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Purpose of The Book of Daniel:
Those outside the land should learn from Daniel’s life how to remain devoted and have influence as they hope for the full restoration of Israel. The book of Daniel teaches us how to live a life
faithful to God even when we are surrounded by a pagan culture.
Major Characters of The Book of Daniel:
Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshech), Azariah
(Abednego), King Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar, and King Darius.
Summary of The Book of Daniel:
The first half of the book of Daniel contains historical accounts of Daniel's life. It begins with the story of Daniel's own capture and deportation to Babylon, and his courage to live a holy life in the midst of their pagan rituals. His superior way of life earns him great respect in the Babylonian government. God, having blessed him with this position of honor and influence, gave him many visions which enabled him to help King Nebuchadnezzar know the future and rule more effectively. The book goes on to describe the arrogance and godlessness of Babylon's kings, who attempt to kill Daniel's friends Shadrach, Mechech, and Abednego in a
furnace for worshiping their God rather than themselves. God, however, spares their lives.
Daniel is given visions to warn the King that God's judgment was coming upon him. They, however, do not
repent and Babylon falls to the Medes. Darius, King of the Medes, instituted a policy where all Babylonians
were required to pray to him and him only. Daniel refused to break the first commandment of Moses, and was
thrown to the lions, but God preserved his life as well. The last half of the book is full of visions which predict
the downfall of the Medes to the Persians, the Persians to the Greeks, and the Greeks to the Romans. They
predict that only at that time will God fully restore them (the time of Jesus - Coincidence? I think not). Daniel
is a book full of courageous acts and fantastic visions that show Christians how to live in a non-Christian
environment. It encourages us to hold on to our beliefs and act them out in spite of the customs of our society.
It comforts us that our hope in Christ's salvation and is sure, but that our faith must endure awhile longer.
Author and Dates of The Book of Daniel:
Daniel lived and ministered to the exiles during the period of Israel's captivity under
Babylon, sometime between 586 and 538 BC.
Outline of The Book of Daniel:
Themes of The Book of Daniel:
Wisdom: It has often been suggested that Daniel is, in a sense, a wisdom book, since it so often
teaches and displays how a wise man's lifestyle brings blessing upon him.
Good vs. Evil: Daniel paints the history of the world as a battle between two Kingdoms -- the
Kingdom of God (envisioned as God's throne room) vs. The Kingdom of Man (envisioned as a
beast) - see Daniel 7. Daniel also asserts in no uncertain terms that the Kingdom of God will have
victory over the Kingdom of man.
Patience: Israel would have liked Daniel to tell them that their freedom was around the corner, but he
predicted a succession of Kingdoms before Israel's deliverance would occur. Likewise, our hope of
salvation and blessing are sure, but not necessarily imminent.
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