Help is on The Way

Sunday Morning Worship February 21, 2021

Sermon Text: Daniel 7:1-14

Title: Help Is on The Way

Introduction:

We have reached a new section in the book of Daniel. There are two things that point to this section break.

The first is the dream. Instead of a king, Daniel has a disturbing dream. In fact, the rest of the book deals with Daniel’s dreams.

The second is language. Chapters 2-6 are in Aramaic, the international language. In chapter 7, Daniel reverts to Hebrew (started in Chapter 1).

Throughout the book so far, God has demonstrated his sovereignty over all nations. He has demonstrated that when a nation or its leaders fail to acknowledge God, God notices and holds them accountable.

Additionally, we learned that God rewards faithfulness. Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael are examples. We will learn later in this book that instead of returning to God in obedience, Israel’s sin has increased while in Babylon. Yet, God has reserved for himself the faithful.

This second half of the book is written to strengthen and encourage the Captives. It is interesting that Daniel turns to Israel’s heart language as he emphasizes the story of God’s deliverance both nationally and spiritually.

We begin this morning with a description of Daniel’s dream, the introduction of both the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man.

I invite you to turn in your bibles to our text: Daniel 7:1-14.

Shall we pray?

Almighty God and loving father,

As we prepare to think about your word, free us from distraction, fill us with your truth and form us through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

I. Daniel (Daniel 7:1-8)

You will notice that we’ve traveled back in time from the conclusion of chapter 6.

We start in the first year of King Belshazzar (545 BC). [1]. You remember that his name means “Bel protect the king.” He was the last king of Babylon.[1] He began his reign 17 years after the death of Nebuchadnezzar.

As we look at this chapter, one of the things that is evident is the apocalyptic nature of this half of the book. This section of the book has symbolism like Zechariah and Revelation.

In both numbers are used. Generally, 4 is the number of the earth and 10 stands for a large but unspecified number. Four rivers run out of Eden, and these symbolize[sic] the life-giving presence of God flowing to the four corners of the earth. Thus, numbers are part of the meaning.[2]

Let us look at the dream.

The first thing I notice is the use of night dreams. Daniel’s contemporary, Zechariah also writes about night visions. We will notice a consistent pattern between these two prophets.

Four winds

Four indicates the four points of the compass or universality.

As one scholar writes, “the four winds represent God’s judgments, hurling themselves on the ungodly nations from all four points of the compass.” Rev 7:1 and Zech 7:14 uses “wind” to symbolize God’s judgement.[3]

We will get into the meaning of this dream in the next sermon but for now, think about how God positions himself as the enforcer of justice. He brings justice, not the false gods of these powerful nations. This dream occurs during Babylon’s domination.

The strife and trouble that is represented by the churning of the sea may make it seem that God does not have control over the situation. As Paul writes “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV)

We will see God’s power revealed through this dream. This was written to give the readers hope, sustained hope that encourages covenant faithfulness.

As we read this today and realize the accurate fulfillment played out in our history, we can have hope as well. We can have sustained hope that fosters a faithful response to all the benefits we have in Christ.

Great beasts

The beasts represent four nations. Because I think this vision corresponds to the vision in chapter 2, I think these nations are Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome[4].

Because these point to future events, the hope that this was intended to produce would be based on faith. Faith that God could do these things.

For Daniel, at the time this dream was given, the fall of Babylon although a possibility, may not have seemed possible. Yet within his lifetime he would see Babylon’s fall.

For us, we look back on the fall of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome and know that the description of the two individuals that follow also brings us substantial hope.

Let’s start with the Ancient of Days.

[1] John A. McLean, “Belshazzar, King of Babylon,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

II. The Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-12)

The title Ancient of Days appears three times in this chapter.

Ancient of Days has a three-fold significance[5]:

It is a title for God.

It underscores God’s eternality: “But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,” (Psalm 9:7, ESV)

It presents God as the divine judge presiding over the heavenly council: “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:” (Psalm 82:1, ESV)

Also notice the that he sits on a throne: That there were many thrones points to Revelation 4:4[6]: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.” (Revelation 4:4, ESV)

Notice the three-fold description of the Ancient of Days The New American Commentary is helpful here:

This clothing was “white as snow” which symbolizes absolute moral purity. This contrasts both Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar doesn’t it?

His hair was “white like wool” a sign of old age and an apt symbol of God’s eternal nature. Consider what Moses said: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1–2, ESV)

And because of God’s eternality, we say: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

God’s throne was “flaming with fire” and “its wheels were all ablaze”. “Fire” is commonly a symbol of judgment, and God’s throne being engulfed in flames signifies the wrath of God that is here being poured out upon the wicked. “Wheels” on a throne may at first seem strange, but the image of God sitting upon a chariot-throne with wheels is set forth in other passages, particularly Ezek 1 and 10, where the chariot-throne is more fully described.[7]

This is a picture of God’s active involvement, rather than a passive disinterest.

Now let’s turn our attention to the Son of Man.

III. The Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14)

The title Son of Man is a messianic title which points to Jesus Christ. It is also the title Jesus used of himself in the gospels often when he was talking of his suffering and death or his coming kingdom.[8]

The Approach:

Look at verse 13; ““I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.” (Daniel 7:13, ESV)

One commentator wrote: He approached suggests his own dignity and right to enter the court; was led into his presence suggests his willing submission to the one who sits on the throne.[9]

Listen to this description of the Son of Man: “And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14, ESV)

That the Son of Man receives worship let’s us know this points to Jesus Christ, not an angel or the people of God.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV)

John points to the fulfillment when he wrote: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”” (Revelation 11:15, ESV)

There is an event near the end of Jesus’ death which connects Christ to the Son of Man, listen:

““Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:27–35, ESV)

This picture of God the Father and God the Son at this juncture in the book points to the only hope we have in turbulent times. As we face our challenging times, may the truth of the sovereign and providential care of God the Father and God the Son encourage you.

As we consider God’s changeless sovereignty we join Moses in saying: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

As we consider Jesus’ providential presence we look: “ to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)

Don’t’ fix your gaze on things you cannot change, fix your gaze on Jesus Christ!

Shall we pray?

Almighty God and Loving Father, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace. May the fruits of your salvation flourish in our hearts and lives, that we may bring glory to you and be found faithful in your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Benediction:

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26, ESV)

[1] John A. McLean, “Belshazzar, King of Babylon,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

[2] Bob Fyall, Daniel: A Tale of Two Cities, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 95.

[3] Stephen R. Miller, Daniel, vol. 18, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 196.

[4] Bob Fyall, Daniel: A Tale of Two Cities, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 97.

[5] Allen C. Myers, The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1987), 55.

[6] Bob Fyall, Daniel: A Tale of Two Cities, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 101–102.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Bob Fyall, Daniel: A Tale of Two Cities, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 105.

[9] Bob Fyall, Daniel: A Tale of Two Cities, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 105.