Historical Posts
Daniel 1:4 Daniel, A Man Ready for Life’s Challenges – audio
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Text: Daniel 1:4
Introduction
A. Daniel
1. Daniel was taken into captivity (1st group) – 606 BC.
2. Was a young man (Perhaps 18-20 years old).
3. Lived in Babylon for duration of the captivity.
B. Daniel’s Test As A Captive.
1. Daniel and Friends Selected For Special Training – Daniel 1:1-7
2. Daniel Refuses To Defile Himself – Daniel 1:8-16
3. God Rewards His Faithful Servants – Daniel 1:17-21
C. One can survive and thrive! One can live godly in an ungodly environment. Daniel was a Man ready for life’s challenges. He was ready because of his commitment to God!
Body
I. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS EARLY – Daniel 1:4
A. A Young Man Who Remembered His Creator – Ecclesiastes 12:1
1. Like Joseph before him – Genesis 39
2. Like Timothy after him – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15
B. A Young Man Who Stood By His Godly Convictions – Daniel 1:8-16
1. Did not leave God when left home
2. Did not try to blend in with Babylonian lifestyle – Romans 12:1-2
C. A Young Man With A Decided Advantage Over Late Starters
1. Fewer wasted years to regret
2. More time to develop spiritual strength
II. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS COMPLETE – Daniel 1:8
A. Reflected in All of His Outward Conduct – Proverbs 4:23-27; 23:7
1. Deeper motive than to merely impress other young men
2. Deeper motive than to merely show defiance to captors
B. Reflected by Being Unmoved by Pomp and Power of Royal Palace
1. Never compromised for temporary advantage or ease
2. Always aware of a Greater Presence – Daniel 2:28
C. Reflected by Accepting Risks of Not Conforming
1. Risked special treatment that select group had
2. Risked life (Life was cheap to Pagan kings)
III. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS LASTING – Daniel 1:21
A. As an Old Man (About 90) Still Faithful & Strong
1. Years of struggle had not worn him down
2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den – Daniel 1:6
3. Test off the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6
a. Jealousy of the wise men and the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:1-9
b. Daniel gave thanks before his God – Daniel 6:10-15
c. Daniel is delivered from the mouth of the lions – Daniel 6:16-24
d. The decree of Darius praises the living God – Daniel 6:25-28
B. As an Old Man He Could Look Back Over a Life of Spiritual Growth
1. By the time needed to refuse king’s food – had the character needed.
2. By the time needed to interpret Neb. Dream – had the wisdom needed
3. By the time needed to interpret handwriting on wall – had gained the Reputation needed – Daniel 5:10-12
4. By the time needed to face the lion’s den – had the fortitude needed
5. By the time needed to help deliver the Jews (During Cyrus reign) – had the influence needed
Conclusion
A. Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges
1. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early
2. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete
3. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting
B. Are you ready for life’s challenges?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 01:08-21; 06:01-10 Children Today
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Text: Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10
Introduction
1. The Bible is filled with accounts of many godly men and women who are worthy of our emulation
2. One such person is Daniel, a man who obtained preeminence and power in his lifetime.
a. He started out preeminent among the children of Israel – Daniel 1:3-6
b. He gained preeminence among the wise of men of Babylon – Daniel 1:17-20
c. He was given power over all of Babylon – Daniel 2:48-49; 5:29
d. He received similar power over the Medo-Persian empire – Daniel 6:1-3, 28
3. How was Daniel able to reach these positions of power and influence without compromising his position as a godly man?
4. A close look at the book of Daniel reveals his secret, and shows how we too can be successful without selling our souls
Body
I. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURPOSE
A. DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART… – Daniel 1:8
1. A young boy in a strange land, Daniel was immediately faced with a challenge to violate God’s law by eating the king’s food
2. Despite his youth and the obvious pressures to conform, Daniel purposed in his heart to uphold the law of God, no matter the cost
3. Because of his willingness to put God first, God granted Daniel favor in the sight of others – Daniel 1:9
a. How God did this is not explained, but it happened in the case of Joseph also – Genesis 39:1-4; 21-23
b. By putting God first, God blessed Joseph in such a way that favorably impressed others
B. EVERY CHILD OF GOD NEEDS TO BE A PERSON OF PURPOSE
1. No one respects a wishy-washy person, someone with no direction in their lives
2. Whereas a strong sense of purpose often breeds respect and admiration in others
3. What should be the purpose of the Christian?
a. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:33
b. to seek the will of God and fulfill it in our lives, no matter the circumstances
4. As Jesus promised, this will guarantee God’s favor toward us and in turn likely gain us favor in the eyes of those around us
II. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
A. HE REFUSED TO COMPROMISE HIS CONVICTIONS
1. As a young man, by refusing to eat the king’s meat or drink his wine – Daniel 1:8
2. As an old man, by refusing the gifts of Belshazzar – Daniel 5:13-17
3. Under the threat of persecution, by refusing to obey the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:10
B. PEOPLE ADMIRE PERSONS OF PRINCIPLE
1. Outwardly they may ridicule them, but inwardly they wish they had the same intestinal fortitude
2. And when they need someone that can be trusted, and depended upon to carry through with an assigned task, who do you think they will turn to?
3. God also admires individuals who will stand by their principles, and by their words – Psalm 15:1-5
III. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURITY
A. HIS OPPONENTS COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT
1. He was faultless when it came to management of his business affairs – Daniel 6:1-4
2. This would help to explain his rise to positions of great responsibility and power
3. Of course, his purity in business affairs was related to
a. His overall purpose to please God first
b. And the fact that as a man of principle he could be trusted
B. THE CHRISTIAN IS ALSO TO MAINTAIN PURITY OF CONDUCT
1. Whether young or old – 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:6-8
2. Whether slave or free – Titus 2:9-10
3. People who maintain purity in their dealings with others are often given positions of great responsibility and privilege, because they can be trusted to use them wisely
IV. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRAYER
A. A GLIMPSE OF HIS PRAYER LIFE – Daniel 6:10
1. He knelt in prayer, a demonstration of his humility
2. He prayed three times daily, a demonstration of his continual dependence upon God
3. He gave thanks in the midst of persecution, a demonstration of his gratitude and the fact that he had not lost sight of God’s blessings
4. His prayers were a custom since early days, demonstrating his persistence and faithfulness in his service to God
5. Is it not likely that his custom to pray so diligently helped him to remain a man of purpose, principle and purity, despite his rise to power and preeminence over the empire?
B. CHRISTIANS WOULD DO WELL TO FOLLOW DANIEL’S EXAMPLE
1. “Let us learn the lesson that the finest of God’s servants must maintain regular and fixed prayer habits in order to continue steadfast in devotion to the Lord.” (Strauss)
2. As Christians, we too are to pray often – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Colossians 4:2
3. If our efforts to live purposeful, principled, and pure lives are not what they should be, could an undisciplined prayer life be the reason?
4. Are we willing to Dare To Be A Daniel in regards to prayer?
Conclusion
1. There is a false assumption that to “get ahead” in this world one must conform to the sinful practices of the world
2. But even today there are many Christians who demonstrate that when one dares to be a Daniel they can succeed in the affairs of men without selling their souls to the world
3. How about you? Will you Dare To Be A Daniel by becoming a person of:
a. PURPOSE?
b. PRINCIPLE?
c. PURITY?
d. PRAYER?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 09:01-19 Daniel’s Prayer
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Text: Daniel 9:1-19
Introduction
1. As we continue our survey of the book of Daniel, we come to a remarkable chapter…
a. In which we find a beautiful prayer expressed by Daniel – Daniel 9:1-19
b. In which we find an amazing revelation regarding “seventy sevens” – Daniel 9:20-27
2. Without question, the latter part of the chapter is difficult…
a. Edward J. Young describes it as “one of the most difficult in all the OT, and the interpretations which have been offered are almost legion.”
b. H.C. Leupold wrote “This is one of the grandest prophetic passages; and yet, if there was ever an exegetical crux, this is it.”
3. In light of its difficulty…
a. We should certainly approach this passage with humility, and not dogmatically
b. We should be careful not to draw conclusions that would contradict clear teachings of Scripture
4. But before we consider the actual vision of the seventy weeks, let’s take the time to consider the prayer offered by Daniel…
a. A beautiful example of confessing sin and seeking forgiveness
b. Akin to the prayer of David in Psalm 51
5. A wonderful blessing we enjoy as Christians is the cleansing blood of Jesus as we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Daniel’s prayer in this chapter provides insight into the art of confessing sin.
Body
I. THE SETTING OF THE PRAYER
A. THE DATE OF THE PRAYER…
1. In the first year of Darius, son of Ahasuerus – Daniel 9:1
a. Of the lineage of the Medes
b. Made king over the Chaldeans (Babylonians) – Daniel 5:31; 6:1-28
2. The time is now about 538 B.C.
B. THE REASON FOR THE PRAYER…
1. Daniel knew the prophecy of Jeremiah, regarding 70 years of Babylonian captivity – Daniel 9:2; cf. Jeremiah 25:9-12; 29:10
2. The 70 years of Jerusalem began in 606 B.C., with the captivity of Daniel and the first devastation of Jerusalem – 2 Chronicles 36:5-7; Daniel 1:1-6
3. So with this first year of the Medo-Persian empire (With Darius the Mede over the Chaldeans, but with Cyrus the Persian over all), the prophecy of Jeremiah was about to be completed – 2 Chronicles 36:21-23; Ezra 1:1-4
C. THE PREPARATION FOR THE PRAYER…
1. Daniel set his face toward the Lord God – Daniel 9:3
a. To make request by prayer and supplications
b. This may have included facing toward Jerusalem – cf. Daniel 6:10-11
2. With fasting, sackcloth, and ashes
a. Physical preparations which illustrated his humility and contrition
b. Similar to the practice of others – e.g., Nehemiah 9:1-2; Jon 3:5-9
3. With the Word of God fresh on his mind, his heart humbled by his own sins and those of his people, even his physical body humbled into submission, Daniel begins his penitential prayer.
II. THE CONTENT OF THE PRAYER
A. DANIEL’S CONFESSION…
1. Addressing the Lord his God – Daniel 9:4
a. As great and awesome
b. Who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who:
1) Love Him
2) Keep His commandments – cf. Psalm 103:17-18; John 14:15
2. Confessing in behalf of his people – Daniel 9:5-6
a. Of sinning and committing iniquity
b. Of doing wickedly and rebelling
c. Of departing from His precepts and judgments
d. Of failing to heed His servants the prophets, who spoke to their kings, princes, fathers, and all the people – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
3. Contrasting their shame with God’s righteousness – Daniel 9:7-9
a. To Judah, Israel, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem belong shame of face
1) Those both near and far off in countries where God had driven them
2) To them, their kings, princes, and fathers
3) Because of their unfaithfulness against God, their sin and rebellion – Ezra 9:6-7
b. To God belongs righteousness
1) To Him belongs mercy and forgiveness
2) Even though they had rebelled against Him – Ezra 9:8-9
4. Reviewing their sin, and the fulfillment of God’s warnings – Daniel 9:10-14
a. The nature of their sin – cf. Nehemiah 9:13-30
1) They have not obeyed the voice of the Lord
2) They have not walked in His laws set before by His prophets
3) They transgressed His law, and departed so as not to obey His voice
4) They had not prayed that they might turn from their iniquities and understand His truth
b. The fulfillment of God’s warnings – cf. Leviticus 26:14-39; Deuteronomy 28:15-68
1) The curse and oath written in the Law of Moses has been poured out
2) He has confirmed His words spoken against them by bringing a great disaster upon them
3) Especially the disaster which has come upon Jerusalem
5. Summarizing their sin – Daniel 9:15
a. To Him who delivered them from Egyptian bondage with a mighty hand
B. DANIEL’S PETITION…
1. His passionate plea for God to:
a. Turn away His anger and fury – Daniel 9:16
1) From His city Jerusalem, His holy mountain
2) Because of their sins and iniquities
3) For which they have become a reproach
b. Hear his prayer and supplications – Daniel 9:17a
c. Cause His face to shine on His sanctuary, which is desolate – Daniel 9:17b
d. See their desolation, and the desolation of the city called by His name – Daniel 9:18
e. Hear, forgive, act and not delay! – Daniel 9:19
2. His passionate plea based, not because of their righteous deeds, but upon:
a. God’s righteousness, and for His sake – Daniel 9:16-17
b. God’s great mercies, and for His city and His people called by His name – Daniel 9:18-19
Conclusion
1. Like the penitential prayer of David in Psalm 51, this prayer of Daniel is a classic example of how to confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness…
a. To seek forgiveness on the basis of God’s loving kindness and mercy, not one’s own righteousness – cf. Psalm 51:1-2
b. To acknowledge one’s sins before God – cf. Psalm 51:3-4
c. As we confess our sins (cf. 1 John 1:9), remember the example of godly men like David and Daniel!
2. Daniel’s noble character is seen in how he identified himself with his people in their sins…
a. Even though he had been faithful to God throughout his life – Daniel 6:10
b. For such reasons he was “greatly beloved” by God – Daniel 9:23; 10:11,19
3. May the example of Daniel’s life and fait h inspire us in our own walk with God, for we too have been blessed to be “greatly beloved”:
4. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1a
5. Are we trusting in the love and mercy of God for the forgiveness of sins, and not our own righteousness?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 09:20-27 The Vision of the Seventy Weeks – powerpoint
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Daniel-09-20-27-The-Vision-of-the-Seventy-Weeks.PDF
Daniel-09-20-27-The-Vision-of-the-Seventy-Weeks.PPTX
Text: Daniel 9:20-27
Introduction
1. We come now to one of the most difficult passages of the Old Testament…
2. With such a difficult passage before us, we should …
a. Approach it with humility, and not dogmatically
b. Not draw conclusions that would contradict clear teachings of Scripture
Body
I. THE ARRIVAL OF GABRIEL
A. AT THE TIME OF EVENING OFFERING…
1. Even as Daniel was confessing his sin and the sin of his people, and making supplication for the holy mountain of God (i.e., Jerusalem) – Daniel 9:20-21
2. This was the same person seen in the vision at the beginning – cf. Daniel 8:16
B. TO GIVE DANIEL SKILL TO UNDERSTAND…
1. Commanded to do so even at the beginning of Daniel’s prayer – Daniel 9:22-23
2. For Daniel was “greatly beloved” – cf. Daniel 10:11,19
II. THE VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS
A. A GENERAL STATEMENT OF WHAT IS TO OCCUR…
1. 70 “weeks” are determined for Daniel’s people (Israel) and his holy city (Jerusalem) – Daniel 9:24
a. The word “weeks” in Hebrew is actually “sevens” (i.e., 70 “sevens”)
b. Most agree it likely refers to “weeks”, but weeks of what?
1) Weeks of days?
a) Then it would be 490 days
b) Few believe this to be the case, and so most all figuratize this passage to some extent
2) Weeks of years (i.e., each day representing a year)?
a) Then it would be 490 years
b) But the Jews used a lunar calendar (360 days/yr), so it would be 483 years according to our calendar)
c) Many suggest this to be the answer, but it is not without difficulty
3) Of some nonspecific period of time?
a) Then it may just refer to seventy complete periods of time
b) And each week may not be equivalent in time (i.e., one “week” may be longer than other “weeks”)
2. This period of time will be for the fulfillment of six things, each apparently related to the work of the coming Messiah (i.e., Jesus):
a. To finish the transgression
1) The marginal reading has “restrain” for “finish”
2) The idea is that Messiah would provide a restraining power and influence which would check the progress of sin – Acts 3:25-26
b. To make an end of sins
1) The marginal reading has “to seal up” for “make an end”
2) The idea is that sins will be sealed up, or closed, or hidden, so that they will not be seen, or will not develop themselves – Acts 3:19
c. To make reconciliation for iniquity
1) Literally, to cover iniquity
2) How this would be done is not stated here, but Isaiah 53:5-6,10-12
d. Note: The first three things relate to our Lord’s work of dealing with the problem of sin, how sin would restrained, sealed up, and covered over
e. To bring in everlasting righteousness
1) Literally, to cause to come
2) To provide a way by which a man could become righteous and holy – cf. Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21
f. To seal up the vision and the prophecy
1) To complete, to finish, meaning the prophecies would be fulfilled (Barnes)
2) Others suggest that it is referring to OT prophecies, especially those related to the work of the Messiah making an end of sin – cf. Lk 24:44-47
g. To anoint the Most Holy
1) Barnes opines that the Most Holy refers to the temple in Jerusalem
2) And that the anointing of the temple refers to the presence of the Messiah in the temple – cf. Malachi 3:1-2; Matthew 12:6
3) Especially regarding the presence of the Lord in the temple during His final week – cf. Matthew 21:1-16
4) Some believe it may refer to the baptism of Jesus when the Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove – Matthew 3:16-17
B. A SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF HOW THIS WOULD OCCUR…
1. There shall be 7 weeks and 62 weeks – Daniel 9:25
a. Beginning with the command to restore and build Jerusalem, until Messiah the prince (the street and the wall shall be built, even in troublesome times)
b. At least three possible decrees may serve as the “terminus pro quo” (starting point) of the 70 “weeks”
1) The decree of Cyrus (539-538 BC) – cf. Ezra 1:1-4
a) To rebuild the temple (and the city, cf. Isaiah 44:26-28; 45:13)
b) If one starts here, then the 70 weeks could not be 490 literal years, for that would place the end of the 70 weeks around 55 B.C. (much too early)
c) The appeal of using this decree as the starting point:
1] It is the most well-known decree regarding the restoration of Israel
2] It was given about the time Daniel received his vision of the 70 weeks
3] This decree is preferred by many who do not hold to a literal 490 years
2) The decree of Artaxerxes (457 BC) – cf. Ezra 7:13-14
a) For Ezra to restore the Law and its worship
b) Starting here, 490 Julian years would end the 70 weeks around 33 A.D.
c) But 490 lunar years end the 70 weeks around 26 A.D. (seven years too early)
d) This decree is preferred by some amillenialists who hold to a literal 490 years, but not lunar years (Haley’s Bible Handbook)
3) The second decree of Artaxerxes (445-444 BC) – cf. Nehemiah 2:1-8
a) For Nehemiah to build the city
b) Starting here, 490 lunar years end the 70 weeks around 38 A.D.
c) This would place the start of the 70th week near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry (ca. about 30 A.D.)
d) There are problems with the first 7 weeks ending around 396 B.C., which some contend is too late for the restoration of the city
e) Premillenialists prefer to start with this decree, but so do some amillenialists such as Albert Barnes
c. Each starting date has its problems, but I lean towards Barnes’ choice of the decree of Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. as the terminus a quo for this prophecy
1) The 7 and 62 “weeks” is the period of time from the decree until “Messiah the Prince”
2) Barnes has this period ending with the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry
2. After the 62 weeks, events will occur – Daniel 9:26-27
a. Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself
1) This refers to the death of Christ
2) Whose death occurs midway during the 70th week (see below)
b. People of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary
1) The end of it shall be with a flood; until the end of the war, desolations are determined
a) The people are generally accepted to be the Romans, who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70
b) The “prince” is thought to be either Titus, the Roman general, or perhaps referring to Jesus Himself (with the Roman army as the instrument of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem)
2) Many contend that the destruction must fall within the 70th week
a) However, Young and Barnes argue that such is not necessarily required
b) The desolation to befall Jerusalem may be the consequence of events during the 70th week, and not fall within the period of the 70th week
c. For 1 week, he shall confirm a covenant with many
1) “He” refers to Jesus (Barnes)
2) “Confirm a covenant” describes the work done by Jesus and His apostles in Israel, before and immediately after His death (Barnes)
a) His earthly ministry lasted about 3 and half years
b) The gospel was preached only to Jews for 3-4 years after Pentecost
d. In the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering
1) This refers to Jesus who was cut off, but not for Himself
2) Through His death, He brought the need for sacrifices to an end – Hebrews 10:12-18
e. The abomination and desolation to come – Daniel 9:27
1) Alluding to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70
2) Jesus referred to this in Matthew 24:15
3) Again, this desolation may be the consequence of what occurred in the 70th week, even though it occurred after the 70th week
4) But if required to occur during the 70th week, then the 70th week must extend beyond A.D. 70
Conclusion
1. Such a brief look at this difficult passage will naturally raise many questions, which is beyond the scope of our study
2. While the passage is admittedly difficult, let’s not lose sight of the wonderful promises concerning the Messiah’s work related to sin and righteousness, and that Jesus through His death has truly brought an end to the consequences of sin and thereby introduced everlasting righteousness!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 08:01-27 The Vision of the Ram and the Goat
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Text: Daniel 8:1-27
Introduction
1. In previous chapters we have seen visions describing four kingdoms…
a. The vision of Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2
b. The vision of Daniel – Daniel 7
c. These kingdoms were the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, the Greek, the Roman
2. In Daniel 8, Daniel relates another vision…
a. Commonly called “The Vision of the Ram and the Goat”
b. In which two kingdoms are described
[The two kingdoms as the same as two of the four kingdoms in earlier visions. But just as the vision in Daniel 7 related more information about the fourth kingdom, so now the vision in Daniel 8 provides some information about the second and third kingdoms…]
Body
I. THE VISION DESCRIBED (Daniel 8:1-14)
A. DATE OF THE VISION…
1. Received by Daniel in the third year of Belshazzar king of Babylon – Daniel 8:1
2. This would be about 552 B.C., two years later than the vision in Daniel 7
B. DETAILS OF THE VISION…
1. In the vision, Daniel saw himself in Shushan (Susa) – Daniel 8:2
a. In the province of Elam (western Persia, modern day Iran)
b. The winter capital of the Persian kings
c. He was by the river Ulai
2. He saw a two-horned ram – Daniel 8:3-4
a. Standing beside the river
b. The horns were high, with one higher than the other which came up last
c. The ram was pushing westward, northward, and southward
1) No beast could withstand him
2) None could deliver from his hand
3) He did according to his will and became great
3. He saw a one-horned male goat – Daniel 8:5
a. Coming suddenly from the west
b. Across the surface of the whole earth, not touching the ground
c. With a notable horn between his eyes
4. He saw the goat defeat the ram – Daniel 8:6-7
a. With furious power the goat attacked the ram and broke his two horns
b. The ram was unable to withstand the goat, and was trampled
5. The goat become great, but when he became strong… – Daniel 8:8
a. The large horn was broken
b. In its place four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven
6. He saw a little horn come out of the four with great power – Daniel 8:9-12
a. Which grew exceedingly great
1) Toward the south and east
2) Toward the Glorious Land
b. Which grew up to the host of heaven
1) Casting down and trampling to the ground some of the host
2) Exalting himself as high as the Prince of host
c. By this powerful horn…
1) The daily sacrifices were taken away
2) The place of His (God’s) sanctuary was cast down
3) An army was given him to oppose the daily sacrifices (because of transgression)
d. He did all this and prospered
7. Daniel then heard a conversation between two holy ones – Daniel 8:13-14
a. One asking: “How long will the vision be, concerning…”
1) “the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation”
2) “the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?”
b. The reply given to Daniel:
1) “For two thousand three hundred days”
2) “Then the sanctuary shall be cleansed”
c. With the details before us, we are now ready to consider the explanation provided Daniel
II. THE VISION INTERPRETED
A. GABRIEL ASSIGNED TO EXPLAIN THE VISION…
1. Daniel was seeking to understand the meaning – Daniel 8:15-16
a. When there stood before him one having the appearance of a man
b. When a man’s voice from the banks of the Ulai charged Gabriel to make Daniel understand the vision
2. Gabriel speaks to Daniel – Daniel 8:17-19
a. He approaches Daniel
1) Prompting Daniel to fall on his face in fear
2) Telling him that “the vision refers to the time of the end”
b. He stands Daniel on his feet
1) For Daniel had fallen into a deep sleep with his face to the ground
2) To tell him “what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be”
B. GABRIEL EXPLAINS THE VISION…
1. The two-horned ram – Daniel 8:20
a. Depicts the kings of Media and Persia
b. The larger horn may represent Persia’s greater influence – cf. Daniel 8:3
c. The expansion of the Medo-Persian Empire illustrated by the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward – cf. Daniel 8:4
2. The one-horned male goat – Daniel 8:21
a. Depicts the kingdom of Greece; note that it came from the west – cf. Daniel 8:5
b. The large horn representing it’s first king (Alexander the Great)
c. The speed of the goat aptly reflects Alexander’s conquests – cf. Daniel 8:5
d. Alexander defeated the Persians in three decisive battles – cf. Daniel 8:6-7
1) At Granicus (334 B.C.)
2) At Issus (333 B.C.)
3) At Gaugamela (331 B.C.)
3. The broken horn and four horns that arose in its place – Daniel 8:22
a. Alexander died at 33 years of age
b. His empire was divided between his four generals – cf. Daniel 8:8
1) Ptolemy (Egypt)
2) Seleucus I (Syria)
3) Cassander (Macedonia and Greece)
4) Lysimachus (Thrace and Asia Minor)
4. The little horn that became exceedingly great – Daniel 8:23-25
a. Some time later a king shall arise
1) When transgressors have reached their fullness (when Israel has fallen back into sin)
2) With mighty power, but not by his own
3) Who shall destroy fearfully, prosper and thrive
4) Who shall destroy the mighty and also the holy people
5) Through cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper
6) He shall magnify himself, and destroy many in their prosperity
7) He shall even rise against the Prince of princes (God Himself)
8) But he shall be broken without human hand (God shall destroy him)
b. This is Antiochus Epiphanies, ruler of Syria (175-163 B.C. )
1) Who imposed Greek culture and deities upon his subjects
2) Who when he conquered Jerusalem:
a) Set up an image in the temple
b) Offered swine flesh upon the altar
c) Encouraged Greek soldiers to commit fornication in the temple
d) Forbade circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, possessing a copy of the Scriptures
5. The vision of the evenings and mornings – Daniel 8:26
a. The number of days the sacrifices will cease, and the temple desolated
b. Maybe a literal period (a little over six years) corresponding to the actual period of time the abomination by Antiochus Epiphanes occurred (171-165 B.C.)
c. Daniel instructed to seal up the vision
1) For it was to occur “many days in the future”
2) I.e., almost four hundred years later
C. EFFECT ON DANIEL…
1. He fainted and was sick for days – Daniel 8:27
2. Though he afterward arose and went about the king’s business, he was astonished by the vision (but no one understood it) – Daniel 8:27
Conclusion
1. This vision is probably the easiest to understand of the four visions that Daniel saw…
a. The identity of the ram and goat are clearly given
b. History confirms what is described in this vision
1) The conflict between Medo-Persia and Greece
2) The division of the Grecian empire following Alexander’s death
3) The rise of Antiochus Epiphanies and his desecration of the temple in Jerusalem
2. The purpose of the vision was to prepare the people of Daniel for what was to come…
a. In “the time of the end”
b. In “the latter time of the indignation”
3. The persecution that would come upon Israel toward the end of the OT period (Young)
4. The remarkable accuracy of this vision has led some to date the book of Daniel after the events of Antiochus Epiphanies. But its accuracy poses no problem for those who accept the inspiration of the Scriptures, and should remind us of God’s power to fulfill His Word:
“Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ “Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.” – Isaiah 46:9-11
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 07:01-28 The Vision of the Four Beasts
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Text: Daniel 7:1-28
Introduction
1. The book of Daniel naturally divides itself into two parts…
a. In our introductory lesson, we described these parts as:
1) God’s providence in history – Daniel 1:1-6:28
2) God’s purpose in history – Daniel 7:1-12:13
b. Others describe these two parts as:
1) The personal history of Daniel – Daniel 1:1-6:28
2) The prophetical history of Daniel – Daniel 7:1-12:13
2. The second half of the book contains four visions seen by Daniel…
a. The vision of the four beasts – Daniel 7:1-28
b. The vision of the ram and the goat – Daniel 8:1-27
c. The vision of the seventy weeks – Daniel 9:1-27
d. The vision of the time of the end – Daniel 10:1-12:13
3. In which God reveals to Daniel many things about His purpose and plan in history, regarding the nation of Israel and the everlasting kingdom to come
Body
I. THE VISION DESCRIBED (Daniel 7:1-14)
A. DATE OF THE VISION…
1. Received by Daniel in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon – Daniel 7:1
2. This would be about 550 B.C., when Belshazzar became co-regent with his father Nabonidus
B. DETAILS OF THE VISION…
1. Part One: The four beasts from the sea – Daniel 7:2-8
a. The four winds of heaven stirring up the Great Sea (Mediterranean)
1) The “sea” may symbolize the mass of humanity – cf. Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:15
2) The “four winds of heaven” may be forces God uses to control and even destroy – cf. Jeremiah 49:36; 51:1 (Harkrider)
b. Four great beasts coming up out of the sea
1) The lion with eagle’s wings
a) Whose wings were plucked off
b) Made to stand on two feet like a man
c) A man’s heart given to it
d) The lion represents Babylon; the wings possibly symbolizing the co-regency of Nabonidus and Belshazzar, a kingdom shown to be remarkably fragile – Daniel 5:1-31
2) The bear with ribs in its mouth
a) Raised up on one side
b) Three ribs in its mouth between its teeth
c) Told to “Arise, devour much flesh!”
d) The bear represents the Medo-Persian empire; that it raises on one side reflect the Persian dominance, the three ribs in its mouth may illustrate its victories over Egypt, Syria, and Babylon
3) The winged, multi-headed leopard
a) With four wings and four heads
b) To whom dominion was given
c) The leopard represents the Greek empire of Alexander the Great; the wings symbolize its rapid conquest, the four heads prophetic of its division by four generals after Alexander’s death
4) The dreadful and terrible beast
a) Exceedingly strong, with huge teeth
b) Devouring, breaking in pieces, trampling residue with its feet
c) Different from all the beasts before it
1/ Unlike the other three, it is not compared with any animal
2/ But if it is the beast of Revelation, note that it was a conglomeration of a lion, bear and leopard – Revelation 13:1-2
d) With ten horns; another little horn coming up among them…
1/ Before whom three of the first horns were plucked from their roots
2/ In which were the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompously
e) This beast represents the Roman empire; the ten horns and little horn represents emperors or kings who ruled during events involving the establishment of God’s kingdom (see below) – cf. Daniel 2:44
2. Part Two: An awesome judgment – Daniel 7:9-12
a. Thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated
1) His garment was white as snow, His hair like pure wool
2) His throne a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire, a fiery stream issued from before Him
3) A million ministered to Him, a hundred million stood before Him
4) The court (judgment) was seated, and books were opened
b. The judgment of the four beasts
1) The great and terrible beast
a) The one with the sound of pompous words from the little horn was slain, its body destroyed, and given to the burning flame
2) The rests of the beasts
a) They had their dominion taken away
b) Their lives were prolonged for a season and a time
3. Part Three: The coronation of the Son of Man – Daniel 7:13-14
a. Daniel sees one like the Son of Man
1) Coming with the clouds of heaven
2) Brought near to the Ancient of Days
b. To Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom
1) That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him
2) His dominion is an everlasting dominion
3) His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed – cf. Daniel 2:44
[The parallels between this vision and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel2) should be carefully noted. Both involve the rise and fall of four kingdoms, and a kingdom which would never be destroyed. In Daniel’s three-part vision, the conflict to come between the fourth kingdom and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom is foretold as we see…]
II. THE VISION INTERPRETED
A. EFFECT ON DANIEL…
1. Grieved in his spirit – Daniel 7:15
2. Troubled by the visions he saw
B. EXPLANATION TO DANIEL…
1. An overall summary of the vision – Daniel 7:16-18
a. Provided by one of those who stood by (an angel?)
b. The four beasts represent four kings (kingdoms, cf. Daniel 7:23)
c. Yet the saints of the Most High shall receive and possess the everlasting kingdom
2. Daniel’s desire to know more – Daniel 7:19-20
a. About the fourth beast, exceedingly dreadful
b. About the ten horns on it head
c. About the little horn
1) Before which three horns fell
2) Which had eyes and a mouth speaking pompous words
3) Whose appearance was greater than his fellows
3. What Daniel then saw – Daniel 7:21-22
a. The little horn making war against the saints, prevailing against them
b. Until the Ancient of Days came
1) With judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High
2) And it was time for the saints to possess the kingdom
4. What Daniel then heard – Daniel 7:23-27
a. Concerning the fourth beast
1) It shall be a fourth kingdom on the earth
2) It shall devour the whole earth, trample it, and break it in pieces
3) The Roman empire, which came to rule the Mediterranean world
b. Concerning the ten horns
1) They are ten kings to arise from this fourth kingdom
2) After whom another shall arise
— These may be emperors who ruled during the first century A.D. when the everlasting kingdom (i.e., the church) was being established, or the ten kings alluded to in Revelation 17:12-13; then again, the number ten may only be symbolic, reflecting their complete or full number, and not ten specific kings
c. Concerning the little horn
1) He shall be different from the first kings
2) He shall subdue three kings
3) He shall speak pompous words against the Most High
4) He shall persecute the saints of the Most High
5) He shall intend to change times and law
6) Into whose hands the saints shall be given for a time, times and half a time
1/ Perhaps 3 1/2 years (1 year, 2 years, 1/2 year), 42 months – cf. Revelation 13:5; also 11:2,3
2/ A broken, short period of time involving persecution
— This is likely the persecuting emperor of Rome (e.g., Domitian), described as the beast from the sea in Revelation – cf. Revelation 13:1-2,5-7
d. Concerning the judgment
1) The dominion of the little horn shall be taken away, consumed and destroyed
2) Then the kingdom (of heaven?), and the dominion and greatness of the kingdoms under heaven shall be given to the saints of the Most High
3) This kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and dominions shall serve Him
— As depicted in Revelation, the conflict between the Roman empire and the church would end with the ultimate victory of the people of God (who even though martyred, would reign with Christ) – cf. Revelation 17:14; 19:19-20; 20:4
C. EPILOGUE BY DANIEL…
1. His thoughts greatly troubled him, and his countenance changed – Daniel 7:28
2. But he kept the matter in his heart – Daniel 7:28
a. A good course of action whenever we are unsure about the meaning of a particular Scripture, especially that which is prophetic
b. As we continue to read and study, what we learn later may help enlighten the unclear Scripture we have kept in our heart
Conclusion
1. “The Vision Of The Four Beasts” is certainly interesting and challenging…
a. It expands upon the vision seen by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2
b. It introduces the conflict described in the vision seen by John in Re 13-20
2. I understand these visions to depict the establishment of “the everlasting kingdom”…
a. To occur during the days of the Roman empire – Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:30-33; Mark 1:14-15
b. Which began when Jesus ascended to heaven – Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 1:9; 2:36; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:5,9
c. Which experienced great persecution at the outset – Daniel 7:25; Revelation 1:9; 2:10; 17:14
3. But the saints who persevered in those days, even to the point of death, continue to reign with Christ in heaven (i.e., they “possess the kingdom”) – Daniel 7:18; 2 Timothy 4:17-18; Revelation 20:4
4. The ultimate victory of the church over the Roman empire came to pass as foretold to both Daniel and John. May this fulfillment encourage us to remain faithful until the time when Jesus returns to “deliver the kingdom to God the Father”! – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:23-26
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 06:01-28 Daniel in the Lions Den
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Text: Daniel 6:1-28
Introduction
1. The faith of Daniel has been an inspiration to many young people…
a. Due to his faith as a young man, when only 15-17 years old
b. In which he purposed in his heart not to defile himself – cf. Daniel 1:8
2. Daniel should also be an inspiration to elderly people…
a. As an example of service and commitment in our “golden years”
b. For we can also read of his faith as old man, perhaps in his mid-eighties
Body
I. THE TRAP IS SET (Daniel 6:1-9)
A. DANIEL IS SUCCESSFUL…
1. He is appointed one of three governors over the kingdom – Daniel 6:1-2
2. Daniel “distinguished” himself above the others – Daniel 6:3
a. His success was due to his “excellent spirit”, not cunning or political maneuvering
b. Proving one can be successful in business and politics without compromising character
c. Darius contemplates setting Daniel over the whole realm
B. DANIEL IS ENVIED…
1. His success leads to envy by others – Daniel 6:4
a. Even the most godly men can have their enemies (e.g., David, Christ)
b. Enemies by virtue of jealousy
2. His noble character is attested to by his enemies – Daniel 6:4
a. They could make no charge against him, finding no fault or error in him
b. Because he was “faithful” (i.e., trustworthy, dependable)
3. His enemies determine there is only one way to defeat him – Daniel 6:5
a. To find some conflict between the law of God and that of the land
b. Which they then set out to do
C. DANIEL IS TARGETED…
1. The king is approached by Daniel’s enemies – Daniel 6:6
2. They propose a royal statute, a firm decree – Daniel 6:7
a. That no petition can be made of any god or man for thirty days, except the king
b. Under punishment of being cast into the den of lions
3. The king is encouraged to establish the decree – Daniel 6:8-9
a. Which according to the law of the Medes and Persians, cannot be altered
b. King Darius signs the decree
II. THE TRAP IS SPRUNG (Daniel 6:10-17)
A. DANIEL CONTINUES TO PRAY…
1. Knowing full well that the decree had been signed – Daniel 6:10
2. Practicing a custom common among the Jews – Daniel 6:10
a. Praying three times a day – cf. Psalm 55:17
b. Praying toward Jerusalem – cf. 1 Kings 8:27-30
c. Praying on his knees (a common posture for prayer) – cf. 1 Kings 8:54
d. Praying with thankfulness to God, even in times of trouble – cf. Philippians 4:6
3. His own custom since “early days” – Daniel 6:10
a. Though great and powerful, fervent prayer was not beneath him
b. Though aged, he had not grown weary of prayer
B. DANIEL IS CAUGHT…
1. His enemies catch Daniel praying – Daniel 6:11
2. His enemies report Daniel to the king – Daniel 6:12-13
a. Reminding Darius of the unalterable decree
b. Accusing Daniel of disregarding the king and his decree
3. The king is forced to abide by his own decree – Daniel 6:14-15
a. Displeased with himself, the king tries to deliver Daniel
b. Daniel’s enemies pressure the king to abide by his decree
C. DANIEL IS THROWN INTO THE LIONS’ DEN…
1. Yet the king is hopeful – Daniel 6:16
a. That Daniel’s God will deliver him
b. Whom Daniel had served “continually”
2. The den is closed with a stone and sealed – Daniel 6:17
a. Sealed with the signet ring of the king and his lords
b. Ensuring that the purpose concerning Daniel would not be changed
3. It appears Daniel’s enemies have won. He is in the lions’ den and it is sealed. Yet could any “seal” by man ever keep God from accomplishing His plans (don’t forget the “sealed” tomb! – Matthew 27:62-66
III. THE TRAP IS SPOILED (Daniel 6:18-28)
A. DARIUS IS WORRIED…
1. His night is restless – Daniel 6:18
a. He spends the night fasting, and without musicians
b. He can’t sleep
2. His concern for Daniel is evident – Daniel 6:19-20
a. Rising early in the morning, going in haste to the den
b. Crying to Daniel with a lamenting voice
c. Wondering if God has delivered Daniel
1) A servant of the living God
2) Who serves God continually
B. DANIEL IS DELIVERED…
1. Daniel answers the king – Daniel 6:21-22
a. With respect to the king (“O king, live forever!”)
1) Despite what the king had done to him
2) An example of blessing those who persecute you
b. With word of God’s great deliverance
1) Saved by an angel of God – cf. Daniel 3:28
2) Who shut the lions’ mouths
c. With affirmation of his innocence
1) Innocent before God
2) Guilty of no wrong before the king
2. Darius removes Daniel from the den – Daniel 6:23
a. The king being exceedingly glad
b. Daniel with no injury found on him
3. Daniel is delivered from the lions, because he believed in His God (i.e., saved by faith!)
C. THE CONSPIRATORS ARE EXECUTED…
1. Cast into the same trap intended for Daniel, along with their families – Daniel 6:24
2. As often happens, those who set the trap get caught in it!
a. Cf. Haman, hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai – Esther 7:10
b. As contemplated by David, warned by Solomon – Psalm 7:14-16; Proverbs 1:10-19
D. GOD IS EXALTED…
1. Darius makes a decree that the God of Daniel be feared – Daniel 6:25-27
a. He is the living God, and steadfast forever
b. His kingdom is indestructible, and His dominion everlasting
2. Another pagan king comes to realize Who is really in control!
a. As did Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4:34-35
b. As did Belshazzar, only too late – Daniel 5:26-28
E. DANIEL PROSPERS…
1. In the reign of Darius, who ruled Chaldea – Daniel 6:28
2. In the reign of Cyrus of Persia (who also ruled over Darius) – cf. Daniel 1:21
Conclusion
1. What were the noble qualities of this aged saint? He was a man…
a. With an excellent spirit – Daniel 6:3
b. Without fault in his business dealings – Daniel 6:4
c. Faithful to those over him – Daniel 6:4
d. Committed to prayer throughout his life – Daniel 6:10
e. Willing to obey God rather than man – Daniel 6:10
f. Putting it simply, he was a man who “believed in his God”! – Daniel 6:23
2. “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” is a story that has thrilled many children…
a. But its lessons are not just for children
b. Daniel is a role model for adults as well
1) For politicians
2) For everyone involved in administrative affairs
3) For all Christians, especially older ones
3. May we all learn from the example of Daniel, who exemplified what it means to seek first the will of God (cf. Matthew 6:33), and to obey God rather than man (cf. Acts 5:29)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 05:01-31 The Hand Writing on the Wall
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Text: Daniel 5:1-31
Introduction
1. So far in our study of the book of Daniel, we have seen…
a. The faith of young Daniel, who made the commitment not to defile himself – Daniel 1
b. The first dream of Nebuchadnezzar, interpreted by Daniel – Daniel 2
1) Prophesying the rise and fall of four world empires
2) Foretelling the establishment of the kingdom of Christ
c. The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the face of fire – Daniel 3
d. The second dream of Nebuchadnezzar and it is fulfillment, confirming that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men – Daniel 4
2. We now come to Daniel 5, where we find an incident familiar to many…
a. The event is often called: “The Hand Writing On The Wall”
b. As with any Old Testament account, it was written for our admonition – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11
Body
I. BOOZE AND IDOLATRY IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:1-4)
A. BELSHAZZAR, THE KING…
1. The time is now about 539 B.C.
a. Nebuchadnezzar had died in 562 B.C.
b. He was succeeded by his son, Evil-Merodach – cf. 2 Kings 25:27
1) After two years he was assassinated by Nergilissar, his brother- in- law
2) Who in turn died four years later (556 B.C. ), leaving the throne to his infant son, Labashi- Marduk, who was soon deposed by a priestly revolution
c. Nabonidus, a former priest under Nebuchadnezzar, was made king in 556 B.C.
1) Who was interested more in scholarly and religious pursuits
2) So he appointed his son Belshazzar as ruler of Babylon in his place
d. Belshazzar therefore became co-regent in 550 B.C.
1) He was “second” in command
2) Which is why he offered Daniel only the “third” position – cf. Daniel 5:16, 29
3) Nebuchadnezzar is called his “father” – Daniel 5:2, 11,13,18,22
a) Nabodonius (Belshazzar’s father) may have been Nebuchadnezzar’s son in-law, and it was common to refer to one’s ancestor as “father”
b) Or “father” may be used figuratively
2. Belshazzar throws a big feast – Daniel 5:1-3
a. Nebuchadnezzar had taken gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:10
b. Belshazzar adds insult to injury by using them in this feast
B. THEY PRAISED THE GODS OF GOLD AND SILVER…
1. The king and guests foolishly praised the creation rather than the Creator
2. Would we ever stoop so low?
a. Worship the gods of silver and gold?
b. Become guilty of idolatry?
3. We do if we succumb to the sin of covetousness! – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
a. When we make mammon (material riches) our god – cf. Matthew 6:24
b. When we make created things the prime focus of our time and interest
II. PANIC AND HUMILIATION IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:5-9)
A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL…
1. The fingers of a man’s hands appear – Daniel 5:5a
2. They write on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace – Daniel 5:5b
3. Belshazzar sees the part of the hand that wrote – Daniel 5:5c
B. THE QUAKING KING…
1. In the case of King Belshazzar…
a. One moment his heart is puffed up with pride
b. The next moment, his knees are knocking together – Daniel 5:6
2. A vivid illustration of: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
3. All he saw was a man’s hand…
a. What if he had seen the face of God?
b. If just a tiny manifestation of God’s power had that effect, then what would be the effect of coming face to face with God?
4. What about the coming Judgment? Will we be able to stand?
a. Not if we are wicked – cf. Psalm 1:5
b. But we can if we have pure hearts and holy hands – cf. Psalm 24:3-5
C. THE HELPLESS ADVISORS…
1. Once again, a king appeals first to those unable to help – Daniel 5:7-9
2. Just as Nebuchadnezzar did in Daniel 2
3. People often do the same thing today in times of crisis
a. They go to the wrong place for help
1) Looking to their own strength or wisdom
2) Or that of other people
b. When they need to trust in God first – Proverbs 3:5-10; Matthew 6:33
III. THE ARRIVAL OF GOD’S MAN (Daniel 5:10-16)
A. THE ADVICE OF THE QUEEN…
1. The queen was likely the “queen mother”, for the wives were already present – Daniel 5:10-12; cf. 5:2
2. Note that the queen was not present at the banquet…
B. DANIEL BEFORE THE OFFENDER…
1. Twice the king says “I have heard of you” – Daniel 5:13-16
a. It sounds as though the king knew him only by reputation
b. He evidently had not made much effort to know Daniel prior to this event
2. People in the world are not much different
a. They make little effort to get to know the people of God
b. But in times of sickness, trials, and death, where do they turn? To the church, of course
IV. THE INDICTMENT (Daniel 5:17-24)
A. DANIEL REJECTS THE KING’S REWARD…
1. At this point the character of Daniel really shines – Daniel 5:17
2. Unlike many, who teach only if given gifts (or “love offerings”)
3. Daniel gladly tells the true for free
B. DANIEL RECOUNTS A LESSON FROM HISTORY…
1. The lesson from Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream is recounted – Daniel 5:18-21
2. We would do well to learn from history
a. Those who ignore history, are doomed to repeat it
b. This is especially true with inspired history!
C. DANIEL REBUKES THE KING…
1. Belshazzar did not learn from his father’s experience – Daniel 5:22-24
a. He exalted himself, when he should have glorified God
b. This handwriting on the wall was sent
2. When will people learn from history?
a. Should we not learn from the pride of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus?
b. Should we not learn from the murmuring of the Israelites in the wilderness?
3. Indeed, inspired history was written for our learning! – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11
V. THE SENTENCE AND EXECUTION (Daniel 5:25-31)
A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL EXPLAINED…
1. What was meant by: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” – Daniel 5:25-28
a. Mene – God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it
b. Tekel – You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting
c. Peres (Upharsin) – Your kingdom has been divided, given to the Medes and Persians
d. The message of Daniel’s interpretation is that Belshazzar’s kingdom had been numbered for destruction. The king himself is weighed and found wanting. The kingdom was to be taken away and given to the Medes and the Persians.
B. A THIRD OF NOTHING…
1. Belshazzar is true to his promise – Daniel 5:29
2. But as we will soon see, what he gave Daniel was a “third of nothing”
C. “THIS NIGHT YOUR SOUL WILL BE REQUIRED OF YOU…”
1. How quickly the proud and boastful can fall, despite power and wealth – Daniel 5:30-31
a. Herodotus indicates that Babylon fell as a consequence of the diverting of the waters of the Euphrates, allowing the enemy to enter under the city walls
b. Other sources explain it as the result of treason and subterfuge from within, resulting in the opening of the gates to the conquering armies
2. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ story of the rich fool – Luke 12:15-21
a. Boasting one day
b. Dead the next
Conclusion
1. The announcement of doom in this story was provoked in part because…
a. The king misused and abused some pieces of metal
b. These pieces of metal were God’s pieces of metal
c. For such disregard of what belonged to God, a kingdom would be buried!
2. Remember that we are the temple of God today – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
a. If God did not view lightly the misuse of His vessels then…
b. Will He be casual about the impenitent abuse of His church today?
3. Just as He destroyed the one who defiled His temple of old, so He will destroy those who defile His temple (i.e., the church) today!
Let’s not wait for “The Hand Writing On The Wall” to tell us it is too late, that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final.
Let’s instead heed “The Hand That Wrote On The Ground” (i.e., Jesus, John 8:6, 8), while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 04:01-37 The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men
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Text: Daniel 4:1-37
Introduction
1. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had a dream…
a. Involving a large image with head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron with feet of iron mixed with clay – Daniel 2:36-43
1) Representing four world empires
2) Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome
b. In which the image was destroyed by a small stone made without hands – Daniel 2:44-45
1) Representing the establishment of a kingdom by the God of heaven
2) A kingdom that would never be destroyed, and would consume the other kingdoms
3) Prompting the king to praise the God of Daniel – Daniel 2:47
2. In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar made a large image of gold…
a. He required all to worship it, under threat of death – Daniel 3:4-6
b. Three young men did not, yet survived the fiery furnace – Daniel 3:23-27
c. Prompting the king to bless the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego – Daniel 3:28-29
3. From Daniel 4, it appears that Nebuchadnezzar had more to learn about God…
a. He knew that God was Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets – Daniel 2:47
b. He knew that God can deliver His servants – Daniel 3:28-29
4. But now it was time for him to learn that God, the Most High and King of heaven, rules in the kingdom of men, including his own!
Body
I. THE DREAM, INTERPRETATION, AND FULFILLMENT
A. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S FOREWORD…
1. Addressed to all who dwell on the earth – Daniel 4:1
2. To declare the signs and wonders of the Most High God – Daniel 4:2-3a
3. Proclaiming God’s kingdom to be everlasting, His dominion from generation to generation- Daniel 4:3b
B. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM…
1. A dream which troubled him and made him afraid – Daniel 4:4-5
2. His dissatisfaction with the wise men of Babylon – Daniel 4:6-7
3. The dream is told to Daniel…
a. The king’s confidence in Daniel – Daniel 4:8-9
b. Elements of the dream – Daniel 4:10-17
1) A tree in the middle of the earth, its height reaching to the heavens
2) The decree of a holy one, a “watcher”, concerning the tree
a) To be cut down, leaving only the stump and roots
b) Bound with a band of iron and bronze
c) Wet with the dew of heaven
d) To graze with the beasts of the earth
e) His heart changed from that of a man to an animal
f) And let seven times (years?) pass over him
3) The purpose of the decree is for the living to know:
a) The Most High rules in the kingdom of men
b) Who gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men
c. The king repeats his confidence in Daniel to interpret the dream – Daniel 4:18
C. DANIEL’S INTERPRETATION…
1. Daniel is astonished and troubled by the dream – Daniel 4:19
a. Yet the king reassures Daniel to tell the interpretation
b. Daniel wished the dream pertained to the king’s enemies
2. Elements of Daniel’s interpretation – Daniel 4:20-26
a. The tree which became strong and tall represents Nebuchadnezzar
b. The king shall be driven from men, dwell among beasts and eat grass like oxen
1) Seven times (years?) will pass over him
2) Till he knew that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, giving it to whomever He chooses
c. The kingdom shall be returned to Nebuchadnezzar
1) Indicated by the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree
2) Once he comes to know that Heaven rules
3. Daniel’s counsel for the king to be righteous and show mercy – Daniel 4:27
D. THE DREAM’S FULFILLMENT…
1. It came to pass at the end of twelve months – Daniel 4:28-29
2. As the king was boasting about his power and majesty – Daniel 4:30-32
3. That very hour he was driven from men – Daniel 4:33
a. He ate grass like oxen
b. His body was wet with the dew of heaven
c. His hair grew like eagle’s feathers, his nails like birds’ claws
4. And the end of the time, understanding returned to the king – Daniel 4:34-35
a. Prompting him to bless and praise the Most High, who lives forever
b. Acknowledging His everlasting dominion and kingdom
c. Who does according to His will in the army of heaven and among inhabitants of the earth, and none can restrain or say “What have You done?”
5. Nebuchadnezzar restored – Daniel 4:36-37
a. His reason, honor, and splendor returned, his counselor and nobles resorted to him
b. But now he praises and honors the King of heaven for His truth and justice, Who is able to humble those who walk in pride
E. THE MAIN POINT OF THE DREAM AND ITS FULFILLMENT…
1. Stated several times in this chapter
a. In the dream itself – Daniel 4:17
b. By Daniel, in providing the interpretation – Daniel 4:25-26
c. As spoken from Heaven when the dream came to pass – Daniel 4:32
d. By Nebuchadnezzar when he returned to his senses – Daniel 4:34-35
2. To learn that “The Most High Rules In The Kingdom Of Men”
a. Which Daniel acknowledged from Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream – Daniel 2:20-21
b. And now does the king, from his second dream!
[The main point is simple enough, but do we acknowledge that it is still true? Do we appreciate that the Most High still rules in the kingdom of men, only now through His Son? Lest we forget, let’s review what the New Testament teaches about…]
II. THE RULE OF GOD IN THE KINGDOMS OF MEN
A. CHRIST NOW REIGNS AS SOVEREIGN…
1. As claimed before His ascension to heaven – Matthew 28:18
2. As proclaimed after His ascension – Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21
3. As taught by His apostles – Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; 1 Peter 3:22
[So He has the authority, but does He exercise it? Consider the next point…]
B. CHRIST NOW REIGNS IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN…
1. As foretold by the prophets
a. In Psalms 2, which speaks of:
1) The attempt of the nations to reject Christ – Psalm 2:1-3
2) The coronation of Christ despite their efforts – Psalm 2:4-6
3) The exercise of Christ’s rule over the nations – Psalm 2:7-9
4) The importance of kings and judges serving the Lord – Psalm 2:10-12
5) Acts 4:23-28 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!
b. In Psalms 110, which tells of:
1) The rule of Christ in the midst of His enemies – Psalm 110:1-2
2) The voluntary service of His people (the church), and the priestly service of their King – Psalm 110:3-4
3) The exercise of judgment among the nations – Psalm 110:5-7
4) Acts 2:32-36 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!
2. As taught by the apostles
a. Governing authorities exist as appointed by God, to serve as ministers of God – Romans 13:1-4
b. Why pray for kings and those in authority, that peace may prevail, unless God through Christ can do something about it? – cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
c. Jesus is the “ruler over the kings of the earth” – Revelation 1:5
1) He exercised that rule in the destruction of Jerusalem, foretold in Matthew 24
2) He exercised that rule in destroying the beast of Revelation (the Roman empire) and all his forces – cf. Revelation 17:14
d. Truly Jesus is “King of kings, and Lord of lords”- Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15
3. We may not always be able to see how it is so
a. If Christ rules in the kingdom of men, why do evil men and evil empires exist?
b. It helps to understand the nature of Christ’s rule1) He rules “in the midst of His enemies” – Psalm 110:22) He must reign “till He has put all enemies under His feet” – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
c. Until He comes again, Jesus exercises His authority over the nations in ways we may not always be able to comprehend
Conclusion
1. To know that “the Most High rules” must have been comforting to Daniel…
a. For at that time he and the nation of <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Israel”>Israel</a> were in captivity
b. Their temple was destroyed, the land plundered and filled with transplanted foreigners
c. Yet Daniel knew the prophecy of Jeremiah, that after seventy years they would return – cf. Daniel 9:1-2
d. Knowing that God rules, even when wicked men seem to prevail, gave him hope
2. We can take comfort in knowing that “the Most High rules” today…
a. That He who rules in the kingdom of men is Jesus!
b. Who is our Savior, Priest, and Friend!
c. Therefore we can look forward to the future with hope, not apprehension
3. But this is true only if we give Jesus sovereign rule in our personal lives…
a. He must be “our” Lord, the King of “our” lives!
b. We must be “volunteers” in the day of His power – cf. Psalm 110:3
4. Have we submitted in obedience to Him who is both Lord and Christ (cf. Acts 2:36-38)?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 02:01-49 The Kingdom that Shall Never be Destroyed
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Text: Daniel 2:1-49
Introduction
1. In Daniel chapter 2, we read about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation…
a. Nebuchadnezzar challenges his magicians, sorcerers, et al, to tell him both the dream and its interpretation, and they are unable – Daniel 2:1-13
b. God reveals the secret of the dream to Daniel in a night vision – Daniel 2:14-23
c. Daniel approaches the king and explains that God has made known to him both the dream and its interpretation – Daniel 2:24-30
d. Daniel then tells the dream, and gives the interpretation of it, to the amazement of Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:31-49 (read)
1) The king had seen a great image
a) With head of gold
b) With chest and arms of silver
c) With belly and thighs of bronze
d) With legs of iron, and feet mixed with iron and clay
2) The great image was destroyed by a small stone made without hands
a) The image representing the rise and fall of four world empires
b) The stone representing a kingdom that God would set up
3) The king praises God, and exalts Daniel along with his three friends
2. There are certainly two key thoughts expressed in this chapter…
a. God is a revealer of secrets – Daniel 2:19, 22, 28-29, 47
b. God can make know the future and bring it pass – Daniel 2:28-29, 21
3. But of particular interest to us ought to be the “kingdom” in verse 44…
a. Which the God of heaven Himself shall set up
b. Which shall never be destroyed, but consume other kingdoms and stand forever
4. Several questions naturally come to mind concerning this “kingdom”…
a. When would God set it up?
b. Has it been set up as foretold?
c. If it has, and if it shall never be destroyed…
1) Where is it now?
2) What is the future of this kingdom?
3) Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?
Body
I. THE PREPARATION FOR THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. “IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS…” (Daniel 2:44)
1. Daniel describes the image as depicting four kingdoms which shall rise and fall
2. The first one is definitely Babylon – Daniel 2:37-38
3. With Babylon as the starting point, world history confirms that the next three kingdoms would be:
a. The Medo-Persian empire, represented by the chest and arms of silver
b. The Grecian empire, represented by the belly and thighs of bronze
c. The Roman empire, represented by the legs of iron, with feet mixed with iron and clay
4. Thus one could look for the establishment of the “indestructible kingdom” in the days of the Roman empire
B. WHEN “THE TIME IS FULFILLED”…
1. Notice what John the Baptist began preaching during the days of the Roman Empire (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand”) – Matthew 3:1-2
2. Jesus proclaimed this also, adding “the time is fulfilled” – Mark 1:14-15
a. What “time” was fulfilled?
b. The time described by Daniel!
II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. DURING JESUS’ EARTHLY MINISTRY, IT WAS “AT HAND”…
1. This is what both John and Jesus proclaimed – Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:14-15
2. Yet after Jesus’ death, there were those who were still waiting for the kingdom – Joseph of Arimathea, Luke 23:50-51
B. BUT FOLLOWING THE ASCENSION OF JESUS…
1. He is far above all principality, power, might, dominion – Ephesians 1:20-21
2. All has been made subject to Him – 1 Peter 3:22
3. He is ruler over the kings of the earth – Revelation 1:5
4. He rules the nations with a rod of iron – Revelation 2:26-27
5. He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth! – cf. Matthew 28:18
C. THIS SUPPORTS WHAT IS REVEALED LATER IN DANIEL…
1. Consider Daniel 7:13-14
a. Where one like the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days (God)
b. And is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom which shall not be destroyed
2. Compare this with Acts 1:9
a. Daniel describes the ascension from a heavenly perspective
b. Whereas Luke describes it from an earthly perspective!
3. It is clear, then, that the King (Jesus) has received a kingdom, that the indestructible kingdom was set up when He returned to heaven! But one might naturally ask: Where is it now?
III. THE NATURE OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS KINGDOM…
1. It was described by Daniel as a “stone cut…without hands which became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” – Daniel 2:34-35
a. “without hands” suggests it is not your ordinary kingdom
b. Also, it would start small and then grow larger
2. Compare this with what Jesus taught about the nature of His kingdom
a. His kingdom is not of this world – John 18:36; cf. Romans 14:17
b. It would start small, and grow to encompass the earth – Matthew 13:31-33
3. Thus this “indestructible kingdom” would start small, and would be spiritual in nature
B. THIS KINGDOM THEREFORE INVOLVES THOSE IN THE CHURCH…
1. The Christians at Colosse were in the kingdom – Colossians 1:12-13
2. Those at Thessalonica likewise – 1 Thessalonians 2:12
3. Along with the seven churches in Asia – Revelation 1:6,9
4. Indeed, all Christians receive their part in this “indestructible kingdom” – Hebrews 12:28
a. Including us gathered here this day!
b. Fulfilling the statement that this kingdom would fill the whole earth!
c. For here we are, on the other side of the planet from Jerusalem, yet citizens of this kingdom foretold in Daniel!
d. Whoever is willing to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15) can be a part of the kingdom Jesus established when He sat down at the right hand of God following His ascension to heaven.
IV. THE FUTURE OF THIS INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. IT WILL LAST FOREVER…
1. As Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:44
a. “which shall never be destroyed”
b. “it shall stand forever”
2. As the writer to the Hebrews stated: “a kingdom which cannot be shaken” – He 12:28
3. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary: “of His kingdom there will be no end” – Lk 1:31-33
B. AT CHRIST’S COMING, IT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE FATHER…
1. As taught by Paul to the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 15:23-26
a. When Christ comes, He shall deliver the kingdom to God the Father, having put an end to all rule, authority and power
b. Until then, Christ shall reign until all enemies are placed under His feet, the last enemy being death
2. As Jesus taught in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:40-43
a. At the end of the age, His angels will gather out of the kingdom those that offend and practice lawlessness
b. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father
Conclusion
1. And so this kingdom…
a. Foretold by Daniel, proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself
b. Was begun in the days of the Roman empire, with Christ as its king and His disciples as its citizens
2. It is an indestructible kingdom…
a. That continues on, ever growing
b. With the hope of a glorious future in eternity
3. But let us not forget the last question raised in our introduction: Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?
a. Yes! For Jesus and His apostles tell us how
1) We must be born again of water and the Spirit – John 3:5; cf. Titus 3:5
2) An allusion to baptism, commanded of penitent believers – Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
b. But beware, some in the kingdom may one day be cast out!
1) As Jesus warned in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:41-43
2) Telling us later of the necessity of an enduring faith – Revelation 2:10
4.Therefore, once we have been obedient to the gospel (cf. Romans 6:17-18) we must remain diligent in our faith, if we wish to experience the futur e glories of…”The Kingdom Which Shall Never Be Destroyed!”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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