Daniel

DANIEL

Historical Background & Purpose of Prophet:
Daniel, the writer of this book (7:19, 8:18, 9:3, 10:15), was taken to Babylon as a young boy during the first exile of Judah. 605-536 B.C. are the seventy years spanning Daniels ministry. These seventies years would have been the entire exile of Israel in Babylonia and ends with the displaced Jew’s returning home.

 His original readers and hearers would have been his fellow Jews in Babylon; and also Babylonians. The purpose would have been to reveal that the God of Israel was still their God, is all powerful, and was going to protect and preserve them. Even the King ruling over them, King Nebuchadnezzar, recognized their God exclaims “…There is no other god that can rescue like this!” (Daniel 3:29)This book was compiled after the Israelites were released to return to their nation under the rule of King Cyrus.

Character and Nature of God:

This book screams the soverignity of God. Many times the text tells us that God gave authorites over Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azaraiah (Abednego) “…respect and affection…”(1:9)  and caused them to have favor by granting them “…an unusual aptitude…”(1:17) and “…special ability…”(1:17) to stand out and have favor. God also humbles the proud and is full of justice. One of many examples of this is when God takes Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom and makes him live a pathetic life for seven years.(43:7) It is also God’s extraordinary grace to restore to him his kingdom. God is also a faithful God. Daniel knew this deeply and lived in such a way that showed this. An example of this would be Daniels prayer in Chapter nine when seventy years have passed and He prays, reminding God of his promise for them to only be exiled 70 years. God is also a great rescuer. He rescues Hananiah, Mishael and Azaraiah from the fire (3:13-27) and rescues Daniel from the lion’s den (6:19-23). He also rescues his people from the great power of Babylon. \

God's Redemptive Plan:

There are two messianic prophecies found in Daniel:

“As my vision continues that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal- it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” (7:13-14)

“After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed one will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the temple.” (9:26)

Personal Application

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, your majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

Oh my goodness! Lord give me this kind of faith in you! A faith that isn't build on a foundation of experience of what I've seen God do, nor what I’ve prayed and seen God answer. But a faith built on a strong foundation of the truth of God. Knowing that God is still God if he answers my prayers how I think he should or not. With a death sentence on their lives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made a bold declaration of faith in God. Believing that His character was always good and that God was for them; whether or not he rescued them from the fire. I have already shared this revevlation with two people; but will share it with a few more so it continues to get into my heart and becomes my personal revelation.

 

Point of Passion

 

Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon who took the Jews into exile, their enemy and oppressor, was humbled by God. God is more powerful than all our oppressors and will humble the proud. For oppressed woman to understand that a day is coming when there oppressor will be punished and humbled by God is so encouraging. What God is like our God? So good! Also, Daniel prays in the promises of God for his people that they will be released from oppression and be able to return to their homelands. Once we start walking into the truth of God and the fullness of life, we have a responsibility to pray this into action for other women who are oppressed. God will bring freedom and is faithful to fulfill his promises. We need to partner with him!