Sharon
Oct 30, 202241 min
Updated: Dec 20, 2022
CHAPTER 22
During this study of Daniel 8:22 we will look at a third prophetic application of this prophecy regarding the very end of time when the kingdoms of the earth will receive power from the Lamb-like beast to act their part in the drama of the ages.
Daniel 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
We looked already at the literal way Alexander the Great’s kingdom was divided. See the study on Daniel 8 verse 8. It is important to note that literally this horn being broken is the ideology and power represented by the great horn of Greece. In other words the desire of Phillip II and his son’s continued aim to conquer the power of the Medes and Persians and to be king of the world was the horn to be broken. History tells us the great horn of Greece’s king was broken when Alexander, at the height of his power, died and his great empire was divided four ways.
We also looked at the great horn being broken spiritually as it happened to Satan, the spiritual king of Greece (the Gentile world) at the cross. His idea was to be the Prince of this world in the hearts of men. However, at the climax of his power in getting the Jews and Gentile world to place Christ on the cross, his kingdom was literally taken away from him by Christ.
After the cross, it was not long that Satan the dragon worked through a different power described in scripture like a Leopard like beast. The reason this is significant is that this beast is four-in-one power, empowered with power not from itself, just like the four kingdoms of Daniel 8:22. They get their power direct from the dragon.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Here we find a four in one: 1) beast, 2) leopard, 3) bear, 4) lion empowered by the dragon. With these pictures, we are reminded of Daniel 7 where long before the prophesy of Revelation 13 we find the lion, bear and leopard representing the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. In Daniel 7 they are part of the four kings arising from the earth, Rome being the fourth. In the case of the leopard, bear, lion-like beast of Revelation 13 we know from prophecy it was the church state power of the papacy or Roman/Catholic church. It would have the speed and spotted coat of deception of a leopard, it would stomp on other kingdoms and peoples like a bear and roar in pride and power like a lion. They are referred to in Daniel 7 as four kings arising out of the earth.
Daniel 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
In Daniel 7, God shows us the ascent and fall of earthly kingdoms. In Daniel 8, God shows us the picture of His church or temple or sanctuary throughout the ascent and fall of earthly kingdoms or powers. In both chapters the Little Horn power is a church state power or a church fornicating with world government not for love but for power. World government in scripture is called the “kings of the earth”. The false church represented often in the Bible by a fornicating woman, links itself with this world government making a four in one beast power to persecute the true church of God. This power is a combined church/state entity spiritually called Babylon.
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.....
7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-17/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-18/
THIRD APPLICATION OF THE GREAT HORN BEING BROKEN
As we see in both Daniel 7 and Daniel 8 and Revelation 13, this Little Horn church state power, also represented by a four in one leopard, bear, lion, dragon empowered beast, quickly and deceptively became great and literally stomped upon God’s church for 1260 years. In blasphemy (taking the place of God) and pride it spake even as the voice of God or a roaring lion. But then, by the Protestant Reformation it was wounded to death by the Sword of the Spirit or the Word of God.
Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Revelation 13:14 …. saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
In other words, in case you did not catch it, we have already seen the great Little Horn on the head of the Leopard-like beast spiritually broken through the Sword of the Spirit during the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant moto was the sword of the spirit or “sola scriptura”, the Bible and the Bible only as their rule of faith.
THIRD APPLICATION OF THE FOUR KINGDOMS
But just before the end, this four in one Leopard-like beast rises to power again. Satan, through the “image” of this beast, rises to power once more. Imagine the Leopard-like beast looking into a mirror and seeing his own image. He does not rise to power through Satan or even his own Leopard-like beast’s power but through the power of the Lamb-like beast which the Bible says has power to give life to the Image of the Beast. See what the Bible says will happen.
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Now look at Daniel 8:22
Daniel 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
The Image of the Beast would look like the Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13:2 with its leopard, bear, lion, beast qualities. It would be empowered by the Lamb-like beast.
Before we talk about that, we need to review our previous study on Daniel 8 verse 8. Spiritually, we learned that the great noteable horn of Daniel 8:5 which is the power of Satan’s opposing revelation or compact or agreement with the world is broken but replaced with four horns or powers with the same ideology.
In the case of the four noteable horns we have the kings of the earth or powers of the earth coming together or confederating in an agreement, vision, revelation or compact or covenant relationship with the great horn power of the king of the Gentile world or spiritually, an agreement with Satan. The covenant is with Satan, even though he is working through the powers of the earth. There are many warnings in scripture against such a covenant or agreement. See Isaiah 28:15-18; Isaiah 8:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:11 &12; Revelation 17:12-17; Revelation 13:11-15.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Isaiah-Chapter-28/
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Isaiah-Chapter-8/
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Thessalonians-Chapter-2/
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-17/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
To summarize, the four horns or four winds of Daniel 8:8 continue to have the same He-goat spiritual thinking or appearance or revelation or covenant or agreement (noteable horn) between their eyes to challenge the two powers provided by the Medes and the Persians including freedom of worship of the true God and freedom to have a government under God (the two horns of the Ram in Daniel 8 or the Lamb-like beast of Revelation 13).
Power which is the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events” is represented by horns in the Bible and also by wind.
In Daniel 8:8 the four horns also are described as the four “winds” of heaven. In the Bible the word “wind” is the same word translated “spirit.” See H7307 in the Strong’s Concordance.
When the Bible talks of winds of heaven in reference to evil winds it is talking spiritually of the lower, darker, sinful atmosphere of the realm of this world. Not of the life-giving atmosphere of heaven where God dwells. Instead, the visible arch of the sky of this world spiritually represents powers of an earthly or destructive nature (Revelation 7:1-3).
These four horns are four powers described as spirits OR winds which take the place of the great horn but which still are thinking similarly to the way the He-goat’s great horn thought. That is, in a forceful, destructive but also deceptive, freedom limiting way.
Daniel 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
Remember Satan is referred to as the “prince of the power of the air”. But he is not allowed to just destroy at his leisure. As we shall see, he is only allowed to destroy with the permission of God.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-Chapter-2/
Spiritually thinking these horns in Daniel 8 which are described also as the four winds of the atmosphere of this earth represent powers or blowing winds of an earthly or destructive nature, the four winds of the earthly atmosphere.
Notice that in Daniel 8:22 these four winds are also referred to as four kingdoms.
.
Daniel 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
Reviewing our study of Daniel 8, we see them at 3 different time periods in Bible prophecy the first time being their literal kingdoms in Daniel 7; the second time in the prophecy of the Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13:1-10; and the third time as the “image” of the beast in Revelation 13:11-15. The second and third times we see them they are world powers fornicating with a woman or church. This makes them church/state powers vying for the power that comes from being worshipped. They have power or the ability to influence the world.
In Daniel 8:8, spiritually, we are looking at the four winds of the earth, with an origin related to the He-goat which is spiritually the devil himself. It is the same with the Leopard-like beast and Image of the Beast found in Revelation 13.
Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
These four winds of the earth are out to destroy. They are the same spiritual winds found in Revelation 7.
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds (powers) of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-7/
God literally spends a lot of time restraining the winds or powers of the earth that would hurt or destroy it. However, though the winds receive their power from the dragon (Revelation 13:2) they really receive their permission from God because it is He who authorizes the four angels holding the four winds of the earth to finally let go.
BUT NOT IN HIS POWER
Daniel 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
The phrase “but not in his power” is significant in prophecy regarding the four winds of the earth as seen in Revelation 7:1. The reason is that these winds have been restrained and must be released to do their work of destruction. This act of God releasing these winds allows the devil to operate through them more freely. Without the restraint of God, the devil is free to empower the four winds of the earth.
Revelation 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-6/
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-7/
These verses at first glance may not look like they are related, but closer inspection reveals they are. Revelation 6:8 above talks about the “fourth part of the earth” and Revelation 7:1 is about the “four corners (quarters) of the earth”. The fourth part = 1/4th= a quarter or corner.
Revelation 6:8 tells us “power was given unto them”. And Revelation 7:1 tells us the four winds of the earth are being restrained from blowing. In other words, the four winds of the earth need to be released to be able to do their work of destruction. Revelation 6:8 refers to the “four winds of the earth” as “them”. In both Revelation 6:8 and Revelation 7:1 these winds or “powers of the earth” are out to destroy or kill. When they kill, we find out they use “sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth”. These are known in the Old Testament as “God’s four sore judgments”. But these judgments are not executed by God. Instead, God stops restraining, then men reap the results of their choices and resulting four sore judgements (evil) He has been preserving them from.
Psalms 78:49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.
50 He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-Chapter-78/
Ezekiel 14:21 For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast? https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ezekiel-Chapter-14/
You can do your own study on the origin of these judgments from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
When Christ was counseling the disciples regarding the end of the world, He spoke of these four judgments as the beginning of sorrows.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-24/
These judgments are allowed by God to draw His people back to Him. He simply releases the four winds of the earth allowing His people to experience what they have been asking for by their actions. They appear to want a different ruler than God. They worship Satan by not keeping God’s commandments. They refuse God though He has lovingly protected them and given them every opportunity to repent and turn to Him and live. God, not willing that any should perish but hoping that this experience will teach them the character of Satan versus God first allows only one thing at a time to chasten them (Ezekiel 14:12-23).
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ezekiel-Chapter-14/
But finally, God will give them up to their own desires and will fully release the winds of the earth to do their destructive work and the seven last plagues fall. Leviticus 26:18,21,24,28; Revelation 15:1.
Leviticus 26:14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;
23 And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;
29 And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.
38 And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Leviticus-Chapter-26/
Revelation 15: 1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-15/
But Jesus said when these four sore judgments are first noticeable, these would be the beginning of sorrows. Then He went on to warn of a time of persecution; of false prophets and false Christs showing great signs and wonders; and of the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. Matthew 24:9-27. When God begins releasing the four winds of the earth, the devil gets busier on a political level also. He is also released to empower the powers or kings of the earth. He enables the Lamb-like beast to exercise all the power of the Leopard-like beast before him. This means the Lamb-like beast will be given power to influence all the nations of the world.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
The devil empowers the Leopard-like beast to work with the Lamb-like beast to do miracles to deceive the people.
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
The devil empowers the Lamb-like beast to give its power and life to the image of the beast that the image of the beast should speak. If we look at how the beast spoke before we find he speaks blasphemously or as though he were in the place of God.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Then the devil empowers the Lamb-like beast to give its power and life to the image of the beast that the image of the beast should cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
As we can see by Daniel 12, it is God’s design that His church should ever advance in purity and light and knowledge until we come to the full measure of Christ (Ephesians 4). To Daniel was given a vision of fierce beasts, representing the powers of the earth. But the standard of the Messiah’s kingdom is a lamb. Earthly kingdoms may rule by increasing their physical power, but the kingdom of Christ is not of this world and is not ruled by earthly weapons of war or coercion. Instead, His kingdom is built upon the Rock Jesus Christ, who in submission to the will of God, laid down His life for us.
In the last two centuries we have seen two world wars, kingdom rising against kingdom. As I write, China is building its instruments of war in the Pacific; Russia is bullying the Ukraine and both are warring; but still God is holding the four winds of heaven until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the Powers of earth will come call their forces for the last great battle. These signs Jesus told us to watch tell us that we have only a short time left before we permanently decide for or against God. We should be examining ourselves earnestly. We need to be eating our Daily Bread being the Word of God and drinking the blood of the Righteousness of Christ, the Son of God. We need to live the Word. By beholding, we shall be changed into His image. His Word will be our character. Once sealed, nothing can separate a living Christian from the living God.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-Chapter-8/
In the books of heaven, a register of all deeds are written, good and bad. Though we are not saved by a register of our good deeds, humanity is to be held accountable for destruction to God’s creation. But God is longsuffering not willing that any should perish. He has His agencies through which the gospel is going to the world. When, by His power, the gospel is preached to the whole world and everyone has had a chance to decide for or against God, then shall the end come. Then God will visit the transgressions of the world with a rod. He will allow the destructive powers of the earth to destroy.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-20/
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Peter-Chapter-3/
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-24/
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-Chapter-2/
In the past couple centuries, we have seen many prophecies fulfilled and which are fulfilling. Events are being fulfilled which it was declared should shortly precede the Day of the Lord. Today everything in the world is being shaken. People and nations are angry and eager for conflict, and great preparation and deadly instruments of war are being made. Those who have not the Spirit of truth are uniting under the leadership of Satan. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble such as never was. But while forces are mustering for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold back the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The Lord is a refuge for His people who put their trust in Him. He tells them hide in Him for a little moment, until the indignation shall be overpast. He is soon to come out of His place to punish the world for its iniquity. Then the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Isaiah-Chapter-26/
BONUS STUDY:
Revelation 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-6/
Here we find the fourth beast, which is the Flying Eagle which is one of the Living Creatures which surrounds God’s throne (Revelation 4) telling us to come and see the pale horse whose rider is Death and Hell follows with him. Power is given unto them over the 4th part (1/4th or a quarter or corner) of the earth to kill with God’s four sore judgments. We should pick up and take note because here we find a warning regarding what we have been studying concerning the powers of this earth.
-Death and Hell following or in other words people will make up their minds and will die without another chance to choose God forever remaining separated from Him.
-We find power given to them to kill or destroy or an evil destructive wind.
-We find the four corners of the earth representing the powers or kings of the earth making this of consequence to the whole world.
-We find God’s four sore judgements being the sword, hunger (famine), death (pestilence) and beasts (nations at war).
To best understand the meaning of this scripture we should study the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt where we find the 4th beast of Revelation 6:7 above, the Flying Eagle, one of the Living Creatures surrounding the throne of God hard at work.
During the Flying Eagle’s deliverance of God’s people from Egypt (Exodus 19:4), and during the 10th plague, God’s people were passed over by the angel of death (Isaiah 31:5) because of the blood painted upon their doorpost representing the blood of the Lamb. So, in these last days of earth’s history, God’s people will place themselves under the Seal of God or the righteous blood of the Lamb, the sign of His death for them (the sign of the cross). By accepting His death they enter His rest, putting their faith totally in the righteousness of the Son of God represented by the sign of the Sabbath (Hebrews 3 &4). This leads to an acting faith, a faith that will follow the Lamb of God withersoever He goeth, even to the cross (Revelation 7:3; 14:1,4). The Sabbath is the eternal and finishing sign of God’s creative (Genesis 2:1,2) redemptive (John 19:30,31), and life changing or sanctifying (Ezekiel 20:12) power. The Sabbath is the seal of God on His law and on His creation. It tells us Who created us and the world. It shows the authority of God over the earth. Exodus 20:8-11. We are told to remember the Sabbath, found in the heart of the ten commandments by the act of setting the 7th day aside to worship our Creator.
However, we are told in the end of time, the Little Horn power will work to change times and laws (Daniel 7:25). On pain of death, the world will be required to worship the Image of the Beast (Revelation 13:15). Everyone, by the threat to life, will be compelled to receive the mark of the beast in the hand or forehead. (Revelation 13:16). This mark is in exact opposition to the seal of God. And in contrast to the seal of God, it also has the character of its originator, the man of sin.
Whereas the seal of God, His Sabbath rest, representing His death in our place, delivers us body and mind from the bonds of Satan and sin (Romans 6:6&7; Hebrews 10:22). The Mark of the Beast, ordered with a threat to kill, and withhold life giving food, gives no freedom of conscience.
Whereas the Mark of the Beast represents the moral character of the man of sin. (Genesis 6:5; Col. 1:21; Romans 8:5-7). The Seal of God represents the moral character of the Man of righteousness. (Revelation 14:1; Exodus 34:5-7).
Whereas the Seal of God, His image and superscription written in our hearts and mind, shows that we belong to God; the mark of the beast shows Satan’s superscription and image written in the heart revealing they have chosen Satan to be their ruler over God. (Matthew 22:20,21).
Whereas those receiving the Seal of God will trust in God’s word, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:9-12), those who receive the mark substitute tradition for the law of God and will trust their own works to save themselves. (Matthew 15:3-9).
God does everything for a purpose, and just like the plagues were a signal to the Egyptians and Israelites to come out of Egypt to worship and serve the true God in His holy mountain, so God’s destructive judgements will be a call to the world at the close of time to come out of the Babylon and worship and serve the true God. (Exodus 3:12). They need not do it on their own efforts but by faith in the blood of the Lamb. The Flying Eagle will deliver them.
Who will you worship?
CHAPTER SUMMARY
During this study of Daniel 8:22 we looked at a third prophetic application of this prophecy regarding the very end of time when the kingdoms of the earth will receive power from the Lamb-like beast to act their part in the drama of the ages.
We reviewed the literal way Alexander the Great’s kingdom was divided understanding that literally this notable horn being broken is the ideology and power represented by the great horn of Greece being the desire of Phillip II and his son’s continued aim to conquer the power of the Medes and Persians and to be king of the world. History tells us the great horn of Greece’s king was broken when Alexander, at the height of his power, died and his great empire was divided four ways.
We also reviewed the great horn being broken spiritually as it happened to Satan, the spiritual king of Greece (the Gentile world) at the cross. His idea was to be the Prince of this world in the hearts of men. However, at the climax of his power in getting the Jews and Gentile world to place Christ on the cross, his kingdom was literally taken away from him by Christ.
After the cross, it was not long that Satan the dragon worked through a different power described in scripture like a Leopard like beast. The reason this is significant is that this beast is four-in-one power, empowered with power not from itself, just like the four kingdoms of Daniel 8:22. They get their power direct from the dragon.
Here we find a four in one: 1) beast, 2) leopard, 3) bear, 4) lion empowered by the dragon. With these pictures, we are reminded of Daniel 7 where long before the prophesy of Revelation 13 we find the lion, bear and leopard representing the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. In Daniel 7 they are part of the four kings arising from the earth, Rome being the fourth. In the case of the leopard, bear, lion-like beast of Revelation 13 we know from prophecy it was the church state power of the papacy or Roman/Catholic church. It would have the speed and spotted coat of deception of a leopard, it would stomp on other kingdoms and peoples like a bear and roar in pride and power like a lion. They are referred to in Daniel 7 as four kings arising out of the earth.
In Daniel 7, God shows us the ascent and fall of earthly kingdoms. In Daniel 8, God shows us the picture of His church or temple or sanctuary throughout the ascent and fall of earthly kingdoms or powers. In both chapters the Little Horn power is a church state power or a church fornicating with world government not for love but for power. World government in scripture is called the “kings of the earth”. The false church represented often in the Bible by a fornicating woman, links itself with this world government making a four in one beast power to persecute the true church of God. This power is a combined church/state entity spiritually called Babylon.
As we see in both Daniel 7 and Daniel 8 and Revelation 13, this Little Horn church state power, also represented by a four in one leopard, bear, lion, dragon empowered beast, quickly and deceptively became great and literally stomped upon God’s church for 1260 years. In blasphemy (taking the place of God) and pride it spake even as the voice of God or a roaring lion. But then, by the Protestant Reformation it was wounded to death by the Sword of the Spirit or the Word of God.
In other words, we have already seen the great Little Horn spiritually broken through the Sword of the Spirit during the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant moto was the sword of the spirit or “sola scriptura”, the Bible and the Bible only as their rule of faith.
THIRD APPLICATION OF THE FOUR KINGDOMS
But just before the end, this four in one Leopard-like beast rises to power for a third time and Satan, the power beneath, through the “image” of this beast, rises to power once more. Imagine the Leopard-like beast looking into a mirror and seeing his own image. He does not rise to power through Satan or even his own Leopard-like beast’s power but through the power of the Lamb-like beast which the Bible says has power to give life to the Image of the Beast.
The Image of the Beast would look like the Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13:2 with its leopard, bear, lion, beast qualities. It would be empowered by the Lamb-like beast.
We reviewed our previous study on Daniel 8 verse 8, spiritually learning that the great noteable horn of Daniel 8:5 which is the power of Satan’s opposing revelation or compact or agreement with the world is broken, but replaced with four horns or powers with the same ideology.
In the case of the four noteable horns we have the kings of the earth or powers of the earth coming together in an agreement, vision, revelation or compact or covenant relationship with the great horn power of the king of the Gentile world or spiritually, an agreement with Satan. The covenant is with Satan, even though he is working through the powers of the earth. There are many warnings in scripture against such a covenant or agreement. See Isaiah 28:15-18; Isaiah 8:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:11 &12; Revelation 17:12-17; Revelation 13:11-15.
To summarize, the four horns or four winds of Daniel 8:8 continue to have the same He-goat spiritual appearance or revelation or covenant or agreement (noteable horn) in their thinking (between their eyes) to challenge the two powers provided by the Medes and the Persians including freedom of worship of the true God and freedom to have a government under God (the two horns of the Ram in Daniel 8 or the Lamb-like beast of Revelation 13).
Power which is the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events” is represented by horns in the Bible and also by wind.
In Daniel 8:8 the four horns also are described as the four “winds” or spirits of heaven.
When the Bible talks of winds of heaven in reference to evil winds it is talking spiritually of the lower, darker, sinful atmosphere of the realm of this world. Not of the life-giving atmosphere of heaven where God dwells. Instead, the visible arch of the sky of this world spiritually represents powers of an earthly or destructive nature (Revelation 7:1-3).
These four horns are four powers described as spirits OR winds which take the place of the great horn but which still are thinking similarly to the way the He-goat’s great horn thought. That is, in a forceful, destructive but also deceptive, freedom limiting way.
Remember Satan is referred to as the “prince of the power of the air”. But he is not allowed to just destroy at his leisure. As we shall see, he is only allowed to destroy with the permission of God.
Spiritually thinking these horns in Daniel 8 which are described also as the four winds of the atmosphere of this earth represent powers or blowing winds of an earthly or destructive nature, the four winds of the earthly atmosphere.
We noted that in Daniel 8:22 these four winds are also referred to as four kingdoms.
Reviewing our study of Daniel 8 and comparing with other scriptures, we see them at 3 different time periods in Bible prophecy; the first time being their literal kingdoms in Daniel 7; the second time in the prophecy of the Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13:1-10; and the third time as the “image” of the beast in Revelation 13:11-15. The second and third times we see them they are world powers fornicating with a woman or church. This makes them church/state powers vying for the power that comes from being worshipped. They have power or the ability to influence the world.
In Daniel 8:8, spiritually, we are looking at the four winds of the earth, with an origin related to the He-goat which is spiritually the devil himself. It is the same with the Leopard-like beast and Image of the Beast found in Revelation 13.
These four winds of the earth are out to destroy. They are the same spiritual winds found in Revelation 7. God literally spends a lot of time restraining the winds or powers of the earth that would hurt or destroy it. However, though the winds receive their power from the dragon (Revelation 13:2) they really receive their permission from God because it is He who authorizes the four angels holding the four winds of the earth to finally let go.
The phrase “but not in his power” is significant in prophecy regarding the four winds of the earth as seen in Revelation 7:1. The reason is that these winds have been restrained and must be released to do their work of destruction. This act of God releasing these winds allows the devil to operate through them more freely. Without the restraint of God, the devil is free to empower the four winds of the earth.
These verses at first glance may not look like they are related, but closer inspection reveals they are. Revelation 6:8 above talks about the “fourth part of the earth” and Revelation 7:1 is about the “four corners (quarters) of the earth”. The fourth part = 1/4th= a quarter or corner.
Revelation 6:8 tells us “power was given unto them”. And Revelation 7:1 tells us the four winds of the earth are being restrained from blowing. In other words, the four winds of the earth need to be released to be able to do their work of destruction. Revelation 6:8 refers to the “four winds of the earth” as “them”. In both Revelation 6:8 and Revelation 7:1 these winds or “powers of the earth” are out to destroy or kill. When they kill, we find out they use “sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth”. These are known in the Old Testament as “God’s four sore judgments”. But these judgments are not executed by God. Instead, God stops restraining, then men reap the results of their choices and resulting four sore judgements (evil) He has been preserving them from.
You can do your own study on the origin of these judgments from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
When Christ was counseling the disciples regarding the end of the world, He spoke of these four judgments as the beginning of sorrows. These judgments are allowed by God to draw His people back to Him. He simply releases the four winds of the earth allowing His people to experience what they have been asking for by their actions. They appear to want a different ruler than God. They worship Satan by not keeping God’s commandments. They refuse God though He has lovingly protected them and given them every opportunity to repent and turn to Him and live. God, not willing that any should perish but hoping that this experience will teach them the character of Satan versus God first allows only one thing at a time to chasten them (Ezekiel 14:12-23).
But finally, God will give them up to their own desires and will fully release the winds of the earth to do their destructive work and the seven last plagues fall. Leviticus 26:18,21,24,28; Revelation 15:1.
But Jesus said when these four sore judgments are noticeable, these would be the beginning of sorrows. Then He went on to warn of a time of persecution; of false prophets and false Christs showing great signs and wonders; and of the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. Matthew 24:9-27. When God begins releasing the four winds of the earth, the devil gets busier on a political level also. He is also released to empower the powers or kings of the earth. He enables the Lamb-like beast to exercise all the power of the Leopard-like beast before him. This means the Lamb-like beast will be given power to influence all the nations of the world.
The devil empowers the Leopard-like beast to work with the Lamb-like beast to do miracles to deceive the people. The devil empowers the Lamb-like beast to give its power and life to the image of the beast that the image of the beast should speak. If we look at how the beast spoke before we find he speaks blasphemously or as though he were in the place of God. Then the devil empowers the Lamb-like beast to give its power and life to the image of the beast that the image of the beast should cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
As we can see by Daniel 12, it is God’s design that His church should ever advance in purity and light and knowledge until we come to the full measure of Christ (Ephesians 4). To Daniel was given a vision of fierce beasts, representing the powers of the earth. But the standard of the Messiah’s kingdom is a lamb. Earthly kingdoms may rule by increasing their physical power, but the kingdom of Christ is not of this world and is not ruled by earthly weapons of war or coercion. Instead, His kingdom is built upon the Rock Jesus Christ, who in submission to the will of God, laid down His life for us.
In the last two centuries we have seen two world wars, kingdom rising against kingdom. As I write, China is building its instruments of war in the Pacific; Russia is bullying the Ukraine and both are warring; but still God is holding the four winds of heaven until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the Powers of earth will come call their forces for the last great battle. These signs Jesus told us to watch tell us that we have only a short time left before we permanently decide for or against God. We should be examining ourselves earnestly. We need to be eating our Daily Bread being the Word of God and drinking the blood of the Righteousness of Christ, the Son of God. We need to live the Word. By beholding, we shall be changed into His image. His Word will be our character. Nothing can separate a living Christian from the living God.
In the books of heaven, a register of all deeds are written, good and bad. Though we are not saved by a register of our good deeds, humanity is to be held accountable for destruction to God’s creation. But God is longsuffering not willing that any should perish. He has His agencies through which the gospel is going to the world. When, by His power, the gospel is preached to the whole world and everyone has had a chance to decide for or against God, then shall the end come. Then God will visit the transgressions of the world with a rod. He will allow the destructive powers of the earth to destroy.
In the past couple centuries, we have seen many prophecies fulfilled and which are fulfilling. Events are being fulfilled which it was declared should shortly precede the Day of the Lord. Today everything in the world is being shaken. People and nations are angry and eager for conflict, and great preparation and deadly instruments of war are being made. Those who have not the Spirit of truth are uniting under the leadership of Satan. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble such as never was. But while forces are mustering for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold back the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The Lord is a refuge for His people who put their trust in Him. He tells them hide in Him for a little moment, until the indignation shall be overpast. He is soon to come out of His place to punish the world for its iniquity. Then the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain (Isaiah 26:20).
In Revelation 6:7-8 we find the fourth beast, which is the Flying Eagle which is one of the Living Creatures which surrounds God’s throne (Revelation 4) telling us to come and see the pale horse whose rider is Death and Hell follows with him. Power is given unto them over the 4th part (1/4th or a quarter or corner) of the earth to kill with God’s four sore judgments. We should pick up and take note because here we find a warning regarding what we have been studying concerning the powers of this earth.
-Death and Hell following or in other words people will make up their minds and will die without another chance to choose God forever remaining separated from Him.
-We find power given to them to kill or destroy or an evil destructive wind.
-We find the four corners of the earth representing the powers or kings of the earth making this of consequence to the whole world.
-We find God’s four sore judgements being the sword, hunger (famine), death (pestilence) and beasts (nations at war).
To best understand the meaning of this scripture we should study the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt where we find the 4th beast of Revelation 6:7 above, the Flying Eagle, one of the Living Creatures surrounding the throne of God hard at work.
During the Flying Eagle’s deliverance of God’s people from Egypt (Exodus 19:4), and during the 10th plague, God’s people were passed over by the angel of death (Isaiah 31:5) because of the blood painted upon their doorpost representing the blood of the Lamb. So, in these last days of earth’s history, God’s people will place themselves under the Seal of God or the righteous blood of the Lamb, the sign of His death for them (the sign of the cross). By accepting His death they enter His rest, putting their faith totally in the righteousness of the Son of God represented by the sign of the Sabbath (Hebrews 3 &4). This leads to an acting faith, a faith that will follow the Lamb of God withersoever He goeth, even to the cross (Revelation 7:3; 14:1,4). The Sabbath is the eternal and finishing sign of God’s creative (Genesis 2:1,2) redemptive (John 19:30,31), and life changing or sanctifying (Ezekiel 20:12) power. The Sabbath is the seal of God on His law and on His creation. It tells us Who created us and the world. It shows the authority of God over the earth. Exodus 20:8-11. We are told to remember the Sabbath, found in the heart of the ten commandments by the act of setting the 7th day aside to worship our Creator.
However, we are told in the end of time, the Little Horn power will work to change times and laws (Daniel 7:25). On pain of death, the world will be required to worship the Image of the Beast (Revelation 13:15). Everyone, by the threat to life, will be compelled to receive the mark of the beast in the hand or forehead. (Revelation 13:16). This mark is in exact opposition to the seal of God. And in contrast to the seal of God, it also has the character of its originator, the man of sin.
Whereas the seal of God, His Sabbath rest, representing His death in our place, delivers us body and mind from the bonds of Satan and sin (Romans 6:6&7; Hebrews 10:22). The Mark of the Beast, ordered with a threat to kill, and withhold life giving food, gives no freedom of conscience.
Whereas the Mark of the Beast represents the moral character of the man of sin. (Genesis 6:5; Col. 1:21; Romans 8:5-7). The Seal of God represents the moral character of the Man of righteousness. (Revelation 14:1; Exodus 34:5-7).
Whereas the Seal of God, His image and superscription written in our hearts and mind, shows that we belong to God; the mark of the beast shows Satan’s superscription and image written in the heart revealing they have chosen Satan to be their ruler over God. (Matthew 22:20,21).
Whereas those receiving the Seal of God will trust in God’s word, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:9-12), those who receive the mark substitute tradition for the law of God and will trust their own works to save themselves. (Matthew 15:3-9).
God does everything for a purpose, and just like the plagues were a signal to the Egyptians and Israelites to come out of Egypt to worship and serve the true God in His holy mountain, so God’s destructive judgements will be a call to the world at the close of time to come out of the Babylon and worship and serve the true God. (Exodus 3:12). They need not do it on their own efforts but by faith in the blood of the Lamb. The Flying Eagle will deliver them.
Who will you worship?