Daniel

Daniel

Finding the Context:

The prophet Daniel wrote the book of Daniel. We know from Matthew 24:15 that Jesus refers to words that He claims were spoken by Daniel. This book was written the Jews who were living in Babylon during the time of the exile. It was most likely compiled near the end of the time of their exile. You see from 10:1 that part of the book occurred around the time that the exiles were returning to Jerusalem. The book of Daniel has numerous accounts of visions regarding various kingdoms (2:27-45; 5:1-28; 7:2-14; 8:3-12,19-26; (9:22-27; 10:20-12). You see that God also reveals information regarding His kingdom. The main theme is stated in 4:37 stating that God is the sovereign king over all the nations. You see this from various stories found through out the book (i.e. firey furnace-3; Nebuchadnezzar becoming an ox-4 and Daniel in the lion’s den-6). The book of Daniel would have revealed to the Jews that their God and His kingdom were greater than all other nations and kings.

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God reveals Himself as being completely trustworthy in this book. Numerous times His servants are placed in difficult trying situations and God is faithful to deliver them as they seek him (3,6).

You also see that God is in control of everything. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing is too difficult for Him. Whether it involves having to humble a wicked king (4), deliver his servants from a furnace (4), deliver them from lions (6) put down evil kings (5) or strengthen his servants (10:15-19), He is capable of doing anything and using anyone that he wants.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In the book of Daniel you see predictions of the Messiah and His kingdom (7:11-14; 9:25,26).  You see the death of the Messiah predicted in chapter nine where it states that “the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing”. You also see the ultimate culmination of God’s redemptive plan promised to Daniel in 12:13 stating that he will rise to receive the inheritance that is set-aside for him.

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

I found it really encouraging to see Daniel’s humanness constantly mentioned. Over and over it says that Daniel was afraid, fainted, terrified, filled with anguish, trembled, was pale with fear, and confused (4:19; 7:15,28; 8:15,17,18, 27; 10:8,9, 10,11,15-19. Daniel is considered to have been such an amazing prophet and man of God and yet the things the Lord revealed to him constantly terrified him. Yet, despite his fear and weakness, God still speaks to him and uses him as a prophet of God. It’s such an encouragement to me that even when I’m afraid or terrified of what God may be saying to me or doing in my life, I can rest that He is in control over everything and He will be faithful to continue to speak to me and work in my life for His glory.

2.     Point of Passion

You see an amazing contrast between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar’s attitudes in this book. Both were leaders and both had powerful influence. Yet, these two men chose to approach things very differently. You see Daniel portray an amazing sense of humility that the king does not possess at first. Despite the fact that he is wiser and more knowledgeable than all other men in the kingdom (1:17-20; 5:11,12) Daniel never exalts himself but rather acknowledges that his gifts and abilities come from God alone (2:26-28). In contrast you see Nebuchadnezzar constantly promoting himself. He makes a golden image of himself, which he commands everyone to worship. This would have been an attempt on his part to take control of the spiritual environment of his kingdom (3). You also see in chapter 4 that he boasts of making Babylon so great by his own power (4:30). God eventually chooses to humble Nebuchadnezzar by causing his mind to become like that of an animal. He spends 7 years eating grass like an ox (4). He then realizes that God is sovereign and acknowledges that God is able to “humble the proud” (4:37). While Nebuchadnezzar is humbled, Daniel is exalted over and over. God continually grants him favor in the eyes of his captors making him one of the most influential men in the kingdom over and over despite the political changes occurring in Babylon (1:19-21; 2:48,49; 5:29; 6:3, 25-27). It doesn’t matter how many gifts, skills or abilities we may have, we never reach a place where we are not to walk humbly. Daniel never became proud despite the fact that he was constantly put in high positions. He never took credit for his abilities but always pointed the kings that he served back to God. If we desire God’s blessings and want to influence worldly kings that we serve, we are going to have to constantly choose to remain humble. We must never make ourselves the focus of what God chooses to do in and through us. We must always humbly be point back to God. Only when we are obedient to God and walking humbly before Him will the kings that we serve truly be able to see that God is the One doing great and amazing things (2:47; 3:29; 5:11; 6:25-27).