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Daniel Introduction

Daniel Introduction

Why Daniel?

• Personal Impact• Reveals Gentile history in advance• Discovery of its validation• Contains the most amazing passage in the Bible

Daniel Introduction

Daniel Introduction1. Discovery: The Bible is a highly sophisticated, integrated message system; tightly engineered in

theme, structure, details; interdependence. Thus, 66 books, written by 40 authors over thousands of years, yet evidences integrity of design and demonstrates a proven origin from outside the domain of time. It is an extraterrestrial book.

2. One of the few books that describes Gentile history, in advance. It is as timely as tomorrow’s newspaper.

3. It contains the most amazing passages in the entire Bible.

Daniel Introduction

Old Testament (Tenach) Texts

Original Hebrew (“Vorlage”) - In the days of Ezra and NehemiahSeptuagint Translation (LXX) - 285-270 BC, 72 Scholars at Alexandria - Primary quoted test in the New TestamentMasoretic Text (MT) - Derived from the Council of Jamnia

Daniel Introduction

Who wrote the Book of Daniel?

(Dan 7:15) I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

Daniel Introduction

Date Written:About 538 BC

Theme: The Providence of God and the

Last Days

Daniel Introduction

Daniel Introduction

Daniel in the Critic’s Den• No other book is as vindicated by history.• 332 BC: Alexander’s conquest of Jerusalem: Priest Jaddua showed him references to himself in Daniel; city was spared. (Josephus)• R. Kodewey, 1899-1917; excavations of Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, it al, Banquet hall found, 173 feet by 56 feet (Rebuilt by Saddam)• Daniel had to be an eyewitness.

Daniel Introduction

Ultimate Authentication• Jesus quotes Daniel 3 times:

“Daniel the Prophet”• Quoted 3 times in Ezekiel

Ezek 14:14, 20; 28:3- Classed with Noah, Job et al

• One of only two of which no evil is spoken of• Foreign words: 15 Persian words

3 Greek

Daniel Introduction

(Matt 24:15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Daniel Introduction

Organization• Historical Chapters 1-6

1. Deported as a teenager2. Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream3. Bow or Burn; The Furnace4. Nebuchadnezzar's Pride Aramaic5. The Fall of Babylon6. The Lions Den7. Daniel’s Vision

Daniel Introduction

Organization• Historical Chapters 1 - 6• Visions Chapters 7 - 12

7. Four Beasts 8. The Ram and the He-Goat 9. The Seventy Weeks10. A Glimpse of the Dark Side11. The “Silent Years” (in advance)12. The Consummation of All Things

Chronological Order

1. Babylonian Captivity 606 B.C.2. Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream 602 B.C.3. Nebuchadnezzar’s Image4. Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride7. The vision of the 4 beasts 556 B.C.8. Ram and He-goat vision 554 B.C.9. Babylon falls to Persians 539 B.C.9. Vision of Seventy weeks 538 B.C.10. The Lions’ Den10-12 Closing visions

Chronological Order

Historical Prophecies

Daniel Introduction

Chronology• 612 BC: Nineveh falls to an alliance of Babylon and Media• 609 BC: Pharaoh Necho leads army against Assyria - Josiah fights Necho and gets killed (2 Chron 35:20-24)• 606 BC Battle of Carchemesh - Nebuchadnezzar vs Pharaoh Necho - W bank of Euphrates (Jer 46:1-6)

Daniel Introduction

Siege #1

• 1st Siege of Jerusalem (605 BC) - Jehoikim released as a vassal - Temple plundered (for museum) - Hostages (Daniel et al.) taken - Begins 70 year “Servitude of the Nation”

Daniel IntroductionSiege #2

• Jehoikim ignores Jeremiah’s counsel, - rebels, 5 year battle; Jehoikim dies; Jer 22 - Son Hehiachin reigns until siege over Jer 22 - Blood curse now on royal line? Jer 22• Jeconiah captured; - 10,000 captives (including Ezekiel)• Zedekiah, his uncle, installed as vassal• Jeremiah and Ezekiel warn against rebellion but false prophets again prevail

Daniel IntroductionSiege #3

• 587 BC: Zedekiah ignores Jeremiah’s and Ezekiel’s warnings and yields to false prophets and rebels Jer 32:5’ 39:6,7;

Ezek 12:13 2; Kgs 25:1-7• 3rd Siege results in the destruction of the Temple and the city: - Begins 70 year “Desolations of Jerusalem”

Daniel Introduction

(Ezekiel 12:13) My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Daniel Introduction

(Jeremiah 39:6-7) 6Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah. 7Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

Daniel Introduction

Daniel IntroductionServitude of the Nation:606 B.C. + 69 years = 537 B.C.If July 23, 537 B.C. was the release from the Servitude of the Nation, then - 537y 7m 23d (no “year 0”): 1

2483y 9m 21d 1948 5 14

which is May 14, 1948. It was on this date that David Ben Gurion declared on international radio, and using Ezekiel as his authority, the re-establishment of Israel as the new Jewish homeland.

Daniel Introduction

Desolations of Jerusalem:587 B.C. + 69 years = 518 B.C.If August 16, 518 B.C. was the completion of the Desolations of Jerusalem, then -518y 8m 16d(no “year 0” 1 B.C. to 1 A.D.) 1

2483y 9m 21d1967 6 7

which is June 7, 1967, when, as a result of the “Six Day War,” Israel regained control of the Old City of Jerusalem for the first time since the time of Christ.

Daniel Introduction

• Daniel was a man of purpose Dan 1:8; 6:10• Daniel was a man of prayer

Dan 2:17-23; 6:10; 9:3-19; 10• Daniel was a man of prophecy

The Book of Daniel divides itself equally: the first half is history, and the last half is prophecy

Daniel 1:1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

Daniel Introduction

Daniel 1:2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;

Daniel 1:4

Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:5

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Daniel 1:6

Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel 1:6-7

Daniel Belteshazzar “God is my Judge” “Prince of Bel”Hananiah Shadrach “Beloved of the Lord “Illumined by the Sun God”Mishel Meshach “who is as God” “Who is like the Moon God”Azariah Abednego “The Lord is My Help “Servant of Nego”

New Names Given

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel 1:10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

Daniel 1:9-10

Nebuchadnezzar was known to:- Put out eyes (after killing progeny) Jer 39:6-Make their houses into dung hills Dan 2:5-Cut people into pieces Dan 2:5- Roast officers over a fire, etc. Jer 29:22

Officer’s fears justified

Daniel 1:11

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:12

Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Daniel 1:13

Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

Daniel 1:14

So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel 1:15

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

Daniel 1:16

Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

Daniel 1:17

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 1:18

Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 1:19

And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

Daniel 1:20

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Daniel 1:21

And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7

Heb 12:9-13; Prov 3:11, 12; 13:24cf. Eli’s sons, 1 Sam 2:12-30

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement• Physical courage Dan 2:5

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement• Physical courage Dan 2:5• Perseverance

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement• Physical courage Dan 2:5• Perseverance• Determination

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement• Physical courage Dan 2:5• Perseverance• Determination• Meekness

Elements of Moral Heroism

• Discernment Deut 6:49• Resistance to evil Mt 10:26-28; Jas 4:7• Power to voice disagreement• Physical courage Dan 2:5• Perseverance• Determination• Meekness• Good sense Eze 28:3; Prov 2:11

Daniel’s Career

Daniel was Destined to:-Rise to prime prominence in Babylonian Empire-Rise to prime prominence in the subsequent Persian Empire-Personally receive the most astonishing prophecies in the entire Bible Dan 9-12- Authenticated by Jesus Himself Matt 24:15- Classed with Noah and Job Eze 14:14

Conclusion

Who’s in charge here?

• God gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar… 1:2

• God caused the official to show favour 1:9

• God gave them skill and understanding 1:17

End of Daniel Chapter 1

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