The book of Daniel

Beyond survival to impact.

Historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Daniel (meaning God is Judge) compiled this book around the year 536BC . Daniel (1.3) was taken captive to Babylon at the time of the first invasion of Jerusalem. He then covers the whole exile time and the going back.

In Babylon he, together with three other Hebrews, was chosen to be trained to serve King Nebuchadnezzar (the Babylonian King) Further on he was 5.16, offered to be nr.3 in Babylonia because of his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. He was well respected, but envois people tried to have him killed because of His integrity and strong trust and belief in God. (9.23,10.11,19)

The book has these strong stories we have heard fall the time form Sunday school:

·      The 3 men in the fire – the King saw 4 and was amazed and scared and released the men .who where untouched by the fire. And the king gave Lord the honor. It would be important to the OR to read the Kings words of giving the Lord honor.

·      David in the Lions den because he didn’t want to worship the Kings statue. The King was troubled and did not sleep. The king was overjoyed and gave God the honor when Daniel was alive. 6.10 and He promoted Daniel.

·      The writing on the wall at Kings party, when the used the stolen cups from the Temple.

·      He has several other Prophecies that speak about the time to come  - both the closer return to Jerusalem, and the more future coming of Christ. There are several was of looking into this prophecies as Andrew thought in school.

But what is most important is that in the midst of very tough situations Gods people can stand out, be firm and trust in the Lord, as He is sovereign and will save his people. He is in control even in the affairs of world history. He wants to tell us the coming things.

Historical section ch.1-6

Apocalyptic section 7- 14                                                                                                                                                                                        

Source: Andrew’s teaching, SVB, NB, www.gateway.com, www.bibelsiden.no

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

What does the book show about the character and nature of God?

He shows himself for being sovereign over pagan Gods – and humbling the proud, bow three heart of thee Kings

In this book I think David prayer is full of Gods nature and Character, so I am quoting the verses and underlining the qualities:

9.4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. 5 But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. 6 We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets, ( God tried to warn his people) who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.

7 “Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel, scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you. 8 O Lord, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. 9 But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. 10 We have not obeyed the Lord our God, for we have not followed the instructions he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice. “So now the solemn curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured down on us because of our sin. 12 You have kept your word and done to us, and our rulers exactly as you warned. Never has there been such a disaster as happened in Jerusalem. 13 Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth. 14 Therefore, the Lord has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The Lord our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him. 15 “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. 16 In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors. 17 “O our God, hear your servant’s prayer!( He listens)  Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary. 18 “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. 19 “O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.( Gives his name vs Jesus)”                          

Timeless truth about prayer: “ Since the first day you began to pray ….you request has been heard in heaven…..” 10.12

What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?

The people of God can make a different in the world we live. –If we claim that identity and God can step in and use us.

He is through Daniels prophecies showing things that will happen, and also points forward to Jesus as in:

 9.26  “The anointed one will die, appearing to have accomplished nothing, but a ruler will arise…”

12.7”…the One who lives forever”

7.27 “His Kingdom will last forever ….”      .