Michael was the guardian spirit of the Jewish people. When the time of trouble has reached its climax, whether in national or individual life, help is near.

The hope of resurrection, of the life beyond the darkness of their times, animated the hearts of the Chosen

People. In the same way the Apostle Paul refers to it, 1 Cor. 15:58. The national resurrection of Israel is without doubt included but the resurrection at the last, when that of the just shall precede that of the unjust by the millennium, is clearly the topic of these wonderful words. Daniel’s prophecies were to be sealed, because their entire fulfillment was not to take place for many days. Three and a half probably stands for three and a half prophetic years, which, on the year-day system, gives 1260 days or years, and is therefore equivalent to the forty-two months of Rey. 11: 2; 13:5. This is the time of the world-power, half the perfect number seven. The supremacy of the Gentile kingdoms is 2500 years, of which the latter half has nearly expired, and the Chosen People will not much longer be scattered. It is an interesting fact that, calculated on the lunar measure, these concluding dates have—according to the calculations of the late Dr. Gratton Guinness—just expired. Let us go our way, watch and pray, and at last stand in our lot.

(a) Into what two parts is this book naturally divided? (b) What visions were granted to Daniel?

(c) In what respects was the work of Daniel end Jonah

alike? What empires are symbolized in the visions? What is to be the nature of the final kingdom?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

Why did the four young Jewish captives object to the wine and meat provided by the king? How did God reward their moral courage?

Why did King Nebuchadnezzar command that all tho wise-men of Babylon be slain?

Whence came Daniel’s knowledge of the king’s dream

What interpretation of the dream did Daniel give?

What three men refused to worship the golden image?

What were the results of their loyalty to God?

What was the second dream of King Nebuchadnezzar?

What caused Belshazzar to tremble with fear at the feast?

What was the meaning of the writing? How did the feasting of the king end?

What was Daniel’s custom regarding prayer?

How was Daniel delivered from the death planned by his enemies?

What four empires do the four beasts in Daniel’s vision represent?

What was the second vision sent to Daniel?

How was the vision explained and by whom?

for whom did Daniel offer a prayer of intercession? What was his request?

‘How was Daniel enabled to bear the wonderful vision by the river?

What nations’ rise and fall does Daniel predict?

What countries are meant by the ‘‘king of the south

in spite of their long series of triumphs, what will be the end of these ungodly kings and nations?

What is the teaching of the chapter concerning the resurrection and judgment? What should be the attitude of a Christian in view of the ‘‘time of the end’’?

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel?—Hos. 11: 8.