Daniel 1
Section Summary: Chapters 1-6
The book of Daniel can be divided into two main parts. The first six chapters describe the biography of Daniel as he served in the courts of Babylon, and the last six chapters contain four prophetic revelations. This biographical section, which will be outlined below, must also be viewed as prophetic commentary that coincides with the later prophetic revelations in chapters 7 through 12. Daniel is depicted with no faults and can be seen as an image of the end-time Church who’s prayers will prevail until the saints receive the kingdom of God. The Bible uses history in a way that illustrates the prophetic.
Chapter 1 Summary
Prologue: Daniel 1 sits as an introduction that sets the historical setting and tone for the rest of the book. We are brought right into the drama as Nebuchadnezzar, the wicked ruler of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem in 605 B.C., taking away articles of the house of God and the first deportation of exiles including King Jehoiakim, some of the nobility, and Daniel. Daniel is the protagonists of the story who, along with his friends, purposed his heart in the midst of a complete assimilation into Babylon.
Chapter 1 Reflection
Chapter one opens up a journey through what becomes clearly a testament to the sovereignty of God. Central to Daniel and his friends’ faithfulness is a lifestyle of purposed living in prayer, fasting, and fellowship. God responds to their faithfulness by increasing Daniel and his friends’ abilities, giftings, and favor before kings. This chapter ought to counsel believers in how to carry their hearts through times of oppression and persecution as well as encourage us in how we make disciples.
Daniel 1 – A Heart of Radical Faithfulness in the Midst of Persecution
- The Babylonian Exile of 605 B.C. – v. 1-4a
- The Lord delivers Jehoiakim, king of Judah, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar
- The articles of the house of God carried away to Babylon into treasure house of Nebuchadnezzar’s god
- The first deportation to Babylon of some of the children of Israel, the king’s descendants the nobles, and children able to serve in king’s palace (Daniel taken along with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah)
- The Babylonian Assimilation – v. 4b-7
- Exiles made into eunuchs
- Exiles taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans
- Exiles given daily provision of the king’s delicacies and wine
- Exiles trained for three years to serve before the king
- Exiles given new Babylonian names to honor Babylonian gods
- Daniel and his friends purpose their hearts to serve God – v. 8-14
- Daniel and friends purpose to not defile themselves by eating king’s delicacies or wine
- Daniel and friends given favor by chief of the eunuchs to risk and test out a ten day fast
- Daniel and friends are honored by God – v. 15-21
- After ten days of vegetables and water they appeared better and fatter that the others
- God gave Daniel and friends knowledge, skill in all literature and wisdom and Daniel understanding in all visions and dreams
- When the king interviewed them they were found ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in the entire realm and so they served before the king
- Daniel continued in his heart purpose until the first year of king Cyrus (when Babylon fell to the Media and Persia)
Daniel 2
Chapter 2 Summary
In Daniel 2 one king’s dream changes the life of Daniel, revealing his skill and anointing in interpretation and setting him to serve before King Nebuchadnezzar with honor. When Nebuchadnezzar received a dream of the great image, fear filled his heart. So threatened was he that he demanded all the wise men, magicians, astrologers, and Chaldeans to not only interpret his dream but to tell him what the dream was. If they were able to tell the dream and its interpretation they would be honored, but if not they would be killed. None were able and so the command to kill them was released until the executions came to the feet of Daniel who asked for some time. With that time he gathered with his friends in prayer and God gave him the dream and interpretation in a dream. Daniel told it to Nebuchadnezzar and was praised, honored, and promoted. Furthermore, the dream has strong eschatological elements. Daniel refers to the dream having to do with the “latter days,” and the setting up of God’s kingdom is final. Chapter 2 begins an Aramaic section that will continue until chapters 7 and is a message of how God deals with the kings of the nations.
Chapter 2 Reflection
The main theme of Daniel 2 is that God is the revealer of mysteries. The wise men said “no king no king, no lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” The chapter comes full circle around this statement, where after Daniel provides what only “the gods” could provide to Nebuchadnezzar, the king praises and Daniel and his God for revealing secrets to men. Later in the book this theme will develop into Daniel many times being spoken of as having “the spirit of the holy gods” in him. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2 will be a continuing theme throughout the storyline telling of a train of beastly kingdoms that will one day be defeated by God who will set up his own everlasting kingdom.
Daniel 2 – Nebuchadnezzar’s First Dream: The Coming Kingdom of God
- Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream – v. 1-9
- Wise men of Babylon called to tell the king his dreams and give interpretation
- Nebuchadnezzar threatens to kill the wise men if they are unable to tell the dream and make interpretation
- The magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and Chaldeans ask Nebuchadnezzar for the dream
- Nebuchadnezzar refuses to tell the dream and continues his demand for the dream
- The wise men of Babylon confess that only “the gods whose dwelling is not with flesh” can tell the dream- v. 10-23
- The king is furious and commands to destroy the wise men of Babylon
- Daniel asks for time to tell and interpret the dream
- Daniel pursued prayer concerning the dream in community
- God gave the dream and interpretation to Daniel in a dream
- Daniel blessed God for His wisdom, might, and sovereignty
- Daniel is taken to the king to reveal the dream and interpret – v. 24-35
- Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, takes credit for finding Daniel
- Daniel tells the king that God is the revealer of secrets and that the dream is for Nebuchadnezzar concerning the latter days
- Daniel reveals the dream: A great image
- Head of fine gold
- Chest and arms of silver
- Belly and thighs of bronze
- Legs of iron with feet partly of iron and clay
- Stone cut without human hands destroys the image
- Stone becomes a mountain and fills the whole earth
- Daniel interprets the dream – v. 36-45
- Head of gold is Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom of Babylon
- Chest and arms of silver is a second inferior kingdom that will rise up after Nebuchadnezzar
- Belly and thighs of bronze is a third kingdom that will rule over the whole earth
- Legs of iron with feet partly of iron and clay is a fourth kingdom
- unique
- strong as iron
- breaks in pieces
- shatters everything
- Will crush all the others
- feet partly of iron and clay because the kingdom is divided
- The stone cut out without hands represents s a kingdom set up by the God of heaven
- It will not be destroyed
- It will stand forever
- It will consume all these kingdoms
- Nebuchadnezzar confesses the God of Daniel as sovereign – v. 46-49
- Humbles himself before Daniel and honors Daniel
- God praised as revealer of secrets and sovereign
- Daniel promoted over whole province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon
- Daniel sits at the gate of the king
Daniel 3
Chapter 3 Summary
In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar built an image of gold, 90 x 9 feet in Dura, Babylon. He demanded worldwide worship and centered his government around honoring himself, serving his gods and worshipping the gold image. The consequence of resisting or refusing was the fiery furnace. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were found by certain Chaldeans refusing to worship the image, and so were thrown into fiery furnace. When entreated to worship they refused and so the furnace was made seven times hotter to the point that those who threw them in were burned alive. Miraculously Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were delivered when an angel showed up and they were seen walking in the fire unharmed. This chapter ends with Nebuchadnezzar blessing the God of the Jews and decreeing that those who speak anything amiss against their God be cut in pieces and house be made an ash heap.
Chapter 3 Reflection
The main theme of Daniel 3 is the supernatural preservation of the church’s prayer in the end of the age. The theme among emperor worship points forward to the future Antichrist kingdom that will bring the most furious persecution. Although these beastly kingdoms and that final most beastly kingdom work to snuff out the prayers of the saints, God will preserve the Church. Nebuchadnezzar seems to make his own interpretation of the statue in Daniel 2 and instead of the dream producing humility he rises up in pride. Nonetheless, at the end of this chapter Nebuchadnezzar is brought to acknowledging God’s sovereignty, glorifies God, and promotes Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah. This chapter should encourage our hearts to honor God despite the threats of man and say as they did, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver. . . but if not, let it be known , O king, that we do not serve your gods . . .” (v. 17-18)
Daniel 3 – God’s Salvation in the Midst of the Fiery Furnace
- Nebuchadnezzar makes an image of gold – v. 1-7
- Image is set in the plain of Dura, Babylon that is 90 feet high by 9 feet wide
- Government and officials dedicate the image
- Nebuchadnezzar demands worship to be given to the image at the sound of music
- Consequence for refusal to worship is the fiery furnace
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are sentenced to the fiery furnace for not worshipping the image 3:8-23
- When entreated to give worship to the image, they refused but rather put their trust in God for deliverance or in death
- Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fury commanded them to be thrown into the fiery furnace
- The furnace is made seven times hotter
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were thrown into the fiery furnace and it was so hot it killed those who cast them in
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are miraculously spared from death 3:24-27
- They are seen walking loose in the fiery furnace with a fourth “like the Son of God”
- They come out of the fiery furnace: hairs not singed, garments unaffected, and no smell of fire
- Nebuchadnezzar blesses the God of the Jews 3:28-30
- Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the persecution they went into for their God
- Nebuchadnezzar gives decree to honor the God of the Jews or else be cut in pieces
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are promoted in the province of Babylon
Daniel 4
Chapter 4 Summary
Daniel 4 is a unique piece of Scripture, written by the Gentile king, Nebuchadnezzar. It is a letter to “all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth.” Being canonized as Scripture, this message truly is to the whole world for all time. It chronicles the seven years of Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity and the events leading up to it. In this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a tall great tree that could be seen to the ends of the earth, giving habitation to beasts and birds and all flesh fed from it. It was cut down and made desolate but the stump was bound with iron and bronze. Though Daniel wished the dream was for Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies, he showed that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. The tree was cut down signifying that Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom would be taken away from him until seven years passed over him and he was humbled and gave glory to God. Daniel gave him advice to break off his sins by being righteous and showing mercy to the poor. Yet within a year Nebuchadnezzar boasted in his kingdom and gave himself all the honor and glory. Immediately, a voice fell from heaven and he was turned into an animal for seven years until he learned God’s sovereignty.
Chapter 4 Reflection
The main theme of chapter four is God’s ability to humble wicked rulers until they glorify God. The chapter both begins and ends with Nebuchadnezzar giving glory to God and exclaiming that His dominion is an everlasting dominion and His kingdom from generation to generation. Though Nebuchadnezzar was over the greatest kingdom on earth, his power was temporary, finite, and given to him by God. After Nebuchadnezzar served his time of insanity, his kingdom was fully restored to him. Thereafter, he acknowledged God. This chapter should be seen as a universal message to all the kings of the earth who are temporary until God sets up his everlasting kingdom.
Daniel 4 – Nebuchadnezzar Testifies
- Nebuchadnezzar learns God’s sovereignty – v. 1-9
- Nebuchadnezzar writes to “all peoples nations, languages that dwell in all the earth”
- His letter glorifies the Most High God for his everlasting kingdom and dominion
- Nebuchadnezzar tells of Daniel’s ability to tell and interpret his first dream as seen in chapter 2
- Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel to interpret his second dream because “the Spirit of the Holy God” is in him
- Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream – v. 10-17
- Nebuchadnezzar tells of how he went to Daniel with his second dream
- The dream was of a great tree that was an habitation and provision for “all flesh”
- “A watcher” cried to cut down the tree and bind the stump with a band of iron and bronze
- The watcher also cried to “let his heart” be changed from a man to a beast
- The watcher said that this should be until seven times pass over him
- The purpose of the decree was in order to make Nebuchadnezzar understand God’s sovereignty
- Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream – v. 18-27
- Nebuchadnezzar declares that Daniel is able because “the Spirit of the Holy God” is in him
- Daniel is astonished and wishes the dream were for Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies
- The tree is revealed as Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom
- The tree is chopped down signifying Nebuchadnezzar’s removal from his power
- The stump is sealed with a band signifying that his kingdom would be returned to him
- The heart was changed to a beast signifying the boanthropic experience Nebuchadnezzar would go through
- Nebuchadnezzar would live like an animal for seven years until he learned the sovereignty of God
- Daniel gives Nebuchadnezzar advice to break off his sins to keep this from happening
- Daniel advises him to break off his sins by being righteousness and showing mercy to the poor
- Nebuchadnezzar is cursed – v. 28-33
- At the end of one year Nebuchadnezzar boasted in himself and gave no glory to God
- A voice fell from heaven enacting the curse
- Nebuchadnezzar was removed from his position and dwelling to live like an animal for seven years
- Nebuchadnezzar is restored – v. 34-35
- After seven years Nebuchadnezzar’s understanding was returned to him and he blessed the Most High God
- Nebuchadnezzar’s reason and place in the kingdom was restored to him better than at first
- Nebuchadnezzar gives glory to God for his truth, justice, and ability to humble the proud
Daniel 5
Chapter 5 Summary
Daniel 5 opens up with Nebuchadnezzar’s son, King Belshazzar throwing a party for 1,000 of his lords when he called for the vessels that were taken from the Temple of God to drink out of. While they drank from the vessels a hand appeared and wrote on the wall but none of the wise men of Babylon could read or interpret the message though rewards were offered. Yet the queen remembered Daniel and so he was called. Daniel interpreted and showed that Belshazzar hadn’t learned his father’s lesson. He failed to acknowledge God even though he knew all that transpired with his father. The meaning was that his kingdom’s time was up and would be divided and given to Media and Persia. That same night, Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede received the kingdom.
Chapter 5 Reflection
Daniel 5 continues the main theme that God is sovereign over the kings of the earth. It is similar to Daniel 4 for, as Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4, Belshazzar was proud and received a revelation from God. Where Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and made insane, Belshazzar suffered the consequence of death. Chapter 5 rolls off of the last verse in chapter 4 that reads, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” In contrast, where Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and finally gave God glory, Belshazzar did not. He honored Daniel but never gave God glory. These two chapters show how God deals with the kings of the earth. The kingdoms of the earth that are outside of God’s leadership are like beasts that will face God’s judgments.
Daniel 5 – Belshazzar is Removed
- King Belshazzar made a great feast for 1000 of his his lords – v. 1-4
- Belshazzar commands the vessels taken from the Temple to be brought for their feast
- The vessels of the Temple were brought and they drank and ate from them
- The writing on the wall – v. 5-9
- The fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote on the wall
- The king’s countenance changed and his body trembled
- The king cried to bring astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers to interpret the writing
- None of the wise men of Babylon could read or interpret the writing
- Daniel is remembered and called – v. 10-16
- The queen told Belshazzar of Daniel
- Daniel recommended for his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams
- Daniel was brought before the king
- Daniel recognized as one who had “the Spirit of God” in him, understanding, and excellent wisdom
- Daniel rebukes Belshazzar – v. 17-23
- Daniel refuses the king’s gifts yet interprets for him
- Daniel reminds Belshazzar of his father’s lesson as seen in chapter 4
- Daniel reminds Belshazzar that the lesson was to learn the sovereignty of God
- Daniel tells Belshazzar that he has not humbled himself though he knew these things
- Daniel interprets the writing – v. 24-28
- The writing is made known to be four words: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin”
- The meaning of Mene: God has numbered your kingdom and finished it
- The meaning of Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting
- The meaning of Upharsin: Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians
- Daniel is honored – v. 29
- Daniel is honored, clothed in purple, and made the third ruler in the kingdom
- Belshazzar is killed – v. 30
- The same night Belshazzar was slain
- Darius the Mede received the kingdomyet will receive his inheritance at the end of all of these things
Daniel 6
Chapter 6 Summary
In Daniel 6, Daniel is exalted to one of three rulers that all other governors would report to. Growing in favor for his excellence, Daniel was about to become over the whole kingdom. This is where jealousy was aroused so that the governors sought to find a fault with Daniel but could not. So, they decided to find a fault in his worship of the Most High God. They manipulated the king to pass a law that could not be altered against the worship of all gods that were not the king for thirty days. In this way, they caught Daniel and had him thrown into the lion’s den. Darius was sad, but believed with Daniel that God would deliver him. He fasted all night and in morning found Daniel was unharmed. He then had the conspirers thrown in the lions den with their entire families.
Chapter 6 Reflection
Daniel 6 is similar to the fiery furnace and speaks again of the church’s prevailing prayer and the supernatural protection of God in times of persecution. Darius, like Pilate with Jesus, had nothing to charge Daniel with but both were dragged into a spiritual drama. This time, Daniel was being persecuted for his worship of the Most High God. In contrast,Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were persecuted for their refusal to worship the king as a god. Just as we are exhorted by the example of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to refrain from the worship of false gods despite persecution, Daniel here exhorts us by example to continue in prayer despite persecution.
Daniel 6 – God’s Salvation in the Midst of the Lion’s Den
- Darius establishes government over Babylon- v. 1-3
- 120 governors set over the whole kingdom
- Daniel and two others are set as head over the 120
- Daniel was distinguished and excellent
- Darius thinks to make Daniel leader over the whole realm
- The governors became jealous and conspired against Daniel – v. 4-5
- They could find in Daniel no fault
- They seek to use the law of his God against him
- The decree is passed for all to give worship only to Darius – v. 6-9
- The governors manipulated Darius into confirming a decree to give worship to only Darius
- The decree was to be enforced for 30 days and could not be changed
- All who resisted would be cast into a den of lions
- King Darius signed the decree
- Daniel prevailed in prayer despite persecution – v. 10-15
- Daniel continued in prayer towards Jerusalem three times a day as usual
- Daniel was discovered praying to his God and was condemned to the lion’s den
- Darius was displeased but unable to change the decree
- Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den – v. 16-18
- Darius believes Daniel’s God would save him from the lions
- Daniel cast into the lions den
- Stone brought and laid on mouth of the den
- Darius seals the den with his own signet ring
- Darius fasted and stayed up all night
- Daniel is miraculously unharmed – v. 19-24
- Early in the morning Darius comes to find Daniel unharmed
- Daniel tells of how God sent an angel to shut the lion’s mouths because of his innocence
- Daniel is taken out of the lion’s den and his accusers are thrown in with their families
- Darius glorifies the God of Daniel – v. 25-28
- Darius wrote “to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth” to honor and glorify the God of Daniel
- Darius gives glory to God for his everlasting kingdom and dominion
- Daniel continues in favor and prosperity in the reign of Darius and Cyrus – v. 28
Daniel 7
Section Summary: Chapters 7-12
Chapters 7 through 12 are what makes Daniel a clearly apocalyptic book as it takes the reader through four prophetic revelations. Daniel goes through a process of gaining understanding of events concerning the end of the age. He is divinely told twice in this section that he is greatly loved in connection to his life, prayers, and fasting pulling revelation from heaven. We come to see that faithfulness, fasting, and praying is directly connected to the releasing of warfare in the heavens and the unlocking of understanding. As such, Daniel continues to be an image of the end-time church prevailing in prayer. Though many details are unlocked concerning the end of the age and the Antichrist kingdom, the crux of the whole book is found in the two chiastic peaks of Daniel 7:9-10 and 7:13-14 concerning the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man establishing God’s final kingdom on earth.
Chapter 7 Summary
In chapter 7 Daniel receives a vision of four beasts. The first was like a lion, the second like a bear, the third like a leopard , and the fourth was completely unique and vicious. It had ten horns and Daniel watched as one little horn rose up and plucked out three of the original horns. The horn had eyes like a man and spoke proudly and prevailed against the saints. Then, as just stated above, Daniel 7 moves into the crux of the whole book found in the chiastic peaks of Daniel 7:9-10 and 7:13-14 concerning the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Contrasted with these two figures is the little horn that is completely destroyed and God’s kingdom eternally established and given to the saints.
Chapter 7 Reflection
Daniel 7 is similar to Daniel 2 in that they hold a main theme of the book of Daniel, that the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man will establish an eternal kingdom and completely destroy all beastly kingdoms. Daniel sees a series of four beasts, each symbolizing arrogant kingdoms. There is a focus on the little horn of the fourth beast which symbolizes the end of the age Antichrist kingdom. It speaks of a time when the sin of humanity reaches its fullness before the Second Coming of Christ. The persecution of chapters one, three, and six due to kingdoms in rebellion against God is contrasted with chapters two and seven which assure the believer that there is hope for a final uprooting of the beastly kingdoms and the coming of God’s everlasting kingdom which the saints will inherit. We see in this chapter the first Old Testament doctrine of saints seated and ruling with God (v. 9a, 22, 27) that the New Testament will provide much commentary on later.
Daniel 7 – The Kingdom of the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days
- Daniel dreams of four beasts – v. 1-8
- In the dream, the four winds of heaven stirred up the Great Sea
- Four great beasts came up form the seas, each different from the other
- The first beast was like lion with wings of an eagle
- The wings were plucked off
- The beast was lifted up from the earth
- The beast stood like a man
- A man’s heart was given to it
- The second beast was like a bear
- The bear was raised up on one side
- There were three ribs in its mouth
- It was told to the beast “arise, devour much flesh”
- The third beast was like a leopard with four wings of a bird on it’s back
- The beast had four heads
- The beast was given dominion
- The fourth beast
- The fourth beast was dreadful, terrible, and exceedingly strong
- It had huge iron teeth
- It was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet
- It was completely unique from the previous beasts
- The little horn
- The fourth beast had ten horns
- Another little horn came up and plucked out three of the ten horns
- The horn had eyes like a man and a mouth speaking pompous words
- Daniel dreams of the Ancient of Days, the destruction of the little horn, and the Son of Man – v. 9-14
- The Ancient of Days
- thrones were put in place
- The Ancient of Days was seated
- Thousands of thousands ministered to Him and stood before Him
- The court was seated
- The books were opened
- The little horn is slain and given to the burning flame
- Dominion is taken away from the rest of the beasts
- The lives of the rest of the beasts is prolonged for a season and a time
- The Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days
- The Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven
- The Son of Man is brought near to the Ancient of Days
- The Son of Man is given an everlasting dominion, glory, and kingdom
- All peoples, nations, and languages to serve the Son of Man
- The Ancient of Days
- An angel gives interpretation of Daniel’s dreams – v. 15-27
- The four beasts are four kings that will arise out of the earth
- The saints of Most High will receive the kingdom forever
- Daniel asks about the fourth beast, the ten horns, and the one horn
- Daniel continued to watch
- The horn made war against the saints and prevailed
- The horn was stopped when the Ancient of Days judged in favor of the saints – this enacted the saints’ possession of the kingdom
- The angel answered Daniel about the fourth kingdom, the ten horns, and the little horn
- The fourth beast would be a fourth kingdom, unique from all other kingdoms
- The fourth beast would devour the whole earth, trample it, and break it in pieces
- The ten horns are ten kings that rise up from the fourth kingdom
- Another king rises after them
- He subdues three kings
- He speaks pompous words against the Most High
- He persecutes the saints of the Most High
- He tries to change times and law
- The saints are given into his hand for three and a half years
- After this the angel tells Daniel of the decrees in the court room of heaven
- The dominion would be taken away from the little horn – he will be utterly destroyed
- An everlasting kingdom will be given to the saints of the Most High
- The dominion and kingdom of the Most High is everlasting
- All shall serve and obey Him
- After these things Daniel kept the matter in his heart but was greatly troubled – v. 28
Daniel 8
Chapter 8 Summary
In chapter 8, Daniel received the vision of the ram and the goat and its interpretation. While in the province of Elam by the Ulai River, Daniel saw a vision of a ram with two horns, one being higher than the other. It pushed west, north and south and was unchallenged by any other animal. Then a male goat flew across the whole earth, attacked the ram, and broke its horns. The male goat grew great and strong until its large horn was broken and four horns came up after it. Out of the four horns one grew very high toward the south and toward Israel. It cast down some of the host and stars, trampling them in the ground and exalted itself as high as “the Prince of the host.” It took away the daily sacrifices, cast down the temple, cast down truth, and continued to prosper. The vision is then interrupted as Daniel is taken into a conversation between two “holy ones.” Details of time were given in the conversation in regards to the ending of the daily sacrifices, the transgression of desolation, and the giving of the sanctuary and host to be prevailed against. The time was 2,300 days. As Daniel sought the meaning he was told that the vision referred to the end of the age. The ram with two horns is told to Daniel to be Media and Persia, and the male goat the kingdom of Greece, its large horn being the first king. The broken horn and the four that came up after it symbolized the four kingdoms that would rise out of Greece though not in the same power. The end of the age events are said to be when transgression reaches its fulness. During that time a specific king will rise up through deceit and exalt himself and be fiercely destructive as already described. The vision left Daniel astonished and sick and he remained with a lack of understanding.
Chapter 8 Reflection
The Persian Empire is symbolized as the ram which pushed westward, northward, and southward and could not be defeated. Alexander the Great is symbolized as the goat, for he conquered the entire near east in revenge of Greece’s invasion. A futurist view of this passage understands verses 9-12 as partially fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanies (who prefigures the Antichrist), who stopped sacrifices for exactly three years ending in 164 B.C. In any case, the king of verse 23 symbolized by the horn of verse 9 is unique and refers to the Antichrist who will end the sacrifices, persecute the saints, and commit the abomination of desolation, exalting himself above God. There is a repeating theme of a little ruler that doesn’t seem significant rising up suddenly with great power causing great suffering and the abomination of desolation.
Daniel 8 – Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and the Goat
- Daniel receives a vision of the ram and a goat- v. 1-12
- Daniel sees a ram standing by the river
- The ram had two horns
- The two horns were high but one was higher
- The higher horn came up last
- The ram pushed west, north, and south
- No animal could stand before the ram
- The ram did according to his will and became great
- Daniel sees a male goat
- The goat came from the west
- The goat came across the whole earth without touching the ground
- The goat had a notable horn between his eyes
- The goat came to the ram with two horns and ran at him with “furious power”
- The goat confronted the ram in rage and broke his two horns
- The ram had no more strength and was trampled
- vii. No one could deliver the ram from the goat
- The male goat grew very great
- The large horn was broken
- In its place four horns came up toward the four winds of heaven
- Out of the horns came a little horn which grew very great toward the south, east, and the Glorious Land
- The little horn grew to the host of heaven
- It cast down and trampled some of the host and stars
- It exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host
- It took away the daily sacrifices and His sanctuary
- Because of transgression an army was given over to the horn
- He opposed the daily sacrifices and cast truth to the ground
- The little horn prospered
- Daniel sees a ram standing by the river
- A conversation between the holy ones – v. 13-14
- Time is given concerning the ending of the daily sacrifices, the transgression of desolation, and the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot – 2,300 days
- After the 2,300 days the sanctuary will be cleansed
- One like a man speaks to Daniel – v. 15-18
- A man’s voice was heard between the banks of the Ulai
- He called angel Gabriel to give Daniel understanding of the vision
- Daniel’s strength left him
- Daniel given strength
- Gabriel causes Daniel to understand the vision – v. 19-27
- The vision is shown as having to do with “the latter time of the indignation,” “the appointed time,” and “the end”
- The ram having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia
- The male goat is the kingdom of Greece
- The large horn between its eyes is the first king
- The broken horn and the four that stood in its place concern four kingdoms that will arise out of Greece but without the former power
- The little horn is described
- It emerges in the end of the age when transgression reaches its fulness
- The little horn is a king that will rise up and will be fierce and scheming
- His power will be mighty but not by his own power
- He will destroy fearfully and prosper
- He will destroy the mighty and the holy people
- He will exalt himself even against the “Prince of princes”
- vii.He will be broken without human means
- Daniel is directed to seal the eschatological vision
- Daniel remained sick for many days
- Daniel continued in the king’s business
- No one understood the vision
Daniel 9
Chapter 9 Summary
In chapter 9, Daniel discovered the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning Israel’s 70 years of captivity. When he makes earnest prayer to God the angel Gabriel appears to him and shows that Israel is not soon to be restored. Instead, Daniel is given the prophecy concerning 70 weeks. It becomes clear that the restoration of Israel, though the temple would be rebuilt, is centered on the figure of the Son of Man as seen in chapter 7 and the Messiah the Prince as seen here in Daniel 9.
Chapter 9 Reflection
Daniel 9 shows the believer that God’s government rests on the intercession of his people and that tree restoration and justice is centered on Jesus, the Son of Man, the Messiah the Prince. It is interesting to note that Daniel did not return to Israel when the command went forth to rebuild Jerusalem. It is likely that Daniel knew that true restoration was far in the future and centered on this God-man. Chapter 9 reveals the life of the intercessor who stands in the gap of a person or nation, contending for God’s promises even though they may be far in the future or seemingly hopeless.
Daniel 9 – Revelation of the Seventy Weeks
- Daniel understands the prophet Jeremiah’s 70 year prophecy – v. 1-19
- Daniel makes prayer with sackcloth and fasting
- Daniel confessed on behalf of Israel for departing from God’s precepts and judgments
- Daniel acknowledged their punishment was due according to the Law of Moses
- Daniel entreated the Lord to turn away His anger, to forgive, listen, and act
- Daniel makes prayer with sackcloth and fasting
- The angel Gabriel comes to give Daniel understanding – v. 20-23
- Gabriel was dispatched at the beginning of Daniel’s prayers
- Daniel is told that he is greatly loved
- Daniel is told to consider the matter and understand the vision
- Gabriel tells Daniel the prophecy of the 70 weeks 9:24-27
- The seventy weeks are determined for Israel and the holy city
- It is to finish transgression
- To make an end of sins
- To make reconciliation for iniquity
- To bring in everlasting righteousness
- To seal up vision and prophecy
- To anoint the Most Holy
- The beginning of the 70 weeks is from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem
- The end of the 69 weeks brings in Messiah the Prince
- The street and wall are to be built in troubled times perhaps referring to the first seven weeks
- After the 62 weeks the Messiah is cut off but not for Himself
- The people of the prince who is to come
- Will destroy the city and sanctuary
- The end is with a flood at the war of desolations
- The time is determined
- vii. The prince who is to come shall confirm a covenant with many for one week
- In the middle of the week is an end to sacrifice and offering
- The abomination of desolation happens
- This continues “until the consummation is determined” and is “poured out on the desolate”
- The seventy weeks are determined for Israel and the holy city
- Gabriel was dispatched at the beginning of Daniel’s prayers
Daniel 10
Chapter 10 Summary
In chapter 10, Daniel had been fasting for three whole weeks when on the twenty-fourth day he was encountered in order to be given further understanding of the vision of the seventy weeks. Emphasized was that the vision had to do with “the appointed time,” “the latter days,” and “many days yet to come.” Daniel saw an angel that caused him to lose his strength. He is told that he is greatly loved and is given insight into how his prayers and fasting released warfare in the heavens and dispatched the angel to him. Yet, the angel seemed conflicted and in need of returning to continue to fight the prince of Persia and Greece. He came to tell Daniel what was hidden in the Scriptures.
Chapter 10 Reflection
Daniel 10 reveals that the government of heaven rests on the prayers of the saints. Prayer and fasting truly make a big difference, as the angel discloses to Daniel. It is interesting to note that Daniel’s personal encounters came after a lifetime of faithfulness, prayer, and fasting. Fasting and prayer releases warfare in the heavens and calls down the promises of God. It is likely that this has much to do with why Daniel is called greatly loved. In this chapter Daniel has grown in understanding. He continues to represent the end of the age church, victorious and prevailing in prayer.
Daniel 10 – The Vision is for Many Days Yet to Come
- A message is reveled to Daniel – v. 1
- The message is true and concerns an appointed time in the future
- He understood the message and had understanding of the vision
- Daniel mourning and fasting three full weeks – v. 2-13
- On the 24th day he was by the Tigris
- He looked and saw an angel
- The angel was girded with gold of Uphaz
- Body like beryl
- Face like appearance of lightning
- Eyes like torches of fire
- Arms and feet like burnished bronze
- Sound of his words like voice of a multitude
- All men fled and Daniel was left alone; his strength left him
- This angel came when Daniel first began to fast and pray, setting his heart to understand more of what he previously received
- The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood the angel for 21 days and Michael helped him
- The vision is revealed as referring to many days yet to come – v. 14-21
- Daniel is made speechless but given strength
- Daniel is told he is greatly beloved and not to fear
- The angel had urgent matters to return to in fighting the prince of Persia and expressed that the prince of Greece would come once he left
- The purpose of the encounter was to tell Daniel what is noted in the Scripture of Truth
- No one was helping this angel (likely Gabriel) except the archangel Michael
Daniel 11
Chapter 11 Summary
In Daniel 11 is the most detailed prophecy in the Bible. It chronicles wars between the king of the north and the king of the south. Then two kings rise and fall until one most destructive king rises to power. There is a shift in verse 21 to the coming Antichrist, that was foreshadowed by Antiochus Epiphanies, who sets up the abomination of desolation, persecutes the saints, rages in power and destruction, and controls a worldwide economic system. The predictions of Antiochus are so accurate in order for God to confirm his word of what will happen in fulness at the end of the age. These details give great insight to the rise of the Antichrist, especially in verses 36-45 that focus in on him.
Chapter 11 Reflection
Daniel 11 provides an intricate historical account of what has been fulfilled, of what has been fulfilled partially, and what will be fulfilled. The chapter majorly deals with the rise of the Antichrist and the events surrounding the abomination of desolation. Especially hopeful in this passage are verses 32 through 35. Through the greatest of persecutions the Church is seen as prevailing in purity, understanding, and great exploits.
Daniel 11 – The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist
- The angel continues his message to Daniel – v. 1
- The angel stood up to confirm and strengthen Michael
- The angel prophecies about Persia: Three more kings will arise – v. 2
- The fourth will be far richer
- By his strength and riches he will stir up all against the realm of Greece
- The angel prophesies about Greece: A mighty king arise and rule with great dominion – v. 3-4
- He will do according to his own will
- When he has risen his kingdom will be broken up and divided toward four winds of heaven
- The angel prophesies concerning the king of the north and the king of the south – v. 5-20
- The king of South and one of his princes shall become strong
- He will gain power over him and have great dominion
- The king of the north will join forces in agreement with the daughter of the king of the south
- She will not retain power or authority
- She will be given up with those she is connected to
- From her a branch will rise up with an army and prevail against the king of the North
- He will carry their gods, princes, and precious articles to Egypt
- He will continue longer than the king of the North
- The king of the North will come to the king of the South but return to his own land
- His son will strive and organize forces
- One will prevail and stir up strife
- The king of the South will rage against the king of the North
- The North will organize a great multitude but will be defeated
- When he has taken away the multitude he will exalt himself and cast down tens of thousands but not prevail
- The king of the North will return and gain strength after some years
- In these times many will rise up against the king of the South
- Violent men of Israel will exalt themselves but be defeated
- “He who comes against him”
- This figure does according to his own will
- None could stand against him
- He will stand in Israel and be destructive in power with all of his kingdom
- He will give him a daughter but she will not cooperate
- He turns his face to the coastlands and defeats many
- A ruler brings an end of reproach and thereafter he will turn back on him
- vii.He will turn his face against his own land but will die and not be found
- “There shall arise in his place. . .”
- One rises up who taxes Israel but after a few days is destroyed
- He is not destroyed in anger or battle
- One rises up who taxes Israel but after a few days is destroyed
- The king of South and one of his princes shall become strong
- Transition in the text describing the Antichrist – v. 21-31
- Following verse 20, in his place “a vile person” rises up
- He will not be a noble
- He will come in peace and take the kingdom by intrigue
- A flood swept away from him
- The False messiah is introduced, “the prince of the covenant”
- A league made with the false Messiah
- Enters in peace with a small number of people
- He does what his fathers haven’t done, what no one has ever done
- He disperses wealth and attacks strongholds
- He does against the king of the South with a great army
- He will not stand because the South will have a plan
- Those who take part in this king will destroy him and many will be defeated
- Both kings’ hearts will be evil and lyin but their plans will not come to fruition because the end is appointed
- On the way back to his land he comes against the south but not like ever before or ever again
- Ships from Cyprus will come against him
- He will be grieved and rage against the holy covenant
- He will regard those who forsake the holy covenant
- His military might will increase
- The sanctuary will be defiled
- The daily sacrifices will be taken away
- vii.The abomination of desolation will be set up
- Following verse 20, in his place “a vile person” rises up
- The perseverance of the saints – v. 32-35
- He will corrupt those who forsake the covenant, but those who know God will be strong and “carry out great exploits”
- People of understanding will bring instruction to the masses
- Saints are given over to persecution
- Many join with the saints because of intrigue
- Martyrs work toward purifying the saints until “the appointed time”
- The abomination of desolation: the Antichrist meets his end – v. 36-45
- The king will do according to his own will
- Exalts himself above every god and blasphemes the Most High God
- He prospers until the fulfillment of prophecy, of wrath, and what has been planned
- He has no regard for the ways of his ancestors or for women
- He will honor instead a “god of fortresses” which no one has known
- He will prevail against the strongest fortresses with this foreign god that he gives glory to
- The time of the end is marked by the king of the South attacking him and the king of the North coming against him but he will pass through them
- He will enter Israel and overthrow many countries
- Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon will escape him
- He will come against Egypt and overtake it
- He will have power over all wealth
- Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia will follow him
- News from the east and north causes him to rage and destroy when he is troubled
- He will plant himself between the seas and the holy mountain
- He will finally come to his end and no one will aid hi
Daniel 12
Chapter 12 Summary
In Daniel 12 is a summary of the kingdom of God prevailing over the greatest suffering and persecution of the Antichrist kingdom. It shows that Michael is the angel over Israel and that Israel will, though cut like a diamond, be preserved and saved. This is the only Old Testament passage that describes the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked so clearly. There are also very important dates that help with the understanding of end-time events, especially in verse 7, 11, and 12. Though Daniel desired to understand further he is told that it does not concern his lifetime but that his message would be preserved and that knowledge would surely increase leading up to the end of the age.
Chapter 12 Reflection
Daniel 12 rolls out of a vicious and quite disheartening chapter, chapter 11. It shines brightly in contrast to the persecution, suffering, and seemingly endless beastly kingdoms up until this point. I somehow brings hope and fresh thought and perspective to the promises of God. Significant is God’s sure promise that the greatest suffering the world has ever seen will absolutely not exceed 3.5 years even though the Antichrist will seek to extend his time as seen in chapter 11. We see here the salvation of Israel and the resurrection of the righteous. It truly precedes the greatest of man’s hopes and desires: the kingdom of God come to earth.
Daniel 12 – The Coming Victory of the Kingdom of God
- Michael stands up in defense of Israel – v. 1
- The end of the age – v. 2-3
- It will be a time of trouble like never before in human history
- At the time of the end Israel will be saved and delivered
- The resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the wicked
- The righteous shine in glory forever
- The book is to be sealed – v. 4
- Daniel is instructed to seal or preserve the prophesies
- The prophesies are confirmed again to be concerning the end of the age
- Daniel is told that many will increase in knowledge and understanding concerning these things
- Two others on the riverbank – v. 5-7
- One asked a man clothed in linen above the waters how long the fulfillment of these prophesies would take – the answer: a time, times, and half a time
- This is sworn by God who leaves forever
- When the power of Israel is completely shattered all these will come to fulfillment
- One asked a man clothed in linen above the waters how long the fulfillment of these prophesies would take – the answer: a time, times, and half a time
- Daniel does not understand – v. 8-13
- Daniel asks again what the end of it all is and is told to continue on his life
- The words are concerning the time of the end
- Many will be righteous, but the wicked will continue in his wickedness
- From the time of the sacrifice being taken away and the abomination of desolation set up there will be 1,290 days
- There is a specific blessing for the one who makes it to the 1,335 days
- Daniel is told to go his way and that he will pass from life outside of the fulfillment of these prophesies yet will receive his inheritance at the end of all of these things
...and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 