Dainel: Every Knee Shall Bow | Verse By Verse Book Study.

Setting

The book of Daniel records the lives of several Jewish exiles in Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar began his campaign against Judah. It focuses on the life of Daniel, one of four Jewish young men pressed into service for the Gentile emperor. Daniel rises to prominence within the court of Nebuchadnezzar, eventually becoming the chief of his advisors. Daniel continues to serve as an advisor to Nebuchadnezzar’s successor as well as to the kings of the Persian empire.

The second half of the book records vivid visions and prophecies given to Daniel by God, often through angels. These visions reveal God’s plan for Israel, the Ancient Near East, and the coming Kingdom of God. Daniel reveals the empires which will come after Babylon and Persia, including the conquests of Alexander the Great, his splintered Grecian Empire, and the rise of Rome. The accuracy and detail of Daniel’s visions are so impressive, many liberal theologians are convinced they were written centuries after the events they predict. However, this is a testament to the power and clarity of God’s prophetic word; he revealed to Daniel what would transpire in the future, and it all came to pass as the Lord foretold.

Structure and Purpose

Daniel can be roughly broken up into two major sections. Chapters 1 through 6 are historical narratives that relate Daniel’s rise in the courts of Babylon and Persia. Time is also devoted to his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, better known by their Gentile names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. The historical chapters emphasize God’s providence over the empires of the world and his faithfulness to those who trust him.

The second half of Daniel, chapter 7 through 12 are a record of visions and angelic encounters. God reveals to Daniel his plans for Israel and future ruling empires of the world. Special attention is given to God’s future kingdom, which will be established by the “Son of Man,” his promised Messiah.

Chapters 1-6: Historical narrative

• Chapter 1: Daniel and his allies refuse the king’s food
• Chapter 2: Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
• Chapter 3: Daniel’s allies refuse to worship the king’s image
• Chapter 4: Nebuchadnezzar is humbled by the Lord
• Chapter 5: God judges Belshazzar
• Chapter 6: Daniel and the lion’s den

Chapters 7-12: Prophetic visions

• Chapter 7: Vision of the Four Beasts
• Chapter 8: Vision of the Ram and Goat
• Chapter 9: Daniel’s Prayer and the Message of the 70 Weeks
• Chapter 10: Vision of the Glorious Man
• Chapter 11: Prophecy of the Warring Kings
• Chapter 12: Prophecy of the End Times

God Rules over the Nations

A major theme of the book of Daniel is God’s enduring authority over the world. The book is written during and after the fall of Judah. The kingdom of Israel is destroyed. God’s people have been scattered across the earth. But God’s plans are far from dashed. Through the witness of Daniel and his companions, God reveals he is still on the throne. He decides the fate of the nations. He determines who rules, lives, or dies. Even as the Jewish people wander far from their home, they can find hope that God is still at work. Even the Gentile nations are part of his plan, whether they realize it or not.

There is a strong supernatural element to the book of Daniel, which underscores this theme. Though far away from the promise land, Daniel and others experience frequent visitations from the heavenly realm. God’s presence is felt in undeniable and intense experiences. Dreams and visions are frequent. Miracles of protection occur. God strikes a man with madness and heals him. A mysterious hand writes on the king’s wall. Such miraculous events transpire in nearly every chapter, assuring the reader that God is not far away, even during times of adversity.

Daniel’s Dedication to the Lord

Another major theme of Daniel is the endurance of the faithful. Daniel and his allies refuse to bow to foreign gods, nor eat food polluted by idolatry. They remain true to God’s laws and continue to obey him, even when it could cost them their lives. Daniel’s ascendency in two Gentile empires is not attributed to his own wits or cunning, but to God’s guiding hand. God is faithful to Daniel and Daniel is faithful to God. The book communicates this important truth to all generations of believers, who find themselves living in increasingly pagan, Gentile societies. Remaining faithful to God has a high cost, but those who do see God come through for them time and again.