Daniel (My Judge is God)

We can learn a lot from Daniel regarding time periods. In fact the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has used the words "time" and "times" approximately 85 times in just the book of Daniel itself! When one studies the book of Daniel, one can see that it is not all in order (as in Isaiah). In fact, it appears that in some cases, the same point is re-illustrated or elaborated on somewhere else in the book. I am going to do my best on interpreting much of the book that needs clarification - and yet some of this may need to be clarified again as the light gets brighter! Your help is welcome. Much of it is already commonly known among Jehovah's people and so I do not comment on most of those areas. But if someone accepts the "1914" theory, parts of Daniel are virtually impossible to interpret correctly. If you have any questions on the teaching of 1914, please visit the link that explains why the teaching of 1914 is incorrect.

Personal notes:

1. "Seal up the book until the time of the end" - 12:4
2. Interesting parallels between the kings of the north and south - for Jesus' day and ours
3. As of 9/15/2010, am still a bit "uneasy" about "the copper before the feet" and believe information regarding "the king of the north" needs to be clarified more. However, for the time being, I feel they are good enough. I will revisit these later. - see Daniel 2:39b comments (9/18)
4. For any scriptures that I have not typed in yet please visit the web site for The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Recent Revisions: Daniel 11:33-35 comments (9/3/2010); comments added for the king of the north and south (9/6/2010); see immediate above (9/15); Daniel 8:8-12 comment (9/15); Daniel 4:15-17 comment (9/19); ongoing simplifying (11/8); Daniel 11:31 comment (11/17); Daniel 8:11-13 elaboration of "the constant [feature]" (12/5/2010)

Daniel 1

Daniel 1:17 "And as for these children, the four of them, to them the [true] God gave knowledge and insight in all writing and wisdom; and Daniel himself had understanding in all sorts of visions and dreams."

Daniel 2

Daniel 2:20-23 "Daniel was answering and saying: "Let the name of God become blessed from time indefinite even to time indefinite, for wisdom and mightiness--for they belong to him. and he is changing times and seasons, removing kings and setting up kings, giving wisdom to the wise ones and knowledge to those knowing discernment. He is revealing the deep things and the concealed things, knowing what is in the darkness; and with him the light does dwell."

Daniel 2:39b "..and another kingdom, a third one, of copper, that will rule over the whole earth."

1. I wonder why in this translation, the Hebrew word was translated "copper" when it appears from The Interlinear Bible and The NIV Interlinear Hebrew-English Old Testament that it is supposed to be "bronze" which is an alloy of copper and tin. I personally prefer "bronze".

Daniel 2:31-45 "You, O king, happened to be beholding, and, look! a certain immense image. That image, which was large and the brightness of which was extraordinary, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was dreadful. As regards that image, its head was of good gold, its breasts and its arms were of silver, its belly and its thighs were of copper, its legs were of iron, its feet were partly of iron and partly of molded clay. You kept on looking until a stone was cut out not by hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and of molded clay and crushed them. At that time the iron, the molded clay, the copper, the silver and the gold were, all together, crushed and became like the chaff from the summer threshing floor, and the wind carried them away so that no trace at all was found of them. And as for the stone that struck the image, it became a large mountain and filled the whole earth. (vs.36) "This is the dream, and its interpretation we shall say before the king. You, O king, the king of kings, you to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the might, and the strength and the dignity, and into whose hand he has given, wherever the sons of mankind are dwelling, the beasts of the field and the winged creatures of the heavens, and whom he has made ruler over all of them, you yourself are the head of gold. (vs.39) "And after you there will rise another kingdom inferior to you; and another kingdom, a third one, of copper, that will rule over the whole earth. (vs.40) "And as for the forth kingdom, it will prove to be strong like iron. Forasmuch as iron is crushing and grinding everything else, so, like iron that shatters, it will crush and shatter even all these. (vs.41) "And whereas you beheld the feet and the toes to be partly of molded clay of a potter and partly of iron, the kingdom itself will prove to be divided, but somewhat of the hardness of iron will prove to be in it, forasmuch as you beheld the iron mixed with moist clay. And as for the toes of the feet being partly of iron and partly of molded clay, the kingdom will partly prove to be strong and will partly prove to be fragile. Whereas you beheld iron mixed with moist clay, they will come to be mixed with the offspring of mankind; but they will not prove to be sticking together, this one to that one, just as iron is not mixing with molded clay. (vs.44) "And in those days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite; forasmuch as you beheld that out of the mountain a stone was cut not by hands, and [that] it crushed the iron, the copper, the molded clay, the silver and the gold. The grand God himself has made known to the king what is to occur after this. And the dream is reliable, and the interpretation of it is trustworthy."

1.  I agree with most of the illustration (of the immense image) in the Pay Attention to DANIEL'S PROPHECY book on page 56. However, only the area of the feet should be the described area for America and Britain and I do have my reservations on the date for the "beginning" of the Anglo-American world power - My guess (although I have not had the time to research it much, yet) is that the date should be a time in which America was also established as a "world power" ready to involve itself with world affairs (Not 1763 A.D. as mentioned in the book). Although this happened back in World War 1, many nations did not consider America much of a threat or a "global power-house" even at the start of World War 2. However, by the end of World War 2, it was established - And it was also established that Britain was America's "partner in power". The iron and molded clay in the feet and toes most likely represent characteristics of the dual world power - not necessarily of the rest of the world (as indicated in the book).
2. The word "copper" should be translated "bronze" (see comment for Daniel 2:39b).
3. Regarding the setting up of "a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin", compare Psalms 2:2-4; 110:1; Ezekiel 17:22-24

Daniel 3

Daniel 4

Daniel 4:10-12 - "Now the visions of my head upon my bed I happened to be beholding, and, look! a tree in the midst of the earth, the height of which was immense. The tree grew up and became strong, and its very height finally reached the heavens, and it was visible to the extremity of the whole earth. Its foliage was fair, and its fruit was abundant, and there was food for all on it. Under it the beast of the field would seek shade, and on its boughs the birds of heaven would dwell, and from it all flesh would feed itself."

1. To see how this compares with the tree of "Pharaoh" see the 1914 link.
2. The tree was to be chopped down and kept from growing for seven times (seven years). The lesson to be learned was stated in Daniel 4:17 "By the decree of watchers the thing is, and [by] the saying of holy ones the request is, to the intent that people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind."- See Jehovah's org.. link.

Daniel 4:15-17 "However, LEAVE its rootstock itself in the earth, even with a banding of iron and of copper, among the grass of the field; and with the dew of the heavens let it be wet, and with the beast let its portion be among the vegetation of the earth. Let its heart be changed from that of mankind, and let the heart of a beast be given to it, and let seven times pass over it. By the decree of watchers the thing is, and [by] the saying of holy ones the request is, to the intent that people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind."

1.  Although I disagree with the "1914" theory, these verses might have simple parallels of fulfillment in principle - That is, Jehovah deciding who will rule with Jesus and setting Jesus to be ruler over them - Compare Psalms 110:1; Isaiah 42:1; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Ezekiel 17:22-24; 34:23,24; Daniel 12:1; Zechariah 6:12,13
2.  Seeing that the two bands (or one made of two metals) are made of two metals of the immense image in chapter 2, one could deduce that it was the iron (Rome) ruling over God's people when the Messiah proved to be worthy - However, he was to sit at Jehovah's right hand until the appointed time - This is a possibility in principle only because the tree represented a king not of God's people.
3.  See also "copper" comment at Daniel 2:39b

Daniel 4:23-26 " 'And because the king beheld a watcher, even a holy one, coming down from the heavens, who was also saying: "CHOP the tree down, and RUIN it. However, LEAVE its rootstock itself in the earth, but with a banding of iron and of copper, among the grass of the field, and with the dew of the heavens let it become wet, and with the beasts of the field let its portion be until seven times themselves pass over it," this is the interpretation, O king, and the decree of the Most High is that which must befall my lord the king. And you they will be driving away from men, and with the beasts of the field your dwelling will come to be, and the vegetation is what they will give even to you to eat just like the bulls; and with the dew of the heavens you yourself will be getting wet, and seven times themselves will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it. (vs.26) " 'And because they said to leave the rootstock of the tree, your kingdom will be sure to you after you know that the heavens are ruling."

1.  Compare "1914" link

Daniel 4:27 "Therefore, O king, may my counsel seem good to you, and remove your own sins by righteousness, and your iniquity by showing mercy to the poor ones. Maybe there will occur a lengthening of your prosperity."

1.  Similar thought with Nineveh repenting thus leading to a lengthening of days for them - Jonah

Daniel 4:29 "At the end of twelve lunar months..."

1. This shows one of Daniel's methods of time tracking (the lunar calendar)

Daniel 4:35 "And all the inhabitants of the earth are being considered as merely nothing, and he is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth. And there exists no one that can check his hand or say to him, 'What have you been doing?' "

1.  The king realized the need for humility because Jehovah decides according to his own will - not because of the will of any human or angel.

Daniel 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, am praising and exalting and glorifying the King of the heavens, because all his works are truth and his ways are justice, and because those who are walking in pride he is able to humiliate."

Daniel 5

Daniel 6

Daniel 7

Daniel chapter 7 covers a time period from Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar was king all the way into the reign of Jesus and includes our day and near future.

Daniel 7:4 "The first one was like a lion and it had the wings of an eagle. I kept on beholding until its wings were plucked out, and it was lifted up from the earth and was made to stand up on two feet just like a man, and there was given to it the heart of a man."

1. This seems to describe king Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 7:5 "And, see there! another beast, a second one, it being like a bear. And on one side it was raised up, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and this is what they were saying to it, 'Get up, eat much flesh.' "

1. This seems to describe Medo-Persia world power

Daniel 7:6 "After this I kept on beholding, and, see there! another [beast], one like a leopard, but it had four wings of a flying creature on its back. And the beast had four heads, and there was given to it rulership indeed."

1. This "leopard" seems to describe Greece alone, in this instance. However, in Daniel 8:5-9 Greece and Rome are depicted to both be part of the same beast which is described as "a male of the goats" - Rome came from one of the four horns of Greece (vs.9).

Daniel 7:7-8 "After this I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! a forth beast, fearsome and terrible and unusually strong. And it had teeth of iron, big ones. It was devouring and crushing, and what was left it was treading down with its feet. And it was something different from all the [other] beasts that were prior to it, and it had ten horns. I kept on considering the horns, and, look! another horn, a small one, came up in among them, and there were three of the first horns that were plucked up from before it. And, look! there were eyes like the eyes of a man in this horn, and there was a mouth speaking grandiose things." - See main comment for these verses below:

1. In light of how many of the symbolic beasts are presented, I believe this represents the current worldwide political system for multiple reasons. It has its roots from the previous beasts. The small horn of this beast has "eyes like the eyes of a man" and "a mouth speaking grandiose things" This is also just before it is judged (Daniel 7:9-12) - This small horn seems to be the king of the north mentioned in Daniel 11:36-39 just before his end and the arrival of Michael (Daniel 12:1) and also part of the Wild beast with 10 horns mentioned at Revelation 13:1b-8. The "three of the first horns that were plucked up from before it" could refer to a near-future action of the king of the north - perhaps this is the time when literal Jerusalem is conquered. (Speculation: If Jerusalem was conquered by the king of the north, it would humiliate the kings of Israel, Britain, and America.) Simply put, this beast is Satan's will expressed through nations against God's people in two different time periods - Satan was given permission to sift Jesus' disciples in the first century and he will do the same in our near future - Compare Revelation 6:9-11 comments
   1. Daniel 7:19-21, 24-26: Notice the further description of the "another horn, a small one". Once it displaces the three horns, it appears "bigger" (vs.20 This may be from the viewpoint from the greatness of its badness toward Jehovah - Jonah 1:2). This horn is part of this "different" beast (7:7; 7:19) Very shortly after it is destroyed (vs.26), the "kingdom and the rulership and the grandeur of the kingdoms under all the heavens" are given to the holy ones (vs.27)
   2. Daniel 7:21,22: This "very" horn makes war upon the holy ones and was depicted as "prevailing against them" just before judgment was given in favor to the holy ones. See Daniel 11:21-45. This action against the holy ones does not necessarily start in the "time of [the] end" (Daniel 11:40) but could start a little before it - That is, a little while before the the conquering of Jerusalem (see Daniel 11).
   3. Daniel 7:21: This "small horn" which is also depicted as a king of the north in the time of [the] end (just before Jesus begins ruling) is not the same as the king of the north mentioned at Daniel 8:9-12. Although it has similar characteristics. They both started out small and became greater. They both were allowed to act and have success against Jehovah's holy people. And they both capture and/or destroy the literal city Jerusalem (known as "the constant [feature]" in The New World Translation).See Revelation 17 comments)

Daniel 7:9-10 "I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing was white just like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a burning fire. There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened."

1.  The word translated here as "Court" is also literally translated "The Judgment" (Ref. footnote). This helps explain why "the horn" (the king of the north for our day) is destroyed in verse 11. It is Judged by Jehovah's "Court" as being unworthy to continue on existing. (Remember the lesson from Daniel 4:17) This happens, most likely, towards the end of the three and a half year period. See also comments on Daniel 11:44-45.
2. This "Ancient of Days" is Jehovah (See Daniel 7:13,14 and compare Daniel 4:17)

Daniel 7:11 "I kept on beholding at that time because of the sound of the grandiose words that the horn was speaking; I kept on beholding until the beast was killed and its body was destroyed and it was given to the burning fire."

1. See comments for verses 7:9-10; 19-20; 11:44-45.

Daniel 7:12 "But as for the rest of the beasts, their rulerships were taken away, and there was a lengthening of life given to them for a time and a season."

1.  I am assuming that this is referring to these beast's descendants from when they were world powers. This is also in agreement with the ones who repent and submit to Christ's kingdom (Psalms 2:12) See also comments on Daniel 12:11-12. In other words, this is most likely speaking of those kings and people who repent and submit to Jesus' kingdom when he arrives in power and they are allowed to continue living (See Jonah). This happens at the beginning of the 1,336 day period. This is part of the beginning of the Judgment "day". See Revelation 14:14-20 comments. The time that they had to repent is taken from the 45 day period just prior to this period.

Daniel 7:13-14 "I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

1. This describes in detail Jesus receiving rulership from Jehovah and with that authority received he "stands up" when he is ready to exercise that authority upon the earth - Daniel 12:1. See Revelation 5:5-10; Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:1-5,10; Jeremiah 23:2-6; 33:15; Ezekiel 17:22-24; 34:23-30; 37:15-25; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12,13
2. Concerning "with the clouds of the heavens" - compare Matthew 24:27
3. Concerning "And to him there were given rulership...", compare Psalms 110:1

Daniel 7:17-18 "" 'As for these huge beasts, because they are four, there are four kings that will stand up from the earth. But the holy ones of the Supreme One will receive the kingdom, and they will take possession of the kingdom for time indefinite, even for time indefinite upon times indefinite.' "

1.  Any remaining of any kingdoms will pass their glory and submission to "the holy ones of the Supreme One". This starts when Michael stands up - See Daniel 12:1 comments

Daniel 7:19-20 "Then it was that I desired to make certain concerning the fourth beast, which proved to be different from all the others, extraordinarily fearsome, the teeth of which were of iron and the claws of which were of copper, which was devouring [and] crushing, and which was treading down even what was left with its feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other [horn] that came up and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking grandiose things and the appearance of which was bigger than that of its fellows."

1. Describes the "different" forth beast - See comments for verses 7-8. In addition, the "horn" that was seen "speaking grandiose things" is a reflection of the beast's attitude that it is a part of. See comments for Revelation 13:16,17; 16:14; 17:12-13. It also helps to identify it as the king of the north for our time - See comments Daniel 11:36-39. This horn apparently became bigger and, I believe is talking about the horn in verse 8. That fits well with "and he will carry on deception and actually come up and become mighty by means of a little nation." (See Daniel 11:23 comments)

Daniel 7:21 "I kept on beholding when that very horn made war upon the holy ones, and it was prevailing against them, "

1. This is not "Har-Magedon" - The "holy ones" mentioned here are the second group of witnesses to be fully put to the test and "conquer" Satan's kingdom as Jesus did - See Revelation 17:14

Daniel 7:22 " until the Ancient of Days came and judgment itself was given in favor of the holy ones of the Supreme One, and the definite time arrived that the holy ones took possession of the kingdom itself."

1. The "judgment" most likely occurs once they "come to life" (During the 45 day period) and are accepted and forgiven by Jehovah (Revelation 11 "two witnesses"). Then it shows that "the definite time arrived that the holy ones took possession of the kingdom itself" - This is the time period of and after "Har-Magedon" (Revelation 16:13-16) when Michael stands up (Daniel 12).
2. Compare Zechariah 3:1-10 to see how it is Jehovah who makes the decisions on who will rule with Jesus. This account deals with the first group of the "two witnesses" mentioned in Revelation 11:1.

Daniel 7:23 "This is what he said, 'As for the fourth beast, there is a fourth kingdom that will come to be on the earth, that will be different from all the [other] kingdoms; and it will devour all the earth and will trample it down and crush it."

1. Compare comments from Daniel 7:7
2. This "it will devour all the earth and will trample it down and crush it." phrase is interesting - See comments for Daniel 7:7,8. Also, this beast is a reflection of Satan's attitude toward man's salvation - See the Why Satan link.

Daniel 7:24-25 "And as for the ten horns, out of that kingdom there are ten kings that will rise up; and still another one will rise up after them, and he himself will be different from the first ones, and three kings he will humiliate. And he will speak even words against the Most High, and he will harass continually the holy ones themselves of the Supreme One. And he will intend to change times and law, and they will be given into his hand for a time, and times and half a time."

1. This seems to be an elaboration of Daniel 7:19-20 and it tells us the time period of the three and a half times. Compare Revelation 11:1,2

Daniel 7:26 "And the Court itself proceeded to sit, and his own rulership they finally took away, in order to annihilate [him] and to destroy [him] totally."

1. See Daniel 7:9-10 comments. This king of the north is judged and comes "to his end" (Daniel 11:45)

Daniel 7:27 " 'And the kingdom and the rulership and the grandeur of the kingdoms under all the heavens were given to the people who are the holy ones of the Supreme One. Their kingdom is an indefinitely lasting kingdom, and all the rulerships will serve and obey even them.' "

1. See Revelation 11:15 comments.

Daniel 8

Daniel 8:1-27 This is a vision of Daniel of two beasts. The first one represents Media and Persia. The second beast represents Greece and Rome. It is the effects of this second beast that Jesus warned his disciples about in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. These effects were to last longer the beast itself!

1. Daniel 8:8-12
   1. Daniel 8:10 Speaking about Rome; "And it kept getting greater all the way to the army of the heavens, so that it caused some of the army and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it went trampling them down." - Nineveh of old - in Jonah's day was considered "a city great to God" (Jonah 1:2; 3:3) This term can also be rendered "extremely great" or "divinely great" (Ref. bible footnote) - This does not mean it did good things. It just meant it drew his attention. Same thing with Pharaoh depicted as a great tree "high in stature, so that it put its treetop even among the clouds.." (Ezekiel 31:10). The term "stars" reminds me of the "stars" mentioned in Revelation 1:20 namely the older men or spiritual leaders of the congregations (Revelation 2:1).
2. Daniel 8:11,12,13 all use the term "the constant [feature]". The ref. footnote for this term in verse 11 states: "Or, 'the continual [sacrifice],' .." // This helps to identify this "feature" as Jerusalem when one compares 1 Chronicles 23:31 where it is talking about Levite duties in Jerusalem; "and for every offering up of the burnt sacrifices to Jehovah at the sabbaths, at the new moons and at the festival seasons, by number according to the rule concerning them, constantly before Jehovah." (Highlights mine) Compare also where worship is continuous at Numbers 4:16; 29:6 (below); Zechariah 14:7-9; Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5; and the points immediately below. Keep in mind that the brackets "[  ]" include a word that has been interjected by the translator to "assist" in clarity of thought.
   1. The Hebrew word translated as "constant" is "tamiyd" (#8548) by the Abingdon's Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible and it is defined as: "from an unused root mean. to stretch; prop. continuance (as indef. extension); but used only (attributively as adj.) constant (or adv. constantly); ellipt. the regular (daily) sacrifice:- away (-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, ([n]) ever (-more), perpetual."
   2. There are only 7 places where this word is used in the bible: (highlights mine)
      1. Daniel 8:11 "And all the way to the Prince of the army it put on great airs, and from him the constant [feature] was taken away, and the established place of his sanctuary was thrown down."
      2. Daniel 8:12 "And an army itself was gradually given over, together with the constant [feature], because of transgression; and it kept throwing truth to the earth, and it acted and had success."
      3. Daniel 8:13 "And I got to hear a certain holy one speaking, and another holy one proceeded to say to the particular one who was speaking: "How long will the vision be of the constant [feature] and of the transgression causing desolation, to make both [the] holy place and [the] army things to trample on?"
      4. Daniel 11:31 "And there will be arms that will stand up, proceeding from him; and they will actually profane the sanctuary, the fortress, and remove the constant [feature]."
      5. Daniel 12:11 "And from the time that the constant [feature] has been removed and there has been a placing of the disgusting thing that is causing desolation, there will be one thousand two hundred and ninety days."
      6. Numbers 4:16 "And the oversight of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is over the oil of the luminary and the perfumed incense and the constant grain offering and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle and all that is in it, namely, the holy place and its utensils."
      7. Numbers 29:6 "aside from the monthly burnt offering and its grain offering and the constant burnt offering and its grain offering, together with their drink offerings, according to the regular procedure for them, as a restful odor, an offering made by fire to Jehovah."
   3. The Interlinear Bible translates the word as "continual" in Numbers 4:16; 29:6; "daily" in Daniel 8:11,12; "regular" in Daniel 8:13; 11:31; 12:11
   4. When comparing all the information above including 1 Chronicles 23:31; Zechariah 14:7-9; Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5, "the constant [feature]" or "the continual [sacrifice]" are referring to Jerusalem - Literal or Spiritual. In these cases, the term "the continual [feature]"; "the continual [sacrifice]"; "the regular [sacrifice]"; "the daily [sacrifice]" refer to a location that can be identified throughout the centuries. It does not matter if the people in Jerusalem are "God's people" at the time - See the "Who are God's people today?" site page. This idea is also used in Daniel 11:31; 12:11
3. Daniel 8:12 "And an army itself was gradually given over, together with the constant [feature], because of transgression; and it kept throwing truth to the earth, and it acted and had great success."
   1.  This reminds me of the statement of Jesus when he told his disciples that "Satan has demanded to have YOU men to sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31) - Satan used his authority to the furthest extent possible and he gradually had a certain success.
   2.  It is also interesting how this was allowed to happen in part due to "because of transgression". - "Transgression" (#6588) is defined (Strong's) as: a "rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass" - I am leaning to believe that this is talking to the Jewish religious system but it could involve all parties (the army and the "transgression causing desolation" in verse 13 which is the "small horn" that "grew very much greater" (Rome -vs.9). - It is hard to decipher because they (original languages) did not use commas back then and they were added later.
4. Daniel 8:13,14 "...'How long will the vision be of the constant [feature] and of the transgression causing desolation, to make both [the] holy place and [the] army things to trample on?' So he said to me: 'Until two thousand three hundred evenings [and] mornings; and [the] holy place will certainly be brought into its right condition.' "
   1. Simply put, this "transgression causing desolation" was the hairy he-goat in this vision. It was a "horn" (Rome) of this beast that persecuted God's people. This beast's conquest had its beginning in 334 BCE and the effects of putting the holy place in the "wrong" condition ended in June 1967 at the end of the "6 day war" where Israel captured and controlled all of Jerusalem. See "1914"
      1. Regarding Jerusalem today: The borders are larger then what they were in the first century. Actually, the walls of Jerusalem from the first century seem to have resided entirely in what is known as "East Jerusalem" today and was captured by Israel in the 1967 "six day" war. Although it is good to note that the term "East Jerusalem" has different definitions. So, if one was to just view the geographical location of the original city from the first century, one could say that Israel did not have any of  it since 70 CE. along with their army - with both being "trampled on" until 1967.
   2.  See the "1914" page and videos for further details.
5. Daniel 8:17:b "Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end."
   1.  The Emphasized Bible: "that < to the time of the end > belongeth the vision".
   2.  NIV Interlinear: "that the vision concerns the time of the end".
   3.  King James Version: "for at the time of the end shall be the vision"
   4.  This is in reference to the events in verses 8 thru 14. It could refer to the time of the end of this vision and / or the time of the end defined as the time period just before Jesus standing up and / or the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in the first century. In either case, the end of the vision here is, in my interpretation, the year 1967 - See 1914 link. The time between the end of this vision and the next destruction or conquering of Jerusalem is not made evident that I know of. Some might speculate that it is 45 years from 1967 till 2012 and that this might be a possibility. However, the theory is very week. The starting of the three and a half year time period could start today. It would be dangerous to put faith in a week theory - that is what happened with 1914. And what would happen if someone put too much faith in 2012 and it came before then? - Or perhaps after 2012? The important thing to remember that Daniel says that those knowing their God will prevail. So, we should be alert and watch for the sign of Jerusalem being captured or conquered from the action of the "arms" of the king of the north. - Those events together are the beginning of the 1,290 days (Daniel 12:11,12)
6. Daniel 8:20-22 ( ) Helps identify Rome as described in verses 23 - 25 ( ). Notice how this king of the north has a different end then for the one in our day (Daniel 11:21-45). Verse25 states: "but it will be without hand that he will be broken." This is the same king of the north described in Daniel 11:9-20. Notice how it describes his downfall in the end of verse 20: "he will be broken, but not in anger nor in warfare." Rome also has similar actions as the king of the north of our day. Especially is this so in actions to bring the holy people to ruin using deception, and boastfulness. Sure does sound like Satan and it is from the fact that Satan controls the nations - to the furthest extent possible to destroy the righteous seed.
7. Daniel 8:23-25 Rome (as part of the he-goat) acts and prevails against God's people and destroys Jerusalem that represented the location of "continual sacrifice".
   1. Notice "but it will be without hand that he will be broken" - this represents the fading away of the "horn" and its beast that it was a part of. Rome basically "faded away".

Daniel 9

Daniel 9:27b "And upon the wing of disgusting things there will be the one causing desolation; and until an extermination, the very thing decided upon will go pouring out also upon the one lying desolate."

1. The NIV renders this passage as: "And on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
2. The rendering varies from translation to translation. However, the important thing is to identify this "abomination that causes desolation" in Jesus' day (see prior verses). This would be Rome. And it is this "abomination" that Jesus is referring to that causes the trampling of Jerusalem in Luke 21:24. Compare Daniel 8:23-25 and "1914 videos".

Daniel 10

Daniel 11

Daniel 11 Talks about kings and starts off with identifying the king of Greece, Alexander the Great in verses 3 and 4.

1. It appears that verses 9 thru 20 are somewhat repeated in some areas but the king of the north here is Rome and the king of the south is the Jewish nation with its "strong position"(vs.12), "a city with fortifications"(vs.15) being Jerusalem. It is very likely that Jesus was referring (along with Daniel 8) to this area in Daniel when he was talking to his disciples about difficult times to come (Mathew 24; Luke 21). But Jesus was probably also referring to similar actions of the king of the north in our day (vs.21-45). See also the "1914" link.
2.  I have had a difficult time deciding who verses 21 thru 24 was referring to. Was it Rome or the king of the north for our day? It was not too easy because they have the same mindset - being directed by Satan. What makes this hard too is in verse 22 "the Leader of [the] covenant" seems to refer to Jesus. However, the NIV interlinear words it as "a prince", the Emphasized Bible "the prince of a covenant". This could refer directly or indirectly to Jesus (Matthew 25:40). But after much studying, I believe verses 21-24 refer to the king of the north for our day. Verse 23 seems to be referring to verse 32. Also, If one "works backwards" in the timeline in Daniel, one realizes that the king of the north of our day destroys (or conquers) literal Jerusalem. // Daniel 11:23 uses the term "by means of a little nation" - the Ref. footnote: or "fewness of a nation" - This could be referring to the trampling upon God's people - His badness "reaching to God" or becoming "great to God") as the city of Nineveh did (Jonah)- (see Daniel 7:20)- And verse 23 does appear to be referring to verse 22. 
3. Also, there is a difference between the ending of the king of the north for our day (vs.45) and the ending of the king of the north of early Christian times (vs.20). There is also a difference with the kings of the south. In verse 10, it mentions the king of the south goes back to this fortress (Jerusalem) and it does not mention that the king of the south (back then) had a large army as it does for the king of the south for our day (vs.25 "...and the king of the south, for his part, will excite himself for the war with an exceedingly great and mighty military force."
4. With the above taken into consideration, I believe that verses 21 thru 24 are talking about the kings of the north and south for our day. And also that verses 25 thru 45 elaborates on verses 21 thru 24. The critical identification of a point in time (for us) is when the king of the north destroys or conquers Jerusalem (vs.31). - See comments on Daniel 7:19-20.
5. Notice in verse 27 how it seems that diplomacy occurs but in untruth.
6. Notice verse 28 shows that the king of the north goes back to his land with "a great amount of goods" - much different then the king of the north in early Christian  times. This is also done after diplomacy (vs.27). This verse also shows how the king of the north's determination is against the holy ones - Along with the wild beast's determination mentioned in Revelation 13.
7. It seems that starting with verse 30b "And he..." thru verse 31, this is an elaboration of verse 28.
8. Verses 29-30 shows another war campaign of the king of the north but that "he will have to become dejected" -see vs.30b comments.
9. Verse 31 - For a detailed description of  the "arms that will stand up, proceeding from him" see the 1,290 day page
10. Verse 31 - The "constant [feature]" is "removed" - Jerusalem is destroyed or conquered by the king of the north. - See also the "1914" page; 1,290 days. This "constant [feature]" is also translated "continual [sacrifice]" - See Jeremiah 33:18; Daniel 8:11-13; 12:11
11. Verses 32-39 speaks of actions of the king of the north of our time. Some of these actions could (and I believe they have already have) start before the fall of the present day city of Jerusalem.
12. Verse 32 "And those acting wickedly against [the] covenant" could be anyone who purposefully continues to apostatize by holding on to false scriptural teachings - Perhaps a misguided devotion to brother Russell's teachings. The king of the north will try to "lead" ones into apostasy by "smooth words" - This could be some type of agreement between the king of the north and those who want to hold onto false beliefs or trickery to get God's people to "receive the mark" of the wild beast. The term "smooth words" may denote the settings of a trap or acting with hypocrisy (see vs.34). Notice: Other prophesy denotes that a world-wide ban will take place on God's people. So this warning can apply to all. See Revelation 13:7 comments.
13. Verses 33-35 talk about some of those who have insight and that many will be made to stumble because of them. This very well could be true with the ongoing unscriptural teachings of brother Russell. A cleansing or whitening work of understanding scriptural truths is what is happening. This is part of a separating and preparing work within God's people so they can be measured (Malachi 4:5,6; Matthew 24:9-12; Revelation 21:9-21) Anyone promoting a false teaching as being from God is a false prophet and will need Jehovah to forgive them because they sinned against him - see Zechariah 13:2-6; 3:4; James 5:15
14. Verse 34 "they will be helped with a little help" - See Ezekiel 7:26; 11:16 for possible parallel applications
15. Verse 34 "..and many will certainly join themselves to them by means of smoothness." - The Interlinear Bible translates it this way: "..But many will join them, with hypocrisy." // So here we can see the possibility of government or other spies and/or hypocrites joining themselves to God's people although God's people at this time have endured times of "sackcloth" - Compare Matthew 22:2-14; Revelation 11:2
16. Verse 36-39 shows how the king of the north of our time will "magnify himself" and will give glory "to the god of fortresses" (to "worship" military might) - This is more of a "principle ideal" rather then a location (my guess) and there can be more then one - as with the "king of the south".
17. Verses 40-45 repeats actions mentioned in verses 25-30 but with slightly different information. Notice vs.44-45 "But there will be reports that will disturb him, out of the sunrising and out of the north, and he will certainly go forth in a great rage in order to annihilate and to devote many to destruction .... and he will have to come all the way to his end, and there will be no helper for him." - This could also have been foretold at Isaiah 46:11 referring to Jehovah; "the one calling from the sunrising a bird of prey, from a distant land the man to execute my counsel" Remember Daniel 7:26 when it refers to the king of the north for our day; "And the Court itself proceeded to sit, and his own rulership they finally took away, in order to annihilate [him] and to destroy [him] totally."  - (Speculation: If the king of the north is Russia, (there are other kings of the north - "north" representing types of governments) and if Russia comes up another time against America, Russia would be seriously threatening China's (and perhaps other Eastern government's) best and most relied upon customer. Plus this would be an opportunity for China (and perhaps other Eastern government's) to exalt itself as a world power. China is "out of the sunrising" or the east and it probably will be more then just China. This most likely happens toward the end of the three and a half year time period. However, when someone takes into consideration the comments for Revelation 6:2, this phrase "out of the sunrising" can refer to as: "being given authority by Jehovah" +  "to conquer" - So it is possible that it could be a king(s) authorized by Jehovah to destroy the king of the north - while they themselves are "of the north" - that is, they share similar philosophies.
18. At the defeat of the king of the north, this could be cause for great rejoicing. Possibly, "Peace and security!"

Daniel 12

Daniel 12:1 "And during that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of your people. And there will certainly occur a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time. And during that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book." - This seems to happen very soon after the king of the north is defeated. (Matthew 24:21,22) And after the approximate 45 day period to show repentance. For more information regarding "stand" see the 1,290 days page.

1. Verse 2 - Resurrections start of "many of those asleep in the ground of dust"
2. Verse 3 - "And the ones having insight will shine like the brightness of the expanse; and those who are bringing the many to righteousness, like the stars to time indefinite, even forever."
3. Verse 4 shows us that the words are "sealed up" until the time of the end.
4. Verse 6 The question is asked: "How long will it be to the end of the wonderful things?" The Emphasized Bible: "How long shall be the end of the wonders?" The NIV Interlinear: "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" - The time period is given twice. Once in verse 7; "It will be for an appointed time, appointed times and a half." It continues to say when it ends: "And as soon as there will have been a finishing of the dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces, all these things will come to their finish." Another more accurate time period along with the start time is given in verse 11; "And from the time the constant [feature] has been removed and there has been a placing of the disgusting thing that is causing desolation, there will be one thousand two hundred and ninety days." The reasoning that these are the same time periods is found at the timeline page and the 1,290 day page - (See also the "1914" link) - See also Daniel 8:11-13; 11:31 comments and Jeremiah 33:18. This is a time of great tribulation for God's people and others. Satan is restricted to the earth. Jehovah removes his spirit from "his people" to allow a cleansing and it is at this time that Jesus takes "half" of spiritual Jerusalem into the "wilderness" for three and a-half years. The other "half" will be sealed by the time of the completion of the "dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces". Satan is allowed to test God's people to the limit as he did with the Christians of old. - See also the site page "Who are God's people today?"
5. Verses 9 and 10 are repeat information.
6. Between verses 11 and 12, there are 45 days. This corresponds with a time period at Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 11:11-13 and events in the book of Jonah - See timeline. The very start of this time period (three and a half days) appears to be when the "two witnesses" appear to be "dead" to the nations - They no doubt rejoice due to the "stinging" messages from them. But a great sign is seen and they realize they acted against God's people. They need to repent or die. It could be that most will repent and will turn on Babylon the Great and destroy her (See Revelation 11:11-13 and 14:6-11 comments)
7. Verse 12: "Happy is the one who is keeping in expectation and who arrives at the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days!" - This would be at the end of the 45 day period when Michael begins his rule on earth. For those who do not repent or submit - they are destroyed along with the king of the south (Revelation 16:13-14; 19:11-21) - See timeline. However, great rejoicing occurs with God's people - they will walk in pride (to the glory of Jehovah - Isaiah 45:17). See Revelation 20:6.
8. Verse 13: "And as for you yourself, go toward the end; and you will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days." Daniel was given assurance that although he would die, he would be resurrected.