Daniel

Introduction: Today, we begin a new series through the book of Daniel. Turn with me to chapter one, and follow along as we read from verse 1-7 Page ___ in the little blue pew Bible.

Transition: When we buy a new book and open it up for the first time, we come to an introduction that helps unpack what the contents of that book will be. When we purchase a new item for our home, or a new tools for our shop; they usually come with an owners manual that describes the function and details of the thing and then goes on to explain how to use it. It is not wise to acquire a new lawn tractor and just jump on it and get to work without first getting some idea of what it is and how it should be used.

In a similar way, today’s sermon will focus on an introduction and overview of the book of Daniel. Just as we would sit down with a person whom we've just met, to get acquainted and learn where they are from, what their family is like, what they do, what hobbies they have and so forth, so today, we are sitting down with the book of Daniel to get acquainted and prepare us for studying through the book in the days to come. Let’s begin with a little poll…

How many of us remember reading through the book of Daniel at some point in our lives?

Who has heard of the story of Daniel and the lions den?

How many remember the story of Shadrack, Mechack, and Abendigo and the fiery furnace?

And Nebuchadnezzar going out of his mind and living like a cow eating grass?

King Belshazzar’s party where a great hand wrote on the wall, “Mene, mene, tekel, and parsin.” ?

How many have read through Daniel's dreams and visions? And how many knew what all of those visions meant the first time you read them?

Transition: All of these true accounts are recorded in the book of Daniel. In due season, our goal will be to discover why God has included this in His Bible, and how these truths apply to our own lives. Today, we are taking the plunge to (like a jig saw puzzle) discover a general picture of the outline of the book in order to later put the detail pieces together. Our approach this morning is to make 3 Observations…

1. Literary Uniqueness

Where does the book of Daniel fit in the Bible?

The book of Daniel is known as a Major Prophet in the Old Testament. When we start reading the Bible, we first encounter the historical narratives of Genesis, Exodus, and so on until we get to the book of Esther. The books in the middle of the Old Testament are refereed to as the Wisdom and poetry books. Jesus called them the , “writings”. They span Job through Song of Solomon. The last third of the Old Testament is where the prophets are accumulated. The first 4 of these are called major Prophets, simply because they write more. And the last 12 are called minor prophets. These prophets are the 16 who some ministered to the Northern tribes of Israel, and some to the Southern tribes of Judah. Some of these prophets wrote before the nation of Israel went into exile, some during the exile, and some afterwards.

The unique characteristic of Daniel is that he , whom Jesus Himself recognizes as a prophet (Matt. 24:15) , covers the entire 70 years of exile.

There is a noticeable division in the style of writing around chapter 7 which begins to record some of the prayers, dreams, and visions of Daniel. And so this book has Historical, Biographical, & Apocalyptic. This is probably one of the most unique facets of Daniel, but don’t be intimidated. As we read through these apocalyptic chapters we are going to discover great truths about the future as well as discerning our preset. In light of this I want to give a little....

Reminder of Acts 1:6-8 as a caution for the temptation to develop our version of God’s agenda. Often, we want to know when… when.. when? And as much as the text answers this question we will answer it, but often we are going to need to be content with the answer who, who, who? God alone has fixed the times and the epochs. Trust Him, belong to Him, and we will then enjoy His redemption at the specific time of His determination. Be a witness to the great name of our God. For such a time as this we have opportunity, because of our current context, to be witnesses for Christ Jesus. We do not need the exact timeline of God’s sovereign plan, we do need to represent our Savior and King who is coming to establish His eternal throne.

Acts 1:6–8 ESV

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Transition: The book of Daniel is going to answer many questions for us. One of which is, “will there be any hope??” Daniel’s companions and many of the Jews that are exiled with him were wondering if they would ever return and be restored. Daniel offers the pathway, or preparation to the arrival of Jesus the Messiah. We see in chapter 7 his reference to the Son of Man who would be the great deliverer of His people. We notice from the literary uniqueness, that the book of Daniel is full of hope. So we should anticipate being encouraged with great confidence from God’s word in the weeks to come. But also notice our second observation… The book of Daniel is...

2. True History

When did these events occur?

Notice the specific references to time in verse 1:1. (read) This siege upon Jerusalem occured around 605bc. At this time, Nebuchadnezzar requires some of the young people from the Jews to be deported to Babylon in order to be trained in the way of the Chaldeans. Later, in 586 the Southern Kingdom of Judah was completely overwhelmed by the Babylonians. King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple that Solomon built. Again, he took the inhabitants of Israel captive where they remained exiled from their homeland for the next 70 years.

The expansion of the Babylonian empire is an historic marvel. Archeological evidence reveals that he truly was a king that expanded the Babylonian culture throughout the known world. In (Daniel 1:2) we are reminded of a common practice in this day of kings subjecting other kingdom’s worship artifacts to their own temples, as a demonstration of superiority. However, as we continue reading in chapter 5, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, takes these vessels out as a party favor only to be thwarted by the God of the Jews because He will not be subject to this pagan king.

As we read through the book of Daniel the true history about the kingdom of Babylon becomes a bit ironic. For example, king Nebuchadnezzar is commanding and bringing a small remnant of faithful worshipers of Yahweh into the nucleus of his kingdom. Obviously, this is a political move by king Nebuchadnezzar. He plans to indoctrinate these youth with the ways and language of the Chaldeans. No doubt use them to bridge his rule over their people. Now, he has a high bar for the qualification of these young men as we see in verse 4. However, even though these young, unblemished, impressionable Jewish boys are a part of his plan to overthrow the nation of Judah. Little does he know, that what he has brought into his kingdom is his own downfall. This historical irony will continue to be a theme throughout the book.

Application: Pause for a moment of reflection and application with our children. You are living in a battle for your mind and heart! The range of time that the book covers, traces Daniel from young person to an old person. Notice Daniel 1:21. Daniel lived through the entire years of exile. He outlived his captors.

All of this helps us to understand that the accounts we read in the book of Daniel are true history. The history of the Bible, is real history. As we look at the true history, we need to notice something very important from verse 2. It says that the “Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into king Nebuchadnezzar's hand.” Did God send His people into Babylonian captivity? The answer is a firm , yes. (2 Kings 24:1-4) Prior to Daniel being taken away from his homeland, God had sent messengers (prophets) to His people warning them of the impending judgment for their idolatry. As a matter of fact, it was while Daniel was reading the prophet Jeremiah (9:2) that he was able to discern that Israel would remain in captivity for 70 years. So, yes, God disciplined His people by sending them into captivity, but not with out a merciful warning. He did so in faithfulness to His promises to them. This is important to understand because it is the historical context for understanding the details that arise from these 12 chapters.

Like Daniel in His day, our response must be faithfulness to God who is accomplishing in real time and space and people ,what He has already decreed to do. You and I will either humble ourselves before Him and be a part of His redemption plan that is unfolding or we will stand in proud rebellion against Him and be a part of His plan of judgment. There are no other options. Be humbled, and receive God’s mercy. Be proud, and receive God’s judgment.

Transition: Whatever is going on in your life, no matter to joys or the struggles, we each are going to glean wonderful truths from this true history that will direct our attention to God. We see the literary uniqueness, and the true history.. and our last observation is the..

3. Theological Christ Connection

How does the book direct us to Jesus?

The major theological Theme: The Faithfulness of God, and a few of His kids. Among God’s exiles are those who remained faithful. It may be hard for us to understand God ordering the exile of Judah. But it is enough for us to know that God is just and sovereign in His ways and judgment of His people. He has divine purpose for disciplining His people. For example, even while exiled, the name of God is being witnessed among the nations. We will see this in the prayers of these pagan kings recorded in the book. Point: God is always faithful.

Another theological theme is the ongoing enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent as the God of the Jews clash against the gods of Babylon. We observe this even from the names of the main characters. The name Daniel = God judges. Hananiah= God has been gracious. Mishael= Who is what God is? Azariah= God has helped. Notice, the names that King Nebuchadnezzar replaces are name of his gods. (4:8) This further reveals the cosmic conflict that will continue until day of Christ. For some, this may cause great despair. But for those who belong to Christ…

This gives us hope! We will be delivered. All things will be reconciled under the rule and reign of Christ. The true King of heaven who will not fail or fade away. The hope of our redemption is in Christ, who has come and is coming again.

Some closing thoughts:

The book of Daniel teaches us that God remains faithful. God is putting sustaining strength into these exiles. He is providing and protecting.

It also teaches us how to remain faithful to God even in the midst of a hostility and paganism. We who belong to Christ still remain in a foreign land that is not our final home. Like Daniel, we must Beware of the temptation trading faithfulness for freedom. Beware of compromising convictions for sake of survival. Today, just as in Daniel's day… backbone is needed in order to endure. We live in a day of moral inclusiveness, ethical erosion. Perseverance is possible as we entrust ourselves to our sovereign God who guarantees our final hope.

Daniel begins in bondage and ends in true freedom. Notice verse 12:13. (read) Daniel was removed bodily from his homeland, his diet was changed, his name was changed, the temporary kings who he would be subject to changed… but Daniel’s true King never changed. God was His Judge, and his hope was that God would bring about a cosmic transformation of all His creation. Daniel teaches us that land might be taken, names might be taken, and even though our faith might be tested, it cannot be stolen. Because Christ lives, so shall those who belong to Him have rest and stand in our alloted place at the end of days.