A Time of Desolation

Introduction

If you have your Bibles, you can take them and open them to Daniel chapter 8. This morning, we continue in the story of Daniel, and as the first verse indicates, we are backing up a little bit, and we are back in the rein of King Belshazzar, which was king of Babylon. Because of that, let me recap what has led up to this point. Daniel and other noble Jews have been brought to Babylon in 605 BC. While there they had to face several trials under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. They were tempted with food to conform to Babylons culture and religions. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were threatened with being burned alive if they did not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. In the midst of all of this, Daniel was being given visions as to how God was going to bring about the rise and fall of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. In Daniel chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar is given a dream that ultimately leads to him being humbled by God, which results in him praising God. Then in chapter five, we see Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, who has taken the throne. During his early reign, it was revealed to Belshazzar and Daniel, through the handwriting on the wall, that Belshazzar would have a very temporary and limited reign, as God was preparing the way for Medo-Persia to rise up and take over Babylon, due to the wickedness and transgressions of Babylon. It was also during this time of Belshazzar’s reign that Daniel is given another vision, which we will see this morning in Daniel chapter 8, so if you will, stand with me as we read Daniel 8:1-14.

Body

(1) Temporary Kingdoms

a. A Time of Power

b. A Time of Victory

c. A Time of Division

Application:

(2) Temporary Persecution

a. A Time of Deception

b. A Time of Desecration

c. A Time of Destruction

Application:

(3) Eternal Hope

a. A Time of Hoping

b. A Time of Restoration

Application:

Conclusion