Daniel at a glance + The Blueprint

DANIEL at a glance + The Blueprint

 

Purpose: Daniel is a historical accounting of the Jews in exile who remained faithful to God & shows how God is in ultimate control of both heaven & earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of his people.

Author: The prophet Daniel.

Audience: The other captives in Babylon.

When Written: Daniel was written approximately 536 BC, recording events that occurred from roughly 605 - 536 BC.

The Setting: Daniel was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar along with the Jewish people and were deported to Babylon. There Daniel served the government for about 70 yrs. under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius & Cyrus.

Special Feature: Daniel’s apocalyptic visions in chapters 7 thru 12 give us a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages, including a prediction regarding the coming Messiah.

 

The Blueprint

 

A. DANIEL’S LIFE - (1:1 - 6:28)

 

            These first 6 chapters are inspiring examples of how godly men ought to live what they believe even when living in a godless, worldly society. Daniel & his 3 friends chose not to eat the King’s food and refused to bow down to the Kings graven image, under penalty of death.  The food wasn’t presented in the strict manner required by the Law and according to the Mosaic Law, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) prohibited their bowing down to such an image. That is bold faith to face certain death for not following the Kings specific decrees. 

            When we face intense, potentially life threatening situations may God grant us the same courage that Daniel and his friends had in the face of ungodly behavior. We must remain faithful to God for He alone is the one who absolutely knows what is best for us. Also remember that God’s will for us transpires the way He knows it needs to and not always the way we may want it to. Trust God in all things.

 

 

B. DANIEL’S VISIONS - (7:1 - 12:13)

 

            The visions that Daniel had gave confidence to the captives when they were told to them. God is in control of time ... history, the present and the future all fall under His complete and utter control now and forevermore. What God says thru the prophets either had already come to pass or will at a pre-ordained time. Just as the nation of Israel is favored by God and are His children, so are we. The Jews that had been exiled needed to exercise their faith and trust in their God for 70 years. We want what we want right away and if it isn’t right away we think either God hasn’t heard us or doesn’t care. This is wrong thinking. Patience is a virtue bestowed upon us by God Himself. We must cultivate it by not doubting. Rather we must allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our spirit enabling us to rest in the peace that He provides. 

            Up next are the Mega-Themes from the book of Daniel. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible