According to prophecy the small horn, which represents the world power “kept getting greater all the way to the army of the heavens, so that it caused some of the army and some of the stars to fall to the earth.” According to the angelic explanation, “the army of heavens” and “the stars” that the small horn attempts to bring down are “the people made up of the holy ones.” (Daniel 8:10, 24) These “holy ones” are spirit-anointed believers of God. Because of being brought into a relationship with God by means of a new covenant, made operative by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, they are sanctified, cleansed, and set apart for God’s exclusive service. (Hebrews 10:10; 13:20). Having assigned them as heirs with his Son in the Heavenly inheritance, God views them as holy. (Ephesians 1:3, 11, 18-20). In Daniel’s vision, then, “the army of the heavens” refers to the remnant on earth of the 144,000 “holy ones,” who will rein in heaven with the Lamb. –Revelation 14:1-5.

No one can stand up against the Prince of princes- not even a king as “fierce in countenance” as the Anglo American world power! This king’s attempts to desolate God’s sanctuary do not succeed. After a period of “two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings,” says the angelic messenger, “the holy place will certainly be brought into its right condition,” or “shall emerge victorious.” –Daniel 8:13, 14; The New English Bible. The Anglo-American World Power still holds its position. “But it will be without hand that he will be broken, “ said the angel Gabriel. (Daniel 8:25) Very soon, this seventh world power of Bible prophecy- this “kind fierce in countenance”- will be broken, not by human hands, but superhuman power at Armageddon.

The angel answered: “Go Daniel, because the words made secret and sealed up until the Time Of The End. Many will cleanse themselves and whiten themselves and will be refined. And the wicked ones will certainly act wickedly and no wicked ones at all will understand; but ones having insight will understand.” (Daniel 12:8-10). Their insight into spiritual matters would enable them to keep clean in God’s eyes. Would you not agree, then, that in these turbulent times, it would be wise for the expanding “great crowd” to associate as closely as possible with these holy ones? (Revelation 7:0; Zechariah 8:23) Jesus Christ recommended that sheeplike people do exactly that-associate with his anointed spiritual brothers by supporting them in their work. -Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 3:29. How will the people who exercise faith fare during this dark time? Daniel was further told: “During that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book.” (Compare Luck 21:34-36.) What is this book? In essence, it represents God’s remembrance of who do his will. (Malachi 3:16; Hebrews 6:10) Those who are written down in this book of life are the most secure people in the world, for they enjoy divine protection. Whatever harm may come to them, it can and will be undone. Even if death should overtake them before this coming “time of distress,” they remain safe in Gods limitless memory. He will remember them and resurrect them during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. -Acts 24:14; Revelation 20:4-6. “Go Toward The End” What did the angel mean when he told Daniel that? Always have faith by loving yourself and others!

Quotes from a Book copyright 1999. Publisher: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania: