8/18/24 - Seeing the Unseen War - Daniel 10 - Pastor Jason Fritz

The calculation of the 476 years from the 483 (69 x 7) years in Daniel 9:24-26 arises due to the difference between the Jewish lunar calendar and the Gregorian solar calendar.

 

Jewish (lunar) vs. Gregorian (solar) Calendars

 

The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar year, which has 360 days per year. (12 months each having 30 days.)

The Gregorian calendar (which we use today) is based on a solar year, with 365.25 days per year (including the leap year adjustment).

The difference in years come from the conversion of the lunar calendar to the solar calendar as below...

Conversion of Years

 

Calculate the total days in 483 years according to the Jewish calendar:

 

483 years x 360 days/year = 173,880 days

 

Convert these days to Gregorian years:

 

173,880 days ÷ 365.25 days/year = 476 years

 

So, 483 Jewish lunar years equate to 476 Gregorian solar years. This conversion explains the apparent difference when interpreting the prophecy in the context of our modern calendar.

 

The distinction between the Jewish lunar calendar (360 days/year) and the Gregorian solar calendar (365.25 days/year) is a historical reality. Understanding that Daniel’s prophecy was likely based on a lunar calendar helps reconcile the apparent discrepancy when comparing ancient prophecies to modern timelines.

 

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Daniel 10 serves as the preface to the final vision Daniel receives, revealing future conflicts and exposing unseen spiritual realities. This chapter is crucial as it pulls back the curtain on a spiritual war that many are unaware of, similar to how one YouTuber exposes the staged parts of influencers' lives. Ephesians 6:12 highlights the ongoing unseen war against the spiritual forces of evil.

 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

At this point, Daniel is an elderly man who has served under powerful kings and witnessed God’s mighty work among them. Despite his experiences, he is troubled by a vision of a great conflict in the future. In mourning, Daniel abstains from pleasures for three weeks, seeking to hear from God.

 

On the twenty-fourth day, Daniel encounters a supernatural being with a majestic appearance. While his companions flee in fear, Daniel stays and is overwhelmed, falling into a deep sleep. The being, possibly an angel or even the pre-incarnate Jesus, touches and encourages Daniel, calling him "greatly loved" and revealing that his prayers were heard from the start. However, the messenger faced opposition from the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" until Michael, a chief prince, assisted.

 

This chapter unveils organized spiritual forces influencing political realms. Consider the rank and locations: the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. The Bible depicts many varied instances of spiritual warfare, such as Elisha's vision of the heavenly forces surrounding Dothan and Jesus' confrontations with demons. Understanding this unseen battle is crucial for Christians to be prepared and equipped for life in this fallen world.

 

The passage from Ephesians 6:10-20 describes the armor of God and seven essentials for spiritual warfare:

Belt of Truth: Represents honesty and integrity, like keeping your pants around your waist, the truth holds everything together.

 

Breastplate of Righteousness: Symbolizes living a morally upright life and protecting one's heart from evil.

Gospel of Peace (Shoes): Refers to being prepared to spread the message of peace and maintaining stability and readiness.

 

Shield of Faith: Represents strong belief and trust in God, used to deflect spiritual attacks and doubts.

Helmet of Salvation: Symbolizes the assurance of salvation and protecting one's mind from spiritual harm.

Sword of the Spirit: Represents the Word of God, which is the Bible, used as a weapon against evil.

Prayer: constant prayer is essential for spiritual strength and alertness.

 

Christians are called to be aware of the spiritual battle, stand firm, and fight the good fight knowing they are on the winning team. Despite feeling like at times we take a loss, the ultimate victory is assured in the war!