Donald F. Hawkins

Daniel,islam and Israel Prophecy Papers: Volume I Donald F. Hawkins

The first in a set of volumes on prophetic themes, Daniel, Islam and Israel identifies predictions fulfilled throughout the span of Middle Eastern history. Daniel's major concerns (his God, his people and his city) establish the baseline for interpretation. From this perspective, the images in dreams and visions relate to the powers that have ruled Jerusalem through the ages. In that light, the Islamic Empire takes a central position as the "fourth beast" - the power that continues to dominate the Temple Mount. Issues of trust and faith in the sovereign God, who alone sees the end from the beginning, emerge as the keys to both revelation and interpretation. This volume demonstrates that events of time fit the words of Daniel's text. More than prophecy and fulfillment, the book of Daniel deals with such virtues as courage, humility, respect and compassion. The fiery furnace, the lion's den and Daniel's prayer of intercession call the faithful of all ages. We've all known these as delightful Sunday School stories, but they set before us the greater challenge of the cross - the realistic challenge confronting believers in these final days. Assimilation of these virtues in turn facilitates clearer vision of the prophetic texts. Daniel, Islam and Israel points to an understanding of Arabs and Israelis that is both biblical and balanced. Underscoring God's covenant with the Jewish people, the book also hoists a caution flag that warns against extremes. As offspring of Abraham, both Arab and Jew own his blessings. At the same time both fall prey to evil snares. Both also figure into the ultimate redemptive plans of biblical prophecy.