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.