THE DAILY
SDA pioneers including William Miller identified the ‘Daily’ as PAGANISM. Believing that the second coming of Christ was imminent and going to take place ultimately in 1844, they calculated that the time periods in Daniel 12 were going to reach their fulfilment at the return of their long awaited saviour Jesus Christ – October 22, 1844.
Were the prophetic periods fulfilled as they expected? Did Christ return on the 1335th day as expected and promulgated? No – they were not fulfilled! What was supposed to be the ‘blessed day’ (Daniel 12: 12) proved to be a day of great disappointment!
Ellen White gives us some insight and direction when considering in what time of earth’s history the prophecies of Daniel 12 will actually be ‘present truth’:
"In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The pro-phetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth's history, and presents the duties and dangers of God's people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God." RH September 25, 1883, par. 6
We have to examine the above statement carefully and ask relevant questions:
To what period of time do the prophetic periods of Daniel ‘pre-eminently’ apply?
To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply.
To what period of time do the prophetic periods of Daniel extend to?
The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great con-summation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire.
The book of Revelation has warnings specifically for what generation?
The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation.
The very eve of the great consummation is the time period to which the prophetic periods of Daniel extend. This is precisely the time period which William Miller and his associates allotted the prophetic periods of Daniel 12. The 1335th day being the very day they expected Christ to return. BUT they were mistaken! Christ did not return when they expected.
The prophetic periods of Daniel 12 are yet to be fulfilled. It behoves us to study to shew ourselves approved by comparing scripture to scripture and in the process be led by the spirit of God into truth for the last generation – which very soon could be a reality. Our SDA pioneers placed the prophetic periods of Daniel 12 in the right timeframe – leading right up to the eve of the great consummation. They just weren’t the last generation!! After their bitter disappointment they were instructed to PROPHESY AGAIN:
(Rev 10:11) And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Two times in Daniel 12 the question is asked by Daniel:
The first question was posed after Daniel heard about the wonders to happen after Michael stood up in verses 1 – 4:
(Dan 12:6) And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
The second question was asked after Daniel could not understand the response given to him the first time he asked: ‘How long to the end of these wonders?’:
(Dan 12:8) And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
(Dan 12:9) And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
(Dan 12:10) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Daniel’s response to the question: ‘O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ reveals that he cannot comprehend the answer that was given – he heard the response, but has no understanding of when and how the end will take place. The man in linen states that the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. A contrast is made between those who will understand the prophetic timing of the final world events and those who don’t – none of the wicked will understand but the wise who have been purified, made white and tried WILL UNDERSTAND.
The man in linen then elaborates and provides Daniel with more information about the time of the end:
(Dan 12:11) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(Dan 12:12) Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
(Dan 12:13) But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
We must now make every effort to understand and interpret the additional information that was provided in verses 11 and 12. We can only gain understanding through seeking guidance from our heavenly Father and the wisdom and spirit he promises to impart to those who ask.
(James 1:5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
We must also use scripture to shed light on scripture - here a little and there a little - line upon line and precept upon precept.
(Dan 12:11) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Previously the man in linen explained the time, times and an half period and how the power of the holy people would be broken and then the end of the wonders would finally take place. In answer to Daniel’s second question: ‘O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ the man in linen expounds more detail to Daniel.
The phrase ‘from the time that the daily shall be taken away’ (the word sacrifice has been excluded it is a word added by the translators) needs to be our first consideration. What is the daily? What is being taken away?
At the time the daily is being taken away the abomination that maketh desolate is being set up – it almost appears from this verse that the abomination being set up is taking the place of the daily. The daily is being eradicated and at the same the abomination is being set up.
God’s holy people are described in Revelation:
(Rev 14:12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Three characteristics are revealed in this verse, the saints:
Israel when wandering in the wilderness after their departure from Egypt were instructed by Moses who had spent time on Sinai receiving God’s law written upon stone – these ten commandments are what the saints keep at the end of time.
(Exo 31:18) And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
The children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings were often reminded of these commandments – God wanted them to keep them ALWAYS – he desired them to have a heart knowledge and dedication to Him. They could do this by honouring God and keeping his commandments:
(Deu 5:29) O thatH4310 H5414 there wereH1961 suchH2088 an heartH3824 in them, that they would fearH3372 me, and keepH8104 (H853) allH3605 my commandmentsH4687 always, H3605 H3117 thatH4616 it might be wellH3190 with them, and with their childrenH1121 for ever!H5769
The Hebrew word for ALWAYS is important to consider:
H3117
יוֹם
yôm
yome
From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literally (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverbially): - age, + always, + chronicles, continually (-ance), daily, ([birth-], each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, + (for) ever (-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as (. . . live), (even) now, + old, + out-lived, + perpetually, presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space, then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole (+ age), (full) year (-ly), + younger.
Total KJV occurrences: 2295
The words continually, forever, everlasting, so long as life will last and perpetually also apply in this context.
Moses continues to speak to Israel reminding them of God’s ‘statutes and judgments’:
(Deu 6:6) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
(Deu 6:7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
(Deu 6:8) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
(Deu 6:9) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Moses wanted Israel to daily remind themselves of their responsibilities towards God. He wanted parents to teach their children daily – when they went to sleep – when they woke up – to talk of them whenever the opportunity arose and to make that opportunity happen. What is of interesting significance is that they are commanded to:
The ‘DAILY’ taken away is the precious law of God which God referred to in this manner:
(Deu 5:29) O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Our heavenly father desired the best for his children and wants them to keep his commandments ALWAYS or CONTINUALLY so that it would be well with them and their children. When we examine the meaning of the word DAILY you can see the direct connection between the commandments of God and the expression DAILY:
H8548
תָּמִיד
tâmı̂yd
taw-meed'
From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially constantly); elliptically the regular (daily) sacrifice: - alway (-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, ([n-]) ever (-more), perpetual.
Total KJV occurrences: 104
The DAILY is also ALWAYS, CONSTANT or CONTINUAL and PERPETUAL. The DAILY that Daniel referred to is taken away. The question arises – if it is taken away how can it be perpetual? This is when you need to comprehend what is happening at the end of time and what is prophesied to take place.
At the time of the end it is the law of God that is under attack by the arch deceiver Satan. His hatred towards God’s law began in heaven when it condemned him for his pride and rebellion and he and a third of the angelic host were thrown out of heaven. That conflict over the devil’s hatred for God’s law reaches its climax right on the cusp of the end of the world, right at the time Daniel is describing in chapter 12.
"It is on the law of God that the last great struggle of the controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels will come, and it will be decisive for all the world.... Men in responsible positions will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but from the sacred desk will urge upon the people the observance of the first day of the week, pleading tradition and custom in behalf of this man-made institution. They will point to calamities on land and sea—to the storms of wind, the floods, the earthquakes, the destruction by fire—as judgments indicating God's displeasure because Sunday is not sacredly observed. These calamities will increase more and more, one disaster will follow close upon the heels of another; and those who make void the law of God will point to the few who are keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as the ones who are bringing wrath upon the world. This falsehood is Satan's device that he may ensnare the unwary."—The Southern Watchman, June 28, 1904.ChS 155.2
"The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord, and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way."—Testimonies for the Church 5:450.ChS 158.2
"Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.... On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error."—Testimonies for the Church 5:450, 451.ChS 158.3
Ellen White clearly spells out these end time events. The expression ‘make void the Law of God’ used by her comes from the Psalms which is a description of what will be happening at this time – the end of time:
(Psa 119:126) It is timeH6256 for thee, LORD,H3068 to work:H6213 for they have made voidH6565 thy law.H8451
The psalmist David prophesies of a time when God’s law will be made void. This is also the time when the DAILY is taken away. Just to be sure we will examine the meaning of the word VOID:
H6565
פָּרַר
pârar
paw-rar'
A primitive root; to break up (usually figuratively, that is, to violate, frustrate): - X any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, X clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, X utterly, make void.
Total KJV occurrences: 51
The law of God will be VIOLATED, CAUSED TO CEASE, DISANNULLED and MADE OF NONE EFFECT by Satan, but this does not mean he can destroy the law of God. Nor can he remove it from the hearts and minds of God’s holy people where the law of God is engraved.
(Jer 31:33) But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
The law of God was referred to as the tables of witness or testimony (Exodus 31:18). It was given to the children of Israel as a physical representation or a pattern of the heavenly record of God’s law that was in the temple of heaven. The law of God is everlasting, perpetual or continual as David testifies to in Psalms 119:
(Psa 119:44) So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
(Psa 119:97) MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
(Psa 119:109) My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
(Psa 119:144) The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me under-standing, and I shall live.
(Psa 119:152) Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
(Psa 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
The DAILY referred to by Daniel in the last days that is taken away is the everlasting law of God. Satan’s hatred for God’s law has been demonstrated time and time again. It is this law that condemns sin and Satan’s continual warfare against the kingdom of God. It is this law that has been changed by the papacy by substituting God’s seventh day Sabbath in the fourth commandment, with the first day of the week. This ‘taking away’ of the law of God is described as he shall “think to change times and laws” and Isaiah states that by doing so the law of God has been broken, transgressed and changed.
(Dan 7:25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
(Isa 24:5) The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
"Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God's people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God's tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their stand on the living word: “It is written.” This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their cove-nant with God will in that day be without God and without hope." CCh 39.5
"The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God's creative power and the witness to His claim upon man's reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it. Revelation 13:16. The prophet of Patmos beholds “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2." CCh 39.6
"Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming,—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—God's chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them."2CCh 40.1
Ellen White so clearly describes the conflict at the time of the end:
"The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial” - it is this TEARING DOWN that is the TAKING AWAY of the DAILY. Yet even though the everlasting covenant is broken by the wicked majority, God’s holy minority hold aloft the law of God, it is written in their hearts and minds and they stand unmoved in the strength of Christ.
A fascinating comparison between the DAILY or LAW OF GOD and the MARK OF THE BEAST reveals some interesting similarities:
SDA pioneers including William Miller identified the ‘Daily’ as PAGANISM. Believing that the second coming of Christ was imminent and going to take place ultimately in 1844, they calculated that the time periods in Daniel 12 were going to reach their fulfilment at the return of their long awaited saviour Jesus Christ – October 22, 1844.
Were the prophetic periods fulfilled as they expected? Did Christ return on the 1335th day as expected and promulgated? No – they were not fulfilled! What was supposed to be the ‘blessed day’ (Daniel 12: 12) proved to be a day of great disappointment!
Ellen White gives us some insight and direction when considering in what time of earth’s history the prophecies of Daniel 12 will actually be ‘present truth’:
"In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The pro-phetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth's history, and presents the duties and dangers of God's people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God." RH September 25, 1883, par. 6
We have to examine the above statement carefully and ask relevant questions:
To what period of time do the prophetic periods of Daniel ‘pre-eminently’ apply?
To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply.
To what period of time do the prophetic periods of Daniel extend to?
The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great con-summation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire.
The book of Revelation has warnings specifically for what generation?
The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation.
The very eve of the great consummation is the time period to which the prophetic periods of Daniel extend. This is precisely the time period which William Miller and his associates allotted the prophetic periods of Daniel 12. The 1335th day being the very day they expected Christ to return. BUT they were mistaken! Christ did not return when they expected.
The prophetic periods of Daniel 12 are yet to be fulfilled. It behoves us to study to shew ourselves approved by comparing scripture to scripture and in the process be led by the spirit of God into truth for the last generation – which very soon could be a reality. Our SDA pioneers placed the prophetic periods of Daniel 12 in the right timeframe – leading right up to the eve of the great consummation. They just weren’t the last generation!! After their bitter disappointment they were instructed to PROPHESY AGAIN:
(Rev 10:11) And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Two times in Daniel 12 the question is asked by Daniel:
The first question was posed after Daniel heard about the wonders to happen after Michael stood up in verses 1 – 4:
(Dan 12:6) And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
The second question was asked after Daniel could not understand the response given to him the first time he asked: ‘How long to the end of these wonders?’:
(Dan 12:8) And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
(Dan 12:9) And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
(Dan 12:10) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Daniel’s response to the question: ‘O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ reveals that he cannot comprehend the answer that was given – he heard the response, but has no understanding of when and how the end will take place. The man in linen states that the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. A contrast is made between those who will understand the prophetic timing of the final world events and those who don’t – none of the wicked will understand but the wise who have been purified, made white and tried WILL UNDERSTAND.
The man in linen then elaborates and provides Daniel with more information about the time of the end:
(Dan 12:11) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(Dan 12:12) Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
(Dan 12:13) But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
We must now make every effort to understand and interpret the additional information that was provided in verses 11 and 12. We can only gain understanding through seeking guidance from our heavenly Father and the wisdom and spirit he promises to impart to those who ask.
(James 1:5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
We must also use scripture to shed light on scripture - here a little and there a little - line upon line and precept upon precept.
(Dan 12:11) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Previously the man in linen explained the time, times and an half period and how the power of the holy people would be broken and then the end of the wonders would finally take place. In answer to Daniel’s second question: ‘O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ the man in linen expounds more detail to Daniel.
The phrase ‘from the time that the daily shall be taken away’ (the word sacrifice has been excluded it is a word added by the translators) needs to be our first consideration. What is the daily? What is being taken away?
At the time the daily is being taken away the abomination that maketh desolate is being set up – it almost appears from this verse that the abomination being set up is taking the place of the daily. The daily is being eradicated and at the same the abomination is being set up.
God’s holy people are described in Revelation:
(Rev 14:12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Three characteristics are revealed in this verse, the saints:
- are patient,
- they keep the commandments of God and
- they have the faith of Jesus.
Israel when wandering in the wilderness after their departure from Egypt were instructed by Moses who had spent time on Sinai receiving God’s law written upon stone – these ten commandments are what the saints keep at the end of time.
(Exo 31:18) And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
The children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings were often reminded of these commandments – God wanted them to keep them ALWAYS – he desired them to have a heart knowledge and dedication to Him. They could do this by honouring God and keeping his commandments:
(Deu 5:29) O thatH4310 H5414 there wereH1961 suchH2088 an heartH3824 in them, that they would fearH3372 me, and keepH8104 (H853) allH3605 my commandmentsH4687 always, H3605 H3117 thatH4616 it might be wellH3190 with them, and with their childrenH1121 for ever!H5769
The Hebrew word for ALWAYS is important to consider:
H3117
יוֹם
yôm
yome
From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literally (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverbially): - age, + always, + chronicles, continually (-ance), daily, ([birth-], each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, + (for) ever (-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as (. . . live), (even) now, + old, + out-lived, + perpetually, presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space, then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole (+ age), (full) year (-ly), + younger.
Total KJV occurrences: 2295
The words continually, forever, everlasting, so long as life will last and perpetually also apply in this context.
Moses continues to speak to Israel reminding them of God’s ‘statutes and judgments’:
(Deu 6:6) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
(Deu 6:7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
(Deu 6:8) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
(Deu 6:9) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Moses wanted Israel to daily remind themselves of their responsibilities towards God. He wanted parents to teach their children daily – when they went to sleep – when they woke up – to talk of them whenever the opportunity arose and to make that opportunity happen. What is of interesting significance is that they are commanded to:
- Bind them for a sign upon their hand and
- They shall be as frontlets between their eyes or bind them upon their forehead.
The ‘DAILY’ taken away is the precious law of God which God referred to in this manner:
(Deu 5:29) O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Our heavenly father desired the best for his children and wants them to keep his commandments ALWAYS or CONTINUALLY so that it would be well with them and their children. When we examine the meaning of the word DAILY you can see the direct connection between the commandments of God and the expression DAILY:
H8548
תָּמִיד
tâmı̂yd
taw-meed'
From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially constantly); elliptically the regular (daily) sacrifice: - alway (-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, ([n-]) ever (-more), perpetual.
Total KJV occurrences: 104
The DAILY is also ALWAYS, CONSTANT or CONTINUAL and PERPETUAL. The DAILY that Daniel referred to is taken away. The question arises – if it is taken away how can it be perpetual? This is when you need to comprehend what is happening at the end of time and what is prophesied to take place.
At the time of the end it is the law of God that is under attack by the arch deceiver Satan. His hatred towards God’s law began in heaven when it condemned him for his pride and rebellion and he and a third of the angelic host were thrown out of heaven. That conflict over the devil’s hatred for God’s law reaches its climax right on the cusp of the end of the world, right at the time Daniel is describing in chapter 12.
"It is on the law of God that the last great struggle of the controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels will come, and it will be decisive for all the world.... Men in responsible positions will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but from the sacred desk will urge upon the people the observance of the first day of the week, pleading tradition and custom in behalf of this man-made institution. They will point to calamities on land and sea—to the storms of wind, the floods, the earthquakes, the destruction by fire—as judgments indicating God's displeasure because Sunday is not sacredly observed. These calamities will increase more and more, one disaster will follow close upon the heels of another; and those who make void the law of God will point to the few who are keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as the ones who are bringing wrath upon the world. This falsehood is Satan's device that he may ensnare the unwary."—The Southern Watchman, June 28, 1904.ChS 155.2
"The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord, and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way."—Testimonies for the Church 5:450.ChS 158.2
"Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.... On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error."—Testimonies for the Church 5:450, 451.ChS 158.3
Ellen White clearly spells out these end time events. The expression ‘make void the Law of God’ used by her comes from the Psalms which is a description of what will be happening at this time – the end of time:
(Psa 119:126) It is timeH6256 for thee, LORD,H3068 to work:H6213 for they have made voidH6565 thy law.H8451
The psalmist David prophesies of a time when God’s law will be made void. This is also the time when the DAILY is taken away. Just to be sure we will examine the meaning of the word VOID:
H6565
פָּרַר
pârar
paw-rar'
A primitive root; to break up (usually figuratively, that is, to violate, frustrate): - X any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, X clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, X utterly, make void.
Total KJV occurrences: 51
The law of God will be VIOLATED, CAUSED TO CEASE, DISANNULLED and MADE OF NONE EFFECT by Satan, but this does not mean he can destroy the law of God. Nor can he remove it from the hearts and minds of God’s holy people where the law of God is engraved.
(Jer 31:33) But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
The law of God was referred to as the tables of witness or testimony (Exodus 31:18). It was given to the children of Israel as a physical representation or a pattern of the heavenly record of God’s law that was in the temple of heaven. The law of God is everlasting, perpetual or continual as David testifies to in Psalms 119:
(Psa 119:44) So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
(Psa 119:97) MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
(Psa 119:109) My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
(Psa 119:144) The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me under-standing, and I shall live.
(Psa 119:152) Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
(Psa 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
The DAILY referred to by Daniel in the last days that is taken away is the everlasting law of God. Satan’s hatred for God’s law has been demonstrated time and time again. It is this law that condemns sin and Satan’s continual warfare against the kingdom of God. It is this law that has been changed by the papacy by substituting God’s seventh day Sabbath in the fourth commandment, with the first day of the week. This ‘taking away’ of the law of God is described as he shall “think to change times and laws” and Isaiah states that by doing so the law of God has been broken, transgressed and changed.
(Dan 7:25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
(Isa 24:5) The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
"Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God's people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God's tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their stand on the living word: “It is written.” This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their cove-nant with God will in that day be without God and without hope." CCh 39.5
"The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God's creative power and the witness to His claim upon man's reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it. Revelation 13:16. The prophet of Patmos beholds “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2." CCh 39.6
"Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming,—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—God's chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them."2CCh 40.1
Ellen White so clearly describes the conflict at the time of the end:
"The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial” - it is this TEARING DOWN that is the TAKING AWAY of the DAILY. Yet even though the everlasting covenant is broken by the wicked majority, God’s holy minority hold aloft the law of God, it is written in their hearts and minds and they stand unmoved in the strength of Christ.
A fascinating comparison between the DAILY or LAW OF GOD and the MARK OF THE BEAST reveals some interesting similarities:
In the time of the end Satan so desires to overthrow the kingdom of God his hatred of the law of God becomes paramount – after all, it is the law of God that condemned him for his rebellion in heaven. God is so unfair and dictatorial has been his catch-cry ever since his exit from the high estate Satan, and the angels deceived by him, once held. He now implements a plan to rid the world of commandment keepers and followers of the true God. He introduces the ‘mark of the beast’. Through his last day channels – the lamb-like beast of Revelation 13 causes all to receive a mark in their forehead or right hand and (Rev 13:17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
(Rev 13:12) And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
The mark of the beast system is set up in order for Satan to finally receive the worship he has longed for. His day Sunday, the first day of the week will replace the Lord’s day – the Sabbath – the seventh day of the week. If you don’t want to worship on Satan’s day Revelation 13:15 states that Satan will: “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”
Basically the choice all inhabitants of the earth have at this time in the earth’s history is to choose to follow the true God and creator of the heavens and the earth OR Satan, the fallen angel who has been plotting his creator’s overthrow ever since the war he began in heaven.
Both choices will involve actions – the use of the hand signifies the importance of the hands in doing good or evil, following God or Satan – some texts referring to hands and the actions that they do are:
(Psa 18:24) Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
(Ecc 4:6) Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
(Isa 3:11) Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
(Lam 3:64) Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands.
Choosing who to serve – God or Satan in the end time will involve you choosing between the mark of the beast or the keeping of the commandments of the Creator God. Your choice or actions symbolised by your hands will be evidence of which path you take.
The mark of the beast is also positioned in the forehead and God’s law is also bound upon the forehead or as a frontlet between your eyes. The significance of the forehead is representative of the mind or decision making powers of each individual. All have a choice and a decision to make. However, when the law of God is written in your heart or mind and your attitude enables you to truly say: ‘I delight to do thy will’; your love for the creator God through the power of His indwelling spirit will enable you to refuse the mark of the beast despite the threat of death.
(James 1:12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Ellen White reflecting on the contrast between Paul and Nero contrasted the religions or ’theories of life’ they both represented:
“Here were the representatives of two religions,—Christianity and paganism; the representatives of two theories of life,—the simplicity of self-denying endurance, ready to give up life itself, if need be, for the good of others, and the luxury of all-absorbing selfishness, that counts nothing too valuable to sacrifice for a momentary gratification; the representatives of two spiritual powers,—the ambassador of Christ and the slave of Satan.” LP 312.1
At the end of time the last generation also have that choice – Christianity or Paganism clothed in papal garb. Paganism has never really disappeared or been taken away it instead has undergone a metamorphosis:
"But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church. Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conquer-or. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ." GC 49.2
"This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of “the man of sin” foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power—a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will."
Paganism has become the conqueror in the Catholic and Protestant churches today. They have substituted human theories and traditions in place of the commandments of God. The trinity god is also worshipped by the majority of Christian denominations, but in doing so, they are in reality paying homage to Satan who has seated himself on the throne, and who will rule the earth according to his will.
As you come to the realisation that ‘THE DAILY’ is truly the continual relationship of obedience and consecration to our heavenly father and his son, may you also truly say as David so beautifully expressed it:
(Psa 119:44) So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
For greater detail about 'The Daily' and its use in prophecy please see the more extensive study : DANIEL 12: 1260, 1290 & 1335 DAYS - PAST OR FUTURE?
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