I trust you enjoyed
your Revelation reading assignment of chapters 21 and 22. Now let us continue
to the next phase of study.
Our study will continue
in the book of Revelation, however, I want to start us off in the Book of
Daniel. They are really “sister books of prophecy”. Therefore, if you are ever
stuck, regarding your understanding, with either of these books, go to the
opposite book and see if you can’t find an answer or at least some clues there.
In a former post,
sometime ago, I referenced Revelation 13:1-2. When we read this text of
scripture, we see a great deal of history, political activity, along with
present and future movements. This text of scripture is power packed, with a
plethora of topics that spin off of each other. You will have to do some
investigating on your own here, in order to gain a fuller understanding;
because for me to totally explain all of this to you, from the historical
perspective called for, would necessitate my writing a book, within my blog.
Therefore, I shall make
seven factual statements and if you’ll take the time to look up the biblical
references and compare them with the historical facts, you will find them to be
quite accurate. I’m listing the first two today.
Also, I encourage you
to read the two chapters, hyperlinked below, in the book of Daniel. These are
background chapters to understanding the Revelation
13:1-2 text. Pay close attention to
what I’m saying about these two chapters. Take notes, if you must, but they are
key points with which to familiarize yourself.
1.
In the book of Daniel, an Old Testament
book, chapters 2
and 7
pertain to four major world empires. In chapter 2, these empires were assigned
metallic value - Babylon (gold), Medo-Persia (Silver), Greece (Bronze) and Rome
(Iron); this last kingdom would divide into 10 kingdoms. This is important to
remember.
2. In chapter 7, they are assigned
beastlike characteristics to describe each power: Babylon (Lion), Medo-Persia
(Bear), Greece (Leopard) and Rome (terrible beast) – it has iron teeth and bronze
claws. Beasts in prophecy symbolize kingdoms.
That’s pretty
interesting stuff, isn’t it? Well, if you enjoyed that, just wait until the
next post. Until then – Bye