End-Time Secrets of Daniel 8–12

190 Pages·2015·2.98 MB·English

i
E -T S
ND IME ECRETS

OF
D 8–12
ANIEL

Revised Edition

T G “P ”
HE REAT REFACE

TO THE
B R
OOK OF EVELATION

FRANKLIN S. FOWLER JR., M.D.
Director, Prophecy Research Initiative

Publisher:
Christian Heritage Foundation
P.O. Box 829
Lucerne Valley, California 92356-0829 USA

These conclusions are always subject to progressive understanding.
ii
END-TIME SECRETS OF DANIEL 8–12
Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D.

Copyright © 2005 on by Christian Heritage Foundation

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any elec-
tronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems for any
commercial gain without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer,
who may quote brief passages to illustrate or teach.

Although the author and the publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and
the completeness of the information contained in this book, we assume no responsibility
for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. Any slights to people,
places, or organizations are unintentional.

First Edition, 2005
Printed and bound in the United States of America.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2007922209
ISBN 1-4120-6144-x

Published by the Christian Heritage Foundation
P.O. Box 829, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356 USA
www.endtimeissues.com

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from the King James Version by
Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford ox2 6pd, England; “Containing
the Old and New Testaments translated out of the original tongues and with the former
translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesty’s special command.”

Cover design and layout by Jeanne C. Fowler
iii
A
CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book would not have been possible without the faithful support and
intuitive insights of William and Marjorie Allen, Robert Sochor, Franklin and
Florence Fowler Sr., Raymond and Gail Cress, Kenneth and Olga Fowler,
Douglas and Pamela Stilson, Vonda Stilson, plus the loving and tireless
support of my wife, Jeanne Fowler. To each one, along with a myriad of

others, a forever thanks!
iv
C
ONTENTS

Page
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Chapter 1 – Christ’s Discourse Begins with an End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2 – Important Prophetic Metaphors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 3 – The Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 4 – Two Visions and Two Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 5 – The “End-Time” Declarations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 6 – Strange Animals Represent World Powers – And –
Something Else Far More Important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 7 – The Evil Little Horn – Whence Does It Come? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 8 – The Little Horn Abuses Its Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 9 – The Little Horn’s Sin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 10 – Gabriel Questions Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 11 – Jesus Begins to Answer Gabriel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 12 – Gabriel Introduces End-Time Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Chapter 13 – Daniel Asks Jesus Timing Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 14 – The Three Timed Prophecies of Daniel 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Chapter 15 – Daniel Faints – Then Recognizes His Mistake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Chapter 16 – A Mighty Prayer of Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Chapter 17 – Faster Than the Speed of Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Chapter 18 – An Apocalyptic Allusion Not To Be Missed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Chapter 19 – Timing of the Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chapter 20 – What Heaven Requires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Chapter 21 – God Sets a Date Through a Civil Decree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 22 – The Seventy-Week Prophecy is Broken Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Chapter 23 – Violence Against the Messiah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Chapter 24 – Followers of the “Prince” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chapter 25 – God’s Wrath Expressed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Chapter 26 – That Last Eventful Week. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Chapter 27 – Shortening the Week But Not the Prophecy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Chapter 28 – A Time Gap Predicted Before the 70-Week Prophecy Given . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Chapter 29 – The Ram of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Chapter 30 – Daniel’s Encounter with Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Chapter 31 – Key Secular Leaders During the 490 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Chapter 32 – The Rise of the Papacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Chapter 33 – The “Vile Person” Rises Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Chapter 34 – Pretending to be Like God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Chapter 35 – The Papacy Comes to Its End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
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F
OREWORD

There are many commentaries and details to clarify truth. Highlights of the
prophetic works that address the varied conflict between good and evil are espe-
messages of Daniel. That book, perhaps cially vivid in light of the end of time.
more than any other, is the subject of The first half of the book relates to
amazing diversity of opinion and scholar- God’s sovereign rule over secular pow-
ship. ers. The last half addresses specifically
Some schools of thought conclude God’s sovereign interest in His people,
that this is more of a literary work than a with the desire to see everlasting right-
theological discourse. Others relegate it eousness among them.
to the work of many authors with a lack of Our focus is on Chapters 8–12 and
cohesiveness. Some feel it was written the great themes conveyed to all those
200-300 years later than is generally be- who are written in the “Lamb’s book of
lieved. With such varied views on Daniel, life” (Daniel 12:1). Those chapters are so
its place in the sacred cannon has been crucial to grasp. In fact, heaven was so
compromised. Disappointingly, many ex- concerned that Daniel understand the is-
positors begin interpreting before they sues with precision that Jesus personally
contextually analyze or exegete. visited him three times, presenting some
This book represents only an intro- of the most profound language and
ductory approach to the wonders of Dan- thoughts in all of Scripture.
iel. It is vital to discover the repeated im- Though it’s full of meaning and spans
agery in God’s many contacts with the next 2500 years, the majority of the
Daniel. There is a progressive reinforce- visions and themes relate to the final
ment of thought, continually adding generation to live on this earth.

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I
NTRODUCTION

In Jesus’ day the Pharisees were Truth was never meant to be grasped
sequestered by a narrow base of with cursory study. Saving truth was de-
knowledge, performing ceremonies signed to ever expand before the inquiring
without understanding and filling their mind. This was the burden of the apostle
lives with acts of tradition devoid of Peter, once naive and very satisfied with
meaning.1 This acted to thwart spiritual himself. “Grow in grace and the
growth and create barriers to eternal life. knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Jesus told John that at the end of time Christ” (II Peter 3:18), he admonished.
many who would call themselves com- Continued advancement is required in the
mitted Christians (Laodicea) and feel Christian life.
satisfied with their knowledge would be “The truth is an advancing truth and we
spiritually naked. Its sanctifying power must walk in the increasing light. We must
would never be experienced.2 They have living faith in our hearts, and reach
would be just like those ancient leaders. out for larger knowledge and more ad-
Vast fields of truth yet to be discovered vanced light.”4
were at hand but never seen. Their spir- “Whenever the people of God are
itual capital was spent on valueless growing in grace, they will be constantly
knowledge. Truth would be static and obtaining a clearer understanding of His
not progressive. word. They will discern new light and
Few Christians today go beyond the beauty in its sacred truths. This has been
very first level of Biblical understanding true in the history of the church in all ages,
they had at baptism. Often the path that and thus it will continue to the end.”5
follows is littered with revolving door Truth does not change. Light on truth
opinions from that simplistic basic increases as it advances. Remarkably,
knowledge. new light will also be discerned and beau-
“When God’s people are at ease and ty of old truths will be seen. “The time for
satisfied with their present enlighten- the unfolding of special truth in relation to
ment, we may be sure that He will not the closing scenes of this earth’s history is
favor them. It is His will that they should during the last generations that shall live
be ever moving forward to receive the upon the earth.”6
increased and ever-increasing light When the disciples asked Jesus those
which is shining for them. The present three pivotal questions about the end
attitude of the church is not pleasing to (Matthew 24:3), their minds were to grasp
God. There has come in a self- the great duality of truth between the
confidence that has led them to feel no physical temple and the spiritual temple.
necessity for more truth and greater Before Jesus answered them, He
light.”3 made it clear that correct knowledge was

1 White, Ellen G.; The Desire of Ages, pp. 278- 4 White, Ellen G.; The Review and Herald, March
279. 25, 1890.
2 White, Ellen G.; Faith and Works, p. 82. 5 White, Ellen G.; Gospel Workers, p. 297.
3 White, Ellen G.; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 708- 6 White, Ellen G.; Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 692-
709. 693.
viii
vital to a saving experience for that time. of the great and solemn events which we
“Take heed that no man deceive you” must know as we stand on the very
(Matthew 24:4). Increased light is a bar- threshold of their fulfillment.”10
rier against deception. Does this apply We are also warned regarding the
to prophecy? book of Revelation.
“The prophecies of Daniel and of “The solemn messages that have been
John are to be understood. They inter- given in their order in the Revelation are to
pret each other. They give to the world occupy the first place in the minds of
truths which every one should under- God’s people. Nothing else is to be al-
stand. These prophecies are to be wit- lowed to engross our attention.”11
nesses in the world.”7 Then a warning about Daniel: “Let us
Not only are they to be understood read and study the twelfth chapter of Dan-
but understood so well that they can be iel. It is a warning that we shall all need to
a witness to truth through our teaching. understand before the time of the end.”12
Why? (1903)
“The study of the Revelation directs Was that warning simply that probation
the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, would close and the great time of trouble
and both present most important instruc- would then begin? Was it about three time
tion, given of God to men, concerning prophecies that ended in 1843, as so
events to take place at the close of this many have erroneously concluded? Abso-
world’s history.”8 lutely not! It is the “twelfth chapter” that we
This was penned after 1844. What in are to understand before the end of time.
Revelation speaks of the close of this That chapter is so important, those time
world’s history? Virtually the whole prophecies so vital, Jesus personally ap-
book. What speaks about the very end peared to Daniel to give them. They are to
of time in Daniel? Most messages in be part of the final Loud Cry that will clear-
chapters 8–12. That is why this book ly tell the world in specific terms that time
was written. has almost ceased.
“There is need of much closer study “A message will soon [future to 1906]
of the word of God: especially should be given by God’s appointment that will
Daniel and Revelation have attention as swell into the loud cry. Then Daniel will
never before in the history of our work.”9 stand in his lot to give his testimony.”13
Daniel “bears his testimony, that
which the Lord revealed to him in vision

7 White, Ellen G.; The Seventh-day Adventist 10 White, Ellen G.; Manuscript 32, 1896.
Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 949 (emphasis 11 White, Ellen G.; Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 302
added). (emphasis added).
8 White, Ellen G.; The Great Controversy, p. 12 White, Ellen G.; Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, p.
341 (emphasis added). 228 (1903); Last Day Events, p. 15 (emphasis
9 White, Ellen G.; Testimonies to Ministers, p. added).
112. 13 Ibid., vol. 2, p. 20 (Letter 54, 1906).
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P
REFACE

Standing unique among Old Testa- [Genesis 6:13 (metaphor for the end);
ment books, Daniel is written with predic- Ezekiel 7:2-3, 33:11]. This is in great con-
tive messages that carry one forward to trast to God’s kingdom which will know
the very end of time. That era unequivo- “no end” (Isaiah 9:7).
cally ushers in the kingdom of God in When will God execute judgment?
heaven (2:44; 7:13-14, 27; 8:25; 12:1). Daniel opens to the student exactly when
Daniel portrays a point in time when vic- this will occur. Carefully and progressive-
tory over evil will finally come and God’s ly one can see it is after the 42 prophetic
people will be forever delivered from its months of 7:25, after the 2300 prophetic
heinous influences. atonement years of 8:14 and during the
Most fascinating, this book is written 1260 literal days of 12:7.
in two languages. Chapters 1 through “A wonderful connection is seen be-
2:4a is a historical introduction in He- tween the universe of heaven and this
brew. Chapters 2:4b through 7:28 are in world. The things revealed to Daniel were
Aramaic and describe the succession of afterward complemented by the revela-
nations that were specific challenges to tion made to John on the Isle of Patmos.
God’s people. Finally, chapters 8–12 are These two books should be carefully
once again in Hebrew and outline the fi- studied. Twice Daniel inquired, How long
nal conflict between apostate Christianity shall it be to the end of time? … The
and God’s remnant people. book of Daniel is unsealed in the revela-
It is this latter section of Daniel that is tion to John, and carries us forward to the
the focus of this book. Those Hebraic last scenes of this earth’s history.…
messages present great themes to guide Teach these things.”1
God’s people right at the end of time. It Daniel 8:19, with great precision,
also serves as an introduction to the states that the eth qets will occur at the
whole book of Revelation. The imagery of appointed time or mowed. After many
Jesus in 10:5-8 is a segué into His por- years (at least seven and possibly as
trayal in Revelation 1:12-17. long as nineteen) Jesus personally came
Jesus tied these great truths to the to Daniel and told him when the mowed
end of time in that great eschatological would end. There is no date setting or
discourse, “When ye therefore shall see timed prophecies that lead up to these
the abomination of desolation, spoken of periods. God said that was not for us to
by Daniel the prophet …” (Matthew 24:15 know (Acts 1:7). Daniel is event-driven.
and Mark 13:14). Making sure that this Those events come at the eth qets,
period of earth’s history was fully under- which, when they begin, come within a
stood, Gabriel repeatedly told Daniel that timeframe described in Daniel 12.
those prophesies were for the eth qets, There is a great deal of prejudice and
Hebrew words denoting the end. Qets is bias related to Daniel 8–12 based on
from the root word qasas, meaning “to misapplication of quotations from Ellen
sever.” Eth qets denotes a period when G. White. This book sweeps aside that
the final severance of time will come.

Uniquely, it comes in a judgment context
1 White, Ellen G.; Testimonies to Ministers, pp.
when the finality of all issues occurs
114-115 (emphasis added).
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