel sought for the meaning of this vision, who appeared to him and what did he say? Daniel 8:15, 19. Why was Gabriel not able to complete his commission to make Daniel understand the vision? Verse 27.

note: “The angel Gabriel, though commanded to make Daniel understand the vision, gave him only a partial explanation. As the terrible persecution to befall the church was unfolded to the prophet’s vision, physical strength gave way. He could endure no more, and the angel left him for a time. Daniel ‘fainted, and was sick certain days.’ ‘And I was astonished at the vision,’ he says, ‘but none understood it.’ [Daniel 8:27.]” The Great Controversy, 325.

These lessons are adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904.

Bible Study Guides – The Papacy and Its Work

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October 9, 2004 – October 15, 2004

Memory Verse

“And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Daniel 7:25.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 51–54, 446; The Story of Redemption, 328–331.

Introduction

“To the very close of time he [little horn of the fourth beast] will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: ‘All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.’ Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church.” The Great Controversy, 579.

1 What was to arise after the ten horns on the fourth beast of Daniel 7? Daniel 7:24, first part.

note: “Judgment came to Rome when these [Germanic] barbarians overran the empire with fire and sword, and the kingdom was divided into ten parts.

“But Roman history did not end with the division. . . . A new power, a power outside the empire is here represented by the little horn.” Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 94.

2 What was this little horn first to subdue? Daniel 7:24, last part.

note: “The three divisions which were plucked up were the Heruli in 493, the Vandals in 534, and the Ostrogoths in 538 a.d. . . . The reason for their overthrow was their adherence to Arianism in opposition to the orthodox Catholic faith.” Haskell, 94, 95.

3 What attitude was this power to assume toward the Most High? Daniel 7:25. What New Testament description do we have of this same power? 11 Thessalonians 2:4.

note: “The papacy has indeed spoken great words against the Most High, by assuming titles and prerogatives which belong only to God. The following are samples of many quotations that might be given:

“ ‘The most holy and most happy, who is the arbiter of heaven and the Lord of the earth, the successor of St. Peter, the anointed of the Lord, the master of the universe, the father of kings, the light of the world.’—Titles assumed by Pope Martin V, in dispatches to his ambassador to Constantinople.

“ ‘The pope is all in all, and above all, so that God Himself and the pope, the vicar of God, are but one consistory.’—Hostiensis Cap., etc.

“ ‘Given in Rome from our palace, the 10th of February, 1817, the xiv jurisdiction of the most holy pontiff and father in Christ, and Lord our God the pope, Leo xii,’ etc.—Conclusion of Dr. Giustianni’s ordination letter.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 10.

4 How were the saints of the Most High to be treated by this power? Daniel 7:25.

note “In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. . . . Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman’s ax. . . . Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity.” The Great Controversy, 54, 55.

5 What blasphemous attempt was to be made by this power against the Law of God? Daniel 7:25.

note: “Q. What is the Third Commandment? [The Douay Version of the Bible has reordered the Ten Commandments, deleting the second and dividing the tenth.]

“A. The Third Commandment is: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day.

“Q. Which is the Sabbath Day?

“A. Saturday is the Sabbath Day.

“Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday?

“A. We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.

“Q. Why did the Catholic Church substitute Sunday for Saturday?

“A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday, because Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles on a Sunday.

“Q. By what authority did the Church substitute Sunday for Saturday?

“A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday by the plenitude of that divine power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon her.

“Q. What does the Third Commandment command?

“A. The Third Commandment commands us to sanctify Sunday as the Lord’s Day. . . .

“Q. What is the Fourth Commandment?

“A. The Fourth Commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother.” Rev. Peter Geiermann, C. SS. R., The Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, B. Herder Book Co., St. Louis, Missouri, 1946, 50, 51.

“The pope has changed the day of rest from the seventh to the first day. He has thought to change the very commandment that was given to cause man to remember his Creator. He has thought to change the greatest commandment in the decalogue and thus make himself equal with God, or even exalt himself above God. The Lord is unchangeable, therefore His law is immutable; but the pope has exalted himself above God, in seeking to change His immutable precepts of holiness, justice, and goodness. He has trampled underfoot God’s sanctified day, and, on his own authority, put in its place one of the six laboring days. The whole nation has followed after the beast, and every week they rob God of His holy time.” Early Writings, 65.

6 How many of the Christian world acknowledge the apparent change in the Law of God? Revelation 13:3.

note: “Protestants now urge that the resurrection of Christ on Sunday made it the Christian Sabbath. But Scripture evidence is lacking. No such honor was given to the day by Christ or His apostles. The observance of Sunday as a Christian institution has its origin in that ‘mystery of lawlessness’ which, even in Paul’s day, had begun its work. Where and when did the Lord adopt this child of the Papacy? What valid reason can be given for a change concerning which the Scriptures are silent?” The Story of Redemption, 330.

“The Lord has clearly defined the road to the city of God; but the great apostate has changed the signpost, setting up a false one—a spurious sabbath. . . . ‘I will exalt myself. The first day shall be extolled, and the Protestant world shall receive this spurious sabbath as genuine. Through the non-observance of the Sabbath God instituted, I will bring His law into contempt. The words, “A sign between me and you throughout your generations,” I will make to serve on the side of my sabbath. Thus the world will become mine. I will be ruler of the earth, prince of the world. I will so control the minds under my power that God’s Sabbath shall be an object of contempt. A sign? I will make the observance of the seventh day a sign of disloyalty to the authorities of earth. Human laws shall be made so stringent that men and women will not dare to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. For fear of wanting food and clothing, they will join with the world in transgressing God’s law; and the earth will be wholly under my dominion.’

“The man of sin has instituted a false sabbath, and the professed Christian world has adopted this child of the papacy, refusing to obey God. Thus Satan leads men and women in a direction opposite to the city of refuge; and by the multitudes who follow him, it is demonstrated that Adam and Eve are not the only ones who have accepted the words of the wily foe.

“The enemy of all good has turned the signpost round, so that it points to the path of disobedience as the path of happiness. He has insulted Jehovah by refusing to obey a ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ He has thought to change times and laws.” Review and Herald, April 17, 1900.

7 For what time would the little horn power have dominion over the saints, times, and laws of the Most High? Daniel 7:25, last part.

note: “The periods . . . ‘forty and two months,’ and ‘a thousand two hundred and threescore days’—are the same, alike representing the time in which the church of Christ was to suffer oppression from Rome. The 1260 years of papal supremacy began in a.d. 538, and would therefore terminate in 1798. At that time a French army entered Rome and made the pope a prisoner, and he died in exile. Though a new pope was soon afterward elected, the papal hierarchy has never since been able to wield the power which it before possessed.” The Great Controversy, 266.

8 How long will it be before this power will be consumed? Daniel 7:26. Compare 11 Thessalonians 2:8.

note: “Babylon fell because she imputed her power unto the gods. Of the fourth beast Daniel says, ‘I beheld till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.’ [Daniel 7:11.] Thus at the end, instead of being conquered by some other power arising on earth, this one goes into the lake of fire. [Revelation 19:20.]” Haskell, 102.

9 How will the fate of this fourth beast differ from that of the three that preceded it? Daniel 7:11, 12.

note: “The other beasts which represent kingdoms, had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a time and a season; that is, they were merged into the succeeding kingdom. But not so with the fourth kingdom; its destruction is complete.” Haskell, 102.

10 Who will then appear upon the scene as the rightful ruler of the kingdom that for a time had been usurped by Satan? Daniel 7:27.

note: “My brother, my sister, I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the judgment, that when Christ shall come, to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet him in peace. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and his trophies of victory—those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph will peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts, accompanied by his redeemed ones, the witnesses that his mission of suffering and sacrifice has not been in vain.” Review and Herald, November 23, 1905.

These lessons are adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904.

Bible Study Guides – The History of Nations Foretold

by

October 2, 2004 – October 8, 2004

Memory Verse

“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” Daniel 7:27.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, 547.

Introduction

“As Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While receiving instruction from man in the duties of court life, he was being taught by God to read the mysteries of the future and to record for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events covering the history of this world till the close of time.” Prophets and Kings, 485.

1 When did Daniel have the vision that is recorded in the seventh chapter of Daniel? Daniel 7:1.

note: “This vision was given to Daniel in the first year of the reign of Belshazzar, about 540 b.c. The mere giving of this view bears the strongest testimony to the results of Daniel’s education when a youth, to his steadfastness of purpose, and his growth in spiritual things.” Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 89.

2 What two symbols are used in Daniel 7:2? In prophecy, what do winds symbolize? Isaiah 21:1, 2; Jeremiah 25:32, 33. What are symbolized by the sea or waters? Isaiah 8:7; 17:12, 13; Revelation 17:15; Jeremiah 51:42.

note: “The great kingdoms that have ruled the world were presented to the prophet Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when ‘the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.’ Daniel 7:2. In Revelation 17 an angel explained that waters represent ‘peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.’ Revelation 17:15. Winds are a symbol of strife. The four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which kingdoms have attained to power.” The Great Controversy, 439, 440.

3 What did Daniel behold, as the result of strife and commotion among the nations and peoples of earth? Daniel 7:3.

note: “To Daniel was given a vision of fierce beasts, representing the powers of the earth. But the ensign of the Messiah’s kingdom is a lamb. While earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical power, Christ is to banish every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion. His kingdom was to be established to uplift and ennoble fallen humanity (Letter 32, 1899).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1171.

4 What was symbolized by these four great beasts? Daniel 7:17.

note: “The great kingdoms that have ruled the world obtained their dominion by conquest and revolution, and they were presented to the prophet Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when the ‘four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.’ [Daniel 7:2.]” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 277.

5 What was the first kingdom? Daniel 7:4.

note: “Babylon, the first of these kingdoms, was represented to Nebuchadnezzar as the golden head of the great image. To Daniel the same power appeared as a lion, having eagle’s wings.” Haskell, 90.

6 How does the lion compare with the other beasts of prey? Proverbs 30:30. How does Babylon compare with other nations? Isaiah 13:19. Compare Habakkuk 1:6–10. What other characteristic of Babylon was symbolized by “eagle’s wings”? Deuteronomy 28:49; 11 Samuel 1:23.

note: “Instead of being a protector of men, Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel reveal the secret of Babylon’s fall and of the fall of many another kingdom since the world began.” Education, 176.

“The gratification of unnatural appetite led to the sins that caused the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God ascribes the fall of Babylon to her gluttony and drunkenness. Indulgence of appetite and passion was the foundation of all their sins.” Counsels on Health, 110.

“Before Babylon was known as an independent kingdom, while it was still a subject province of Assyria, Habakkuk, a prophet of Israel, had been given a view of its work which shows the force of the symbol of a lion with eagle’s wings.” Haskell, 90.

7 What change did the prophet see come over this symbol? Daniel 7:4. What change in the kingdom of Babylon was thus indicated? Jeremiah 51:30; Isaiah 21:3, 4.

note: “Toward the close of Daniel’s life great changes were taking place in the land to which, over threescore years before, he and his Hebrew companions had been carried captive. Nebuchadnezzar, ‘the terrible of the nations’ (Ezekiel 28:7), had died, and Babylon, ‘the praise of the whole earth’ (Jeremiah 51:41), had passed under the unwise rule of his successors, and gradual but sure dissolution was resulting.” Prophets and Kings, 522.

8 What two kingdoms united in the conquest and overthrow of Babylon? Isaiah 21:2. [Elam is but another name for Persia.] What was symbolized by the bear raising itself up on one side? What was symbolized by the three ribs in the mouth of the bear? Daniel 7:5.

note: “The marginal reading of verse 5 says, ‘raised up one dominion.’ Darius, the Mede, and Cyrus, the Persian, were associated together in the conquest and overthrow of Babylon. As an act of courtesy on the part of Cyrus, the rulership of the newly-formed kingdom was given to his uncle, Darius. But in a short time the Persian became the ruling element in the kingdom. Thus the dual kingdom represented by the bear is said to have exalted one branch above the other.

“The bear is a bloodthirsty animal, and that bloodthirsty disposition of the Medes and Persians is supposed to have been further stimulated by the overthrow of the three provinces of Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 8.

9 What special characteristic does the leopard possess? Daniel 7:6. What then would be symbolized by four wings added to this swift-footed beast? What is symbolized by the four heads upon the leopard?

note: “The Grecian kingdom, which followed the Medo-Persian, is compared to the sprightliness of a leopard in its natural state. This not being sufficient to represent the rapidity of the conquest of Alexander, the first king, the leopard had on its back four wings of a fowl. It also had four heads, which symbolized the division of Alexander’s empire after his death, when his four generals took his kingdom and dominion was given to them.” Haskell, 92.

10 What is symbolized by the fourth beast? Daniel 7:7, 23, 24, first part. Concerning what did Daniel especially desire further information? Verses 19, 20. What information did he receive? Verse 24.

note: “It is clear from history that the world power succeeding the third prophetic empire was Rome. However, the transition was gradual so that it is impossible to point to a specific event as marking the change.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 823.

“The successive invasions of the Roman Empire by numerous Germanic tribes, and the replacement of the empire by a number of separate states or monarchies, are well established facts of history. . . . The following list is representative: Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Suevi, Alamanni, Anglo-Saxons, Heruli, Lombards, Burgundians. ” Ibid., 826.

11 What did Daniel behold on the part of the power symbolized by the little horn? Daniel 7:21. How long was the oppression of this power to be felt by the saints? Verse 22.

note: “The little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.” The Great Controversy, 439.

“ ‘Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.’ [Revelation 13:5.] . . . The forty and two months are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time,’ three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7,—the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period . . . began with the establishment of the papacy, a. d. 538, and terminated in 1798.” Ibid.

12 What will certainly follow the kingdoms represented by these four beasts? Daniel 7:26, 27.

note: “The kingdom of God’s grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. ‘The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is to be given to ‘the people of the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:27. They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them ‘from the foundation of the world.’ Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 108.

These lessons are adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904.