Daniel Series Overall Notes

Notes

General Notes - General Title - Daniel - The Power of Faith

Focus on first six chapters

Daniel written during exile after siege of Jerusalem and exile/deportation by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

Daniel was exiled before the worst parts of the siege as he was a leader

Daniel likely grew up during King Josiah’s reign and reforms and heard Jeremiah, who he quotes in 9:2

Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego) were trained for royal service three years.

I think there is unspoken between Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 - Nebuchadnezzar stewing, contemplating, wondering about the effectiveness of Daniel, et al, vs the ineffectiveness and trickery of all the other magicians, etc, in his service.

God is in control

1:2, etc, God sometimes allows his work to suffer - as with stuff in temple taken, etc

The religious must’ve been heart-broken “We feel greatly disappointed when our churches suffer physical damage, split, close down for financial reasons, or are rocked by scandals. We don’t know why God allows these things. But like those who witnessed the Babylonian’s plunder of the temple, we must trust that God is in control and that he is watching over all who trust in him.

God sends dreams to Nebuchadnezzar, we believe…2:1

He joins the likes of Jacob, joseph, Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, Pharaoh, Solomon, Joseph

2:20-23

Daniel constantly points to God and away from himself…2:30, etc.

God sees all past, present, future

Chapter 2:31ff - four kingdoms

Head - gold - Babylonian, 606-539BC

Chest and Arms - Silver - Medo-Persian - 539-331BC

Belly and Thighs - Bronze - Grecian - 331-146BC

Legs and Feet - Iron & Clay - Roman 146BC-476AD

Rock cut from cliff - Jesus’ Kingdom

Fall of Babylonian kingdom with Belshazzar (son of Nebuchadnezzar) in charge…desecrating items from temple, etc, then writing on the wall interpreted by Daniel. Chapter 5

Purpose in Life

1:8 - daniel determined not to defile himself by eating food and wine given by the King.

though not in a culture that recognized God, still obeyed God’s laws

Easier to resist temptations if you’ve thought through your convictions before temptation comes

decide where to draw line before line is approached!

Stand for God and trust him to protect in ways that may not be visible or easily apparent.

1:17 - culture need not be our enemy and we are free to do well in it, providing it/we don’t violate God’s commands

2:17 - Daniel asks his friends to join him in praying to God to reveal the dream and meaning…he knows where to turn!

God reveals in a dream - Daniel praises God, not himself! 2:19-23 - see also category above

2:24 - Daniel doesn’t just spare himself, but others as well…even pagan others.

3:1ff - Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniels’ God (short term), yes, but also worships himself

3:15 - “And then what god will be able to rescue you from MY power?”

3:19 - face distorted with rage - a possible sign of demonic possession for sure

4:8 - still a pluralist when all is said and done

Perseverance

Men showed perseverance and discipline while training to serve royal court.

Daniel obeyed…he made Babylon less wicked through his advise than it would’ve otherwise been.

Three friends persevered despite a seemingly impervious death sentence...

could have said (but persevered and didn’t):

we’ll bow down but not actually worship the idol (THE FINGERS CROSSED)

we won’t become idol worshipers but will worship the idol this one time, then ask God for forgiveness (JUST ONCE!)

King has absolute power, must obey him. God will understand (CONTRAST THIS WITH PAUL’S COMMANDS TO OBEY AUTHORITY…YES, BUT TO A POINT) (PASSING THE BUCK)

The King appointed us, we owe this to him (?)

This is a foreign land, God will forgive us for following customs here (?)

Our ancestors set up idols in God’s Temple, this isn’t half as bad! (THE COMPARISON?)

We’re not hurting anybody! (THE LIMITED IMPACT?)

If we get ourselves killed and some pagans take our high positions, they won’t help our people in exile! (MEANS TO AN END)

God’s Faithfulness

1:15 - God allowed them to look even stronger on obedient diet than on King’s diet

1:17 - God gave the men unusual aptitude for learning and wisdom…and Daniel ability to interpret dreams

King found these four men ten times more capable than any magicians or enchanters in his kingdom when seeking advice

others were “No go showboats” as in Beach Boys song

God responds to prayers of Daniel and his friends

“While educational institutions provide diplomas at great expense, God gives wisdom freely to all who ask.”

Sending an angel (or Christ, who knows?) to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago in fiery furnace...

perhaps the soldiers died throwing them in just to prove how hot it was?

God protecting Daniel from lions (Chapter 6)

God is graceful and gives plenty of chances even to someone like Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel’s interpretation of dream 4:19-27

dream is fulfilled, Nebuchadnezzar goes through period of exile/madness/whatever

4:34 - “My sanity returned” - George Jones insanity for a period?