Lesson 14 1 Prophets, Prophecy and the People of God Daniel "God is my Judge" I. Introduction. A. The man. 1. Daniel was a prophet and a seer of visions, an interpreter of dreams and signs, and an official who served four kings. a. Daniel served the Babylonian kings Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:48), his son Belshazzar (Dan 5:13-16), and the Medo-Persian rulers Darius and Cyrus (Dan 1:21). 2. The name Daniel means "God is my judge." a. His Hebrew name was changed to Belteshazzar by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 1:7). 3. Very little is known of his early life. a. He was one of the youths taken captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. b. This occurred during the third year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (ca. 606 BC) (Dan 1:1-4). 1 4. Daniel was a young man of deep faith in God. a. He was blessed by the Lord because he chose to obey God above man. (1). Daniel's first test concerned the diet ordered by the king for the Hebrew youths "unclean" foods to Hebrews (Dan 1:5-16). (2). Daniel's final test came when he was accused of violating an edict of Darius and thrown into a den of lions, from which he emerged untouched (Dan 6:4-23) 5. Daniel was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. a. Jeremiah was approximately 20 years older than Ezekiel and Daniel, both of whom were near the same age. b. These men did the Lord's work in various locations. (1). Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem during the fall of the city (c. 628-586 BC), only to be taken to Egypt shortly thereafter. 1 Archeologists estimate the total number of Judean captives taken in three stages was about 25 percent of Judah's population.
Lesson 14 2 B. The date. (2). Ezekiel lived among the Jewish exiles by the River Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans 2 (Babylonia) (c. 597-570 BC). (3). Daniel served ruling kings in the city of Babylon (c. 606-536 BC). c. There is no indication these men were acquainted with one another. 1. Daniel was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon (c. 606 BC), and was educated in the king's palace for the next three years. a. Therefore, we cannot date the book of Daniel earlier than 603 BC. 2. Daniel served kings in the city of Babylon for 70 years (ca. 606-536 BC). C. The book. a. He served the Babylonian kings Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, through the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. b. He also served the Medo-Persian kings of Darius and Cyrus. 3 c. It was the decree of Cyrus (536 BC) that permitted the Israelite captives in Babylon to return to Canaan (cf. Dan 10:1; Jer 25:11; 29:10) 1. The theme. a. God rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan 2:21; 4:17, 24, 32, 34-35; 5:21-23). 2. Historic events (Dan 1 7). a. Events under Babylonian rule (Dan 1 5). (1). Nebuchadnezzar's first dream (Dan 2). (2). Daniel's friends (Hananiah, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) refused to bow to a graven image and withstood the test of the fiery furnace (Dan 3). (3). Nebuchadnezzar's second dream (Dan 4). (4). Belshazzar's feast, handwriting on the wall, and the fall of Babylon (Dan 5). b. Events under Medo-Persian rule (Dan 6). (1). Darius organized Medo-Persian government. (2). Daniel's test in the lion's den. 2 Sometimes the term "Chaldeans" is used to refer to Babylonians in general. However, the Chaldeans were a seminomadic people living in the southern portion of ancient Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They are mentioned in the Bible as early as the days of Abraham (Gen 11:28-31). At the height of the Babylonian empire (under Nebuchadnezzar) the Chaldeans were considered a special class of highly influential and educated people. They were the ones who urged Nebuchadnezzar to throw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the fiery furnace (Dan 3:19-25). 3 Daniel served "until the first year of Cyrus" (c. 536 BC) (Dan 1:21)
Lesson 14 3 3. Daniel's visions (Dan 7 12). a. Visions under Babylonian rule (Dan 7 8). (1). Daniel's vision of four kingdoms, the Ancient of Days, and one like the Son of Man (Dan 7). (2). Daniel's vision of a ram and a goat (Dan 8). b. Visions under Medo-Persian rule (Dan 9 12). (1). Daniel's prayer, and his vision of seventy weeks (Dan 9). (2). Daniel's final visions (Dan 10 12). (a). A glorified man (Dan 10). (b). Conflict between kings of the North and South (Dan 11). (c). Time of the end (Dan 12). II. Historical Background. A. The rise of the Babylonian empire. 1. The Assyrians suffered several defeats at the hands of the Babylonians, including the loss of their capital, Nineveh (612 BC). a. A remnant of Assyrians and the survivors of their decimated army fled west to the city of Carchemish, making it their new capital. b. Pharaoh-Necho II of Egypt, who had been appointed ruler of Egypt by the Assyrians, attempted to stop the Babylonian push westward by joining his forces with the Assyrians at Carchemish. c. However, the Babylonian army under the command of Nebuchadnezzar (the eldest son of king Nabopolassar) soundly defeated the Assyrians and Egyptians in the famed "Battle of Carchemish" (605 BC). d. This brought an end to the once dreadful and powerful Assyrian empire. 2. Following the defeat at Carchemish, Pharaoh-Necho and his surviving forces fled south toward Egypt with the Babylonian army in pursuit. a. When Nebuchadnezzar learned of his father's death, he quickly returned to Babylon to secure his position as the new Babylonian king. b. Pharaoh-Necho took advantage of Nebuchadnezzar's absence by taking revenge for his defeat at Carchemish on the Judean king Jehoahaz. c. Jehoahaz reigned only three months before he was deposed by Necho and taken captive to Egypt. d. Pharaoh-Necho also imposed a heavy tribute on Judah before returning home.
Lesson 14 4 3. The Egyptian king made Eliakim, the brother of Jehoahaz, king of Judah and changed his name to Jehoiakim. a. Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and reigned for eleven years. b. But Jehoiakim "did evil in the sight of the Lord his God" (2 Chr 36:5). B. After consolidating his rule over Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar and his forces returned to Judea and quickly extended their control to the border of Egypt. 1. Since Egypt's army had been decimated at Carchemish, they could no longer prevent Babylonian forces from crossing their borders. a. Under Babylonian rule, Egypt became a second-rate kingdom. b. Over the next several centuries there were occasions when Egypt came close to regaining their former glory, but were never able to do so. 2. After gaining control over the entire region, Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiakim captive to Babylon. a. At the same time, Daniel and other sons of Judean nobles were taken to Babylon. b. Costly articles of gold and silver were also removed from the temple and taken to Babylon. c. Daniel dates this event "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah" (Dan 1:1), while Jeremiah dates the event "in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon)" (Jer 25:1). 3. Skeptics claim this is a discrepancy when, in fact, it is not. a. The Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians called the first 365 days of a king's reign his ascension year. (1). The first year (year 1) of a king's reign began at the end of his ascension year (on day 366). (a). Jeremiah's method of dating of the reign of Jehoiakim includes the ascension year ("fourth year of Jehoiakim"), whereas Daniel's method does not ("third year of Jehoiakim"). (2). At the death of these kings the entire remaining year was credited to their reign, even if they lived only one day of that year. (a). This method of calculation often created an overlap in dating the reign of kings. b. Kings of the southern kingdom of Judah used the ascension year method, whereas kings of the northern kingdom of Israel did not. (1). This explains why the dates of the kings of Judah and Israel varied by one year.
Lesson 14 5 c. To complicate matters even more, the Jewish method of calculating the reign of foreign kings varied. (1). One method calculated a year from Nisan to Nisan (beginning from the new moon before Passover, or our month of April). (2). The other method calculated a year from Tishri to Tishri (our month of October). (3). Depending on the method used, dates could vary by 6 months. 4. Nebuchadnezzar reinstated Jehoiakim as a puppet king. a. However, Jehoiakim tried to break the Babylonian yoke by withholding tribute, vainly hoping the Egyptians would come to his defense. b. That act of rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar ended with Jehoiakim's execution. 5. Jehoiachin, the son of Jehoiakim, was also deposed by Nebuchadnezzar after reigning only three months and ten days. a. The Babylonians took additional captives at that time, including Ezekiel. b. They also took all the treasures from the temple and the king's house, as well as all the ornate gold which had been stripped away from the temple. c. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Zedekiah as Judea's new king. 6. Jerusalem would stand for twelve more years. a. Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylonian rule led to the final destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). b. The Babylonians not only reduced most of Jerusalem to rubble, they destroyed the temple and tore down the city's walls. 7. The Babylonian empire ruled until the fall of the city of Babylon to Cyrus (c. 539 BC). C. The Medo-Persian empire. 1. Cyrus, the Persian general who conquered the city of Babylon, handed rule of the Medo-Persian empire to Darius the Mede (cf. Dan 5:31). a. Shortly after this, the events in the book of Daniel conclude. b. Darius reigned two years before Cyrus assumed rule of the empire (c. 536 BC). c. The book of Ezra resumed the history of God s people in captivity at the time Cyrus began his rule (cf. Ezra 1:1). 2. The Medes and Persians were exceptionally tolerant of the religious beliefs and customs of those whom they conquered. a. People were permitted to worship any god they chose, providing they were politically loyal to the rule of the Medes and Persians.
Lesson 14 6 3. It was also the practice of the Medes and Persians to allow exiles to return to their homeland. a. Two-hundred years earlier, Isaiah mentioned Cyrus by name as the man who would allow the Jews to return to their homeland (Isa 44:28; 45:1). D. World empires after Daniel. 1. The book of Daniel prophetically identifies four kingdoms that will rule in consecutive order. a. The Babylonian empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar (c. 606-539 BC). b. The Medo-Persian empire, beginning with Darius and Cyrus (c. 539-331 BC). c. The Macedonian (Grecian) empire, beginning with Alexander the Great (c. 331-323 BC). (1). Following Alexander's death, his kingdom was divided into four separate kingdoms: Ptolemaic (Egypt), Seleucid (Mesopotamia and Central Asia), Attalid (Anatolia), and Antigonid (Macedon). 4 (2). After wars to expand their territories, these kingdoms were each defeated by Roman conquests (Seleucid c. 312-63 BC; Ptolemaic c. 305-30 BC) d. The Roman Republic/Empire. (1). The Roman Republic (458 BC-31 BC). 5 (2). The Roman Empire (27 BC-395 AD). 2. The God of heaven will set up a kingdom during the days of the Roman empire that will never be destroyed. a. This is the kingdom of promise and prophecy the kingdom Jesus came to establish as King of kings and Lord of lords. b. This kingdom will have dominion over all the world, and all people will come to it. c. The New Testament repeatedly refers to this kingdom as the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ the Lord's church. III. Outline of Daniel. I. Historical events (Dan 1 6). A. Daniel maintained his integrity (Dan 1:1-16). 4 Jerusalem and the Jewish people fell under Seleucid rule and suffered greatly at the hands of many of these kings. Seleucid and Ptolemaic kings frequently fought for control over the region of Israel, as Egypt, the Assyrians, and Babylonians had done centuries earlier. 5 The combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra were defeated at the Battle of Actium (31 BC) by Octavian, who was made "first citizen" by the Roman senate (27 BC) and given the name Augustus.
Lesson 14 7 1. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem in the third year of Jehoiakim (Dan 1:1-2). a. The Lord delivered Jehoiakim into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. b. The fall of Jerusalem, the sacking of the temple and its treasures, and the deportation of captives were all done by the will of God. 2. The first deportation ordered by Nebuchadnezzar were the sons of royalty and nobility, all taken to Babylon to serve in the king's palace (Dan 1:3-4). a. They were well-educated, intelligent, and capable of learning the literature and education of the Babylonians (Chaldeans). b. These youths are believed to have been between 16 and 20 years of age. c. After being educated for three years, they would be appointed to serve in the king's palace. d. During that time, they were given daily provisions of the king's wine and food (the king's "delicacies") (Dan 1:5). 3. Among the captives taken were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Dan 1:6-7). a. Their names were changed from Hebrew to Chaldean (Babylonian). (1). Daniel: "God has judged," was changed to Belteshazzar: "Protect his life". (2). Hananiah: "Jehovah has been gracious," was changed to Shadrach: "Command of Aku" (Aku, the moon god of the Chaldeans). (3). Mishael: "Who is what God is?" was changed to Meshach: "Who is what Aku is?" (4). Azariah: "Jehovah has helped," was changed to Abed-Nego: "Servant of Nebo" (or "Nego" the planet Mercury), one of the many celestial gods of the Babylonians. 4. Daniel could not eat the king's "delicacies" (Dan 1:8-10). a. He "purposed in his heart" that he "would not defile himself" with these "delicacies." (1). The young Hebrew captives were served foods that the Law of Moses classified "unclean" or "defiled" (cf. Lev 11:1-23; Deut 14:3-21). b. Daniel suggested he and his three friends be placed on a vegetable and water diet for ten days (Dan 1:11-14). (1). The purpose was to compare the "countenances" of Daniel and his friends to those on the king's diet.
Lesson 14 8 c. At the end of 10 days, Daniel and his three friends appeared healthier than all the others (Dan 1:15). d. "Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables" (Dan 1:16). B. God blessed Daniel and his friends (Dan 1:17-21). 1. God gave them "knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom" (Dan 1:17) 2. God gave Daniel "understanding in all visions and dreams." 3. Following the three-year period of training Nebuchadnezzar interviewed all the young men (Dan 1:18-20). a. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were found to be "ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm." 4. Daniel served Babylonian kings until the first year of king Cyrus (Medo- Persian empire) (Dan 1:21). C. Nebuchadnezzar's first dream (Dan 2). 1. None of the king's magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, etc. could tell the king what he dreamt (Dan 2:1-5). a. They repeatedly asked the king to tell them his dream and they would give the interpretation (Dan 2:6-9). (1). Nebuchadnezzar would not be fooled. b. When they claimed none but the gods could tell the king his dream, Nebuchadnezzar ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be slain (Dan 2:10-12). c. Daniel and his companions were among those who were to be executed (Dan 2:13). 2. When Daniel learned of the king's edict, he asked the captain of the guard to give him an opportunity to interpret the king's dream (Dan 2:14-19). a. Daniel asked Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to "seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret." b. God blessed Daniel by revealing the king's dream in a "night vision." c. In return Daniel blessed the God of heaven (Dan 2:20-23). 3. Daniel interpreted the Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Dan 2:24-35). a. He agreed to tell the king his dream and its interpretation, but first requested the wise men of Babylon be spared (Dan 2:24-25). b. Daniel also said the God in heaven was the only one who could reveal secrets (Dan 2:26-30).
Lesson 14 9 4. The dream was of a great image (Dan 2:31-35). a. Head of gold (Babylonian empire). b. Chest and arms of silver (Medo-Persian empire). c. Belly and thighs of bronze (Macedonian or Grecian empire). d. Legs of iron, and feet of iron mixed with clay (Roman empire). e. A stone struck the image, and all its parts were crushed and carried away by the wind no trace of them could be found. f. The stone became a great mountain filling the earth. 5. The interpretation of the dream (Dan 2:36-45). a. Nebuchadnezzar was the "head of gold." b. Two other kingdoms, inferior to his, will "rule over all the earth." c. The fourth kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile. d. In the days of "these kings" (the fourth kingdom) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom (the Lord's church) (Dan 2:44). (1). It will never be destroyed, nor left to other people. (2). It shall dominate ("break in pieces and consume") all other kingdoms. (3). It shall stand forever. e. God revealed to the king what shall come to pass "the dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure" (Dan 2:45). 6. Daniel was promoted ruler over the province of Babylon, and was also appointed chief administrator over all wise men (Dan 2:46-48). 7. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were likewise promoted "over the affairs of the province of Babylon" (Dan 2:49). D. Fiery trial of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Dan 3). 1. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, and all people were ordered to attend its dedication (Dan 3:1-7). a. A decree commanded all to bow down and worship the image, or be cast into "a burning fiery furnace." b. All bowed down and worshipped the image, except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 2. They disobeyed the decree (Dan 3:8-18). a. As faithful Hebrews, they would only worship and serve the one true and living God (Exo 20:1-6; 34:14).
Lesson 14 10 3. The fate of Daniel's friends (Dan 3:19-25). a. Nebuchadnezzar was "full of fury" and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual (Dan 3:19). b. Soldiers from the king's army ("mighty men of valor") bound the three Hebrew men and threw them into the fire (Dan 3:20-23). (1). The heat alone killed the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the furnace. c. The king was puzzled when he saw four men walking in the midst of the fire, unhurt "the form of the fourth is like the Son of God" (Dan 3:24-25). 4. When the three young men came out of the furnace unharmed, Nebuchadnezzar praised "the Most High God" (Dan 3:26-30). a. The fire had no power over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. b. Their hair was not singed, nor did their garments smell burnt. c. Nebuchadnezzar blessed "the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- Nego" and commanded that anyone who speaks against their God will be destroyed. E. Nebuchadnezzar's second dream (Dan 4). 1. Nebuchadnezzar revealed his dream to all people "that dwell in the earth" (Dan 4:1-9). a. The king wanted his subjects to know "the signs and wonders that the Most High God" had worked on him. b. Once again, no one except Daniel could interpret the dream. 2. The dream (Dan 4:10-18). a. The king saw a strong tree whose top reached to the heavens, and which could be seen to the ends of the earth. b. Its fruit was abundant, and it provided shade and food for all. c. "A holy one, coming down from heaven" ordered the tree to be cut down and its fruit scattered but the stump and its roots must remain. d. The stump was bound with a band of iron and bronze. e. The heart of a man was changed to the heart of a beast, and he grazed with the beasts in the grass, wet from the dew of heaven, until "seven times" passed. 3. Daniel interpreted the king's second dream (Dan 4:19-27). a. The great tree was Nebuchadnezzar. b. The king would be driven into exile for seven years, and while eating grass like oxen he will become wet with the dew of heaven.
Lesson 14 11 c. However, when the king comes to accept that heaven rules, and he repents of his sins by showing mercy to the poor, perhaps the king's reign will be extended. 4. The dream fulfilled (Dan 4:28-33). a. Nebuchadnezzar continued to be arrogant and prideful, attributing his success to his own might and power, and for his own honor and glory. b. A voice from heaven told the king his kingdom had departed from him. c. Immediately, the king was driven from men, and for the next seven years ate grass, was wet with dew, and his hair grew like "eagles' feathers" and his nails "like birds' claws." 5. The king was humbled (Dan 4:34-37). a. When the ordeal ended, Nebuchadnezzar "blessed the Most High, and praised and honored Him who lives forever." b. The humbled king was returned to his kingdom. F. Belshazzar's feast (Dan 5). 1. Belshazzar (son of Nebuchadnezzar) held a great feast to honor "a thousand of his lords" (Dan 5:1-4). a. Belshazzar, his wives and concubines, and his lords praised their pagan gods while they drank wine from the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem (Dan 5:2-4). 2. A man's hand suddenly appeared, writing words on the wall of the king's palace (Dan 5:5-12). a. Belshazzar was terrified "the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other" (Dan 5:5-6). b. The king promised to reward anyone who could interpret the writing, but no one was able to read the writing let alone interpret it (Dan 5:7-9). c. The queen told Belshazzar there was one in the kingdom who could interpret the writing Daniel. d. She said Daniel was a man "in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God," and that he had previously interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 5:10-12). 3. The interpretation of the writing (Dan 5:13-29). a. Belshazzar asked Daniel to interpret the writing, and promised to reward him (Dan 5:13-16). b. Daniel refused the reward.
Lesson 14 12 c. However, he reminded Belshazzar how God had given his father Nebuchadnezzar the kingdom, but also humbled him when he grew prideful (Dan 5:17-21). d. Belshazzar, unlike his father, had never humbled himself but rather lifted himself up against God by desecrating the vessels from the house of God and worshipping idols (Dan 5:22-23). e. The words "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" meant "God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians" (Dan 5:24-28). 4. Belshazzar rewarded Daniel, but it was too late (Dan 5:29-31). a. The Babylonian kingdom fell that same night (539 BC). 5. Greek historian Herodotus said the Persian general Cyrus had been unable to breach the walls of Babylon, and realized a siege would also be unsuccessful. a. In preparation for the siege, the Babylonians had stockpiled foods and supplies to last many years. b. Cyrus devised another plan. (1). At night, while Belshazzar hosted his party, Cyrus positioned part of his army where the Euphrates river entered the city, and another part where the river flowed out of the city. (2). The upstream waters of the Euphrates were covertly diverted into a canal that drained into a large marsh. (3). Water level of the Euphrates gradually dropped to where it only came midway up a man's thigh. c. This allowed the army of Cyrus to enter the city through gates left open along the wall to allow residents easy access to the river. d. Had the Babylonians realized the city was being attacked from the river, they could have easily defended the city by closing the gates. (1). This would have trapped Cyrus and his army in the riverbed between the massive wall surrounding the main part of the city, and walls along the opposite bank. (2). Archers positioned on the main wall would have found the army of Cyrus an easy target as solders tried to escape by slogging through near-waste-deep water. e. Due to the city's immense size, inhabitants living in certain areas of the city initially had no idea they were being overrun by their enemy until the conquest was virtually complete. f. The city of Babylon was taken without a fight.
Lesson 14 13 G. Darius and Daniel (Dan 6). 1. After Belshazzar had been defeated, Cyrus placed Darius the Mede as ruler over the Medo-Persian empire (539 BC) (Dan 6:1-4). a. Darius immediately organized his new government by appointing 120 satraps (rulers or administrators) over provinces in the Persian empire. b. To supervise the satraps and ensure their honesty in collecting tribute money from their provinces, Darius appointed Danial and two others (probably Chaldeans) as regional governors or administrators over the satraps. c. Daniel proved himself a better supervisor than the others, and was appointed "ruler of the whole kingdom." d. The other governors were jealous, and searched for a way to accuse Daniel of wrongdoing, but initially could find none. 2. The two governors, along with other administrators, devised a plot against Daniel from which he could not escape (Dan 6:5-15). a. They persuaded Darius to issue a royal decree forbidding anyone from petitioning any god or man (except Darius) for thirty days (Dan 6:6-9). (1). Anyone who violated the decree would be cast into a den of lions. (2). Darius issued the decree which, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, could not be altered. b. Despite the decree, Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day as he had done from his youth (Dan 6:10). 3. The king was informed of Daniel's violation (Dan 6:11-18). a. Darius immediately regretted making the decree and tried to think of a way to spare Daniel's life (Dan 6:14). b. However, Daniel's accusers reminded the king that no decree or statute of the Medes and Persians could be changed (Dan 6:15). c. Daniel was ordered to appear before the king (Dan 6:16-17). (1). Darius had no choice except to order Daniel to be thrown into the den of lions. (2). His last words to Daniel were, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." d. The king spent the night fasting, unable to sleep (Dan 6:18). 4. The next morning, Darius rose early and rushed to the den of lions (Dan 6:19-24). a. He rejoiced when he heard Daniel's voice (Dan 6:21-22). (1). Daniel said God sent His angel to shut up the mouths of the lions, preventing him from being harmed.
Lesson 14 14 (2). Daniel also said this was done because God found him innocent of any wrong. b. He was removed from the den without having been injured "because he believed in his God" (Dan 6:23). c. Knowing Daniel's accusers had jealously plotted against the king's servant, Darius ordered the accusers and their families to be thrown into the den of lions (Dan 6:24). (1). They were mauled to death before their bodies reached the floor of the den. 5. Darius honored God (Dan 6:25-27). a. He decreed that in every dominion of the kingdom, men must "tremble and fear before the God of Daniel." b. His God was a living God, whose kingdom shall not be destroyed, and whose dominion shall endure to the end. 6. Daniel faithfully served Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian (Dan 6:28). II. Daniel's visions (Dan 7 12). 6 A. Daniel saw four great beasts (world empires) (Dan 7:1-28). 1. Three beasts came out of the "Great Sea" one after the other (Dan 7:2-6): a. First, a lion with eagle's wings. (1). The wings were "plucked off" and the lion stood on two feet like a man and was given a man's heart. b. Second, a bear with three ribs between its teeth. (1). A voice told the bear to devour more ("devour much flesh"). c. Third, a leopard with four wings of a bird and four heads. 2. The fourth beast was dreadful and strong (Dan 7:7-8): a. The beast had iron teeth with which it devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled "the residue" (the other beasts, or nations) with its feet. b. This beast had ten horns. c. One additional horn appeared with eyes like a man and a mouth that began "speaking pompous words." 3. Judgment of the fourth beast (Dan 7:9-12). a. Daniel saw the Ancient of Days (Jehovah) seated on his throne. 6 Daniel's first vision occurred approximately seventeen years before the fall of Babylon, and five years after Nebuchadnezzar's first dream (Dan 2). Daniel's visions are like episodes in a drama in which events are revealed in more detail with each episode.
Lesson 14 15 (1). His garment was as white as snow, his hair like wool, his throne a fiery flame, and its wheels a burning fire (cf. Ezek 1:4-28). b. Books were opened (a record of charges against the beast, and the sentence it would receive). c. The fourth beast was destroyed and its dominion was taken away, along with the other beasts who met the same fate (cf. Rev 19:19-21). 4. The heavenly kingdom was revealed (Dan 7:13-14) a. Daniel saw one like the Son of Man (Jesus: cf. Matt 8:20, etc.) descend from the clouds and come to the Ancient of Days. b. The one like the Son of Man was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. (1). All peoples, nations, and languages will serve Him. (2). His dominion will not pass away, and His kingdom will never be destroyed. c. Christ was depicted coming down from heaven to establish His eternal kingdom (Dan 7:13-14). (1). This occurred during the "days" of the kings representing Rome (Dan 2:44). (2). The establishment of God's eternal kingdom and the fall of Rome was to come in "the latter days" or "time of the end" (Dan 12:4, 10, 13). (a). Jesus "the Son of Man" will be king of the everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:13; Matt 8:20; 26:64). (b). It was established in the latter days (Acts 2:17; 3:24) during the days of the Roman empire (Luke 3:1ff), with Jesus as king (John 18:36-37). (3). The eternal kingdom of Daniel s vision was clearly the New Testament church (1 Thess 2:12), established on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47). 5. Daniel was given the meaning of vision (Dan 7:15-28). a. The four beasts were four kings (four world empires proceeding one after the other) all of which will be destroyed (Dan 7:15-18). (1). The four beasts of Daniel's vision are the same four kingdoms of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Dan 2). (a). Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Macedonian, and Roman empires. (2). But the saints of "the Most High" will receive a kingdom and possess it forever (Dan 7:18).
Lesson 14 16 b. The fourth beast in Daniel's vision (Dan 7:19-28). (1). It was "exceedingly dreadful," and had teeth of iron and its nails of bronze (Dan 7:19-20). (2). The predominate "horn" made war against the saints and was prevailing, until the Ancient of Days passed judgment in favor of the "saints of the Most High" who then possessed the kingdom (Dan 7:21-25). (a). Daniel was told the fourth beast is a "fourth kingdom on earth," different from the others, but which will devour the whole earth. (b). The ten horns are ten kings out of which will arise one different and more powerful that the others, and he will persecute the saints. (c). That king will attempt to change "times and law," and the saints will be given into his hand "for a time and times and half a time." 7 (3). The dominion of the king will eventually be taken away, consumed, and destroyed forever (Dan 7:26). (4). All the greatness of the kingdoms and dominions under heaven will be given to the saints of the Most High, and His kingdom shall be everlasting (Dan 7:27-28). (a). "All dominions shall serve and obey Him." B. Visions and prophecies during the third year of the reign of Belshazzar (Dan 8). 1. Daniel's vision of a ram and a goat (Dan 8:1-14). a. The ram (with two horns) was pushing westward, northward, and southward, and no animal could stop him (Dan 8:1-4). b. A goat came from the west, without touching the ground, and had a horn between its eyes (Dan 8:5-7). (1). The goat could fly like the leopard with four wings (cf. Dan 7:6). (2). He charged the ram, defeated him and broke his two horns. (3). The goat became strong. (4). However, its horn was broken. 7 "Time, times, and a half of time" is not a specific period of time, but an indefinite period of trial, testing, and tribulation.
Lesson 14 17 c. In its place four "notable ones" (horns) appeared (Dan 8:8-12). (1). From one of the horns came "a little horn" that grew exceedingly powerful toward the south, east, and toward "the Glorious Land." (2). The little horn exalted himself, and the "daily sacrifices were taken away" (in the "Glorious Land") he "cast truth down to the ground" and prospered. d. A "holy one" asked how long the daily sacrifices and the transgressions and desecration of the sanctuary will continue (Dan 8:13-14). (1). The answer: "For two thousand three hundred days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed." 2. Gabriel interpreted the vision (Dan 8:15-27). a. The ram with two horns represented the kings of Media and Persia (Dan 8:18-20). (1). The Medo-Persian empire will fall (cf. Dan 8:6-7). b. The male goat "is the kingdom of Greece" and the large horn "is the first king" Alexander the Great (Dan 8:21-22; cf. 8:5, 8). c. The four additional horns are four kingdoms that shall arise out of first kingdom, but they will not have the power of the former (Dan 8:23-25). (1). Near the time of the end of these kingdoms a king will arise. (2). He will be fierce, sinister, and powerful but not by his own power. (3). He will prosper, but will also destroy "the mighty, and also the holy people." (4). He shall exalt himself and will even rise against "the Prince of princes," but he too will be brought down "without human means." d. Daniel was told to "seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future" (Dan 8:26). e. Daniel fainted and was sick for days because of what will become of "the holy people" (Dan 8:27). C. Visions and prophecies during the first year of the reign of Darius (c. 539 BC) (Dan 9). 1. Daniel understood the meaning of Jeremiah's "seventy years" concerning Jerusalem seventy years of captivity (Dan 9:2; cf. Jer 25:11-12; 29:10). a. Daniel became destressed over the vision and prayed for the people (Dan 9:3-19).
Lesson 14 18 (1). He acknowledged "we have sinned and committed iniquity" by departing from God's precepts and not heeding the prophets (Dan 9:5-6). (2). He understood the people of Judah and Jerusalem were taken captive because of their unfaithfulness (Dan 9:7). (3). Daniel also understood all that came upon them had been "written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster" (Dan 9:13). (4). But he pleaded that the Lord's anger and fury be turned away, since the Lord has seen how His sanctuary and city have been left desolate (Dan 9:16-19). 2. The prophecy of seventy weeks (Dan 9:20-27). a. While confessing his sin and those of the people, Gabriel reappeared to Daniel and explained the prophecy of "seventy weeks" (Dan 9:20-23). (1). The weeks are not literal, but represent periods of history that lay ahead for the Jewish people. (a). Weeks 1-7 the period from Cyrus to the days of Nehemiah and Malachi, and the building of the city walls and the temple in Jerusalem. (b). Weeks 8-70 the period between the Testaments (cf. Dan 11), to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. b. Six things must be accomplished during the seventy weeks (Dan 9:24). (1). An end to transgressions (under the old law) that law could not bring perfection (Col 2:13-17; Heb 10:1-4). (2). An end to sins (under the old covenant) sins that could only be forgiven under a better covenant (Heb 8:6-13). (3). Reconciliation for iniquity only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-21). (4). Everlasting righteousness obedience to the gospel in which the righteousness of God is revealed (Rom 1:16-17), will bring righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor 1:30). (5). The fulfillment of visions and prophecy fulfilled in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom (the church). (6). The anointing of the Holy One Jesus, who will be anointed King of kings and Lord of lords (Acts 10:36-41; Heb 1:8-9). c. Although a command will be issued to "restore and rebuild Jerusalem" (Cyrus: Ezra 1:1-2; 6:14), Messiah the Prince shall be cut off, and the city of Jerusalem destroyed (by Rome) (9:25-27).
Lesson 14 19 D. Visions and prophecies during the third year of the reign of Cyrus (Dan 10). 8 1. The vision of a glorified man and great warfare (Dan 10:1-9). a. The man was clothed in linen, girded with gold, body like beryl, face like the appearance of lightening, eyes like torches of fire, arms and feet like bronze, and a voice like the sound of a multitude. b. Daniel's description of the glorified man closely resembles that of Christ (Rev 1:10-16; 19:14-15). 2. In a dream, Daniel ("greatly beloved" by God) saw a messenger (angel) from God who explained what will happen to the Jewish people "in the latter days" the vision "refers to many days yet to come" (Dan 10:10-11) a. The vision caused Daniel great sorrow he could not speak. b. After being strengthened, Daniel was ready to hear the conclusion of the matter. 3. The angel was engaged in a spiritual warfare against the "prince of Persia" (Dan 10:12-19). a. The angel would have come to Daniel sooner, but the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" withstood him until Michael came to the angel's assistance (Dan 10:13). (1). The "prince of the kingdom of Persia" seems to represent the forces of evil that influence leaders of all kingdoms (cf. Eph 6:12). (2). These forces are engaged in spiritual warfare against the hosts of heaven. b. After he strengthened Daniel, the angel had to return to "fight with the prince of Persia" (Dan 10:20-21). (1). While he fought with "the prince of Persia" the "prince of Greece will come." (2). The spiritual warfare will continue from the present (Daniel's time), till the "prince of Greece" is defeated by the angel with Michael's assistance. E. Visions and prophecies during the first year of the reign of Darius (Dan 11:1-45). 1. After Cyrus, three more kings will arise in Persia (Dan 11:1-2). 8 Cyrus appointed Darius the Mede ruler over the Medo-Persian empire (539 BC). After two years Cyrus was made ruler of the empire (c. 536 BC). Daniel served through the 1 st year of Cyrus, the same year Cyrus decreed the Jewish captives could return to Jerusalem (536 BC). However, Daniel continued to see visions during the 3 rd year of Cyrus (probably 533 BC).
Lesson 14 20 a. The three kings who followed Cyrus were Cambyses II, Smerdis (Bardiya), 9 and Darius the Great. 10 b. The fourth king, Xerxes I, will rise against the realm of Greece. 11 (1). Xerxes temporarily overran the mainland of Achaia north of Corinth, but failed in his attempt to invade Greece proper (480 BC). (2). After the Greek naval fleet defeated Xerxes at Salamis, he was forced to withdraw his army. (3). Fifteen years later Xerxes was assassinated by the commander of his own royal bodyguard. 2. A mighty king will arise (Alexander the Great, Macedonian empire) and will rule with great dominion (Dan 11:3-4). 12 a. Just over two hundred years passed from the fall of the city of Babylon to the rise of the "mighty king" Alexander (331 BC). b. Alexander extended his dominion from Greece and Macedonia to the border of India. c. However, after Alexander's death (323 BC), and forty years of rivalry between those claiming to be his successor, the kingdom was finally divided into four parts ruled by four kings Ptolemy, Seleucus, Cassander, and Lysimachus. 3. Two of these kings (kings of the North and South) battled each other to gain power and extend their territory (Dan 11:5-21). a. Seleucus Nicator (the Seleucids) 13 and Ptolemy Lagus (the Ptolemies) 14 engaged in "a great warfare" that devastated the people of God (Dan 11:5-16). (1). These kings waged war over Palestine for many years. b. To bring peace, an alliance was made between the king of the South and the king of the North (Dan 11:17-20). (1). Ptolemy Philadelphus (South) gave his daughter in marriage to Antiochus Theos (North) to secure peace between the two kingdoms (cf. Dan 11:6-8). (2). However, betrayal and murder soon broke the alliance, and the two kingdoms were at war again. 9 Smerdis (Persian name: Bardiya), was a brother of Cambyses II and a son of Cyrus the Great. He ruled only a few months (522 BC). 10 Darius the Great, ruled the Medo-Persian empire for 36 years (522-486 BC). 11 Xerxes I (486-465 BC). 12 Alexander the Great (ruled 331 323 BC). 13 Seleucids of Syria (the North) 14 Ptolemies of Egypt (the South)
Lesson 14 21 4. A vile and contemptable person would seize the kingdom (North) Antiochus Epiphanes (Dan 11:21-35). a. The forces of Antiochus would sweep through the land like a flood (Dan 11:21-22). b. Antiochus Epiphanes (the Syrian king of the North) gained power by cunning deceit (Dan 11:23-24). c. He launched a preemptive strike in 170 BC against king Ptolemy VI of Egypt (king of the South) (Dan 11:25-28). (1). Antiochus conquered all except the city of Alexandria, and took king Ptolemy captive. (2). To avoid angering Rome, Antiochus allowed Ptolemy to continue ruling Egypt as a puppet king. d. In 168 BC Antiochus led a sea and ground attack on Alexandria, while at the same time sent the rest of his fleet to seize control of the island of Cyprus (Dan 11:29-30a). (1). However, before his ground forces reached Alexandria, Antiochus was given a message from the Roman Senate directing him to withdrawn his forces from Egypt and Cyprus or consider himself at war with the Roman Republic. (2). Roman warships surrounded ships of Antiochus near Alexandria, and refused to allow him to escape until he agreed to withdraw. (3). He had no choice but to accept Rome's demands. e. However, Antiochus returned to Jerusalem and vented his wrath against the people of God (168 BC) (Dan 11:30b-35). (1). He killed thousands of Jews, desecrated the temple by offering a sow on the alter, and took away "the continual burnt offering" (Dan 11:30b-35). (2). This is the "abomination of desolation" spoken by Daniel (Dan 11:31). (3). Jesus used the same expression ("abomination of desolation") to describe the desecration of Jerusalem and its temple preceding the fall of the city in AD 70 (Matt 24:14; Mark 13:14). 5. The king who does "according to his own will" (Dan 11:36-45). a. This was not a specific king, but a general reference to the rule and power of Rome the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream and fourth beast in Daniel's visions. (1). Rome had already forced the retreat of Antiochus, and now had power to do according to its own will like all previous empires had done.
Lesson 14 22 b. Rome's emperors blasphemed against God, and exalted themselves above all gods (Dan 11:36-37). (1). Caesar worship became compulsory under penalty of death. (2). Pledging allegiance to Caesar was demanded one simply needed to confess "Caesar is Lord." (3). Christians who refused to do so were persecuted and put to death (cf. Rev 13:5-8). c. Rome revered military conquest and power ("the god of fortresses"), but unwittingly succeed only by permission of a "foreign god" (Jehovah) (Dan 11:38-39). (1). Rome was described as a people of "iron teeth" who crush all in their path (cf. Dan 2:40; 7:7, 23). (2). The carnage of Rome will surpass that of Antiochus Epiphanes IV (cf. Dan 8:9-12). (3). Rome believed it conquered by its own power, dividing the glory with conquered nations, appointing individuals to rule over many, and dividing land for a price. (4). But God will bring down the Roman empire (Dan 2:44-45; 7:26-28; 11:45). They only ruled with God's approval. d. The time of the end (Dan 11:40-45). (1). This is clearly a difficult passage, but the context suggests Rome is the subject. (a). The "time of the end" is not "the end" of time, but the end of the Jewish people and the beginning of the end for Rome. (2). The "time of the end" began when Rome conquered the king of the North (Syria) and the South (Egypt, "the bread-basked of Rome") (Dan 11:40). (3). Roman soldiers also entered the "Glorious Land" (Palestine) to subjugate the people there, including Edom, Moab, and Ammon (Dan 11:41). (4). Roman armies would "sweep away many" (nations) taking the treasures of Egypt (Dan 11:42-43). (5). But the empire will be troubled by uprisings in the east and the north, and will respond by crushing the uprisings (or at least attempting to do so) (Dan 11:44). (6). Rome will finally plant tents "between the seas" (the Mediterranean), and "the glorious holy mountain" (Jerusalem, Mount Zion) (Dan 11:45).
Lesson 14 23 (a). This is a prophetic reference to the Roman troop encampments under the command of Titus as they prepared to lay siege to Jerusalem. (b). After a long siege, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in AD 70. (c). Even though Rome brought an end to other kingdoms, the same will happen to them but no one will come to their aid. F. A time of great trouble (Dan 12). 1. At that time (Jerusalem's destruction: cf. Dan 11:36-45), Michael, the great prince, will rise (see: Dan 10:13-14) a. It will be "a time of trouble" unlike any previous time in history (Dan 12:1; cf. Matt 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20). (1). The angel that spoke to Daniel was not discussing the end of time, nor the final judgment of all mankind at the return of Christ, but the judgment of God against Jerusalem and Judaism. (2). He described how the Lord will deliver His people (spiritual Israel), the Lord's church, during this "time of trouble" (Dan 12:1; cf. Rev 10:5-7). (a). The Lord will deliver everyone "who is found written in the book." b. Many will arise from the dust and awake (Dan 12:2). (1). Ezekiel spoke of the same spiritual resurrection of the Lord's people (Ezek 37:12-14). (2). "Many will arise." (a). This cannot be speaking of the final resurrection, because "all who are in the graves shall hear His voice and come forth " (John 5:28-29) (b). Many (not all) will hear, believe, and obey the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. (3). During this time, some shall awake to everlasting life; some to shame and everlasting contempt (cf. John 3:36). c. "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Dan 12:3). 2. Daniel was commanded to seal the book until the "time of the end" (Dan 12:4) 3. Two men appeared in Daniel's vision (Dan 12:5-10). a. These were angels possibly the same ones mentioned earlier (cf. Dan 10:5-6).
Lesson 14 24 b. The one who raised his hands to heaven swore an oath "to Him who lives forever" (Dan 12:7a). c. These things shall for a "time, times, and half a time" when the people have been completely shattered (Dan 12:7b). (1). As mentioned before, "time, times, and a half of time" represents an indefinite period of trial, testing, and tribulation. (2). The power of the "horn" that spoke against the Most High (cf. Dan 7:25) was "for a time and times and half a time." (3). The "mouth" of the beast in Revelation that spoke great things and blasphemies (Rev 13:5) was forty-two months (3½ years). (a). One thousand two hundred and sixty days, or forty-two months, equals 3½ years. 15 (b). The 3½ years in Daniel is the same length of time in Revelation a time of adversity, opposition, and persecution (also see Rev 11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:4-5). d. The words of Daniel's prophecy are shut up and sealed till the time of the end (Dan 12:8-9). (1). This would be the end of the Jewish nation (AD 70), and the beginning of the end for the Roman empire. (2). The fulfillment of God's purpose was at hand. e. Many will purify themselves, but the wicked shall continue their wickedness (Dan 12:10). (1). Salvation is an individual choice either to accept it, or reject it (cf. 1 John 3:3). 4. Two periods of time (Dan 12:11-12). a. This is difficult to interpret precisely (1,290 days, and 1,335 days). (1). It's not speaking of events prior to the second coming of Christ, nor of some mythical "anti-christ." (2). Both seem to refer to indefinite periods of time marked by suffering and persecution some during the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, and others during the days of Rome and the destruction of Jerusalem. 5. The end of days (Dan 12:13). a. This is not the end of time. (1). This is the end of the Jewish nation. 15 This calculation is based on 30-day months. 1,260 days / 30 days per month = 42 months, or 42 months / 12 months per year = 3.5 years.
Lesson 14 25 (2). But it also marks the beginning of God's judgment against Rome and the nations that opposed God's spiritual kingdom. b. This will be a judgment rendered on behalf of the dead who died in defense of the Lord's kingdom. (1). In Revelation, they are seen under the alter as they cried "How long until You judge and avenge our blood" (Rev 6:9-11). (2). But eventually, they stand before the throne (Rev 7:13-17). c. Finally, Daniel is told to go his way and rest he will arise to receive his "inheritance at the end of the days." (1). God's spiritual kingdom on earth (the redeemed), will become the kingdom of heaven at the end of time. (2). We shall all share in the joys of eternal life with Daniel and all those redeemed throughout the ages.