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NASB | Daniel 7:4 "The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Daniel 7:4 "The first (the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar) was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind was given to it. [Dan 2:37, 38] |
Bible Question: I was listening to Irvin Baxter's Endtime prophecy program (http://www.endtime.com) on the radio and he specifically mentions that the United States is in the Bible, and it is here in Daniel 7:4.. He says that the first beast was like a lion (in which he alludes to Great Britian) that had the wings of an eagle (the Official symbol of the United States). He claims that this represents the United States. Is there any truth here or is this just pure speculation? |
Bible Answer: 2 Pet. 1:20-21 NASB But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. This scripture refers to real “Holy Spirit” of God type prophecy. Many false prophets prophesied as recorded in the scriptures, but that is not the meaning of Peter’s statement. This may be compared to “no man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost”. It is obvious that any speaking person can mouth those words but to say them of a truth (that He is your Lord), that is another matter and the purpose of the writer’s meaning. A Professor of New Testament studies I had in college, used to point out scripture that was in the bible but in his opinion was misinterpreted by a writer of a given scripture. A memorable example is “A voice was heard in Rama, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted because they were no more” This was quoted by Matthew in 2:18, as prophetic of Herod’s slaughter of all the children at the time of Christ’s birth. This was pointed out by our “learned” teacher (a Cambridge scholar), as being an errant interpretation by Matthew. This is because my teacher knew that it originally was said of an historical event, namely the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar at the time of Jeremiah (see Jer 31:15). My teacher failed to comprehend the living aspect of the scripture as it is moved upon by the living God. Believe me, both Jeremiah and Matthew were correct as to the validity of that scriptures use, Rachel is then a “type”, a symbol, of God’s people. In your question text you ask about another symbol, that of “the wings of an eagle” from a scripture in Daniel, the same phrase is used in the book of revelation (12:14). I find it is very interesting to note that the context of both books relates to the “end of times or the age”. I think there is something here that bears further prayer and study. Scripture is written “from faith to faith” and “without faith it is impossible to please God…” I suggest you put any questions you have no answer for “on the shelf” as God is well able to lead you into all truth. Bless you in your seeking! |