1) Introduction to the Book of Daniel
The historical context and relevance of the book of Daniel
The book of Daniel is one of the most impressive prophetic works in the Bible. Written during the Babylonian exile, it reveals God’s plan for world history. In this lesson, we will learn about Daniel and the context of his prophecies.
Who Was Daniel
When was Daniel taken captive to Babylon?
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Answer: In the third year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah
Daniel 1:1-2: "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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."
This happened around 605 B.C., when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem for the first time.
What was Daniel's condition when he was taken captive?
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Answer: Young man from the royal family, intelligent and without physical defect
Daniel 1:3-4: "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; 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."
“In prosperity and adversity they honored God, and God honored them.” — Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 479, par. 1.
Daniel’s Faithfulness
What was Daniel's decision regarding the king's food?
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Answer: He purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's delicacies
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 asked the chief of the eunuchs to give him only vegetables to eat and water to drink, as a ten-day test ().
What was the result of Daniel's faithfulness?
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Answer: God gave him superior wisdom and understanding
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 1:20: "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm."
The Purpose of the Book
Who is able to reveal deep mysteries?
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Answer: God reveals the deep and hidden things
Daniel 2:22: "He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."
What is the central theme of Daniel's prophecies?
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Answer: The establishment of God's eternal kingdom
Daniel 2:44: "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."
The Structure of the Book
What types of material does the book of Daniel contain?
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Answer: Historical narratives and prophetic visions
Daniel 1:1-2: "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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 7:1: "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters."
When would Daniel's words be fully understood?
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Answer: In the time of the end
Daniel 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention.” — Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 547, par. 2.
Why is the study of Daniel important for us today?
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Answer: The wise will understand the prophecies in the time of the end
Daniel 12:10: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
How did Jesus refer to the book of Daniel?
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Answer: He quoted Daniel and said: 'Let the reader understand'
Matthew 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:)"
And Now?
The book of Daniel is essential for understanding the future:
- Daniel was faithful: In adverse circumstances, he maintained his faith
- God reveals the future: Through prophets like Daniel
- Prophecies are fulfilled: History confirms God’s Word
- We are called to understand: Jesus invites us to study Daniel
My Decision
I desire to study the book of Daniel with an open mind and a willing heart. Like Daniel, I choose to be faithful to God in all circumstances. I believe that God reveals the future through His Word and I want to understand His prophecies.