1. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17

2. Daniel Man of Purpose 1:8; 6:10 Man of Prophecy Mt. 24:15 Man of Prayer 2:17-23; 6:10; 9:3- 17; 10

3. Structure… 1 st Section historical (1-6)1 st Section historical (1-6) 2 nd Section prophetic (7-12) or2 nd Section prophetic (7-12) or 1:1-2:4a – Heb – Daniel’s history1:1-2:4a – Heb – Daniel’s history 2:4b-7:28 – Ara – relates to Gent nations + historical information2:4b-7:28 – Ara – relates to Gent nations + historical information 8:1-12:13 – Heb – relates to future of Israel8:1-12:13 – Heb – relates to future of Israel

4. Kings of Judah Jehoiakim -- oldest son of Josiah (a godly king)…made king in 609.Jehoiakim -- oldest son of Josiah (a godly king)…made king in 609.

5. God is Sovereign Over Kings and Kingdoms Over People

6. One option – Daniel following “accession year” chronology… 1 st partial year called accession year rather than 1 st year of reign. Jeremiah wrote from Jewish perspective…accession year counted as 1 st year of king’s reign. 3 rd year…4 th year? Dan. 1:1 vs. Jer. 25:1; 2 Kings 24:1; 2 Chr. 36:5-8?

7. 2nd option – Jews began year in Tishri (Sept-Oct)…Bab in Nissan (Mar-April). Use Bab calendar… Nebuchadnezzar’s siege was Jehoiakim’s 4th year. Use Jewish, it was Jehoiakim’s 3rd year. 3 rd year…4 th year? Dan. 1:1 vs. Jer. 25:1; 2 Kings 24:1; 2 Chr. 36:5-8

8. Kings of Judah Jehoiakim -- oldest son of Josiah (a godly king)…made king in 609.Jehoiakim -- oldest son of Josiah (a godly king)…made king in 609. Jehoiachin – son of Jehoiakim, made king in 598. Taken to Babylon along with Judah’s leaders and natural treasures.Jehoiachin – son of Jehoiakim, made king in 598. Taken to Babylon along with Judah’s leaders and natural treasures. Zedikiah – younger brother of Jehoiakim made king…when Bab fell, taken as prisoner..sons killed…eyes put out.Zedikiah – younger brother of Jehoiakim made king…when Bab fell, taken as prisoner..sons killed…eyes put out.

9. Nebuchadnezzar… Led armies of father (Nabopolassar) against allied forces of Assyria & Egypt. Defeated them at Carchemish. Victory established Babylonian supremacy in ANE. Vassal states (including Judah) came under Babylonian control. Nabopolassar died (605)… Nebuchadnezzar became king. Eventually besieged Jerusalem, burned temple, destroyed walls, took all but the poorest to Babylon.

10. Times of the Gentiles (Lk. 21:24) An extended period of time in which the land given in covenant by God to Abraham and his descendants is occupied by Gentile powers and the Davidic throne is empty of any rightful heir in the Davidic line. Start? Neb’s invasion of 605 BC. End? Christ’s return.

11. May have looked like Nebuchadnezzar and his gods were winning! But, chapters 2, 3, and 4 are coming!

12. Education Astronomy Astrology Math Natural history Pagan Mythology Agriculture Architecture Babylonian language

13. Church home school Building Strong Families The Total Picture

14. Name Changes…from Daniel (God is Judge) to Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life)Daniel (God is Judge) to Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life) Hananiah (The L ORD is gracious) to Shadrach (Command of Aku)Hananiah (The L ORD is gracious) to Shadrach (Command of Aku) Mishael (Who is what God is?) to Meshach (Who is what Aku is?)Mishael (Who is what God is?) to Meshach (Who is what Aku is?) Azariah (The L ORD has helped) to Abednego (Servant of Nego/Nebo)Azariah (The L ORD has helped) to Abednego (Servant of Nego/Nebo)

15. Daniel’s Problem Food – didn’t fit dietary laws of Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11, for example) and was no doubt offered to idols (Ex. 34:15)Food – didn’t fit dietary laws of Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11, for example) and was no doubt offered to idols (Ex. 34:15) Wine – probably violated the wisdom principle against “strong drink” (Prov. 20:1)Wine – probably violated the wisdom principle against “strong drink” (Prov. 20:1)

16. Daniel lived in Babylon from 605 to at least 586. 1 st year of Cyrus was 539/538 B.C. Daniel served as a public servant until at least 538 B.C. and as a prophet at least until 536 B. C. (10:1). Ministry spanned the entire 70 years of Babylonian Captivity.

17. Conclusion… A reminder – contrast of Daniel and nationA reminder – contrast of Daniel and nation A viewpoint – bloom where you are plantedA viewpoint – bloom where you are planted God’s work – continues in difficult circumstancesGod’s work – continues in difficult circumstances Obedience – rewarded by GodObedience – rewarded by God Wisdom – comes from GodWisdom – comes from God