Introduction

The book of Daniel is often thought of and studied for it’s contribution to eschatological studies.

But we don’t want to lose sight of the fact that when it was written, and who it was written to, did not have the thought of “end times” while they were engaging with it.

It is more likely, as Jay Adams points out, that "the book of Daniel was written as a handbook for persecuted believers.”

Through Daniel, God demonstrates His care for His own people and how He expects them to act under persecution and trial.

A major theme that is seen throughout the book is the sovereignty of God. He is in control of all matters, whether we perceive them to be “good” or “bad.”

Thus, as we venture through this book of Scripture, let’s seek to see:

How it would have applied to the original audience?

What we can we take away in application to our circumstances?

How does it point to/deal with things yet to come?

Historical Background

In 626 BC Nabopolassar was enthroned as king of Babylon as the Babylonians declared their independence from the Assyrian Empire.

They began to work with the Medes to the east to test the strength of the Assyrians.

By 612 BC the capital city of Nineveh fell, and in 605 BC, Carchemish fell and resulted in the total collapse of the government.

Assyria was no longer an empire, and the Babylonians became the world power.

After Nabopolassar died, his son and field general, Nebuchadnezzar, took the throne in 605 BC.

Nebuchadnezzar spent the next several years campaigning in the west, and he subjugated Judah and its king, Jehoiakim, during this time.

Read 2 Kings 23:36-24:1

This is when Daniel and his companions were brought to Babylon, granting us the context of the book of Daniel.

In 601 bc, he fought Egypt again but suffered setbacks, being forced to return to Babylon and spend a year strengthening his army. This led to uprisings in Babylon’s conquered territories, including Judah (2 Kgs 24:1–2).

In 598–597 bc, Nebuchadnezzar fought against Jerusalem, at which time Jehoiakim died.

Read 2 Kings 24:1-7

Three months later, Nebuchadnezzar deported Jehoiakim’s son Jehoiachin to Babylon, and left Jehoiachin’s uncle Zedekiah as a puppet ruler.

Read 2 Kings 24:8-17

Many prominent residents of Judah were deported at this time, including the prophet Ezekiel (Ezek 1:1–3).

In 589, Zedekiah rebelled. Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem for a final time, conquering it, destroying the temple, and carrying the people into exile in 586 bc.

Read 2 Kings 24:18-25:21