Memo To:
Listeners to ACD’s
Virtual Church
(Phone hookup) on 4-24-99.
From: Gary Arvidson
Date: April 25, 1999
Subject: "...the time of the end..." -- in Daniel 11:40
Item: Presentation Summary for April 24, 1999
Intro: Since detailed information about Da 11:40 was covered so quickly yesterday, I thought it would be best to give the listening audience a summary of the main points outlined in the 15 minute presentation. This was basically a "sermonette." I needed about an hour to do justice to the material. As Ken Westby said: "These findings have been developed over a period of research spanning 10 years." Thousands of hours are involved.
Because the data is so different -- and hence controversial -- I'll need to document the underlying basis for the claims. Hence outlines are helpful because I can't give all the details verbally -- or in a compositional format. So this memo is only a "Quick List" of key points. At least, this summary should help to get the ball rolling toward a more comprehensive outlook for Da 11:36-45. Consider these factors:
#1. The primacy of the texts:
This is the renowned Da 11:40. Along with Mt 24, 2TH2, Rev 11,13 etc., it is the main text for any futuristic explanations about prophetic fulfillment. It is the root and core. Note that.
#2. The material is new and controversial:
Virtually everyone from evangelical scholars to popular televangelists on down holds to a purely futuristic explanation for Da 11:40. My hypothesis presents a fully fulfilled history -- thus making any futuristic explanation impossible -- unless it is based on a typological "secondary" fulfillment (i.e. that is predicated on this history). In short, as will soon become apparent, a historical explanation for Da 11:40 "really upsets the apple cart" of conventional explanations.
#3.
It challenges all preachers who claim Da 11:40 is strictly future:
This is because documentation of solid history is presented in this hypothesis for Da 11:40. There is no way "out."
#4. The implications of the historical fulfillment:
The magnitude of the implications stemming from this explanation should not be underestimated. If we are to think that Da 11:40-43 is "dual," then the historical model forms the SOLE BASIS upon which any upcoming prophetic events must be judged (overlaid). In other words, who is the end-time "king of the north" and "king of the south"? The answer must be based ONLY upon the clear historical fulfillment.
* It has been said that: "he who fails to learn from history, will be forced to repeat it."
* Consequently, it has been said that: "history is a form of prophecy," and that "prophecy is history repeated."
Therefore, what is the answer to the "futuristic" riddle about (1) the prophecy for Da 11:40 -- since it must be based solely on (2) the history for Da 11:40?
#5. It will revolutionize prophecy discussions:
The main problem for strict "futurists" is that now it can be shown that any speculated fulfillment must be based on this clear historical pattern. Hence, the only way Bible teachers can deal with this history is by means of some kind of "latter-day typical fulfillment" explanation that is based on the former "antitype" found in the historical record (i.e. [1] the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, and [2] the conquest of Egypt & seizure of the Ptolemaic Treasure in 30 BC).
The Presentation
Below is the outline of the main points given
Live to ACD’s Phone Church audience on 4-24-99 about "the time of the end" as specified in Da 11:40.
#1. What is the text?
The primary question is about the phrase in Da 11:40 which declares: "the time of the end." In fact, this short phrase is the central focus of the entire 11th chapter of Daniel. Daniel is the only book to espouse the concept of "the time of the end" in those exact words. The 5-word phrase appears just 5-times (Da 8:17, 11:35,40, 12:4,9).
A. Besides those 5-texts, we find 12-phrases that contain similar wording. In Daniel we find an additional 6-phrases like: "in the latter days" (Da 2:28), "in the last end" (Da 8:19), "in the latter time" (Da 8:23), "in the latter days" (Da 10:14), "the end shall be at the time appointed" (Da 11:27), and "at that time" (Da 12:1). You can examine each one.
B. The same underlying principle is found in an additional set of 6-phrases in the NT, such as with: "the end of the world" (Mt 24:3; 13:39,40,49; 28:20; Heb 9:26), "the ends of the world" (1Co 10:11), "the last days" (Ac 2:17; 1Ti 3:1; Heb 5:3; 2Pe 3:3), "the last time" (IPe 1:15; 1Jn 2:18; Jude 18), "the last times" (1Pe 1:20), and "the latter times" (1Ti 4:1).
C. Realize that the apostles thought that "the time of the end" was in their time. According to my hypothesis, they may have been more right than we had previously imagined! !! !!!
Note: The last sentence is based upon the notion of the existence of a 2000-year long "time of the end" that has a beginning (i.e. "the beginning of the time of the end" [apostles day]) -- as well as an ending ("the end of the time of the end" [our day]). As discussed yesterday, this concept helps in dealing with a two-fold explanation for Da 12:1 ([1] AD 70, [2] our day). This was Ken Ryland's main question about the all-critical Da 12:1 (cf. Mt 24:21).
D. We also find expressions like "the last days" and "the latter years" in the OT outside of Daniel, but this is a separate study.
E. Has anything been overlooked?
#2. What is the background?
Scholars believe that a natural break exists between Da 11:36-39 and Da 11:40-45. They also believe that five (5) natural breaks exist within the totality of Da 11. Consider one of the more prominent Bible commentaries. The Expositor's Bible Commentary (Vol.7) divides Daniel 11:1-45 in the following manner:
Five Natural Breaks -- Ch. 11
#1. From the Persian Empire to the Death
of Alexander -- 11:1-4 p.127
#2. The Wars Between the Ptolemies and
the Seleucids -- 11:5-20 p.129
#3. The Great Persecution Under Antiochus
Epiphanes -- 11:21-35 P.135
#4. The Latter-Day Counterpart Persecution
-- 11:36-39 p.143
#5. The Triumph and Fall of Antichrist
-- 11:40-45 p.146
While retaining the above breaks #1, #2, and #3 -- consider the correct interpretation for the texts listed above under items #4, #5. This hypothesis requires that the five (5) categories be expanded to seven (7) categories (this includes items #6 and #7 below).
Seven Natural Breaks -- Ch. 11
#4. Replacement for #4 above:
The Rise and Rule of Herod the Great as
a "Dark David" for 33 years (37 BC) -- 11:36-39
#5. Replacement for #5 above:
The "Deadly Wound" of Rome is Healed
(Actium 31 BC & Alexandria 30 BC) -- 11:40-43
#6. Newly Proposed Break:
Vespasian and The First Jewish War (AD 66-70:
120 years from the dictatorship of Julius) -- 11:44
#7. Newly Proposed Break:
Hadrian and The Second Jewish War
(Bar Kochba Revolt -- AD 132-5) -- 11:45
This new explanation discloses that Daniel 11 is divided into seven (7) natural breaks -- and not five (5). When you add the five (5) natural breaks for Daniel 12 to these seven (7) in Daniel 11 you get a grand total of 12 natural breaks in this critical prophecy. Just imagine -- this longest continuous prophecy in the OT has 12 basic divisions -- and the first seven (7) form a clear division from the five (5) in Chapter 12 (even the translators [& commentators] perceived this major "gap" between Ch.11 & Ch.12).
Then realize that Chapter 12 begins with the most powerful negativity text in all the Bible (Da 12:1 [w/commentary in Mt 24:21]). Those two texts are about the Great Tribulation, otherwise known as "Jacob's Trouble" (Jer 30:7 [cf. Rev 2:22, 7:14]). Jesus said (1) there never was, nor (2) would ever be again, a time like this (Mt 24:21).
Five Natural Breaks -- Ch. 12
Now take a look at the chapter following Da 11. It appears as a major "break." I suspect a "gap." It is curious to note that Da 12 contains five (5) divisions. This concept has been proposed by the Expositor's Bible Commentary. The five (5) divisions of Ch.12 appear under the subtitle of: XII. The Tribulation and Final Triumph of God's People (12:1-13) (Vol.7, p.149). The categories are listed as:
#1. The Great Tribulation -- 12:1 p.149
#2. The Resurrection and Judgment -- 12:2-3 p.151
#3. The Sealed Prophecies -- 12:4 p.153
#4. The Three and One-Half Years -- 12:5-7 p.154
#5. The Final Commission to Daniel -- 12:8-13 p.155
I have a historical outline for the period of AD 66-70 that takes into account the fulfillment of the 1260, 1290, 1335 days. You would probably be surprised by it. Of course, it appears that this is only a type of a greater end-time fulfillment. However, this is not the time to engage some of these new possibilities for Chapter 12.
So, this completes our present discussion on the 12 categories in the "book of truth." In short, the Book of Truth reveals the truth about the 4th beast -- whether it is Phase #1 (Caesar's Day) -- or Phase #2 (Kaisar/Tsar's Day) -- otherwise known as "The Third Rome" scenario.
#3. What is the main issue?
The phrase "the time of the end" in Da 11:40 is assumed by all to be other than the intended meaning. People assume this phrase means:
A. "...the end of time..."
B. "...the time of the end of time..."
C. "...the time of the end of the world..." or
D. -- some other such thing -- but what does it mean?
Who asks the question: "the time of the end of what?" The key words are OF WHAT? Realize that "the time of the end" is not the same as saying "the end of time" -- or "the time of the end of time." That idea is based only on an assumption. I can show that this is not the originally intended meaning. Even by logic, it can be deduced to hypothetically mean something else. This is shown by asking the above question -- OF WHAT? Therefore, I intend to illustrate that the "something else" is the end of the 3rd kingdom.
Who considers the critical notion that the subject -- the 4th beast -- is under discussion -- as well as the concept that this is "the time of the end of the 3rd kingdom" -- and the beginning of the 4th (i.e. the "deadly wound" being healed)? This is logical because, as will be shown, Daniel's primary long-standing question was about the 4th beast. This is what perplexed him the most.
The Battle of Actium in 31 BC settled the contest between Antony and Octavian that had existed since the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. That battle put an end to the 3rd kingdom exactly 300 years to the month (October) since it began (at the battle of Gaugamela [331 BC]). With Egypt's defeat, Herod (replacing Cleopatra) moved into the primary position for a cozy relationship with Rome that equated Judaea as the new "whore" of Revelation which rode the "beast."
Isn't it interesting that the 3rd kingdom lasted exactly 300 years? I think it is some kind of sign -- especially when you consider that the second kingdom lasted about 200 years, and the first about 100 years. Only Rome was "diverse" in that it lasted 508 years (31 BC - AD 476). Da 11:40 describes the Battle of Actium which was at "the time of the end" of the 3rd kingdom (w/Cleopatra's death [she was Alexander's last descendant]). Cleopatra alone of Alexander's successors, had his "spirit." There is so much more that can be added. But, for now, let's see how this scenario begins to come together.
#4. What is the subject?
The subject in Daniel's mind was his most perplexing question. It was about the identity of the 4th beast of Da 7:7. This troubled him. We know this because of the following texts:
A. "...asked him the truth of all this..." -- Da 7:16
B. "...I would know the truth of the fourth beast..." -- Da 7:19
C. "...my cogitations much troubled me...but I kept
the matter in my heart" -- Da 7:28
In short, Daniel was perplexed about the 4th beast. He wanted to know "the truth" (those key words). That truth was not given to Daniel until we get to Da 10, which is the introduction to Da 11.
#5. What is the answer to Daniel's question about the 4th beast?
After a titanic battle between two celestial beings (Da 10:13), Daniel was finally given the information for which he had waited many years.
"Now I am come to make you understand..." (Da 10:14).
Of course, the text goes on to say "...what shall befall your people in the latter days:...," but we must not fail to see the importance of the first eight words of this verse. That is why they stand out in clear relief: "...come to make you understand..."!
The emphasis is that Daniel will now understand the mystery of this most puzzling of all four beasts. According to my hypothesis, the focus will be on the words "the time of the end" in Da 11:40.
This is because, the answer to the question stated as "...the end [of what?])..." is: this is "the time of the end of the 3rd kingdom." That is the answer to the question about the 4th beast that Daniel wanted to know. This is a big problem for prophecy preachers.
Note: In short, the mystery of the 4th beast begins with the "deadly wound" received by Julius Caesar (see Chart: Harmony of the 7 Heads & 10 Horns in the exposition entitled: The Sacred Treasure of the Ptolemies [16pp.]).
At this point, we come to the main texts in Da 10 which deal with Daniel's question about the 4th beast. Daniel is told by the angel:
"...I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth:..." (Da 10:21 [emphasis mine]).
Those words "scripture of truth" are critical to this subject. For more information see ACD's article Jesus The Prophet, Part 2. Daniel wanted to know the truth about the 4th beast (re: Da 7:7,16,19,28). Now in Da 11, he will be told the events leading up to the disclosure of the 4th beast in Da 11:40. The angel says:
"...now will I show you the truth" (Da 11:2 [emphasis mine]).
This verse begins the story that leads to the disclosure of the 4th kingdom in Da 11:40. That is why Da 11:40 is so critical. When Octavian defeated Antony, and then seized the sacred treasure of the Ptolemies in Egypt, it saved the Roman Empire. Interest rates dropped from 12% to 4%. Octavian was able to pay off all his debts -- and then began a massive building program.
The 14-year long "deadly wound" (two 7-year periods) since the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BC was now "healed." This "beast" had a 120-year period from when Julius came to power in 49 BC until the destruction of the Temple and Jewish state under Vespasian. This 120-year period corresponds to Ge 6:3 (cf. Mt 24:37) -- and spans the range of 10 horns (or 7 horns [when deducting Galba, Otho, and Vitellius]).
Da 11:40 tells about the transition from the 3rd kingdom to the 4th. First it was from the decisive defeat of Antony's 600-ship navy in 31 BC, and secondly with the capture of Cleopatra's treasure in 30 BC. It is unfortunate that the movie starring Elizabeth Taylor did not show this most critical of all events. The story about the treasure and its significance was completely deleted from the movie.
Conclusion
Of course other points were made along the way of the 15-minute presentation, but this quick summary gives the listener the main elements of the explanation.
--- Gary Arvidson
P.S. Since space remains, I'll list the 7 explanations for Da 11:36-39 that were disclosed to the Phone Church on 4-24-99. They are:
#1. never fulfilled -- i.e. from Da 11:1
#2. Antiochus IV Epiphanes
#3. Antiochus as a type of Antichrist
#4. Antichrist
#5. Constantine and a succession of popes
#6. Rome (Rashi) -- i.e. Edom = Rome
#7. Herod the Great -- begun: 3-31-89
Note: After reading my 150pp.(1989 copyright) paper, Dr. Charles V. Dorothy said that scenario #7 was "the best explanation on the shelf." Thank you, sir.