Bible Discussion Thread

Ulai, River (1 of 2)

Daniel's vision described in Ch.8 is set about the actual river about which what events are arranged follow the same idea underlying the river of time. (See entry under T-Time, river of)

The emphasis in the vision is however with regards to Israel. Daniel is within the vision while two saints are conversing about events, "How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?" In short desecration of the temple worship under Antiochus IV 'Epiphanes' is the subject matter.

What interests us is the time frame and it is given by the holy one,- meaning the angel (signifying the Spirit of Christ) who supplies the time. "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."(8:14,13).

Compare the period of time mentioned in the vision in Ch.12:12 "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." This tag as employed by the Spirit refers to the earthly ministry of Jesus, -Three and a half, Time, times and a half,42 months etc.;

Hey Bennymkje, wanted to mention, the prophetic "day" is actually a year. We learn this from the 9th chapter of Daniel regarding the 70 "weeks" actually being 490 years. The time, times and half of time, as well as the 42 months, have already happened. It began in 538 AD under emperor Justinian, before he relocated he gave the vatican an army, it was indeed a period of 1,260 years. A time of horrible persecution by the catholic church, in which believers were imprisoned, tortured, burned at the stake, etc. Not being "argumentative" mind you, just a slight correction. The time, times and dividing of time had not happened when it was spoken of to Daniel (of course).. but in Revelation the 42 months, which was the same 1,260 year period was getting closer at hand.

Hello Rainwalker,

Seventy weeks as you have rightly pointed out holds significance and makes 490 years. In terms of history a chronological order is very significant. But here we are talking about the God document where the fulness of Christ is the centre of gravity to which all events move. This historical perspective I can explain from recent history. I was a war child. Having lived through 8 decades living in another continent, yet Stalingrad Siege was a crucial event that drew me in. Papers were full of daily grind house to house combat and twists and turn of the battle. Now in any history book WWII merits a couple of pages I will be surprised if this siege would get even a paragraph. And the exploit of Vassily Zaitsev in Enemy at the gate , in the overall narrative would have fallen through the tiles as it were. There is a distortion. It is thus we need look at time element in the Bible. Jesus Christ, " And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Col.1:17)

Now 70 weeks hold spiritual significance. Seven is a number of completeness. 7x10 is applied to the life of am as 120 years was applied (Ge.6:3) Man's life reckoned in terms of the Gospel and it applies to the Advent of Christ. 70 weeks carry several tasks which are set in frame of reference to the ministry of Jesus. "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."

1) to finish the transgression 2) to make an end of sins. 3) Here we have the ministry of reconciliation,-'to make reconciliation for iniquity, 4)to bring in everlasting righteousness et al.,