Daniel 8:13-26

Prophecy's sure fulfilments.

"Unto evenings and mornings, two thousand and three hundred; The vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true" ( Daniel 8:14 , Daniel 8:26 ). Two thousand three hundred days, that is, six years and a hundred and ten days. Whence reckoned? To what time? The cleansing of the sanctuary took place under Judas Maccabaeus, December 25, b.c. 165. Reckoning back two thousand three hundred days, we come to August 1, b.c. 171. Up to this latter date the relations between Antiochus and the Jewish people had been peaceful; then began a series of aggressions, which ended only with his death. (For account of the new dedication of the temple, see 1 Macc. 4:36-61.) We suggest a homily on The certainty of the fulfilment of the Divine Word.

I. THE DEFINITENESS OF THE END . Here "the cleansing of the sanctuary."

II. . THE EXACT MEASUREMENT OF ALL INTERMEDIATE SECOND CAUSES . The number , force , combination , duration of their action.

III. CONSEQUENT LIMIT OF TIME . In the Divine mind. Not necessarily revealed to us ; though the exact number of the days was so in this case.

IV. OUR MORAL ATTITUDE . Belief in the word. Confidence in the Word-giver. Obedience , active and passive. The entertainment of a great hope. Let the sunshine of the assured future light the present.—R.