Why Study Daniel Daniels situation parallels our own

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Why Study Daniel? Daniel’s situation parallels our own in many ways. Daniel’s prophecies could

Why Study Daniel? Daniel’s situation parallels our own in many ways. Daniel’s prophecies could soon be fulfilled. Daniel’s God is our God.

Prophet of the End Time and the Meantime

Prophet of the End Time and the Meantime

The Purpose of Daniel was written to the nation of Judah in captivity to

The Purpose of Daniel was written to the nation of Judah in captivity to encourage them that God would bring the promised Messianic Kingdom in the future (the end time) and to exhort them to live faithfully in the present (the meantime).

The Twin Purposes of Daniel Prophecy (the end time): To reveal God’s prophetic program

The Twin Purposes of Daniel Prophecy (the end time): To reveal God’s prophetic program for the Gentile nations and the Jewish people in the future (2, 4, 5, 7 -12). Piety (the meantime): To show God’s people are to live in a godless society in the present (1, 3, 6, 9).

Main Theme The absolute transcendence and sovereignty of God

Main Theme The absolute transcendence and sovereignty of God

The sovereign rule of God over the realm of man (4: 17). The kingdoms

The sovereign rule of God over the realm of man (4: 17). The kingdoms of this world are passing; the kingdom of God is coming to pass.

The Message of the Major Prophets Isaiah Prophet of the Salvation of the Lord

The Message of the Major Prophets Isaiah Prophet of the Salvation of the Lord Jeremiah Prophet of the Judgment of the Lord Ezekiel Prophet of the Glory of the Lord Daniel Prophet of the Kingdom of the Lord

The Key to Bible Prophecy Daniel is essential to understanding the Olivet Discourse of

The Key to Bible Prophecy Daniel is essential to understanding the Olivet Discourse of Jesus and the Book of Revelation is the XYZ of Bible prophecy. Daniel is the ABC of prophecy.

Who wrote Daniel?

Who wrote Daniel?

1. The book directly states that Daniel was the human author (10: 2, 12:

1. The book directly states that Daniel was the human author (10: 2, 12: 4 -5) 2. The author shows a remarkable knowledge of Babylonian and Persian customs and culture.

3. Manuscripts fragments of Daniel from Cave I and Cave IV at Qumran date

3. Manuscripts fragments of Daniel from Cave I and Cave IV at Qumran date to the 2 nd century B. C. It is highly unlikely the book could have been written, copied, and widely disseminated in such a short period of time. 4. Jesus said Daniel was the author (Matt 24: 15). ).

The Theology of Daniel Theology Proper (78 occurrences of titles for God) Christology (smiting

The Theology of Daniel Theology Proper (78 occurrences of titles for God) Christology (smiting stone, Son of man) Anthropology (depravity, mercy for repentant) Angelology (Gabriel and Michael—the invisible war in Daniel 10) Eschatology (chapters 2, 7, 8, 9: 24 -27; 11— 12)

Outline of Daniel The traditional approach: chapters 1 -6: historical chapters 7 -12: prophetic

Outline of Daniel The traditional approach: chapters 1 -6: historical chapters 7 -12: prophetic The linguistic approach: chapter 1 -2: 4 a: introduction (in Hebrew) chapters 2: 4 b-7: Aramaic (referring to Gentiles) chapters 8 -12: Hebrew (referring to Jews)

The Language of Daniel Hebrew Personal History of Daniel 1: 1 2: 4 a

The Language of Daniel Hebrew Personal History of Daniel 1: 1 2: 4 a Aramaic Hebrew Prophetic History of Gentiles Prophetic History of Israel 2: 4 b 7: 28 8: 1 12: 13

I. The Personal History of Daniel (1) II. The Prophetic History of the Times

I. The Personal History of Daniel (1) II. The Prophetic History of the Times of the Gentiles (2— 7) III. The Prophetic History of Israel During the Times of the Gentiles (8— 12)

Daniel 1 -6 rd 3 person Daniel 7 -12 st 1 person

Daniel 1 -6 rd 3 person Daniel 7 -12 st 1 person

Chiastic Structure in Daniel 2— 7

Chiastic Structure in Daniel 2— 7

Historical Background Deuteronomy 28 Covenant Lawsuits—the Prophets Deportation of Israel in 722 B. C.

Historical Background Deuteronomy 28 Covenant Lawsuits—the Prophets Deportation of Israel in 722 B. C. Direct Prophecy—Jer. 25/ Habakkuk

The Neo-Babylonian Empire Nabopolassar November 22, 626 B. C. Assyrian empire defeated in 612

The Neo-Babylonian Empire Nabopolassar November 22, 626 B. C. Assyrian empire defeated in 612 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar crown prince (607 B. C. ) Nebu chad rezzar (Nabu protect my boundary/offspring)

2 Superpowers of that Day Battle of Carchemish May 605 B. C.

2 Superpowers of that Day Battle of Carchemish May 605 B. C.

Nebuchadnezzar received news of his father’s death on August 15, 605 B. C. He

Nebuchadnezzar received news of his father’s death on August 15, 605 B. C. He rushed home, covering the 580 miles back to Babylon in 12 -15 days (40 -60 miles a day) across the desert. He was crowned king on Sept 7, 605 B. C. in Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar (605 – 562 B. C. )

Nebuchadnezzar (605 – 562 B. C. )

3 Deportations of Judah to Babylon

3 Deportations of Judah to Babylon

1 st Invasion and Deportation August 605 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and Jerusalem.

1 st Invasion and Deportation August 605 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and Jerusalem. Hostages were taken to secure loyalty, including Daniel and his three friends. Jehoiakim became Nebuchadnezzar’s vassal.

2 nd Invasion and Deportation March 597 In 601 B. C. the Babylonians and

2 nd Invasion and Deportation March 597 In 601 B. C. the Babylonians and Egyptians fought with both sides sustaining heavy casualties. Encouraged by this, Jehoiakim revolted. In December 598, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiakim died that month. His 18 year old son Jehoiachin took the throne and surrendered to Babylon after a reign of 3 months 10 days. He was deposed and taken to Babylon with 10, 000 captives including Ezekiel (2 Kings 24: 14 -16). Jehoiachin’s uncle Zedekiah (Mattaniah) assumed the office of vassal king.

3 rd Invasion and Deportation August 586 Zedekiah’s 11 year reign ended with a

3 rd Invasion and Deportation August 586 Zedekiah’s 11 year reign ended with a 30 month siege (January 15, 588—July 18, 586). The city and the temple were destroyed on August 15 -18, 586 by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard. The leaders were executed and 832 people were deported (2 Kings 25: 18 -21; Jer. 52: 29).

3 Phases of the Babylonian Captivity Daniel Born Daniel and Friends Deported 10, 000

3 Phases of the Babylonian Captivity Daniel Born Daniel and Friends Deported 10, 000 Jews Deported Jerusalem Destroyed and the remaining Jews deported 620 B. C. ------605 B. C. -------597 B. C. -----586 B. C.

Taken back to the land they came from

Taken back to the land they came from

The Ishtar Gate Procession Way

The Ishtar Gate Procession Way

Daniel 1: 1 -2 “Man Proposes but God Disposes” 1. The Setting (1) A.

Daniel 1: 1 -2 “Man Proposes but God Disposes” 1. The Setting (1) A. The Period “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah” B. The People “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it”

2. The Seizure of the Vessels (2) A. The Place B. The Purpose Daniel

2. The Seizure of the Vessels (2) A. The Place B. The Purpose Daniel 1: 2 “And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God, and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. ”

3. The Sovereignty of God (2) A. The article “the” “the house of the

3. The Sovereignty of God (2) A. The article “the” “the house of the Elohim. . . the house of his elohim” B. The subject “Lord” master)” (Adonai supreme C. The verb “gave” The middle of 5 verbs Nebuchadnezzar came. . . besieged. . . the Lord gave. . . Nebuchadnezzar brought. .

Leon Wood “Adonai speaks of God as supreme master. The significance of using this

Leon Wood “Adonai speaks of God as supreme master. The significance of using this name here is to say that, though the outward signs did not seem to show it, God was the master of this situation, as Jehoiakim was given into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. It was not Nebuchadnezzar’s strength nor Jehoiakim’s weakness that really decided the matter, but God’s good pleasure. Kings like to think themselves sufficient as rulers, but they are as much under the supreme control of God as any person.

There is comfort in knowing that no governmental authority can go beyond the bounds

There is comfort in knowing that no governmental authority can go beyond the bounds permitted by God. . As God exercises absolute control, He normally works through natural means. Here, Nebuchadnezzar did all he thought necessary to make Jehoiakim capitulate; and certainly he believed, when Jehoiakim did so, that he, Nebuchadnezzar, had been the one responsible. But the verse says that God gave Jehoiakim into his hand. Nebuchadnezzar was only the instrument used. ”

Daniel 1: 3 -21 No Compromise

Daniel 1: 3 -21 No Compromise

“Great doors swing on small hinges”

“Great doors swing on small hinges”

Daniel 1: 3 -20 The Small Hinge of a Great Life

Daniel 1: 3 -20 The Small Hinge of a Great Life

Prophet of the End Time and the Meantime

Prophet of the End Time and the Meantime

The Twin Purposes of Daniel Prophecy: To reveal God’s prophetic program for the Gentile

The Twin Purposes of Daniel Prophecy: To reveal God’s prophetic program for the Gentile nations and the Jewish people in the future Piety: To show God’s people are to live in a godless society in the present

Ezekiel 14: 12 -14 “Then the word of the Lord came to me saying,

Ezekiel 14: 12 -14 “Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it, and cut off from it both man and beast, even though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves, ’ declares the Lord”

Ezekiel 28: 3 “Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that

Ezekiel 28: 3 “Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that is a match for you. ”

1 st Invasion and Deportation August 605 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and Jerusalem.

1 st Invasion and Deportation August 605 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and Jerusalem. Hostages were taken to secure loyalty, including Daniel and his three friends. Jehoiakim became Nebuchadnezzar’s vassal.

About 50 -75 youths were taken POWs in Babylon Taken back to the land

About 50 -75 youths were taken POWs in Babylon Taken back to the land they came from

The Ishtar Gate Procession Way

The Ishtar Gate Procession Way

The Reasons the Youths Were Taken 1. To secure Jehoiakim’s loyalty (hostages) 2. To

The Reasons the Youths Were Taken 1. To secure Jehoiakim’s loyalty (hostages) 2. To train future leaders in Babylonians ways. 3. To serve as a constant reminder to Nebuchadnezzar of his success in battle. 4. To bring the best and most gifted people into the empire. To pool the best brains and abilities.

I. The Brainwashing of the Babylonians (3 -7) II. The Boldness of Daniel (8

I. The Brainwashing of the Babylonians (3 -7) II. The Boldness of Daniel (8 -16) III. The Blessing of God (17 -21)

I. The Brainwashing of the Babylonians (1: 3 -7)

I. The Brainwashing of the Babylonians (1: 3 -7)

Was Daniel A True Eunuch? Daniel 1: 3 “Ashphenaz, the chief of his officials”

Was Daniel A True Eunuch? Daniel 1: 3 “Ashphenaz, the chief of his officials” (eunuchs saris) Probably Not Potiphar was called a saris (Gen 37: 26) Jewish law forbade castration (Deut 23: 1)

The Requirements for Entrance into the Royal Academy (1: 3 -4) Heritage Requirement –

The Requirements for Entrance into the Royal Academy (1: 3 -4) Heritage Requirement – Royalty Age Requirement – “youths” (14 -17 years old) Physical Requirement – “no defect” (healthy) “goodlooking” (physically appealing) Mental Requirement – “insight in all wisdom, ” “knowers of knowledge, ” and “understanders of knowledge” Social Requirement – “ability to stand in the king’s court” (personality, proper poise)

The Regimen at Babylonian University “and appointed that they should be educated three years,

The Regimen at Babylonian University “and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service” (1: 5 b).

New Language New Literature Daniel 1: 4 b “and he ordered him to teach

New Language New Literature Daniel 1: 4 b “and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans” The Chaldeans were a class of priests or wise men— experts in magic lore. Their accumulated literature included omens, magical incantations, prayers, hymns, myths, legends, scientific formulae for skills such as glass-making, mathematics and astrology.

New Lifestyle

New Lifestyle

Daniel 1: 5 “And the kind appointed for them a daily ration from the

Daniel 1: 5 “And the kind appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank” Why did Nebuchadnezzar do this? 1. To solicit good will and a sense of obligation 2. To insure that they were healthy 3. To get them accustomed to the good life

New Loyalty Hebrew Daniel (God is my Judge) Babylonian Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life)

New Loyalty Hebrew Daniel (God is my Judge) Babylonian Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life) Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) Shadrach (Aku is exalted) Mishael (Who is what God is? ) Meshach (Who is what Aku is? ) Azariah (Yahweh is my help) Abednego (Servant of Nebo)

Why Give New Names? 1. A matter of convenience and ideology 2. To demonstrate

Why Give New Names? 1. A matter of convenience and ideology 2. To demonstrate control 3. A gesture giving credit to the gods of Babylon 4. To further divorce and alienate the young men from their background assimilate them into Babylonian life.

Babylonian Brainwashing A New Literature and Language—to change their way of thinking and assimilate

Babylonian Brainwashing A New Literature and Language—to change their way of thinking and assimilate them into the new culture A New Lifestyle—to change their way of living A New Loyalty—to change their identity, to erase their godly heritage

II. The Boldness of Daniel (1: 8 -16) Daniel 1: 8 The first time

II. The Boldness of Daniel (1: 8 -16) Daniel 1: 8 The first time in Daniel that a Hebrew is the subject of main verb. Daniel did not challenge the new education or new name. These involved no direct violation of God’s Word. But he did challenge the new diet. Why? Someone has said that like a typical teenager Daniel complained about the food. But there was much more to it than that. It was a direct violation of the Levitical dietary code, and the food may have been first offered to idol.

Reasons for Daniel to Go Along 1. He was far from home. No one

Reasons for Daniel to Go Along 1. He was far from home. No one would know. 2. The food was attractive. 3. It was easier to just go along. All the others were doing it (easy to rationalize rather than obey) 4. It appeared that God had abandoned them. “It’s God’s fault we’re here in this predicament. ” 5. Nebuchadnezzar was not the kind of man you said “No” to.

The Resolve of Daniel “Daniel made up his mind (laid upon his heart) that

The Resolve of Daniel “Daniel made up his mind (laid upon his heart) that he would not defile himself” Daniel acted alone at first. His three friends joined him at some point. Daniel sought permission not to eat the food.

Why was Daniel Able to Make This Decision? Godly upbringing and heritage—“God is my

Why was Daniel Able to Make This Decision? Godly upbringing and heritage—“God is my judge” (knowledge of the Torah) The Revival in Judah under Josiah -609 B. C. ) 2 Kings 22— 23 Restored God’s Word to its place. (640

The Response of God Daniel 1: 9 “”Now the God granted Daniel favor and

The Response of God Daniel 1: 9 “”Now the God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials” When Daniel obeyed God took over.

The Responsibility of Daniel (1: 10 -13) Step 1 Daniel appeals to Ashpenaz (1:

The Responsibility of Daniel (1: 10 -13) Step 1 Daniel appeals to Ashpenaz (1: 8 b) Step 2 Daniel appeals to the overseer (Melzar—steward or warden; 1: 11) Step 3 He proposes a test or experiment with a comparison at the end of 10 days (1: 12 -13). “Pulse” = sown things such as fruit, vegetables, cereals, and beans. ”

Daniel is courteous and confident. He doesn’t threaten, stage a protest, or revolt. He

Daniel is courteous and confident. He doesn’t threaten, stage a protest, or revolt. He is gracious and tactful toward those in authority. He proposes a short test—short enough not to arouse suspicion but long enough for the effects to be seen. The principle is cooperation without compromise.

The Results of the Test (1: 14 -16) God miraculously intervened. The Melzar proceeded

The Results of the Test (1: 14 -16) God miraculously intervened. The Melzar proceeded from that point on a day-to-day basis (1: 16).

III. The Blessing God (1: 17 -21) “the God gave them” (1: 2, 8,

III. The Blessing God (1: 17 -21) “the God gave them” (1: 2, 8, 17) 3 years elapse between 1: 17 and 1: 18 Nebuchadnezzar gave each of them an extensive oral examination (1: 19)

Key Lessons from Daniel 1: 3 -20 1. Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs

Key Lessons from Daniel 1: 3 -20 1. Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs even it if could cost him his life. He was willing to base his life on God’s principles in spite of adversaries. 2. Daniel tried to offer a “creative compromise” in an effort to satisfy the desires of man. 3. Daniel put God first and in turn God worked out Daniel’s relationships with others. 4. God gave Daniel wisdom, favor, and blessing.

5. Daniel tried to do his best in every situation God placed him in.

5. Daniel tried to do his best in every situation God placed him in. 6. Daniel always refers to himself by his Jewish name rather than his pagan name. 7. Daniel was blessed by God with a long life (1: 21). He lived a consistent life for the Lord. Daniel was probably born about 620 B. C. The first year of Cyrus was 539 B. C. According to Daniel 10: 1, he was still alive in 537 B. C. (the 3 rd year of Cyrus) At that time he would have been about 83 years old.

Edward Pusey “Simple words, ‘Daniel continued’ but what a volume of tried faithfulness is

Edward Pusey “Simple words, ‘Daniel continued’ but what a volume of tried faithfulness is unrolled by them. Amid all the intrigues, indigenous at all times, and dynasties of oriental despotism, amid all the envy toward a foreign captive in high office as a king’s counselor, amid all the trouble incidental to the insanity of the king and the murder of two of his successors, in that whole critical period, for his people, Daniel continued. ” This is a man the Lord gives light.

David Jeremiah During all the troubles of the nation, from the king’s insanity to

David Jeremiah During all the troubles of the nation, from the king’s insanity to the murder of his successors, during the whirling intrigues, the plots and persecution, Daniel stood like an iron pillar in a hurricane because the sovereign God of the universe was also the sovereign God of his life.

Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose

Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.