What can we learn from Daniel’s act of obedience?
I asked you to make a commitment to stand for God… to spend time in His Word every day… to live a life of excellence in every way! And the key to this challenge is that I have to make up my mind to live by God’s standards before I find myself in a difficult situation. If I am not resolved in my heart, I will not honor God with my decisions. So let’s get real for just a minute… what does this look like in your life?
King Belshazzar is hosting a ‘great feast,’ or party, where 1,000 of his nobles were in attendance. Belshazzar…
Is arrogant
Blasphemed God
Praised the Babylonian gods for his power and position
Daniel explained the dream as a panorama of four great Gentile empires. Virtually all scholars agree that the different parts of the statue represent empires or kingdoms, although there is disagreement concerning their identification.
God uses difficult seasons in our lives…
To teach us dependence on Him,
To teach us that He is in control, and
To bring us to the point of repentance.
Who were all these pagan interpreters? What are the characteristics of each? What happens here with the original text that is important?
15 Miller, 79-80. 16 Ibid., 48.
The language switches in the middle of verse 4. Remember, the Book of Daniel is written in two different languages—Hebrew and Aramaic.
A story of: A Conspiracy, A Refusal to Comply, A Risk/Reward
Standing in Solidarity …no matter the consequences
Sound like situations that you have been face with recently? See how Daniel did it…
The first event described here relays the story of how Daniel and many others find themselves living in a strange, new land with strange, new cultures and religious beliefs. Daniel’s character is tested as his home culture clashes with his new, host culture.
Have you ever found yourself facing an ultimatum that just seems ridiculous?
Don’t ask, ‘Why?’ Instead ask, ‘What next?’
In recent years, there has been much debate as to the date and authorship of the Book of Daniel. This debate is a divisive factor in the overall understanding of the book. As you study this book, it is imperative to clarify your understanding on this issue because of the impact it will have upon your interpretation.