Agents of Babylon: What the Prophecies of Daniel Tell Us about the End of Days by David Jeremiah

Agents of Babylon: What the Prophecies of Daniel Tell Us about the End of Days Reviews

• 
  Natalie Vellacott

  Wow, this book is incredible! Better than Agents of the Apocalypse.
  
  When I was looking for a study of biblical prophecy a number of years ago, I ended up settling for listening to sermons because I couldn't find a book that delivered. I wanted something that explained which prophecies had been fulfilled including when and how and which were yet to be fulfilled. I also wanted a little about the differing views on the subject and to know which were the prevailing views and why. I wanted to know how prophecy proved the Bible and what to expect in the future (as far as is possible.) I did find what I was looking for in audio messages by John MacArthur but some of it was too academic and because it was audio I didn't absorb as much as I would have liked. This book was what I had been looking for....
  
  Agents of Babylon uses the Biblical narrative in Daniel to create fictional stories around the events. The author then explains the Scripture, the different views, his own view and the reasons for it and the application for today. Rather than confusing the Biblical narrative, the fictional accounts enhance them and bring the text to life, this is because it is so closely based on Scripture and the author hasn't insisted on inserting personal views into the writing.
  
  Having read this book and the prequel (sequel?) I finally feel like I understand the biblical history and the prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled. I personally have never been one to doubt the authenticity of the Bible but for those who struggle with doubt, read this book! The author states that some atheists even dispute when the book of Daniel was written due to the accuracy of the fulfillments to date. This book should give us confidence that God will fulfill His outstanding prophecies as specifically as He has done in the past.
  
  I usually research authors if I am beginning to seek out their books. I will add that I have read some concerns about the methods the author has used to increase sales of his books. I do not know whether the claims are true. I don't think they have much bearing on whether or not I will recommend this book as they have nothing to do with the content. The book is clean--no bad language, or sexual content and limited violence.
  
  I highly recommend this book for those wanting to understand biblical prophecy in layman's language and for those who want to be encouraged to trust the authenticity of the Bible.
• 
  Jerry Hillyer

  Babylon
  This book, Agents of Babylon, contains thirteen different chapters, an epilogue, an appendix, and a couple of other book sections. Each chapter is divided into roughly two sections. In the first section, Jeremiah offers his readers a 'fictional narrative about the subject of the chapter' (x) and in the second section he gives his readers an 'exposition of the Scripture behind the [fictional narrative].' It's a unique approach to a book written about the Bible and one that I did not fully appreciate. I read only the first three chapters of the 'fictional narrative' before skipping each subsequent one and going straight for the 'scripture behind' it. In short, I didn't appreciate the fictional narratives. I think they added too much to the narrative of Daniel, speculated entirely too much, and, to a certain degree, detracted from the narrative of the Book of Daniel.
  
  The Book of Daniel does not need a fictional narrative to help explain its point, to make its point, or to point to its point. Then again, perhaps as justification for writing another book on Daniel this fictional narrative was necessary. I think it could have been eliminated and the book cut from nearly 400 pages, down to about 250 and the substance could have been deeper and better. As it is, however, the fictional narrative is, frankly, out of place. I didn't appreciate it at any level.
  
  With that said, I'm a little uncertain my take on this book. On the one hand, Jeremiah starts out exactly where I would have started: "Daniel 1:2 introduces us to the theme of the entire book: the sovereignty of God" (13). I think this is dead on and correct and throughout the book he touches upon this very point and, at times, does so well for example, "May we live lives of astonishment over how God has broken into human history for our benefit--to give us a future and a hope that is absolutely certain" (219). On the other hand, the book delves into the nether regions of millenial, Antichrist, and physical Israel theology that does nothing to inspire hope or courage and everything to drain me of vitality and strength. It's my opinion that the theological perspective under-girding the majority of this book is misguided and as much fictional as the Fictional Narratives. An example should suffice to make my point.
  
  In chapter 10, The Herald, Jeremiah quotes from Clarence Larkin (1850-1924). Here's the quote:
  
  Daniel's seventieth week (Daniel 9:24-27), Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24), and John's seals, trumpets, and vials (Revelation 6:1-18:24) cover the same period, and are Jewish and have no reference to the Christian Church. (257)
  
  I simply cannot comprehend how a respected preacher can quote something so unbelievably wrong with a straight face. But this is the kind of result one gets when a theological system is the lens through which one reads the Bible. There is so much emphasis on the trees in this book that, despite the good beginnings, the forest missed almost entirely. How one can account for saying that three lengthy, significant portions of the Holy Writ have no bearing on the church is stunning. I suppose we may as well excise those portions from our Bibles and throw them away. But here's the point: in order for Millenial theology to work, that is exactly what one must do to Scripture. I don't think I'm the only one who sees the significant problem this creates.
  
  Here's another problem I had with the book. I took a fairly long look at the the Notes section of the book. Considering the type of book this is, and who it is intended for, the notes are fairly detailed and I appreciate that very much. But I also take a look at who is being noted, what works are being quoted, and when the works quoted were written. Aside from Jermiah's own works and a couple of other non-specific titles, the works the author cites as authorities on the Book of Daniel range from Calvin's 1853 commentary to Stortz's 2004 Preaching the Word contribution. Along the way there are citations from 1879 (Seiss), Larkin (1929), Keil (1877), Scofield (1945), Anderson (1909), and others. This is 2015. Are we as readers really supposed to take seriously a book whose author has, apparently, not read anything on Daniel since a 2004 publication whose overall Amazon rank is over 800,000? These other men were great. Sure. Their books are classic and probably somewhat important. Yet there are countless works available from reputable scholars in the last ten years that Jeremiah has, apparently, not even bothered to investigate. This was disappointing. (As also was the absence of a bibliography which a work of this sort should have.)
  
  I appreciated that Jeremiah was not afraid to keep this book in its historical context. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on this book as prophecy and I think that is important given how many writers and scholars write off Daniel as pseudo-prophecy (ex eventu). I appreciated that he didn't skimp when it came to his exegesis of the individual chapters of Daniel but that he took the time to explain concepts and other difficult to understand aspects of the book. I didn't always agree with his conclusions, but I appreciated that he took the time to do the work nonetheless.
  
  There are some helpful charts, graphs, and illustrations that add flavor to the book and help the reader visualize a concept from Daniel. I also appreciated that at the end of each chapter Jeremiah added a brief 'Daniel for Today' section to help the reader make some relevant applications. Again, I'm not buying all his applications, but at minimum they get the reader thinking about the content of Daniel. I would appreciate more depth to these applications, but I can read other books to obtain the depth I desire.
  
  Here's the bottom line, and I'm gonna stop because I can go on all day knocking the theology behind this book and nit-picking every little thing I dislike about it, there's nothing in this book that is entirely 'wrong.' For all I know, Jeremiah and the pre/post-millenialists of the church could be correct. I'm not staking my faith to it, but the truth is that they are, to one degree or another, looking for Jesus. And this gives me some courage. For my money, the system is entirely too clean, it all fits together too neatly, and the dates are all too convenient. I don't think Daniel is about giving us a specific historical timeline about this or that. I think Daniel is about pointing us to Jesus whose Kingdom will come upon us when we are not expecting it, will not find its origins from earth, and which will destroy all the other kingdoms that seek to kill, steal, and destroy. At the end of the day, I'm not looking for a timeline. I'm looking for hope. I'm not looking for a particular evil person (e.g. the so-called 'antichrist') or event; I'm looking for the return of Jesus and the Kingdom that takes over the world, the Kingdom not built by human hands, the Kingdom that belongs to the saints of the Most High.
  
  Jeremiah writes:
  
  While we don't know when this world as we know it will come to an end, we know from the prophecies of Daniel and others what will happen: Christ, the invincible Agent, will appear; He will cleanse the world of its evil; and He will set up His perfect Kingdom, which will completely reverse the ravages inflicted on earth by the Fall. (340)
  
  I'm not going to support his methods of dating or the theological overlay that necessarily accompanies this statement, but I will support generally the point he is making: Daniel teaches us about a Kingdom that is coming to earth, whose origins are not here, and whose King is not like the kings of this earth. This I support. And here I agree with the author.
  
  PS-One final aspect of the book that I thoroughly enjoyed and found appropriate was the appendix titled The Agent of Agents. Many books take the approach that the Bible is about 'I' and 'Me'. Agents of Babylon does this a lot too, but I was super impressed with this appendix precisely because the first word of every sentence is 'He', as in YHWH. This was an exquisite addition to the book and one that I wholly embraced. See pages 341-350 for the appendix in question.
  
  3/5 Stars
  Important Book & Author Things
  
  Where to purchase Agents of Babylon: Amazon ($13.74); Tyndale ($24.99); Christian Book Distributors ($15.49)
  Author: David Jeremiah
  On the Web:
  On Twitter: David Jeremiah
  Academic Webpage:
  Editor:
  Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
  Pages: 361
  Year: 2015
  Audience: christians, prophecy buffs, preachers, general, millenialists
  Reading Level: High School
  Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader's copy courtesy of Tyndale Publishing's Tyndale Blog Network blog program in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
• 
  Becky

  The author writes a fictionalized account of Daniel's life, blending historical fact with cultural aspects of Babylon. I enjoyed the book, although I struggled with the author's method of backfilling each chapter with history and commentary. Very innovative method of Bible study, which I highly recommend, especially to any who truly want to understand Daniel's life and prophecies.
• 
  Janice Dick

  As I studied the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation earlier this winter, I came up with many questions about the content. When I heard about this book: Agents of Babylon, by Dr. David Jeremiah—a teacher I highly respect—I found it in my library app and listened to it. Very helpful, catchy fictionalized story of the biblical record, then detailed explanations of the Scripture text. I learned many new things (and hope I remember them).
  
  Highly recommended for anyone who loves studying God's Word, and/or who wants to learn more about it.
• 
  William Struse

  Agents of Babylon and the Countdown to the Messiah
  
  Agents of Babylon continues Dr. Jeremiah’s popular series on heroes and villains of the Bible. This time Dr. Jeremiah brings to bear his considerable knowledge of Biblical history and Bible prophecy on the book of Daniel and its intriguing list of characters from the second temple era.
  
  Each chapter in Agents of Babylon has two distinct parts. The first part is a short novel like story based upon the real events depicted in a specific part of the book of Daniel. The second part of the chapter in Agents of Babylon, the real meat and potatoes of the book, is non-fiction and really gets to the fascinating details of the book of Daniel. I especially like that at the end of each chapter Dr. Jeremiah summarized a few points or life lessons as takeaways for the reader to apply to his or her own life.
  
  The book of Daniel has held a fascination for me over the years and I really appreciated seeing the book through Dr. Jeremiah’s eyes. Even though I don’t agree with all of his conclusions in the non-fiction part of the book, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Jeremiah’s many wonderful insights into the book of Daniel, one of the most important prophetic books of the Bible.
  
  In the spirit of a Berean there are a couple of areas in the book where it would be nice to have further clarification. In Chapter 10, Dr. Jeremiah talks about the prophecy of 70 Weeks. Dr. Jeremiah’s interpretation of this wonderful passage is based upon the work of the great Christian scholar Sir Robert Anderson in his influential book The Coming Prince.
  
  Anderson’s view holds that Ezra and Nehemiah were contemporaries of the Persian king Longimanus. Anderson bases this upon the work of the Christian chronologist Rawlinson. On Page 71 of the Coming Prince Anderson quotes Rawlinson and the sum of his evidence leaves quite a bit to be desired. Rawlinson simple states “there is every reason to believe” that Ezra and Nehemiah were contemporaries of Longimanus without providing any additional proof. My concern is a prophecy as important to our eschatological beliefs as Daniel 9 deserves a better foundation than this.
  
  What is not widely known is that the Bible tells us that Ezra’s father died in the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar. This would make Ezra’s age, at its youngest, nearly a quarter of a century older than Moses in order to be a contemporary of the Persian king Longimanus. The same goes for the Priest’s and Levites of Nehemiah 10 and 12. The Bible’s own internal evidence shows us that most reasonably Nehemiah and Ezra were contemporaries of Darius ‘the Great’ Artaxerxes. It would be helpful to see how Dr. Jeremiah has dealt with these difficulties in his own exploration of the subject.
  
  On a related note Dr. Jeremiah states there are four Persian decrees which scholar’s have claimed might qualify as the “commandment to restore and build” of Daniel 9:25. In Ezra 6 it tells of another decree which Dr. Jeremiah didn’t mention. This decree was given by YHWH the living God of the Bible. It is curious to note that the word “commandment” of Daniel 9:25 is the Hebrew word dabar. Dabar is used 3 other times in Daniel 9 and each other time if refers specifically to the word of YHWH. It would be interesting to get Dr. Jeremiah’s take on why the decree or “word” of YHWH given to Haggai and Zechariah and witnessed by Ezra 6 is not a consideration when looking at Daniel 9 and countdown to the Messiah.
  
  In summary, my disagreements and questions notwithstanding, I think Agents of Babylon was a good read and I believe anyone interested in the subject of the Bible’s prophetic word would be well served by reading it. I would also encourage the reader to then open their own Bibles and “see if these things be so”. Maranatha!
• 
  Amanda Geaney

  UPDATE: My theology has changed so much since I posted this review. This book is written for dispensationalists. I highly recommend this podcast series if you are in this camp
  https://www.monergism.com/dispensatio....
  
  Original review removed.
• 
  Jack Hansen

  2,622 years ago, a young man is taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. He interprets his dreams, which come true, as divine intervention. Through him and by God, this young man discerns visions and dreams of others, as well, giving all the glory and praise to God. His name is Daniel, a wise and humble person devoted to his practice of worship.
  
  This study guide has a DVD with the author, David Jeremiah, reading and discussing each chapter. It is amazing to discover how powerful Daniel's connection is with God. His prophecies come true in his lifetime and beyond. Daniel's interpretations of his visions and dreams are some of the strongest arguments for the divinity of Jesus Christ; but what is really astounding is the unfolding of events here on earth that lead us to Daniel's prophecies yet to come. A study well worth one's time and effort.
• 
  Sheila Myers

  Another wonderfully written book by David Jeremiah. I didn't buy this book in order to study end times prophecies, but instead because it fit my intended purpose of serving as a study guide to the book of Daniel. It does cover the topics of fulfilled prophecies and prophecies of things yet to come; however, it should also help readers more fully understand why God allows bad things to happen in this world and how he can and does work those things for good. This is a great book for all Christians regardless of the reason you buy it. It'll teach you many things.
• 
  Patrick Kutruff

  Excellent Book Detailing Project from Daniel
  
  After watching the series on television once and beginning this book then putting it aside, I decided to re-read it when Dr. Jeremiah brought the series of sermons back to television. The two are so well correlated that it's easy to read and follow. I believe the information found in this book is even more pertinent today in light of the political upheaval and world problems. It offers hope for a list world. God loves us so much he doesn't want anyone to be left behind. This book encourages believers to be "Stand-up" Christians.
• 
  Daniela

  Yo si creo que las cosas que suceden últimamente son las señales del fin de los tiempos, lo peor de esto es que los seres humanos mismo lo hemos provocado por ser tan egoístas y no ver todo el daño que causamos. Me ha encantado saber más sobre este tema y la forma en la que lo explica es tan detallada y simple que no me ha costado poder entenderlo. Por fin llegará el tiempo de la Paz y la serenidad después de toda esta tribulación. ❤️
• 
  Karen Mussoline

  I am a big fan of David Jeremiah and turn to read his books and watch his podcasts. Daniel kept his Faith and God kept his promises to Daniel. I listened to this book instead of reading it, and it is certainly a book that needs to be read vs. listening. Many times I had to play back chapters to be able to follow the story line. However I did learn so much. Are we close to the End of Days? We have moved so far away from God and His teaching, that I believe it could be.
• 
  Marida Gaye Volstad

  Great study of Daniel
  
  Excellent study of the book of Daniel. Encouraging. I’ve had trouble holding onto the joy of The Lord for about a decade now. There’s just so many hard things going on in this world. While this book didn’t sugar coat any of that, it addressed perseverance in adversity. Timely word for me.
• 
  Clara K Page

  I really enjoyed this book. I've read the book of Daniel many, many times but Agents of Babylon really taught me so much more than I'd learned by just reading the book of Daniel. David Jeremiah puts it in layman's terms and explains many things. It is an exciting book, a little scary at times (to think about) but gives hope to the person with a personal relationship with Christ.
  
• 
  Brenda Bennett

  Agents of Apocalypse
  
  This book was an excellent explanation of Gods revelation of the dais on the future.
  It was an amazing detailed explanation.
  To realize that Daniel was just a regular man who loves God and worshiped Him, yet was given a life of such magnificent understanding.
  I am inspired to live a life daily with God as my guide.
• 
  milenami

  A book on how and when to draw the line between serving God and living in a babylonian world (the world we live in now). God allowing Daniel to live in that culture did not make Daniel forget his God and his home in Jerusalem... "That is how we live faithfully in Babylon as we walk forward toward our home in the New Jerusalem."
• 
  Stacey

  The book of Daniel is an intriguing combination of history and prophecy told by a remarkable captive from his youth through his old age. Excellent study, (especially in conjunction with Dr. David Jeremiah's DVD lessons), providing biblical passages, backed up by historical documentation, and relating it to end of days prophecies.
• 
  Darrell

  Superb. Dr. David Jeremiah does something unique with this book and its companion piece, Agents of the Apocalypse. Each chapter begins as a narrative story and reads like a novel. But in the second half, he presents the source material that inspired the tale. The result is a wonderfully fresh presentation of the book of Daniel.
• 
  Lazarus

  An in depth look into the book of Daniel. I love the way Jeremiah told the biblical tale in story form, using historical information to augment and color the story. Then he would explain in his "scripture behind the story" and take a deep dive into the information and analyze it from a biblical and historical perspective. Very thoughtful and convicting.
• 
  Susan

  I learned a great deal about the Book of Daniel from the Bible. It was very interesting and informative.
  Dr. Jeremiah wrote the first half of the chapter as a novel (story) and then dissected it with historical information and commentaries from Biblical scholars.
• 
  David Gusewelle

  Great read, a must for those studying Daniel
  
  Opened my eyes to the meaning behind the signs and numbers of scripture. This book describes the end times, but points us to the beginning of all things new.