Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Introduction to Daniel Daniel 1:1-7 Daniel is pivotal to our understanding of God’s sovereign hand upon the future If it is not true in its claims of authorship and historical setting, then it is not even worth reading Daniel 1:1-7

Authorship Daniel, a Hebrew youth who was deported to Babylon in 605 B.C. Much of it is written in the first person - Daniel 7:1; 8:1; 9:2; 10:2 It contains extensive date markers - Daniel 1:1; 2:1; 5:30; 7:1; 8:1; 9:1; 10:1; 11:1

Authorship Liberal theologians reject the book’s claim of authorship and date claiming it is from the 2nd Century They reject the claims in favor of their own unbelief that God can foretell the future If the author is not by Daniel from the 6th century - it has no importance, so why write about its meaning?

Reasons for 6th Century authorship by Daniel Internal Evidence - accurate understanding of 6th Century using its archaic language Existing Manuscripts - from Maccabean period require an older date that 2nd Century

Reasons for 6th Century authorship by Daniel Ezekiel’s Testimony - his existence, righteousness and wisdom - Ezekiel 14:14, 20 & 28:3 Jesus’ Testimony - Daniel is the author and gave accurate prophecy - Matthew 24:15

Authorship Daniel contains much prophecy, but is placed among the “writings” and not the “prophets” Daniel interpreted dreams and had the future revealed to him, but he was a “seer,” not a “prophet”

Authorship Daniel is written in two languages: Hebrew, chapters 1 and 8-12 and Aramaic, chapters 2-7 It contains revelation specific to the Gentile nations and specific to the Jewish nation

Historical Setting Daniel uses the Babylonian system of dating a king’s reign Josiah was the last independent king of Judah - he died in battle with Pharaoh Neco in 609 B.C. Jehoiakim and all that followed him were evil before the Lord. Pharaoh set him on the throne in 609 B.C.

Historical Setting Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 605 B.C. - as Jeremiah 25 had prophesied Daniel was among the youths taken to Babylon to serve in the king’s court Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, but died in 597 B.C. Jehoiachin reigned 3 months but was deposed by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C.

Historical Setting Zedikiah, his uncle, was placed on the throne, but also rebelled in 588 B.C Jerusalem was under siege for 1 ½ years & fell in 586 B.C. - the city destroyed & the temple burned Gedaliah was made governor but was murdered 7 months later Daniel would have heard the reports and seen the captives coming to Babylon

Kings of Babylon King Reign Reference Nebuchadnezzar 605–562 Daniel 2-4 Evil-Merodach 562-560 2 Kgs 25:27 Nergal-Sharear 560-556 Labushi-Marduk 556 Nabonidus 556-539 Belshazzar 553-539 Daniel 5

Persian Period Cyrus conquers Babylon in 539 B.C. & kills Belshazzar (Daniel 5). Cyrus issues a decree of return in 586 B.C. Darius the Mede (Daniel 6) (Gubaru?) is king over Babylon serving under Cyrus king of Persia

Purpose A record of the revelations given to Daniel giving understanding of God’s plan for the future A testimony of God’s sovereign hand for good in the midst of the tragedy Israel had suffered A witness of to God’s sovereign plans for both the Gentile nations and the Hebrews

Purpose Increase confidence that God can and will carry out His plans regardless of man Daniel 4:34-35 & 4:3 - The Lord God of Israel is the Most High God - the sovereign One Encouragement to stand firm for God in all circumstances

Purpose A broad revelation showing God He has a purpose in His creation and a design for History Inspiring examples of righteous men who remained faithful even when facing death Examples of warning of the dangers of pride (Nebuchadnezzar) and hedonism (Belshazzar)

Outline Introduction: Daniel's rise to power (1) {Hebrew} Destiny of the Gentile Nations (2-7) {Aramaic Gentile Destiny 1 - (2) The Statue Dream Gentile Persecution 1 - (3) The Fiery Furnace Gentile Humiliation 1 - (4) King in the Pasture Gentile Humiliation 2 - (5) Writing on the Wall Gentile Persecution 2 - (6) The Lion’s Den Gentile Destiny 2- (7) The Vision of 4 Beasts

Outline Destiny of the Jewish Nation (8-12) {Hebrew} History to Second Advent: Oppressed by Antiochus - (8) The Ram & He-Goat History to Second Advent: Oppressed by Antichrist - (9) Daniel's Prayer & Revelation of 70 weeks History to Second Advent: Oppressed by Both (10-12) Angelic Messenger - (10) History Revealed - (11) History Concealed - (12)

Conclusion Our hope is in our sovereign God

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ