1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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”

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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)

19. Conclusion
Our hope is in our sovereign God

20. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ