Lesson 8 - Cleansed at Last
The Medes and Persians ruled from 539 to 331 B.C. Under Cyrus the Great, the Persian Empire became the dominant of the two powers, fulfilling the prophecy that the higher of the ram’s two horns would come up last (see verse 3).
Alexander the Great, the first king of Greece, aptly fits each detail of this prophecy. When he died at thirty-three years of age, his four generals divided the kingdom among themselves.
The Growth of the Little Horn: Questions 6-7
This little-horn power grows in two directions. It moves geographically, attacking all armies in its path. This power grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land (Palestine). Pagan Rome defeated Greece and rapidly expanded its empire throughout the Mediterranean region. Rome became the single most feared power in the world.
Yet the power described here is not content with merely a political empire. Rome’s political phase gives way to its religious phase. It reaches up to heaven itself to challenge the very government of God.
“The Prince of the Host” is another name for Jesus Christ. This earthly religious power claims equality with the Lord of heaven Himself—the place of God’s sanctuary “was cast down.” Earthly priests substitute their authority for that of Jesus, our heavenly High Priest.
Our True High Priest: Questions 8-13
Any system which rivets our attention on earthly priests in ornate, elaborate, human temples is directing our attention in the wrong direction. Heaven’s invitation is to direct our attention above to the true sanctuary where our real High Priest lives for us. The little-horn power cast to the ground the truth about Jesus as our real High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary (see Daniel 8:12).