Sharon
DANIEL 8:23 KING UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES
Updated: Dec 19, 2022
CHAPTER 23
Satan tried to destroy Christ and when he failed, he tried to destroy His church through the papal power. He failed there too. At the close of time, we are told he will work again to destroy a remnant who keep God’s commandments and have the faith of Jesus Christ. Below we discuss this third application of the prophecy of Daniel 8:23.
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
This verse gives us reason to believe this prophecy not only speaks of the Little Horn power of Daniel 8 but regards the very close of time.
Remember verse 23 expounds on Daniel 8:8-9 in which, when we previously studied those verses, we discovered the “king of fierce countenance” was the Little Horn power.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
Literally, we found in our study that the Little Horn did not come from the direction of east, south or southeast. He came from the north or northwest direction. Spiritually north and west represents an evil power, this is a place of darkness and popularity (see previous chapter on Daniel 8:4). Geographically and literally a kingdom coming out of one of these four would have been from the geographical kingdom of Cassander from the northwest and or from the Lysimachus in the north. Follow the history below to find the origin of what we shall study as the Little Horn power of Daniel 8 coming directly out of Macedonia but more specifically out of Lysimachus, the north, which was also the later site of the capital of the Byzantium Empire or Early Roman Empire whose capital was eventually renamed Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine. Historically, we found that this was the birthplace of the Little Horn power of the Roman Catholic Church.
If we understand Revelation 13:2 which is another parallel prophecy that describes this papal power also as a Leopard-like beast. We can see it is a single power made up symbolically of four descriptors (leopard, bear, lion and dragon). But first it is described as a leopard. Comparing scripture with scripture to understand the symbolism of the leopard, we find it represents the kingdom of Greece in the prophecy of Daniel 7. And so again the Little Horn of Daniel 8 and the Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13 are both traced to Greek ideologic origins.
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/
Furthermore, behind the power of the Leopard-like Beast of Revelation 13 is the Dragon. This reminds us also of the experience of the cross. The powers that placed Christ on the cross were a mixture of state (Roman) and church (Jewish leadership) powers. But ultimately it was the “Dragon” under whose power they worked. Satan, the power of darkness, designed and empowered the whole scheme at the cross (Luke 22:53) and the rise of the Little Horn power (Revelation 13:2). The rejection of the Jewish nation of their promised Messiah took the scheming of Satan. Similarly, the rejection of Christianity by the Roman Catholic church also took the scheming of Satan.
With all this being studied previously, we turn to our current and third prophetic application of Daniel 8:23 at the very close of time.
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
WHEN THE TRANSGRESSORS ARE COME TO FULL
I will start with the phrase, “when the transgressors are come to the full”. This is something that happens frequently throughout history as God repeatedly gives nations a time of probation. But it also happens three major times future to this prophecy given in Daniel 8.
Looking at the “transgressors coming to the full” prior to the giving of this prophecy, we first see it at the flood. Notice the word “filled”. Notice the earth was filled with violence.
Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Genesis-Chapter-6/
Now, looking at this idea of “filling up” in a post-prophetic moment to Daniel 8:23. We find, in Christ’s day, violence again and a full measure.
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-23/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Thessalonians-Chapter-2/
In Christ’s day, by killing Christ and His followers, the Jews filled up their measure of iniquity. The key here again is violence in the form of persecution even to the death.
Just as it happened at the cross and the flood, it happens future. In Revelation 17 we find Babylon the Great, mother of harlots with a full cup of iniquity and fornication in her hands.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-17/
This is a picture of a fornicating church sitting on the power of a beast or state, with a cup full of abominations, fornication, the blood of saints. Here we see violence in the form of persecution and martyrdom of the saints. As we compare Revelation 17:8 with Revelation 13:8 we find that this woman sitting on a beast is a church sitting on a beast or state power being the Little Horn power of Daniel 7 or Daniel 8 or Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13. This beast of Revelation 13 is prophesied of again in Revelation 17:8, where the Bible tells us, after it goes through a resurrection from the bottomless pit, it will eventually go into perdition. This power lives twice.
As applies to the Roman Catholic church / state system, we saw this power come to an end in 1798 when the pope was taken captive and the papal church lost its state power and also its persecuting power.
In other words, we are to see this church/state power wield its authority over the world yet again, fulling prophecy, even at the very close of time. In both chapters of Revelation 13 and 17 we see those, whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, worshipping this church state power not just prior to its first fall but also prior to its last fall from power.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-17/
Revelation 13:8 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.…
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
Soon, once again, the whole world or all nations will be drunk with her wine of fornication. This means the whole world will have filled their cup. The Bible says “her sins” will “have reached to heaven” and from her their cup is “filled.”
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-18/
A KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE AND UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
To be a king of fierce countenance means to be strong, vehement, harsh, greedy, and rough.
FIERCE H5794
ז ʻaz, az; from H5810; strong, vehement, harsh:—fierce, greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H5794&t=KJV
This idea takes us back to the knowledge that this king will be vehement and rough. This is an angry man. At the very close of time, Satan is described this way. But so are the nations and kings he will work through.
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time….
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-12/
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-11/
Daniel 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him (king of the north): therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-11/
The Hebrew word for “understanding” means to discern.
UNDERSTANDING H995
ן bîyn, bene; a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand:—attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H995&t=KJV
DARK SENTENCES H2420
חִידָה chîydâh, khee-daw'; from H2330; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim:—dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H2420&t=KJV
In summary, this ability to understand dark riddles from a king who is fierce or violent, cunning or wise to understand dark mysteries comes from the prince of evil, Satan.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Genesis-Chapter-3/
3 Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:…. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ezekiel-Chapter-28/
There is in the Bible two mysteries, the mystery of godliness and the mystery of iniquity. The mystery of iniquity is the mystery this wicked king of Daniel 8:23 understands. He is empowered by the prince of darkness or the authority/power of darkness to eventually be destroyed by the light of the mystery of godliness or glory of God.
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-22/
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-Chapter-26/
END OF TIME RESURRECTION OF THE MAN OF SIN
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
Just as Daniel is to have a resurrection experience or stand in his lot at the close of time, so this wicked king understanding the Mystery of Iniquity will have a resurrection experience and stand at the close of time as well.
SHALL STAND UP H5975
עָמַד ʻâmad, aw-mad'; a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive):—abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5975/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Remember, the papacy or Little Horn power of Daniel 8 had a falling away first so that his character and identity could be revealed, so that those at the close of time could recognize him. Review the chapter on Daniel 8:11 to understand this. But scripture tells us he will be resurrected. It is for those of us living at the close of time that the historical literal fulfillment of Daniel 8 prophecy matters most. Because of his earlier revealing, we are to recognize the Little Horn power when he is resurrected. He will have the same characteristics as before.
The Bible tells us that he (the abomination of desolation) will stand in the holy place. To refresh your mind regarding the abomination of desolation as equivalent to the persecuting power of the man of sin which causes Christ to leave His sanctuary desolate, review chapter 13 on Daniel 8:13. Only the true High Priest, which is Jesus Christ, is to stand before the throne of God for us. There is salvation in no other name but Jesus Christ. He ever liveth to make intercession for us.
Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-24/
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Mark-Chapter-13/
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Thessalonians-Chapter-2/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-Chapter-4/
Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-Chapter-7/
Only Christ by His sufferings has been perfected and anointed by God to be our High Priest and to stand in the Holy Place at the throne of God for us.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-Chapter-5/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-Chapter-9/
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-Chapter-7/
Scripture tells us that this wicked prince of Daniel 8:23 will stand up against the Prince of princes. This is a specific reference to his opposition to Christ. Another word for this in New Testament Scripture is antichrist.
Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Thessalonians-Chapter-2/
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-John-Chapter-1
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-John-Chapter-2/
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-John-Chapter-4/
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-Chapter-12/
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.... 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Galatians-Chapter-5/
There is already a theory in the Christian world today that says because we are human it is impossible to overcome our sin. This is true of ourselves. But Jesus came to show us how it is possible. He came and lived as a human. He put His trust in Divine power and the Word of God, the same as we can, to overcome Satan. He chose to follow an “It is written” rather than to listen and obey the suggestions of Satan. If He had failed, we would have no hope. But through the merits and blood of the flesh of Jesus Christ, Who did not fail, we can have forgiveness for sins but also the power of God to change our heart and to live a sinless life. Sin is the whole problem because it destroys; but the Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world and to give us life eternal!
We saw, with the example of Daniel, that it takes strength or power to stand. Just as Daniel had to be strengthened to stand so the Little Horn power must be given power to stand. The Little Horn power or Leopard-like beast had fallen as one with a deadly wound to the head. To stand or be resurrected, he would need power. The Bible says it is the Lamb-like beast which represents a Christ-like nation who will give him power. The protestant reformers were a part of taking away his power because they decided to trust the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and the Word of God only, as their rule of faith. In this way the Leopard like beast received his deadly wound. When Christian nations give this trust up, they empower the Leopard-like beast to have a resurrection. They give him his life back.
In prophecy Satan used “the man of sin” within the church and government to accomplish his purposes. At the very close of time, Satan through the image of the beast will stand. The image of the beast will demand to be worshipped and will pretend to be Christ in His holy place as our intercessor at the throne of God. We are warned about it. He will appear as an angel of light, claiming worship, the same as he did to Christ. He will fascinate the senses as Satan once did with Eve.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-13/
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-17/
He will say what Satan said to Christ long ago. And our response needs to be that of Christ.
Matthew 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-4/
Jesus both by example and by warning tells us, regarding the close of time, this will be a time of great tribulation. And Christ warns us not to go out to see any false Christs or false prophets.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-24/
If we take a look at the whole chapter of Revelation 12 and understand it we can see how Satan tried to destroy Michael (Christ) but lost; we can see how he tried to destroy the church of God (the woman) but lost; and we can see that at the very close of time he specifically directs his efforts against a remnant of the woman’s seed who still keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ. Satan is opposed to the government of God. Satan is Antichrist working through the Man of Sin!
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-12/
We are told and warned in Revelation 14 not to give up the practice of keeping His commandments or our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-14/
There is coming a time when the nations of the earth will complete their probation by drinking a full cup of the wine of Babylon. This means they will accept papal doctrines and partake in the violent persecution of the true followers of Christ.
How will this happen? The papacy or church/state power that once ruled the world will be resurrected to again wield its authority against God, Christ, truth, and the laws of God and the true church of God. The papacy will be powered to life by the hand of apostate Protestants who no longer hold the Bible and the Bible only as their rule of faith. Instead, these apostate Protestants will grasp the hand of the Papacy and the two powers will unite to form a confederacy opposing God. When this happens, the world will wonder after and worship the image of the beast as it says in Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17: This wicked king will appear to stand as the intercessor and high priest before the throne of God in place of Christ, Who is the only true Intercessor and High Priest according to scripture.
This wicked king of Daniel 8:23 will preach the doctrine that Jesus did not live as man and overcome sin by reliance upon Divine Power and obedience to the Word of God. Instead, this Antichrist will dwell upon the divine nature of Christ as His ability to overcome sin while on this earth. He will tell humanity, as he did Eve long ago, that they shall be as god’s knowing good and evil if they will but bow down and worship him. And those not written in the Lamb’s book of life will believe this lie and bow to the image of the beast.
The question is, when this time comes, who will you believe? Will you believe the Bible or the lie? Will you join me friend in kneeling before God, and through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, ask God for the gift of His Divine Power to change your wicked heart and make it like that of Christ? And will you humble yourself in obedience to the Word of God?
CHAPTER SUMMARY
Satan tried to destroy Christ and when he failed, he tried to destroy His church through the papal power. He failed there too. At the close of time, we are told he will work again to destroy a remnant who keep God’s commandments and have the faith of Jesus Christ. In this chapter we discussed the third application of the prophecy of Daniel 8:23. This verse gives us reason to believe this prophecy not only speaks of the Little Horn power of Daniel 8 but regards the very close of time.
Remember verse 23 expounds on Daniel 8:8-9 in which, when we previously studied those verses, we discovered the “king of fierce countenance” was the Little Horn power.
Literally, we found in our previous study that the Little Horn did not come from the direction of east, south or southeast. He came from the north or northwest direction. Spiritually north and west represents an evil power, this is a place of darkness and popularity (see previous chapter on Daniel 8:4). Geographically and literally a kingdom coming out of one of these four would have been from the geographical kingdom of Cassander from the northwest and or from the Lysimachus in the north. Follow the history below to find the origin of what we shall study as the Little Horn power of Daniel 8 coming directly out of Macedonia but more specifically out of Lysimachus, the north, which was also the later site of the capital of the Byzantium Empire or Early Roman Empire whose capital was eventually renamed Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine. Historically, we found that this was the birthplace of the Little Horn power of the Roman Catholic Church.
If we understand Revelation 13:2 which is another parallel prophecy that describes this papal power also as a Leopard-like beast. We can see it is a single power made up symbolically of four descriptors (leopard, bear, lion and dragon). But first it is described as a leopard. Comparing scripture with scripture to understand the symbolism of the leopard, we find it represents the kingdom of Greece in the prophecy of Daniel 7. And so again the Little Horn of Daniel 8 and the Leopard-like
Furthermore, behind the power of the Leopard-like Beast of Revelation 13 is the Dragon. This reminds us also of the experience of the cross. The powers that placed Christ on the cross were a mixture of state (Roman) and church (Jewish leadership) powers. But ultimately it was the “Dragon” under whose power they worked. Satan, the power of darkness, designed and empowered the whole scheme at the cross (Luke 22:53) and the rise of the Little Horn power (Revelation 13:2). The rejection of the Jewish nation of their promised Messiah took the scheming of Satan. Similarly, the rejection of Christianity by the Roman Catholic church also took the scheming of Satan.
With all this being studied previously, we turn to our current and third prophetic application of Daniel 8:23 at the very close of time.
The phrase, “when the transgressors are come to the full” is something that happens frequently throughout history as God repeatedly gives nations a time of probation. But it also happens three major times future to this prophecy given in Daniel 8.
Looking at the “transgressors coming to the full” prior to the giving of this prophecy, we first see it at the flood when the earth was “filled with violence.”
In a post-prophetic moment to Daniel 8:23, we find, in Christ’s day, violence again and a full measure in Matthew 23:32 and 1 Thessalonians 2:16 in regards to when they rejected Christ and killed Him. In Christ’s day, by killing Christ and His followers, the Jews filled up their measure of iniquity. The key here again is violence in the form of persecution even to the death.
Just as it happened at the cross and the flood, it happens future. In Revelation 17 we find Babylon the Great, mother of harlots with a full cup of iniquity and fornication in her hands.
This is a picture of a fornicating church sitting on the power of a beast or state, with a cup full of abominations, fornication, the blood of saints. Here we see violence in the form of persecution and martyrdom of the saints. As we compare Revelation 17:8 with Revelation 13:8 we find that this woman sitting on a beast is a church sitting on a beast or state power being the Little Horn power of Daniel 7 or Daniel 8 or Leopard-like beast of Revelation 13. This beast of Revelation 13 is prophesied of again in Revelation 17:8, where the Bible tells us, after it goes through a resurrection from the bottomless pit, it will eventually go into perdition. This power lives twice.
As applies to the Roman Catholic church / state system, we saw this power come to an end in 1798 when the pope was taken captive and the papal church lost its state power and also its persecuting power.
In other words, we are to see this church/state power wield its authority over the world yet again, fulling prophecy, even at the very close of time. In both chapters of Revelation 13 and 17 we see those, whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, worshipping this church state power not just prior to its first fall but also prior to its last fall from power.
Soon, once again, the whole world or all nations will be drunk with her wine of fornication. This means the whole world will have filled their cup. The Bible says in Revelation 18: 5-6 “her sins” will “have reached to heaven” and from her their cup is “filled.”
To be a king of fierce countenance means to be strong, vehement, harsh, greedy, and rough. This idea takes us back to the knowledge that this king will be vehement and rough. This is an angry man. At the very close of time, Satan is described this way. But so are the nations and kings he will work through.
The Hebrew word for “understanding” means to discern. And the words translated “dark sentences” means dark sayings or riddles. In summary, this ability to understand dark riddles from a king who is fierce or violent, cunning or wise to understand dark mysteries comes from the prince of evil, Satan.
There is in the Bible two mysteries, the mystery of godliness and the mystery of iniquity. The mystery of iniquity is the mystery this wicked king of Daniel 8:23 understands. He is empowered by the prince of darkness or the authority/power of darkness to eventually be destroyed by the light of the mystery of godliness or glory of God.
Just as Daniel is to have a resurrection experience or stand in his lot at the close of time, so this wicked king understanding the Mystery of Iniquity will have a resurrection experience and stand at the close of time as well.
Remember, the papacy or Little Horn power of Daniel 8 had a falling away first so that his character and identity could be revealed, so that those at the close of time could recognize him. Review the chapter on Daniel 8:11 to understand this. But scripture tells us he will be resurrected. It is for those of us living at the close of time that the historical literal fulfillment of Daniel 8 prophecy matters most. Because of his earlier revealing, we are to recognize the Little Horn power when he is resurrected. He will have the same characteristics as before.
The Bible tells us that he (the abomination of desolation) will stand in the holy place. To refresh your mind regarding the abomination of desolation as equivalent to the persecuting power of the man of sin which causes Christ to leave His sanctuary desolate, review chapter 13 on Daniel 8:13. Only the true High Priest, which is Jesus Christ, is to stand before the throne of God for us. There is salvation in no other name but Jesus Christ. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. Only Christ by His sufferings has been perfected and anointed by God to be our High Priest and to stand in the Holy Place at the throne of God for us.
Scripture tells us that this wicked prince of Daniel 8:23 will stand up against the Prince of princes. This is a specific reference to his opposition to Christ. Another word for this in New Testament Scripture is antichrist.
There is already a theory in the Christian world today that says because we are human it is impossible to overcome our sin. This is true of ourselves. But Jesus came to show us how it is possible. He came and lived as a human. He put His trust in Divine power and the Word of God, the same as we can, to overcome Satan. He chose to follow an “It is written” rather than to listen and obey the suggestions of Satan. If He had failed, we would have no hope. But through the merits and blood of the flesh of Jesus Christ, Who did not fail, we can have forgiveness for sins but also the power of God to change our heart and to live a sinless life. Sin is the whole problem because it destroys; but the Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world and to give us life eternal!
We saw, with the example of Daniel, that it takes strength or power to stand. Just as Daniel had to be strengthened to stand so the Little Horn power must be given power to stand. The Little Horn power or Leopard-like beast had fallen as one with a deadly wound to the head. To stand or be resurrected, he would need power. The Bible says it is the Lamb-like beast which represents a Christ-like nation who will give him power. The protestant reformers were a part of taking away his power because they decided to trust the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and the Word of God only, as their rule of faith. In this way the Leopard like beast received his deadly wound. When Christian nations give this trust up, they empower the Leopard-like beast to have a resurrection. They give him his life back.
In prophecy Satan used “the man of sin” within the church and government to accomplish his purposes. At the very close of time, Satan through the image of the beast will stand. The image of the beast will demand to be worshipped and will pretend to be Christ in His holy place as our intercessor at the throne of God. We are warned about it. He will appear as an angel of light, claiming worship, the same as he did to Christ. He will fascinate the senses as Satan once did with Eve.
He will say what Satan said to Christ long ago. And our response needs to be that of Christ when He rebuked Satan with and “It is Written.”
Jesus both by example and by warning tells us, regarding the close of time, this will be a time of great tribulation. And Christ warns us not to go out to see any false Christs or false prophets.
If we take a look at the whole chapter of Revelation 12 and understand it we can see how Satan tried to destroy Michael (Christ) but lost; we can see how he tried to destroy the church of God (the woman) but lost; and we can see that at the very close of time he specifically directs his efforts against a remnant of the woman’s seed who still keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ. Satan is opposed to the government of God. Satan is Antichrist working through the Man of Sin!
We are told and warned in Revelation 14 not to give up the practice of keeping His commandments or our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
There is coming a time when the nations of the earth will complete their probation by drinking a full cup of the wine of Babylon. This means they will accept papal doctrines and partake in the violent persecution of the true followers of Christ.
How will this happen? The papacy or church/state power that once ruled the world will be resurrected to again wield its authority against God, Christ, truth, and the laws of God and the true church of God. The papacy will be powered to life by the hand of apostate Protestants who no longer hold the Bible and the Bible only as their rule of faith. Instead, these apostate Protestants will grasp the hand of the Papacy and the two powers will unite to form a confederacy opposing God. When this happens, the world will wonder after and worship the image of the beast as it says in Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17: This wicked king will appear to stand as the intercessor and high priest before the throne of God in place of Christ, Who is the only true Intercessor and High Priest according to scripture.
This wicked king of Daniel 8:23 will preach the doctrine that Jesus did not live as man and overcome sin by reliance upon Divine Power and obedience to the Word of God. Instead, this Antichrist will dwell upon the divine nature of Christ as His ability to overcome sin while on this earth. He will tell humanity, as he did Eve long ago, that they shall be as god’s knowing good and evil if they will but bow down and worship him. And those not written in the Lamb’s book of life will believe this lie and bow to the image of the beast.
The question is, when this time comes, who will you believe? Will you believe the Bible or the lie? Will you join me friend in kneeling before God, and through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, ask God for the gift of His Divine Power to change your wicked heart and make it like that of Christ? And will you humble yourself in obedience to the Word of God?