The Book of Daniel with a cross-reference to Revelation
Welcome to the Bible Study!
1st Chapter:
We are looking at the experiences Daniel had, as we look at these experiences will see how important it is to serve God and be faithful to God. We will also learn how serving and being faithful to God brings us awesome blessings, these blessing aren’t necessarily material blessings they are actually spiritual blessings.
Daniel and his friends were carried off to Babylon as captives and were trained there to be government servants.
Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon who took over Jerusalem and made himself king over Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar took who he wanted and did what he wanted to the children of Israel: When Daniel and his friends were carried off to Babylon as captives and were trained for government service, Daniel ended up moving up the ladder of success in Babylon.
1-The Babylonians didn’t consider the partial year that a king began his reign as a result of this 605B.C. was the third year of Je-hoia-kim rein according to the Babylonian method of counting but it was the fourth year according to the Judean method of counting.
2-Shin-ar was the area that also included Babylon. His god referred to Mar-duke which was the principal deity of Babylon
3- The Babylonians took three different groups of captives, Daniel was in the group taken in 605BC, Ezekiel was in another group that taken in 597, There was a third group taken in 586 when Jerusalem was destroyed. Jerimiah reported a fourth group was also taken five years after the fall of Jerusalem
4- The Chaldeans were very skilled and more knowledgeable than any other nation in natural philosophy or natural science. Their language was different than the Hebrew language, dialect, and pronunciation which the Hebrews learned so they were more acceptable to the king and the court. The Chaldeans were a tribal confederation from lower Mesopotamia and the Babylonian kings were Chaldeans
5-6-The 4 names mentioned in verse 6 were typical Hebrew names that all ended in el which represented the Hebrew word for God, the ah at the end of the names reflects Yah, the shortened name Yahweh. The Babylonians changed these men’s names to reflect their own religion.
When we see the king’s meat it was referring to the food the king had at his own table
7-The Babylonian names included names included the names of the Babylonian gods: Bel=Mar-duke the god of Babylonian, Aku the moon-god, and Nebo. Daniel was given the name of Bel-te-sha-zzar, from the great Babylonian idol Baal. This was done by the king’s command.
8-9-Daniel was very faithful to God and would not defile himself so he would not eat the kings food because it would have violated the dietary restrictions of Hebrew law. Even though Daniel would not compromise his principals he did it in a diplomatic way, in doing so he received God’s favor. God blessed him by opening up the chief of the eunuch’s heart to the point where he liked Daniel. There were several strong reasons why Daniel did this one main reason was many of the meats provided for the king’s table were forbidden by the Jewish law. Daniel knew these foods would gratify the flesh but they would violate his convictions. Daniel did not dare to eat and drink things consecrated to idols. Daniel was sensible about how unsuitable these foods would afflict the state of God’s people
10-The chief Eunuch was worried because he thought Daniel looked bad because Daniel was not eating the rich food of the king so this Eunuch was worried the king would notice.
11—14-Daniel continued to be diplomatic and proposed a test to relieve the chief Eunuch’s fear> Daniel proposed eating vegetables since the meat would have defiled a Hebrew because the Babylonians didn’t properly drain blood from the animal before preparation.
15-20-Daniel’s passing this test was the first of several times where God showed Daniel that He trust God to deliver those who place their faith and trust in Him and keep that trust no matter what!
17-In the ancient near east dreams were considered a source of divine revelation so those who interpreted dreams were highly valued. Daniel’s gift from God to interpret dreams was far more superior to any of the Chaldean interpreters.
21-The first year of King Cyrus was 538BC this wasn’t the date of Daniel’s death it was actually the end of his public ministry in court which was a remarkable record of God’s faithfulness as Daniel did this ministry for 67 years.
1- What are the main points in this chapter?
2- Daniel and his friends were selected for special training:
3- What do you think God was up to?
4-How was Daniel’s faithfulness to God rewarded?
5-Who were the four young Jews described in this chapter and what did you learn about their background?
6-How could you live a victorious life in their setting and in the world today?
7-Why didn’t Daniel want to eat and drink the food and drink of the king?
8-Why was Ash-pen-az reluctant to allow Daniel and his friends to follow their diet?
9-After Daniel and his friends had been on their diet how did they compare to the others who were on the king’s diet?
10-What skills did God give Daniel & his friends? What skills did God give to Daniel that He didn’t give to the other 3?
11-Who were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans?
Some of the children of Israel, some of the descendants of the king and nobles
Young men who were good–‐looking, wise, quick to learn and able to serve
2nd Chapter
Chapter 2
In chapter 2 Daniel recounts and interprets the kings dreams
1-The second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign was 604BC, but his dream seem to have come before the end of his three years of training
2-3-In the book of Daniel for the most part Chaldean refers to a class of magician-priests. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream caused him to be troubled so he wanted it to be interpreted
4-6-These magician-priests offered to interpret the king’s dream but the king demanded that they first tell him the contents of his dream as well as the interpretation of it, if they could the king would trust their ability to interpret the king’s dream. If they couldn’t tell and interpret the dream they would be taken out along with their entire household. But if they could tell and interpret the dream they would receive gifts, treasure, and honor.
7-9-They ask the king to reveal the dream to them but he wouldn’t tell them. The king didn’t say he had forgotten the dream he was testing them to see their ability to interpret his dream. Maybe in his time as king he already had doubted their abilities and genuineness. The magician were hoping the king would be distracted enough by other things that would forget about the demands he gave them.
10-17-These magician-priests excuses and answers to how the king’s request was impossible for any human to answer except a god. This in turn set up the king’s recognition of Daniel’s God which shortly followed this. After this the king then sent out a decree for these magicians to be killed, this decree was sent to Daniel and his guys. Daniel staled killing these magician-priests by once again using diplomacy as he ask to see the king so he could interpret his dream.
18-20-Daniel understood the answer and interpretation of the king’s dream was not in his intelligence but in God’s mercies. God revealed the kings dream and interpretation to the dream to Daniel.
21-23-As God’s people we can be confident in the fact that God controls everything even the earth’s political system. God gives wisdom to those who seek Him.
24-26-Daniel went to Ari-och who was appointed by the king to destroy the wise men of Babylon and mercifully requested that he not kill them, so Daniel extended deliverance to these pagan’s just like God extended deliverance to him. Daniel was taken to the king and the king asked him if he could interpret his dream
27-28-Daniel explained that his God had the capacity to reveal what the pagan god’s and wise men couldn’t about the future and what was going to happen.
29-30-Daniel’s answer showed his courtesy to the king and his humility
31-33-The great image was covered in brightness because it was made of metal, this image was described as having human form
34-35- According to the interpretation God would establish His everlasting kingdom that would fill the whole earth and replace everything.
36-37-The king of kings is not merely king over many kings He is the kingliest of kings
39-This is talking about the Medo-Persian Empire that wasn’t a splendid or as unified as the Babylonian empire but it was larger and lasted longer it was established in 539BC after Cyrus defeated Babylon then a 3rd kingdom was established by Alexander the Great in 330BC
40-The 4th kingdom the Roman Empire was stronger but less refined and more brutal that its predecessors which is symbolized by iron
41-43-This kingdom is partly strong like iron but also partly weak like clay, this seems to symbolize the situation in the Roman Empire after it broke up
44-In the time when the 4 empires followed one another is the time frame that Jesus the Christ would come and set up His kingdom that will stand forever and ever as it can never be destroyed or absorbed like mere human kingdom before it were.
45-49-Through Daniel’s interpretation he became an influential advisor and confidant to the king.
1-Define or describe what a Magician is:
What a Enchanter is:
What a Sorceror is:
What a Chaldean is:
2-What did Nebuchadnezzar want from the above groups concerning his dreams?
3-What was their response?
4-How did he respond to their response?
5- Did Nebuchadnezzar forget his dream or did the interpretation puzzle Him: Explain
6-What was Daniel’s view of God that was reflected in his prayer in verses 17-24?
7-How did Daniel know the dream and it’s interpretation?
8- How was Daniel careful to avoid a misunderstanding of who he was and who gave him the interpretation? Verses 25-30
9-What is the king’s dream all about? Verses 31-35
10-Why did the king have this dream?
11-What was the king’s response to the dream and the interpretation?
3rd Chapter
Chapter 3
The faith of Daniel’s three friends was tested in this chapter, we will also learn that they were vindicated through God’s protection.
1-The image of gold was most likely not solid gold it was probably some other type of material that was covered in gold. There are Biblical scholars who believe that the dream in chapter 2 played into Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and that Nebuchadnezzar’s pride prompted him to make this false god or image to worship
2-4-All the government leaders were commanded to be at the dedication of the image because the king wanted all the various people, nations, and languages that were part of the Babylonian empire to be represented at the dedication.
5-7-Something never change over the ages, because even back in Daniel’s day just like in the world today people were and are still trying to replace God in worship by making false idols and false gods
8-12- In this chapter we see Daniel’s three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were named. As I studied this I found it strange that Daniel wasn’t mentioned here, so it has made me wonder if Daniel was away on business for the king. The accusers seemed to be very jealous of these Jews because they outranked many of the Babylonian’s in authority.
15-When Nebuchadnezzar said who is the god who will deliver from my hands he is actually showing that he had not yet learned much about the Great I Am and His ultimate and Holy power
16-18-These three men had a lot of faith because they believed that God the Great I Am was able to deliver them from the flames of the fire. This is a wonderful statement of faith. If you really look at this closely they didn’t believe God because God promised to deliver them, they actually believed God regardless of the outcome because they believed that God can and would do what He wanted to do with them and do what God wanted through them!
19-The kings attitude toward these three trusted officers changed because he felt they questioned his authority and he was very unhappy about it. It seems to me he was a bit narcissistic.
20-23-The king was not only going to throw them in the furnace he had the furnace heated 7 times hotter than normal then had them tied up before being thrown into the fire. They were most likely thrown into the furnace from an opening on the top, the fire was so hot the men who threw them in the furnace were killed by the fire.
24-25-The king looked through the door of the furnace and saw 4 men walking around and one of them was like Jesus the son of God. This may have been a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus if it was the Nebuchadnezzar spoke the truth but was most likely meant that it was merely a divine being like an angel but he did realize the fourth person was more than human
26-The king called to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abend-Nego and told them that their God was the greatest of all God’s and to come out of the furnace.
27-29-The fire had no power over them, they were completely delivered without even a smell of being in the furnace, without even their clothes being singed. There was no other god who can deliver like the Great I Am!
28-God delivered his servants this is encouraging for us to know that even under great pressure and persecution we do not have to compromise our beliefs because God will deliver us. This may not be physical delivery but it will definitely be spiritual!
29-While Nebuchadnezzar’s decree of honoring God was not yet a declaration of his true faith
Questions:
1- What was Nebuchadnezzar’s decree about the golden god?
2-How did this decree test the faith of the people of God? What things in the world today that are legal test our faith?
3- Why did Shad, Mesh, & Abed-Nego reuse to worship the image & what were the consequences for their disobedience?
4-What is the difference between a religious convenience & a conviction? Which ond did these 3 men have and how do you know?
5-What kind of things test the nature and depth of a person’s commitment to God?
6-How dose conviction & unconditional surrender to God’s will apply to Shad, Mesh., & aben-Nego?
7-What happened when they were cast into the fire?
8- What was the king’s reaction?
9- Many skeptics say the furnace was not very hot: how do we answer them?
10- What is the theme of this chapter?
4th Chapter
Chapter 4
In chapter four we see that the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and narcissism becomes his temporary downfall as it is challenged by God
1-7-When Nebuchadnezzar made the declaration the Most High God he was actually showing high honor to God but as we also see it doesn’t mean that Nebuchadnezzar had begun to worship the Great I Am. But Nebuchadnezzar does give God the credit for his dream being interpreted by Daniel
8-9-As a pagan king Nebuchadnezzar was uninstructed and did not understand the moral character of God’s holiness. Nebuchadnezzar was referencing the evidence of divine power of God because of the way God was working in Daniel’s life. The Hebrew word Elo-him was used here in the original Greek which may be translated either God or gods depending on the context in which it is written, many biblical scholars believe it should be gods here in this context
10-11-In the Ancient Near East and in the Bible a magnificent tree was many times used to refer to a figure or symbol for royal greatness.
12-Nebuchadnezzar was symbolized by the tree and is recognized as a benefactor to his subjects: the interpretation is going to be revealed in verses 20-26
13-A holy one from heaven is most likely an angel
14-16-We see that the king’s heart needed to be change: which meant his thinking, his feeling, and his actions also needed to change. When we read seven times it could mean 7 years, or seven season of 3 months, one thing is sure 7 is a biblical number for completeness
17-Even before his dream was interpreted Nebuchadnezzar sensed that he was being confronted by divine power: The lowest of men may have been referring to Nebuchadnezzar’s father who was not of noble birth. We must understand that a kings rule only happened with and through God’s permission
18-19-Daniel was perplexed over how he was going to reveal the interpretation of the dream to Nebuchadnezzar because of the trouble that he knew was coming
20-22- Daniel repeated what the king said in verses 11-12 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed. Daniel told the king the tree was the king
23-25-The band of iron and bronze symbolized God’s unbreakable power over Nebuchadnezzar and his fate. The interpretation was about the fate of King Nebuchadnezzar who would be driven out of his kingdom and would live with the animals until he came the place where he understood that God was the real ruler over all the earth and all the kingdoms of the earth
26-27-The stump and roots assure the king that after he understands God rules he will be reinstated. Daniel also gives the king a warning to break off from his sins, which means to have a true conversion experience by accepting God as his holy king: righteousness and mercy are the marks of true conversion
28-30-The king evidently followed Daniel’s advice and put his pride on the shelf for a full year. Even the greatest people need to acknowledge that their abilities come from God. The king let pride come back in
31-33-While he spoken words of pride and boasting a voice from heaven spoke and the dream came to fulfilment so Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of the kingdom and lived as an animal. There is no clear record in secular history of this event during Nebuchadnezzar reign, but one inscription testifies that for four years Nebuchadnezzar didn’t engage in any building projects or was he involved in worship of his god Marduk, this is in stark contrast to the other records that were so detailed during his 43 year reign
34-37-the king lifted his eyes to heaven and he was reinstated as he submitted to and praised God. There is only one king who rules the universe, whoever rules under Him does so only as His agent. God works and moves in mysterious ways but He makes Himself & His will known even to heathen kings who pay attention and respond to Him
Questions:
1-Looking at verses 1-3 what is the purpose of this chapter?
2-What are the main features of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and how do they apply us today? 21st
3-What was the interpretation of the dream?
4-What was God’s purpose for giving Nebuchadnezzar this dream, what did God want to impress on him, and how did God get him to see his point?
5-What did Daniel want Nebuchadnezzar to do?
6-When did the things in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream take place?
7- What happened to Nebuchadnezzar?
8-What part of character of Nebuchadnezzar explains why God lowered Nebuchadnezzar to the level of an animal?
9-What evidence do we have that God succeeded in his purpose with Nebuchadnezzar?
10-What did Nebuchadnezzar learn after his ordeal was over?
11-What lesson stands out to you in his chapter and how does this apply to the world we live in today?
5th Chapter
Chapter 5
1-King Belshazzar had a big party for a thousand of his nobles, they drank wine the king gave orders to bring vessels to him that were sacred to the Jewish people.
2-3-These vessels were taken from the temple in Jerusalem the temple of God almighty and the king and the people at the party began to drink from it
4- They not only drank from them they also toasted pagan idols from these vessel that was set apart for God’s use. In all reality Belshazzar actually blasphemed God Almighty
5-6-A disconnected hand appeared and began to write on the wall this was so dramatic and sobering that when Belshazzar saw it the scripture tells us he turned pale, I wonder if Belshazzar may have been the only one who saw the hand that was writing on the wall if that is the case then it would increase his terror
7-He offered a purple robe and gold chains to whoever could read the hand writing on the wall. Purple is the color of royalty, a chain of gold is sign of having a high office, Belshazzar was the second ruler under his father so a third ruler would be directly under him
8-10- The wise men couldn’t read the writing on the wall so the king was greatly troubled. The wife of Nebuchadnezzar and mother of Belshazzar knew about Daniel but it seems the other people there didn’t
11-12- Daniel had Godly discernment and a gift to interpret dreams he also had wisdom
13-16-Belshazzar brought Daniel before him and ask Daniel if he could read the hand writing on the wall and if he could he would give him purple robe and gold chain
17-Daniel’s refusal of the rewards may have been a formal courtesy considering he was given them anyhow or Daniel may have actually not wanted them because he was speaking for God and he desired to honor God who gave him the interpretation
18-22-Daniel tells Belshazzar about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and interpretation and how it came true. Then Daniel goes on to tell him that he hadn’t humbled his heart even though he knew all about what had happened
23-24-Belshazzar’s judgment came because of his refusal to acknowledge God even though he knew God and His power. We glorify God by living in a way that recognizes it is God who holds our breathe and our life, it is God who owns all our ways
25-28-Three words from everyday commerce were applied to the king’s handling of the business of his kingdom. His accounts didn’t balance Mene, Mene was repeated to emphasis, it means numbered. Tekel means weighed; so it said u=numbered and weighted which shows s verdict. Upharsin means and divided which is the sentence
29-31-Looking at the facts we see a dramatic impact of swift and sure fulfillment of God’s judgment as Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom
1-When in relation to the events of chapter 4 do these event take place?
2-What appeared to Belshazzar? What was His reaction?
3- What characteristics of Belshazzar are seen in this chapter?
4- What did the queen suggest that Belshazzar do?
5-What explanations were given to each of the following words that appeared on the wall: Mene, Tekel, Upharsin?
6 What is the interpretation of the writing on the wall?
7-What did Belshazzar proclaim when he heard Daniel’s interpretation?
8- Why was Belshazzar proclamation an empty decree
9- What happened to Belshazzar that night? Who replaced him as king?
10- What can we learn form this?
6th Chapter
Chapter 6
This chapter is where God delivers Daniel from the lion’s den
1-2-This new regime recognized Daniel’s God-given qualities. A Satrap was a Provincial governor they were overseers who made sure there was no rebellion or corruption happening
3-4-Daniel preformed his official duties blamelessly and without fault or error
5-We see a wonderful commendation, think about it if our enemies could say this about us as born-again believers today what a witness it would be
6-7-All the leaders who were jealous of Daniel went to the king to propose a plan to get Daniel to do this they played to his royal pride by having the king make a decree that no one could worship any other god other than the king for 30 days and if they did they would be thrown into the lion’s den, they knew that Daniel would never subvert his worship of the one true God
8-9-When they said sign it so it couldn’t be changed there is no historical evidence that a royal decree of the Medes and Persians was irrevocable
10-Notice Daniel didn’t increase or decree his prayer time nor did he conceal it out of fear
11-12-So the men who were out to get Daniel found Daniel praying to God Almighty not the king and went to the king and expressed how the king made the decree and how Daniel disobeyed the decree and how Daniel must be thrown into the lion’s den. Then they proceeded to tell the king Daniel disobeyed his decree
13- First the conspirators tried to arouse the king’s suspicion against Daniel as a foreigner then they charged Daniel as being disloyal to the king
14-15-I find it interesting that when the king heard this he wasn’t displeased with Daniel he was displeased in himself but it was too late even though the king recognized they had tricked him
16-21-The king sent for Daniel and ask Daniel if God would deliver him, this is a remarkable statement of faith especially from a heathen king. After having Daniel thrown into the Lion’s den and then sealing it with signet ring the king went back to the palace fasted and didn’t sleep. In the morning very early the king went to the lion’s den and cried out almost in fear: Daniel servant of the living God has your God delivered you: Daniel answered O king live forever
22-Daniel told the king God found him innocent as he was blameless in what transpired since Daniel had not injured anyone by being faithful to his God and protected him from the loins by sending His angel to shut the lions mouths
23-Daniel believed in Mark 9:23 Jesus said: All things are possible to him who believes
24-This is not an expression of approval of this serve revenge it is simply stating the facts of what transpired they were devoured before they hit the bottom of the pit unlike Daniel who was completely protected
25-27-The king declared Daniel’s God was the living God, this is a similar declaration the Nebuchadnezzar made in chapter 4
28-There is some evidence that this otherwise unknown Darius was the same person called Cyrus. Two or more names for kings was quit common back then if this is the case it should read: in the reign of Darius/Cyrus the Persian
1- What passion did king Darius appoint Daniel to?
2-Who plotted against Daniel & why did they do it?
3-Why did Darius issue the decree about not worshipping any god for 30 days but him?
4-How did Daniel react to this decree? What were the consequences of his actions?
5- What was Darius’s dilemma because of Daniel’s action?
6-How is Daniel’s faith on display here? How would you describe his faith?
7-What happened to the ones who ratted Daniel out?
8-Can you see growth in Darius’s faith? 9-What is the main thing we learn in this chapter?
7th Chapter
Chapter 7
In chapter 7 through chapter 12 we see a series of visions that teach a similar truth to the experiences of the first 6 chapters. In chapter 7 Daniel has a vision about four beasts
1-According to Babylonian history this occurred in 553BC. When Belshazzar became a co-regent with his father Na-boni-dus, this vision occurred earlier than the events of chapter 5 with writing o the wall
2-Forces from the four winds were stirring up the nations in Daniel’s vision, the sea is often a symbol of all the people of the earth
3-4-Danile saw four beasts: the first beast was the Babylonian Empire: the lion is king of the beasts: eagle’s wings represents king of the birds, a man’s heart represented life under Nebuchadnezzar as the empire became more humane under his rule
5-The 2nd beast a bear: represented the Medo-Persian Empire: the 3 ribs were parts of the empire that are usually identified with Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt all that were conquered by Cyrus and his son Cam-by-ses
6-The 3rd Beast a leopard represented the Greek Empire that was established by Alexander. The 4 wings and heads seem to refer to the 4 parts that Alexander’s Empire was divided into after his death
7-The 4th beast: represented the Roman Empire which was dreadful and terrible. Even though the previous 3 beasts were unnerving this beast was obviously a lot stronger and more destructive. It was so grotesque that Daniel could not describe it as any animal he knew of this beast destroyed everything around it.
8-the eyes and mouth here seem to represent a individual human-ruler
9-10-The Ancient of Days is a similar description of God on His throne that are given in Ezekiel 1:26-28: 26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Rev. 4:2: At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
11-12-The 4th beast was totally destroyed while the first 3 beasts were spared but were left without power. John Wesley believed the 4th beast represents the kingdom of the Anti-Christ at the end of time. That kingdom will be completely and totally destroyed. The other three empires will be completely conquered but the people and cultures will continue for a period of time
13-14-Jesus frequently used the Son of Man to describe Himself. But only in the OT are both humanity and deity declared by this title. This prophecy seems to refer to the kingdom of Jesus Christ in Rev. 11:15: The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
15-16-An angel stood by Daniel and interpreted the vision and dream to him
17-18-the four beasts are kings or maybe demons that rise out of the earth. A saint is a person who is loyal to Jesus the Christ, they possess the kingdom with Jesus. Rev. 20:6: Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
19-21-We have a description of the fourth beast: The war of the horn against the saints is a new revelation. This seems to be the primary reference to the Roman emperor’s attempts to suppress Christianity but it could have a dual meaning for the events that are happening before the second coming of Jesus
In verses 22-24 we see the most important part of Daniel’s vision which was to encourage God’s people. This 4th beast is the empire of evil with the Anti-Christ leading it but despite the seemingly invincible power of the 4th beast and the Anti-Christ with all its powerful horns only the kingdom of God is everlasting.
25-The last manifestation of the beasts power is the little horn which harasses God’s people, but God will cut his time short unexpectedly. Time and times and half a time totals 3-1/2 which is ½ of 7 which is a symbol of incompleteness God’s saints will not always suffer because after the tribulation will be at the marriage supper of the lamb to party for 1,000 years
26-The court seems to point to the final judgment when all earthly powers that oppose God’s rule will lose their dominion and power and be cast into eternal death
27-28-The everlasting kingdom is the most encouraging word we can receive as born-again believers because in the end after all the dust settles we will be on the winning side because we will be in paradise with Jesus the Christ
1-When did these events occur?
2-How would you describe Daniel’s dream and what significances does it have to help us live a victorious life today?
3- What do we learn about the four beasts and how do they effect the people and are they victorious?
4-Who is the Ancient of Days?
5-Why is Ancient of Days used in reference to him?
6-Describe His appearance?
7-What is the meaning of a time & times & ½ a time? Where have you learned about this before?
8-What is the interpretation of Daniel’s dream?
9-What is the difference between the kingdoms and men and the kingdom of God?
10- How can we live a victorious life with everything going on around us?
8th Chapter
Chapter 8
The vison in this chapter deals with experiences of God’s people under the rule of the Medes and Persians
1-The third year of Belshazzar was most likely 551 BC
2-Shushan was the center of Persian power and was on the rise and would soon over-run Belshazzar’s Babylon
3-The ram was the Persian Empire, the higher horn that came up last signified the historical sequence as the Medes dominated first then were followed by the Persians
4-Westward meant the conquering of Babylon, northward the conquering of Lydia in Asia Minor, southward the conquering of Egypt
5-The male goat represented the Greek Empire without touching the ground represented the fact that this empire grew extremely fast. Essentially Alexander conquered the Persian Empire in only four years Alexander was the notable horn
6-7-This is a description of Alexander’s conquest of Persia 200 years after Daniel’s vision
8-The little horn is not the same person as the little horn in chapter 7. This little horn is Antiochus IV Epiphanes who in 175BC supported the losing battle of the Se-leu-cid kingdom. If it weren’t for Rome’s intervention Antiochus would have conquered Egypt in 168 BC but he did gain a lot of territory in the east and Palestine was also a part of his kingdom
10-The host of heaven seems to have been a reference to Jewish hierarchy but it also could be referring to a heavenly power which would indicate how far an · tai · uh · kuhs’s self-exaltation extended to
11- an · tai · uh · kuhs not only put himself above the high priest he also put himself above God as he labeled himself Epi-phanes which means: God Manifest. He halted sacrifices and desecrated the temple of God
12-The sins and apostasy of Jerusalem’s ruling priests in the 2nd century BC prompted an · tai · uh · kuhs blasphemous actions
13-14-A heavenly observer asked how long the desecration of the temple would be allowed, the answer for nearly 7 years (2,300 days). an · tai · uh · kuhs persecuted the land, the Jews, and the temple
15-16-The man’s voice is either God or an angel higher than Gabriel, this voice that seems to be God’s voice who spoke to Daniel and Daniel could hear and understand the vision
17-19-It was explained to Daniel that this vision was about the end of time. Daniel was receiving a Godly vision so he was in a state of deep sleep, yet when the Lord touched him he stood up. The time of indignation is the time of persecution under an · tai · uh · kuhs and before the 2nd coming of Christ which shows us how long God allows persecution to continue
23-24-The transgressors within Judah seem to be the holy people of Israel who lived in the land of Palestine
25- an · tai · uh · kuhs was cunning and deceitful. Antiochus’s real battle was against God almighty and he died of an unnamed sickness
26-27-This was sealed up in order to preserve the record. After this vision Daniel fainted and was sick but got better and went about his business but was astonished by the vision
1-In Daniel’s vision where was he?
2-Who is Gabriel? Who summoned him? What was he summoned to do?
3-What does the end of time mean?
4-What was Daniel’s vision about?
5- What can we learn from Daniel’s vision so we can learn to lie victorious in the world we live in?
6-Who were the transgressors?
7-What does it mean when it says but not by his own power?
8-Who is the prince of princes?
9-Why is the vision sealed up?
10- What was Daniel’s reaction to the vision?
11- What can we learn from this chapter?
9th Chapter
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 Here in chapter 9 we have an account of Daniel’s prayer for the forgiveness and the restoration of Judah, This prayer results in Gabriel’s revelation about the 70 weeks 1-3-We learn about the elements of effective prayer: 1 st an open heart, 2 nd an overpowering conviction that God’s ready to accomplish His purpose and 3 rd the observation of the disciplines of intercessory prayer. The 1 st year of Darius reign was 539BC. Jeremiah 29:10 speaks of seventy which is a round figure that covers the time between 605BC which is the 1 st captivity and about 537BC which is the first return. Fasting, sackcloth, and ashes are outward actions that are intended to both signify and focus on inward sincerity 4-Praying by opening up with truth’s about who God is like: God who keeps His covenant is always an appropriate way to begin our prayers because it focuses us on God and His faithfulness 5-6-From the beginning Daniel always identified himself with his people and their need for repentance 7-8-Isreal was disgraced by the captivity as they had trusted in their wealth, religiosity, and a host of other things instead of God, everything had failed them 9-14-God’s word is absolutely reliable and the result of obeying it or disobeying it is quite predictable. The curse in verse 11 was written in the law of God Deut. 28:15-68. The great disaster was the fall of Jerusalem and the exile to Babylon 2 Kings 25:1-21. God kept the disaster in mind and brought in in His timing on the sinful people 15-The restoration of the Jewish exiles would be the 2 nd exodus 16-19-Daniel’s petition here is based on his desire to glorify God’s name 20-21-We learn that Gabriel the angel appeared to Daniel in human form from his vision in chapter 8 22-23-Gabriel appeared to Daniel to tell Daniel he came to give Daniel the knowledge to understand the vison. And Daniel was greatly loved by God as is anyone who is righteous in the Lord as James 5:16 tells us the prayer of a righteous man avails much 24-27- the sevens are God’s own time although the vision contains no direct answer to Daniel’s concern about Jeremiah’s 7- year period, the repetition of 70 must have some significance. The point may be that Judah has had 70 years of restoration, also there may be a similar kind of waiting for the Messiah. Nowhere can it be found that weeks are years but it seems significant that the period of time between the return 537BC and the birth of Christ was approximately 70 times 7 years. The entire vision refers to the Messiah and His purpose to make an end to sins on the cross of Calvary. Some believe the prince in verse 26 represents the Antichrist, but the emphasis of the vision points to the Messiah Jesus the Christ’s death, His sacrifice of Himself which brought an end to sacrifices There’s no reason to adopt the idea that then events of the 69 th week refer to the 1 st coming of Christ while those of the 70 th week refers to the 2ndd coming with a church age of indeterminate length that occurs between them. The primary reference of the entire 70-week prophecy is to the 1 st coming yet certain aspects of the description can also apply to the 2 nd coming as well. 1-What did Daniel learn in the first year of Darius’ reign? How did Daniel learn this? What was Daniel’s reaction to what he learned? 2-What does it mean by the books in verse two? 3-What does fasting, sackcloth and ashes represent? 4- What was the main purpose of Daniel’s prayer? 5-What is the curse and oath written in the Law of Moses? 6-Who appeared to Daniel when he was praying? Why was he sent and what was his purpose in coming? 7-What period of time is denoted by the 1 st seven weeks? 8- What period of time is denoted by the next 62 weeks? 9-What takes place in the middle of the final week? 10-What takes place during the rest of the final week? 11-What was the basic message of the prophecy spoken TO Daniel in verse 24-27? 12-What is meant by the word desolate? How is it applied in this prophecy? 13-Does the prophecy found in this chapter have any application today? If so how?
Daniel Chapter 10
In chapter 10 through chapter 12 is a vision about the attempt to destroy Judaism
1-4-The 3rd year of Cyrus was 536BC and this was considered by some Biblical Scholars to be the year when the 1st exiles return to Jerusalem. The precise location along the Tigris River where Daniel received this vision isn’t known. It says Daniel mourned for three weeks Daniel finally understood the message even though it was difficult
5-6-This is the description of God in Ezek. 1:26-28: Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. It is also the description of the Son of Man in Rev. 1:13-16: At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
7-11-No one else saw this vision but Daniel who had a face-to-face encounter with the presence of God or with God’s messenger, when this happens it always leaves humans in need of a strengthening touch or word from God
11-12-The greeting to Daniel was that he was loved by God, and the message was sent to Daniel by God
12-Daniel’s words were heard Jer. 33:3 God said: Call on Me and I will answer you
13-This verse along with verse 20 & chapter 12 verse 1 reveal that there are supernatural champions that are for good and will take part in earthly conflicts Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. & James 7:7-8 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
14-The latter days needs to be understood to mean future times, this term may or may not refer to the end times depending on the context
15-19- Daniel became speechless until he was touched by a divine hand.
Verse 20 through 12:13-are details of the coming conflict & the threat to the survival of God’s people.
20-There would be dangers to the Jews first from Persian polices then also from the wars within the Greek Kingdom that succeeded Persia
1-When did Daniel receive this vision?
2-Why did Daniel use his Babylonian name when the vision was in the time of the Medo-Persian Empire?
3-What was Daniel doing for 3 weeks and why was he doing it?
4-Where was Daniel at when he received this vision?
5-What was Daniel’s vision?
6-What was the reaction to the vision of those who were with Daniel? What was his reaction?
7-Why was this message given to Daniel after his vision? What delayed his coming?
8-What was Daniel’s reaction to the message? How was he strengthened?
9- In verse 21 what does the term Michael refer to?
Chapter 11
10:21-11:1-The heavenly messenger was aided by Michael to bring about the return of the exiles to Judah during the 1st year of the rein of Darius. Michael assisted him to ensure the survival of God’s people under the power of the Persian & Greek empires
2- God revealed the dangers that the Jews would face in their near future to Daniel; Three more kings & the fourth was coming this a common Hebrew expression which seems to be pointing here to include all the Persian Kings. The 4th king points to Xerxes I who reigned from 486-465BC. Xerxes spent fortunes to unsuccessfully warn Greece against fighting them
3-The mighty king seen here is Alexander the Great who in 333BC defeated the Persian armies
4-After his death at the age of 32 Alexanders Empire was divided into four kingdoms and no relative of Alexander ruled after his death
5-20- The vision is a parallel to the vision in chapter 8 with a lot of detail. The king of the south represents Ptolemies who ruled Egypt, the king of the north represented the Seleucids who were rulers of Syria & Mesopotamia
5-8-Egpyt invaded Syria/Mesopotamia: The king of the south Ptolemy I, and Seleucus I who were Alexander’s generals were the 1st leaders of the Ptolemaic & Selecucid dynasties. The 2 realms were briefly united in the marriage of Berenice the daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus to Antiiochus II of Syria. The agreement between the dynasties and the marriage didn’t last which caused the war between Egypt & Syria to resume. Ptolemy III Euergetes the brother of Berenice successfully attacked the Syrians in retaliation for his sister’s death
9-13-Seleucus Callinicus led Syria in an invasion of Egypt but was temporarily stopped. His son Seleucus III & Antiochus III continued the conflict with Egypt but were defeated. But the defeat wasn’t permanent and Antiochus would later return
14-15- Antiochus III of Syria defeated Ptolemy V
16-17-This is where the marriage of Cleopatra I daughter of Antiochus to Ptolemy Epiphanes takes place
14-19-There is a series of victories but final defeat for the northern forces of Syria/Methopotamia will have Judah caught in the middle between the waring kingdoms. These verses cover the years 323-175BC. Almost every event mentioned here is related in secular history of the time period
18-19-Antiochus moved his campaign to the coastlands of Asia Minor but was finally defeated by the Roman captain Lucas in 190BC
20-Seleucus IV Philopator son of Antiochus II imposed taxes on Judah to raise money to pay the Roman conquerors
21-39-These verses paint us a picture of the of Antiochus IV Epiphanes’s attacks against Egypt. Here are more details than we saw in chapter 8:9-14 & 23-24. He was the Greek king of the north who ruled Syria/Mesopotamia
25-28-Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt was defeated by Antiochus
28-Here we see a reflection of how the Jews of Palestine were involved in these wars between revival Greek states of the north & the south
30-Ships of Cyprus refer to the Roman envoy that forced Antiochus to leave Egypt in 168BC. Antiochus was stopped in Egypt so he began a rage of desecration and persecution on the faithful Jews. Antiochus used and aided the Hellenizers who were among the Jewish leaders. The Hellenizers were willing to blend the worship of God with the Syria-Greek Zeus/Baal worship
31-Regular Jewish sacrifices were abolished and a heathen altar was built on the Jewish altar of sacrifices
32- Even when they faced persecution and death some of the Jewish people remained faithful
33-35-People who understand seems to be referring to the Hasidim who were Jewish leaders who revolted against Hellenism. They taught the law of Moses to encourage others to join them. Their struggle would have been lost except for help they received from the Maccabees who were led by Mattathias and Judas Maccabeus
36-45-Here we see a description of the future Antichrist that is represented by Antiochus’s self-deification. Antiochus was an unknown type of antichrist that many things may have applied to, unlike the details of the events in previous verses no event like these are known. This seems to show that Antiochus was the representative of all the rulers who followed him that used God’s people for their own purposes when they could and persecuted those who they couldn’t use. This pattern continues to the end of time yet every ruler who does this will fail and fall
1-When did this message come to Daniel?
2-Who was the 4th king of Persia and who stirred up against him?
3-Who is the mighty king in verses 3 & 4
4-Who is the king of the south and the king of the north and why did their battles directly affect Judah?
5-What is the Glorious land? Why is this a fitting way to describe it?
6-What is meant by: But it shall not prosper for the end will still be at the appointed time?
7-Is the abomination of desolation in verse 31 the same as what is in Daniel 9:27 and if so why?
8- Whose the king mentioned in verse 36? What evidence do you have to support your view
9-In verses 36-45 who does it seem to be describing?
10- Is the end of verse 45 the same as that of verse 27? Then is it the same as verse 35? Explain>>>>>>
Chapter 12
1-3-Chapter 12 focuses on the distant future more than on the time period Daniel was in. Here we see prophecies with multiple references.
2-3- these verses contain the 1st explicit teaching about the resurrection of Jesus with the hope of everlasting life waiting for the faithful, it also teaches about eternal punishment for those who reject God. People who help others move forward toward God and receive honor from God
4-God said seal the book but that doesn’t mean to conceal it but to authenticate and preserve it from loss. Knowledge increasing is a characteristic of the Grecian period the same as it is today
5-6-The question how long is about the end times the end of this troubled period
7-Time, times, and half a time is ½ of seven a symbol of incompleteness. God’s people will not always suffer. Antiochus didn’t overcome the Macabees this shows us that the ungodly will not last forever and their intentions and vision will one day perish
8-10- Here it says what shall be the end? So what does this mean after all it also says the words are sealed. So what this means is this will not clearly be understood until God reveals them
11-12-Here we see a shift from the future back to the days of Daniel. The reference to days here rather than an unspecified time or season sets a definite limit to the time of persecution which would be very encouraging for Daniel and the people. The time from desecration of the temple in 168BC until it’s reconstruction under the Maccabees in 165BC coincides with the number 1290
13-We don’t know when Christ will return for the 2nd time only God the Father knows that. It is our duty to remain faithful until that time
1-What time is: at the time which is found in verse 1
2-Describe the resurrection of verses two and three’ is this a physical or a spiritual resurrection?
3-What does the end of time means? Is this the same time of the end in verses 9 and the end of the days in verse 13
4-Who are the holy people? How are they completely shattered?
5-What things will be finished when the holy people are shattered?
6-What response was given to Daniel when he asked for an explanation?
7-Why don’t the wicked understand?
8-What was Daniel’s inheritance to which he would arise at the end of the days?
