Daniel

Book of Daniel

Notes.. .

. ..Introduction. By Daniel to give an account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and 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. People include Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, Belteshazzar (Daniel), and Darius. Places include Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, the fiery furnace, Belteshazzar’s banquet, and the den of lions
. ..Themes. God is In Control, Purpose In Life, Perseverance, and God’s Faithfulness.
. ..Outline. “The book of Daniel provides support and understanding for persons living under constant fear. The author of Daniel adopted a radically different form of communication from that of any other OT book. He took thought-forms, imagery, and literary forms for the world’s wisdom and prophecy to challenge the prevailing fear and hopelessness of the day” (William Seay 2019, L11 37:00–37:32).
. ..Application. “Evil may prosper for a time. That time may extend beyond and individual’s lifetime. Our calling is not to have constant victory but to have constant faith. Evil will be punished, eventually. God’s message will be unchanged even though the medium may vary” (Seay 2019, L12 05:51–06:16).
. ..Timeline. Written in 535 about events from 605 to 535.

Introduction. 32:45 – The purpose was to give an 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. The author is Daniel. It was written to the other captives in Babylon and God’s people everywhere. The key people are Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, Belteshazzar (Daniel), and Darius. The key places are Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, the fiery furnace, Belteshazzar’s banquet, and the den of lions. Some of the special features are the apocalyptic visions in chapters 8–12. These visions give a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages including a direct prediction of the coming messiah.

Themes. 34:45 – There are four theological themes. (i) 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. God will overcome evil and no one is exempt, but He will deliver the faithful who follow Him. (ii) 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 give into pressures from an ungodly society because they had a clear purpose in life. (iii) Perseverance. Daniel served in a foreign land that was hostile to God for seventy years, yet he did not compromise his faith in God. He was truthful, persistent in prayer, and disinterested in power or personal glory. (iv) God’s Faithfulness. God was faithful in Daniel’s life. He delivered him from prison, a den of lions, and enemies who hated him. God cares for and deals patiently with His people.

Outline. 36:40 – In every generation, some people feel radically threatened. They seek encouragement and hope. They want to know if God still exists and if God is concerned about their plight. The book of Daniel provides support and understanding for persons living under constant fear. The author of Daniel adopted a radically different form of communication from that of any other OT book. He took thought-forms, imagery, and literary forms for the world’s wisdom and prophecy to challenge the prevailing fear and hopelessness of the day. He began his [ ] use of apocalyptic writing as a way of communicating God’s message to his people. Isaiah 24–27, Zechariah, and portions of Ezekiel use related language but not to the extent that Daniel does. Revelation in the NT is an example of apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic expression involves the use of elaborate visions and images to describe God’s revelation of the last days of history when the world order is rescued from indescribable threats and evil. Apocalyptic writing tells its readers the ethical requirements of the faithful remnant who knew the terrible threat and often devised the final stages of history to period which were described by rich and mysterious symbolism. Only those who know the symbols can fully understand the message of such writings.

The book of Daniel used six stories about four Israelite captives in Babylon after c. 597 BC who demonstrate the necessity of proper behavior during the perilous days. Daniel then offers a series of symbol laden visions to help readers understand their own placed in history and the hope God wants to give them in the last days. Students of the bible have honest differences in their interpretations of the figures and images used in Daniel but all agree that the Babylonian, Persian, and Greek empires were involved along with the later subdivisions of the Greek empire including the Ptolemy rulers in Egypt and Seleucid ruler in Syria (or Assyria), a major figure is the Seleucid ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes, who violated the holy temple in Jerusalem in c. 165 BC. Some scholars see the Roman Empire or the revival of the Roman Empire as the final kingdom. Whatever the exact progression of historical references, the book presented important options to its readers. The rush of time and history brought an ever-deepening threat to God’s people. Successive rulers brought them closer to despair.

How could an enslaved people hold onto their faith? What incentive did they have to look to the future? Had their God been defeated? Should they follow the lifestyles of their enemies to avoid persecution? Would they dare to die to be true to the teachings God gave them? There they live their faith, exposing themselves to all kinds of danger.

Amid its visions, symbols, and images, the book of Daniel makes strong theological statements about the nature of God, the nature of the Christian life, the nature of history and prayer and theological statements about last things. The God of the Hebrews is a demanding God. He expects His people to remain faithful to Him and His way of life of them, even in the darkest moments of history and under the most horrible threats. God is defensible. He will keep His promises to His people.

Perseverance is necessary. The central message of Daniel is a call for his people to keep on being faithful when human circumstances appear to hide all hope. Life with God does not guarantee a good time. God’s people must preserve through the dark days. In a world filled with voices clamoring for allegiance, God’s people are called to follow Him at all costs. The example of David and his friends stands are a role model for each person that wants to be listed among God’s people. Faith involves risk. Just as Daniel and his friends had to act on faith against immensely powerful opposition so God’s people must risk even their lives to remain faithful.

History involves God’s judgement of His sinful people. God’s people cannot complain over justice when their own sins have brought judgement on them. God mysteriously uses the forces of history, even arrogant rulers to discipline and judge His people. The meaning of history is not crystal clear on the surface. Events may appear to contradict traditional theological interpretations and beliefs. God provides inspired figures to interpret His historical acts for His people. Only with such inspired interpreters can God’s people understand God’s ways with His world. History leads to God’s victory. Present defeat must not hide God’s march to victory for His people. Amid the shadows of persecution and sacrilege, God works to accomplish His ultimate purpose. History does not naturally lead to such victory through natural forces, God’s activity alone brings final victory.

Prayer keeps God’s people faithful. Only through constant communication with God can His people preserve and follow the life He sets out for them. Prayer is the highway for proper ethics for God’s people. Prayer brings hope in the midst of travail and threat. When enemies surround God’s people, prayer is the link that gives vision and hope. Through prayer, God’s people confess their sins and seek God’s new directions for life. The leaders of God’s peoples must confess their sins to God and intercede on their behalf.

God has ultimate purpose for His people and His Word. God knows the powers that oppose Him and know they will be defeated. Evil rulers may hold sway momentarily, but God holds the ultimate key to victory. No human power or kingdom is superior to Yahweh and His kingdom.

The kingdom of God is composed of those who believe and are faithful to the end. The preserving saints will see God’s victory and experience the joy of His kingdom come. The faithful will inherit eternal life. This book of Daniel provides the clearest teachings of resurrection. God will reward His faithful servants with eternal life, raising the dead from the grave.

Application. 05:05 – This book of Daniel is a contagious Word of encouragement through personal example. Daniel is a consistent role model. His actions were grounded in history. He was a real person who confronted real issues and lead many persons in the life of faith. Danger never dampened his daily dedication to God. The long hard threats of a dictator could not deter Daniel from exalting God. Evil may prosper for a time. That time may extend beyond and individual’s lifetime. Our calling is not to have constant victory but to have constant faith. Evil will be punished, eventually. God’s message will be unchanged even though the medium may vary. The book of Daniel reflects a time when the power of prophetic utterances was not paramount, other types of proclamation were needed. Though apocalyptic expressions began to be understood as an avenue of God’s voice, God called a person continually. That call might involve threats of tyrants, unrighteous laws, inornate pressure, and personal suffering. In all situations, God’s called people to lead and instruct His people. Our actions must be prompted by the glorification of God and the by the glorification of selfish desire. God created the whole world. All nations are under God’s requirement. The faithful must exalt the living God constantly and the whole world under all circumstances. God is alive and at work. Our time in suffering may dim our vision. God does not call us to explain our circumstances. He calls us to trust Him and His Word of promise. Resurrection hope is the answer for a world falling apart. Just reward and punishment does not always come in this life. The righteous may die for faithfulness. God will reward them through personal resurrection.

Timeline. 08:10 – Daniel was written in c. 535 BC. What Daniel wrote about was the events which occurred from c. 605 BC to about c. 535 BC. He wrote about the events after they had taken place. Daniel 7:13–14 is a clear prophecy of the coming messiah, Jesus Christ.

Ref.

Seay, William. 2019. Old Testament Theology [MP3]. Andersonville Theological Seminary (ATS). Camilla, GA: ATS

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Agere Sequitur Esse