Lecture on Wisdom and Prophecy in the Book of Sirach and Daniel

Key Themes

• Wisdom in the Book of Sirach, Chapter 24.
• Prophecies and dreams in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 7.
• Interpretation of biblical symbols and parables.
• Historical context for biblical kingdoms and empires.
• End times and God's judgment.

Wisdom in Sirach, Chapter 24

Verses 1 and 19

• Verse 1: Wisdom praises herself and glories in the midst of her people.
• Meaning: When people apply wisdom, they act according to God's commandments.

Verse 22

• Verse 22: Those who obey wisdom will not be confounded.
• Application: Wisdom ensures one's actions are just and righteous.

Verses 31-34

• Verse 31: God's best garden is the Garden of Eden.
• Verse 32: Ezekiel prophesied a river that grows, symbolizing increasing wisdom.
• Verse 34: God's doctrine and prophecy are left for all ages.
• Takeaway: The knowledge is for everyone to understand and spread God's commandments.

Prophecies in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 7

Introduction

• Focus on prophecies revealed in dreams and visions given to Daniel.
• Importance of understanding biblical symbols and their meanings.

Verses 1-4: Introduction and the Lion with Eagle's Wings

• Verse 1: Daniel's vision of four winds and four beasts.
• Verse 4: The first beast, a lion with eagle's wings, symbolizes the Babylonian Empire.
• Meaning: Babylon's power and subsequent downfall.

Verses 5: The Bear with Three Ribs

• Verse 5: Second beast, a bear with three ribs, represents the Medo-Persian Empire.
• Three Ribs: Symbolic of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sabians, conquered by the Empire.

Verses 6: The Leopard with Four Wings

• Verse 6: Third beast, a leopard with four wings, symbolizes the Greek Empire.
• Four Wings/Heads: Alexander the Great's empire split among his four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.

Verses 7-8: The Fourth Beast and the Ten Horns

• Verse 7: Fourth beast symbolizes the Roman Empire, destructive and powerful.
• Verse 8: Little horn among ten horns represents America emerging from Britain, France, and Spain.

Verses 9-10: Vision of God

• Verse 9: Thrones cast down, and the Ancient of Days (God) sits in judgment.
• Verse 10: Books are opened for judgment.

Interpretation and Cross-References

• Ecclesiastes 3:18: Men compared to beasts.
• Zechariah 5:1-4: Chariots signifying God's judgment.
• Revelation 13:6: Beast blaspheming against God.
• Isaiah 14:12: Lucifer's fall represents human pride and arrogance.

Future Kingdom and Judgment

Daniel 2 and Revelation References

• Daniel 2:43-45: Iron mixed with clay, ten horns, vision of an eternal kingdom by God.
• Revelation 17:11-12: Ten horns/Kings symbolize alliances and powers.
• Revelation 19:20: Beast and false prophets condemned.

Promises to the Faithful

• Revelation 2:26: The faithful will receive power over nations.
• Zechariah 9:13: God will make Israel as a mighty weapon.
• Micah 5:7-8: Remnant of Jacob will be like lions among beasts.
• Jeremiah 16:14-18: Restoration of Israel from all lands.

Final Judgment and Victory

• Ezekiel 25:13: Judgment upon Edom by Israel.
• Ultimate Victory: God's people ruling eternally with Christ.