DANIEL (THE JUDGMENT OF GOD) The Statesman-Prophet

THE BOOK OF DANIEL IS DIVIDED INTO TWO “BOOKS” “BOOK ONE” – CHAPTERS 1-6 THE LIFE AND LESSONS OF DANIEL “BOOK TWO” – CHAPTERS 7-12 THE PROPHECIES AND VISIONS OF DANIEL

Amos The Prophet of Social Justice Kings of Judah Obadiah? Jeremiah Daniel Ezekiel Zephaniah Habakkuk Joel? Jerusalem & Temple Destroyed Return from Exile Babylonian Captivity

Features of the Book Partially written in Aramaic

Features of the Book  Partially written in Aramaic  Emphasis on the Kingdom  Emphasis on Prayer  The Spiritual Battle

CHAPTER ONE Daniel and his three friends arrive in Babylon. Israel and Jerusalem have fallen to King Nebuchadnezzar. *KEY VERSE – 8 - Daniel “determines in his heart” not to defile himself. *Daniel sets out to live a Godly life in a Godless world – no matter the cost.

CHAPTER TWO Nebuchadnezzar ’S DREAM (of the 4 Kingdoms) Key Verse – 44 – “In the time of those kings, the God of Heaven will set up a kingdom…”

10 Divisions of Rome 476 AD - Present The Rock… Christ’s Eternal Kingdom

Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon

CHAPTER THREE Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown into the fiery furnace because of their refusal to worship the Image erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. Key Verse – – “Our God is able to deliver us, but even if he doesn’t…” KEY VERSE #2 – v.25 – ”Look, I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a Son of the Gods!”

CHAPTER FOUR Nebuchadnezzar goes “mad” and eats grass like a cow (Boanthropy) because he refuses to acknowledge the God of Heaven. KEY VERSE –7- “ so that the living may know that the Most High God is Sovereign…”

CHAPTER FIVE The Handwriting on the Wall – Belshazzar is Co-regent with his Father (Nabidonius) over the Babylonian Empire. He is throwing a giant, irreverent party – and the Hand of God appears - writing on the wall – a code – that only Daniel can interpret. “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin….” Key Verse – 23 – “But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life…”

CHAPTER SIX Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Under King Darius the Persian King) Key Verse – 10 - …”he prayed to God…just as he had done before…”

THE BOOK OF DANIEL IS DIVIDED INTO TWO “BOOKS” “BOOK ONE” – CHAPTERS 1-6 THE LIFE AND LESSONS OF DANIEL “BOOK TWO” – CHAPTERS 7-12 THE PROPHECIES AND VISIONS OF DANIEL

Chapter Seven The Beginning of “BOOK TWO” Daniel’s Dream - The Vision of the 4 Beasts Key Verse – 9-14 –”…thrones were set in place…The Ancient of Days took his seat…and there before me was one like the Son of Man…He approached the Throne…and was led into His presence…His dominion is an everlasting dominion…”

CHAPTER EIGHT Daniel’s vision of a RAM and a GOAT… A focused look at the future reign of the Persian and Greek empires. A prophecy of Antiochus IV – The Old Testament Anti-Christ and a foreshadowing of the final Anti-Christ who is to come. KEY VERSE – 25 – “When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of Princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.”

Chapter Nine THE 70 WEEKS of DANIEL – The first 69 weeks = From Daniel’s Day until the coming of the Christ -483 years or 173, 880 days until the coming of the Christ and the presentation of Himself as Messiah. This happened TO THE DAY – when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday! The last 7 weeks = the LAST 7 YEARS OF HUMAN HISTORY – The Great Tribulation! There is a distinct prophecy concerning the Anti-Christ and his attempt to destroy the people of God – and, his ultimate failure to do so! Key Verse – 25 “Know and understand this…From the issuing of a decree..until the ANNOINTED ONE COMES… “

CHAPTER TEN Daniel’s vision of a man…(An Angel Messenger) Gives Daniel an understanding of the Spiritual Warfare that is involved in the carrying out of Human history and in the fulfillment of the Prophecies of the Most High God. Satan is always working to thwart the plans of God…Yet God always prevails. The amazing thing is that God allows US to play a part through prayer, commitment and obedience in the fulfilling of His Word! Key Verse – 12 – “Do not be afraid Daniel, Since the first day that you set your mind..and to humble yourself before God…your words were heard…”

Chapter Eleven (A continuation of the dream and explanation that started in Chapter Ten) Verses 1-32: An UNBELIEVABLY detailed look at the time of the Greek Empire -naming events, relationships and wars that would not happen for hundreds of years into Daniel’s future. Yet history records…they all happened just as the Word of God had prophesied! Verses 33-45: A marked shift takes place – Now the text is an unmistakable description of the final Anti-Christ who is to appear in the end times. Key Verse – 33 – “Those who are wise will instruct many…”

Chapter 12 This chapter speaks primarily of the End Times and the Great Tribulation. It is filled with Theological statements on such topics as: The Tribulation The Rapture The Book of Life The Resurrection of the Dead (Both the “first” and “second” ) The Final Judgment Key Verses: Verse 3- “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of Heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness…” Verse 10 –”none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”

Daniel was “just a man.” What separated him was – 1.Resolution in his heart to “not defile himself.” 2.A consistency of his walk that God could honor and use. 3. A desire to live for God even in a Godless world – no matter the cost! CONCLUDING APPLICATIONS