The Prophet from Babylon: Why Study the Book of Daniel PART 02

In Part 01, we were introduced to one of the most remarkable men in history: Daniel, the prophet from Babylon. His name means ‘God is my judge,’ and he is the author of the book that bears his name. He lived during the 6th Century BC, during the time of the 70 year captivity of Judah in Babylon. We learned that Jesus is ‘the stone cut out of the mountains without hands (2:34),’ the 4th man in the fiery furnace (3:25), and the Messiah (9:25). We now continue our survey of this priceless book.

Theme of Daniel

God’s purposes for the nation of Israel are revealed in Daniel, especially during the ‘Times of the Gentiles.’ Israel’s political restoration is foretold.

The Book of Daniel also holds the keys for understanding the last days, particularly Nebuchadnezzar’s statue in Daniel 2 and the 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9. The book is predominantly written in Hebrew but chapters 2-7 are in Aramaic, thus making them intelligible for God’s purpose for the Gentiles.

Our knowledge of God is greatly enhanced by studying Daniel. In this book we learn that:

1.       God has ‘keeping-power’ (Chapter 1);

2.       God reveals secrets (Chapter 2);

3.       God delivers from trouble (Chapter 3);

4.       God is Sovereign, including in the affairs of men (Chapter 4);

5.       God is the judge (hence, the name ‘Daniel’ - Chapter 5);

6.       God is omnipotent, even in the lion’s den (Chapter 6).

Key Verses of Daniel

Daniel 2:20-22: Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: ²¹And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: ²²He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Daniel 2:44: And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Summary of Daniel

Chapter 01: Daniel, of royal stock, and his three friends were taken from Jerusalem to Babylon as teenagers. They were groomed as bureaucrats in the royal court. God gave them favour so that they were exempted from defiling themselves with the ‘royal food.’ Like Joseph in Genesis, Daniel is promoted in the Babylonian court because of his ability to interpret dreams.

Chapter 02: Babylonian king Nebuchanezzar has a dream of a multi-metalled statue, head of gold (Babylon), chest and arms of silver (Persia), belly and thigh of bronze (Greek/Hellenistic), legs of iron, feet of iron and clay (traditionally Rome or the Imperial Empire). The last empire will be the final world empire until Messiah comes to earth. Daniel accurately interprets the dream.

Chapter 03: Daniel’s 3 friends refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s actual 30 metre high gold statue in the Plain of Dura and were delivered from death in the fiery furnace.

Chapter 04: Nebuchadnezzar was judged, live like a grass-eating beast for a time, and was restored to his throne. He may have even written this chapter.

Chapter 05: Years later, the last ruler of Babylon, Belshazzar (ruling in the place of his father Nabonides, who was on a foreign assignment), sees the handwriting on the wall and is deposed that very night.

Chapter 06: The Persians take over and, like the Book of Esther, made a foolish decree about prayer. Daniel violated it but was delivered from the lions.

Chapter 07: We learned about the vision of the 4 beasts.

Chapter 08: We learn about the male goat, ram, and little horn - antichrist.

Chapter 09: This chapter is about the famous ’70 Week Prophecy,’ considered the foundation of all end time prophecy.

Chapter 10: Daniel’s 3 week partial fast and the conflict with the prince of Persia is told.

Chapter 11: The conflict between the king of the south and north is detailed. It is estimated that over 100 prophecies were fulfilled in this chapter alone. Chapter 11 gives a summary of the period known as the ‘400 silent’ years between the end of the Old Testament, Malachi and the beginning of the New, with the Gospel of Matthew.

Chapter 12: Tells us about the resurrection of the dead and that the prophecy is ‘sealed’ until the end; it is ‘unsealed’ or ‘revealed’ in the Book of Revelation, the New Testament twin of Daniel.

Practical Lessons: The Book of Daniel also outlines principles of victorious Christian living. These include the joy of a submitted life (1:1-21); the importance of being a light in the dark place (2:22); victory in the midst of trial (3:17-25); receiving rewards for faithful service (5:17, 29); the deliverance of the innocent (6:10-24); revival praying, which includes confession of sin (9:3-19); and the wisdom of winning souls (12:3).

Outline of Daniel

I.           Daniel deported to Babylon (1)

II.         Prophecy for the Gentiles (2-7)

III.      Prophecy for Israel (8-12)