Chapter II: Preface

This study of the Book of Daniel is based on the conviction, that its word is in very deed the Word of God. In approaching the subject we have brought to the solution of its problems only such numerals as were known to the ancient Hebrews and to the writers of the New Testament. Numerals that were symbolized in their feasts and were current before times of rejoicing. But towering over all, we have brought God's own standard of time, viz: the sidereal year, which the greatest of modern astronomers Laplace and Herschel tell us has not varied the 1/100 part of a second of time in the last 2000 years. We did so under the conviction that if the Book of Daniel was of human origin, a piece of historic fiction, it could not stand this severe test, yet if it was truly the Word of God it would be found resting on that bed rock, viz:--a year whose length was

365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes and 9-6/10 seconds

a period unknown to the ancients but given to us by modern science. The Book has stood the test and its true character comes out in bold relief.

Without a perfectly fitting key, the tendency of its readers is to treat the Book lightly, call in question its statements and smile at its prophecies. Time, however, vindicates the statements of Daniel and fixes on them the seal of truth. Also, newly-found inscriptions both on rocks and tablets, together with ancient writings composed in those times, bring to confusion adverse criticism.

The Book of Daniel is a most important part of the Word of God, and is set like a gem among jewels. Its words of warning were sounded 600 years before the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. Its prophecies are like mile-stones along the highway of Jewish history, each one bringing the observer nearer to Messiah's kingdom, to that "Great and Notable day of the Lord"--Pentecost of A.D. 33--when the Holy Spirit was manifested to the Jews, also nearer to A.D. 39, the year of the manifestation to the Gentiles. Daniel alone of all the prophets received Divine illumination regarding these dates. They mark the remotest boundary of his book, and therefore bar the way to fanciful conclusions in regard to later times. Read aright, Daniel's words have no uncertain sound, they are definite and exact like the forecast of an astronomer.

Viewed from every standpoint the grand old President of the Chaldean Court had a character of rare beauty and symmetry, that will continue to shine throughout the ages. He will stand in his lot to the end of the days; the noblest example of human courage coupled with unquestioning faith, the typical companion, the nobleman, courtier, seer and Prophet;--A MAN GREATLY BELOVED!

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Introduction by Prof. A. H. Sayce, LL.D. 7
Preface 9

The Book of Daniel, with interpretation.
Part I. Historic Section 17-49
Part II. Prophetic Section 53-85

NOTES.

Notes. Jewish Independence Day 91

A. Darius, or Cyaxares 95
B. The Sum of the Matters 99
C. Days 103
D. Two Thousand and Three Hundred Days 107
E. The Exodus from Persia 113
F. Date of the Crucifixion 115

CHRONOLOGY.

The Birth of Christ. [See accompanying Chart] 121
Years in the Life of Christ 127
Years in the Life of Herod 129
Asmonean Dynasty 131
Reigns of the Chaldean and Medo-Persian Kings 133

THE BOOK OF DANIEL.