Daniel Prophet and Man of God

VII. What does the Bible tell us about Daniel, and about the value of this book?

Ezekiel, a contemporary of Daniel, speaks most highly of him (Ezekiel 14:12-20; 28:1-3). Jesus spoke highly of Daniel, calling him a prophet and indicating that His scheme of prophecy is the same as that laid out by Daniel (see Matthew chapter 24, especially verse 15). Every chapter of Daniel is referred to or quoted in the New Testament; every New Testament writer makes use of Daniel’s prophecies. Daniel’s book is the backbone of Old and New Testament prophecy. Daniel provides us with the most complete prophetic picture of any Old Testament book and with the key to understanding New Testament prophecy, especially the Book of Revelation.

A. What is the unique contribution of Daniel?

Daniel describes some of the historical events which took place during the Jews seventy-year exile in Babylon. In addition, Daniel’s prophecies depict future events from the time of Daniel to the establishment of God’s kingdom in the future. Daniel’s prophecies describe events which took place during the 400 silent years between the Old and New Testaments, thus serving as a bridge between the two testaments. Daniel is not only a book of future prophecy, it is a book which demonstrates the fulfillment of prophecy. The captivity of the Jews and of Daniel, as well as his ministry to Babylonian kings, is the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, from the time of Moses onward.

B. What can we gain from a study of Daniel?

The person of Daniel provides the Christian with a model of a godly man, from his youth to the end of his life. He demonstrates how a Christian can live a godly life in an ungodly world and have an impact upon the society in which he lives, even when in a minority. He is an example of a man who learned to stand alone for God when it was dangerous to do so. He has much to teach us about faithfulness in times of suffering and adversity, about leadership, and about the sovereignty of God. Daniel is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, even when men are unfaithful. Daniel shows how God can work in our lives, even through those who are unbelievers and who are opposed to God’s people.

VIII. CHAPTER ONE PREVIEW

As Israel stopped serving God again, God allowed Babylon to take control of their land again. The king of Babylon took several young men of Nobel heritage who had charm and intelligence (along with good looks) out of Judah to train in his court for 3 years. At the end of their training they would then become servants of the king in his royal house. Daniel was among these youths (he was probably 17 years old at the time). Daniel would not eat the meat of the king and God blessed him for his devotion to Him. Daniel grew in strength and wisdom and eventually ended up 10 times wiser than all the kings wise men. Daniel entered the kings service as one of the kings favorites.

POINTS OF INTEREST

vs. 1 - Israel once again is being disciplined by God - thus the 70 year captivity. Israel again had left it’s first love and started seeking it’s own pleasure rather than God’s will. This time the consequence was war with Babylon (a very short war, and Babylon won with no struggle).

vs. 2 - God gave Israel into Neb’s hand - no one can touch God’s kids without His permission!

vs. 6&7 - Daniel (God is my Judge), Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious), Mishael (who is what God is), and Azariah (whom Yahweh helps) were all given new names, respectively Belteshazzar (may Bel protect his life), Shadrach (command of Aku (the moon god)), Meshach (who is what Aku is), and Abed-nego (servant of Nebo).

We will cover later more in depth.

vs. 8 - As discussed earlier, Daniel was determined to follow God and not defile himself. (he lived a three dimensional life)

vs. 17 - wisdom can be interpreted as ‘science’. The Babylonians at this time had already pioneered this field. Our 360 degree circle, 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 24 hours in a day came from them.

vs. 21 - Daniel continued throughout the 70 year captivity, which ended soon after Cyrus became king of Babylon. Cyrus let the people return to their own lands.

Matt. 24:15 Jesus asks us to understand Daniel ‘ know and understand’

Bible Study Tools:
Greek Lexicon

Strongs' No. <314>
anaginosko {an-ag-in-oce'-ko}
ajnaginwvskw

Word Origin
from <303> and <1097>
TDNT - 1:343,55
verb

Word Usage in KJV

Word	Count
read	33
Total:	33

Definition(s)
1) to distinguish between, to recognise, to know accurately, to acknowledge

2) to read

Strongs' No. <3539>
noeo {no-eh'-o}
noievw

Word Origin
from 3563
TDNT - 4:948,636
verb

Word Usage in KJV

Word	Count
understand	10
perceive	2
consider	1
think	1
Total:	14

Definition(s)
1) to perceive with the mind, to understand, to have understanding

2) to think upon, heed, ponder, consider