Daniel

AN EARTHQUAKE shakes the foundation of our security; a tornado blast away a lifetime of treasures; an assassin’s bullet changes national history; a drunk driver claims an innocent victim; a divorce shatters a home. International and personal tragedies make our world seem a fearful place, overflowing with evil and seemingly out of control. And the litany of bombings, coups, murders, and natural disasters could cause us to think that God is absent or impotent. “Where is God?” we cry, engulfed by sorrows and despair.

Twenty-five centuries ago, Daniel could have despaired. He and thousands of his countrymen had been deported to a foreign land after Judah was conquered. Daniel found himself facing an egocentric despot and surrounded by idolaters. Instead by giving in or giving up, this courageous young man held fast to his faith in his God. Daniel knew that despite the circumstances, God was sovereign and was working out his plan for the nations and individuals. The book of Daniel enters around this profound truth – the sovereignty of God.

After a brief account of Nebuchadnezzar’s siege and defeat of Jerusalem, the scene quickly shifts to Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), These men held prominent positions within the Babylonian government. Daniel, in particular, held such a position because of his ability to interpret the king’s dreams that tell of God’s unfolding plan (chapters 2 and 4). Sandwiched between the dreams is fascinating account of Daniel’s three friends and the furnace (chapter 3). Because they refused to bow down to an image of gold, they were condemned to a fiery death. But God intervened and spared their lives.

Belshazzar ruled Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar, and chapter 5 tells of his encounter with God’s message written on a wall. Daniel, who was summoned to interpret the message, predicted Babylon’s fall to the Medes and Persians. This prediction came true that very night, and Darius the Mede conquered the Babylonian kingdom.

Daniel became one of Darius’s most trusted advisers. His privileged positions angered other administrators, who plotted his death by convincing the king to outlaw prayer. In spite of the law, Daniel continued to pray to his sovereign Lord. As a result, he was condemned to die in a den of hungry lions. Again God intervened and saved him, shutting the mouths of the lions (chapter 6).

The book concludes with a series of visions that Daniel had during the reigns of Belshazzar (chapter 7; 8), Darius (chapter 9), and Cyrus (chapters 10-12). These dreams dramatically outline God’s future plans, beginning with Babylon and continuing the end of the age. They give a preview of God’s redemption and have been called the key to all Biblical prophesy.

God’s sovereign, he was in control in Babylon, and He has been moving in history, controlling the destinies of people ever since. And He is here now! Despite news reports or personal stress, we can be confident that God is in control. As you read Daniel, watch God work and find your security in His sovereignty.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To give a historical account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and to show how God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of His people.

Author: Daniel

To Whom Written: The other captives in Babylon and God’s people everywhere.

Date written: Approximately 535 B.C., recording events that occurred from about 605-535 B.C.

Setting: Daniel had been taken captive and departed to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. There he served in the government for about 60 years during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.

Key Verse: “He (God) reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.”(2:22)

Key People: Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Belshazzar, Darius

Key Places: Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, the fiery furnace, Belshazzar’s banquet, the den of lions.

Special Features: Daniel’s apocalyptic visions (chapter 8-12) give a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages, including a direct prediction of the Messiah.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
God is in control	God is all-knowing, and he is in charge of world events. God overrules and removes rebellious leaders who defy Him. Od will overcome evil; no one is exempt. But He will deliver the faithful who follow Him.	Although nations vie for world control now, one day Christ's kingdom will replace and surpass the kingdoms of this world. Our faith is sure because our future is secure in Christ. We must have courage and put our faith in God who controls everything.
Purpose in life	Daniel and his three friends are examples of dedication and commitment. They determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. They did not ive in to pressure from an ungodly society because they had a clear purpose in life.	It is wise to make trusting and obeying God alone our true purpose in life. This will give us direction and peace in spite of the circumstances or consequences. We should disobey anyone who ask us to disobey God. Our first allegiance must be to God.
Perseverance	Daniel served for 70 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith in God. He was truthful, persistent in prayer, and disinterested in power for personal glory.	In order to fulfill your life's purpose, you need staying power. Don't let your Christian distinctness become blurred. Be relentless in your prayers, stay firm in your integrity, and be content to serve God wherever He puts you.
God's faithfulness	God was faithful in Daniel's life. He delivered him from prison, from a den of lions, and from enemies who hated him. God cares for His people and deals patiently with them.	We can trust God to be with us through any trial because He promises to be there. Because He has been faithful to us, we should remain faithful to Him.