Read: Chapter 2 and as much of the book of Daniel as possible.
Name_____________________________________________Date__________________
Vital Statistics
PURPOSE:
To give an historical account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and to show how God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of the people.
AUTHOR:
Daniel – the prophet of the Captivity, who prophesied concerning both earthly and heavenly kingdoms.
DATE
WRITTEN:
Daniel lived for a period of 70 years beginning in ______ B.C. until ______B.C. during the reign of Jeconiah and Zedekiah of Judah, and ending during the reign of Cyrus, King of Medo-Persia. The book was written between _______B.C. and _______B.C.
TO
WHOM WRITTEN?
To other captives in Babylon and God’s people everywhere.
SETTING:
Daniel had been taken captive and sent to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. There he served in the Government for about 55 to 60 years during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.
KEY
VERSE:
“He [God] revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth in Him.” (2:22)
KEY
PEOPLE:
Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azariah), Belshazzar, Darius.
KEY
PLACES:
Nebuchadnezzar’s Palace, the fiery furnace, Belshazzar’s banquet, the den of lions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Like the books of Ezekiel and Revelation, the book of Daniel has been called by some a book of “Mystery”. It contains much imagery which is difficult to interpret. Nevertheless, many of its teachings are clear and of the highest value. Daniel’s apocalytic visions (Chapters 8-12) give a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages, including a direct prediction of the Messiah.
In following the career of Daniel we see a close parallel to the career rise of Joseph in Egypt. Both were raised to high positions in the country of their captivity, both maintained a high moral and spiritual integrity throughout their lives.
The name Daniel means “God is my Judge” or “Judgment of God”. He was a faithful witness to his captors at all times.
THE
BLUEPRINT:
A.) DANIEL’S LIFE (1:1-6:28)
B.) DANIEL’S VISIONS (7:1-12:13)
MAIN
THEMES SEEN IN DANIEL:
God is in Control – God is all-knowing (Omniscient), an He is in charge of world events. God overrules and
removes rebellious leaders who defy Him. God will overcome evil: no one is exempt. But
He will deliver the faithful who follow him.
Purpose in Life – Daniel and his three friends are examples of dedication commitment. They did not give in to
pressures from an ungodly society because they had a clear purpose in life.
Perseverance – Daniel serve in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith in God.
God’s Faithfulness – God was faithful in Daniel’s life. He delivered him from prison, from the den of lions, and
from enemies who hated him. God cares for His people and deals patiently with them.
QUESTIONS
& VOCABULARY:
1.) What is “Dominion”?__________________________________________________________________
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2.) Once again we see God’s “Sovereignty”, define Sovereignty ____________________________________
3.) Three young men came to Babylon with God exalting Hebrew names, we remember them as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego which were Babylonians names that exalted the Babylonian Dieties. What were their
Hebrew Names?________________________________________________________________________
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4.) There is a verse that all Soul-winners love in the book of Daniel, (Hint: go to The back of the book)________________________________________________________________________________
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5.) What did you discover as read this book? Anything new or exciting? If so what? ____________________
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(use back of page if you need more space)
SUMMARY:
The experiences of Daniel and his companions show that the Lord’s loyal and obedient servants are often blessed with earthly success, trusted with His secrets, and comforted in times of suffering and trial. The dreams of Nebuchadnezzar in the first six chapters show the kingdoms of this world from the human point of view (i.e. in the image of the defied man). The visions of Daniel in the last six chapters show the same kingdoms from the divine point of view (i.e. as wild carnivorous beasts), giving their successive order. Undoubtedly the most comprehensive (and controversial) prophecy in Daniel is the “70 week” prophecy reaching in its time span from the close of the Babylonian Captivity to the Ultimate establishment of the everlasting Kingdom of “The Son of Man”
Note: Daniel and Revelation are companion volumes each complementing and completing the other.
CHRIST
SEEN:
Christ is seen as the “Son of Man” (7:13), The Stone cut out of the mountain without hands (2:34,35,44,45), crushing the Kingdoms of this world (Matthew 21:42-44). The Kingdom of God is seen as an everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7:27) and Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16)
Thank you for studying with us today. At this point you may choose to either save an unfinished assignment or submit it to the Pastor’s office for review and feedback.
See
you next lesson: J
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