The Strand Study Bible

DANIEL

Author : Daniel Theme : The Sovereignty of God in the Affairs of Men Book’s Main Character : Daniel

About theAuthor : Daniel, whose namemeans “God ismy Judge,” was of royal descent (1:3) and a prophet toKingNebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian court. He began his ministry in 604 BC. Daniel prophesied during the reign of three Babylonian Kings: Nebuchadnezzar , Nabonidus , and Belshazzar , and two Medo-Persian rulers: General Darius and King Cyrus . A young man when he was exiled, Daniel was a contemporary of Ezekiel in Babylon and of Jeremiah and Obadiah in Jerusalem. Because of his love and stand for God, Daniel rose to become one of the highest officials in Nebuchadnezzar’s government. In fact, Daniel even went so far as to become the ruler of all Babylon for seven years (from 569-562 BC), when God changed Nebuchadnezzar’s ability to think (Dan 4:28-34). About the Book : Daniel’s book not only provides a panoramic view of successive world empires but is also of major importance when understanding “endtime” prophetical events. Daniel’s contents unlock much of the book of The Revelation. The Antichrist, The Great Tribulation ( DAY OF THE LORD ), CHRIST’S Second Coming, CHRIST’S 1,000 year Millennium, and CHRIST’S Great White Throne Judgment are all covered in Daniel’s prophecy. The book of Daniel covers 72 years (from 605-534 BC). Helpful Background : After Nabopolassar’s conquest of Nineveh (Assyria’s capital) in 612 BC, the nation of Babylon began to emerge as a new world power. By 606 BC, Babylon had not only conquered Assyria, destroying its Assyrian/Egyptian coalition at Carchemish, but invaded Syria and Palestine as well. While pursuing the fleeing Egyptians to their very border, Nebuchadnezzar decided to invade Jerusalem for the first time in 605 BC. During that invasion Daniel and the wealthy were taken captive (II Ki 24:1 and Dan 1:1-3). Nine years later Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem for the second time in 597 BC. This time Nebuchadnezzar took Ezekiel, King Jehoiachin, and 10,000 middle class people captive (II Ki 24:10-12 and II Chro 36:10). Nine years after that the third and final invasion began in January of 588 BC. The siege lasted for a year and a half; and though briefly interrupted by an Egyptian threat (Jere 37:3-5), the third and final invasion ended in August of 586 BC. King Zedekiah along with countless other Jews were taken captive, as Jerusalem was burned and destroyed (II Ki 25:1-10). Notes of Interest : 1. Daniel is quoted in the NT 2 times (Mt 24:15 & Mk 13:14). 2. Prophecies are referred to 146 times in Daniel . 3. Prophecies concerning CHRIST are referred to 28 of those 146 times.

4. CHRIST appeared in a preincarnate physical form 1 time in Daniel (Dan 3:23-28) 5. CHRIST also appeared in a preincarnate personal form 1 time in Daniel (Dan 6:22). 6. There are no inset maps used in the book of Daniel .

Outline of Daniel :

1. Daniel’s Stand (Daniel 1) 2. Daniel’s Visions (Daniel 2-12) Daniel 1 Babylon’s first invasion of Jerusalem (S/A - II Ki 24:1) (Note - This event took place in the 3rd year

master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, 2 and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; PF 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and under- standing science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them 3 three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the chil- dren of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of 4 Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah,

1. II Ki 24:1 2. See -

II Ki 20:18 & Isa 39:7 & Jere 5:19 3. or, “from 605 - 602 BC” 4. Dan 2:26 & 4:8 & 5:12

of King Jehoiakim’s reign) Date - 605 BC/AM 3395

1 In the third year of the reign of 1 Jehoia- kim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and be- sieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the ves- sels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. Daniel takes a stand (Note - This event took place in the 5th year of King Jehoiakim’s reign) Date - 604 BC/AM 3396 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the

1:2 a According to II Kings 24:1, Jehoiakim served King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon for 3 years (from 605-603 BC). 1:2 b King Nebuchadnezzar carried off the vessels of the Temple of God to Babylon ( the land of Shinar ) in the year 605 BC. 1:6 Daniel’s name means “God is my judge.” Daniel is referred to 2 times in the NT (Mt 24:15 and Mk 13:14). 1330