Daniel

1.       First Impressions

Daniel was a young Hebrew carried off to Babylon in the first deportation. He was a good looking, intelligent young man and became a member of the royal Babylonian service. God used him to influence and speak to high powers like the kings of Babylon. He is considered to have compiled this book with his writing (7:19; 8:18; 9:3; 10:15 & 12:4) as well as that of a few others such as King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel’s ministry can be dated from 605 B.C. to 536/7 B.C.  His life is a testimony of someone who despite Babylonian influence remained faithful to God, something which very few of the Hebrews in exile would have done. Daniel shows God’s people that they can trust God in the most difficult and hopeless times. Daniel is a combination of historical narrative and apocalyptic literature.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Daniel 2:20-22 shows us that God is wise, powerful and sovereign. He controls the course of everything that happens and he reveals things to who he wants to. Similarly, in 5:24 it says that God controls our destinies. King Nebuchadnezzar speaks what he learnt about God saying that is just, true and humbles the proud (4:37).

In both the cases of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the furnace as well as Daniel into the lion’s den (6:22) we see God’s provision and protection.

In Daniel 9:16 God’s mercy is described as faithful and Daniel talks about his fierce anger. God answers prayer (10:12)!

I think the main idea of God’s character highlighted in Daniel is God’s Sovereignty. He is above everything, every king and He controls everything and has ultimate power.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Chapter 9 shows how God will fulfill the promises he made through his prophets about the restoration after the 70 years exile. This takes us further along in the God’s plan for redeeming his people. Daniel 7:13-14 is also an awesome messianic prophecy, it says, “As my vision continued 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.”  Then in 9:26 there is another messianic prediction about Jesus being killed appearing not to have accomplished much.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

My application from Daniel is simple: faith, faith, FAITH!

I am heading into a time where I will be among people who do not know God and who have different values and ways of living to me. I want to be a faithful representative among the godless, like Daniel and his friends showing that my faith is in God despite circumstances.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said something crazy; they will not conform even if God doesn’t come through for them. They had such faith based on their experience, their knowledge of who God is and a commitment to obey his commands. I am in this life long process of having faith and I am so blessed to have this time to build my foundations and dig into who God is. I am so excited to see what God is going to do with me in testing my faith next, seeing if I will trust him and obey even if he doesn’t come through the way you expected him to.

In Daniel 12:10 God explains how many people will be purified, cleansed and refined by these trials. I want to embrace the hard times in my life as seasons to grow and be shaped more into the likeness of Christ. I trust that by doing that I will learn to come to a place like the source view insights describes it where I am whole-heartedly, undividedly, and radically devoted to God!

Point of Passion: 

In Daniel we see the importance of good education! Sometimes in Christian circles I get the idea that we do not value education enough and although it is true that God can use anyone, it is also quite evident that we often have influence when we are educated. Either way, what I want to point out is the importance of sifting through what we are taught and not just accepting everything. Daniel and his friends were taught by the Babylonians in their ways for 3 years and yet they held on to the truth of who God is. Daniel’s education and the wisdom he had in sorting what was important from that which was not together with God’s will gave him the chance to be placed in high positions where he could make a really big  impact.