 
### WE WILL NOT SERVE YOUR GODS

### A Guide for the Interpretation of the Book of Daniel

By William H. Lawson

####

Title and Cover

Christians are constantly being pressured and enticed by the world to compromise their commitment to God. The title of this book is based on the declaration of the commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:18. The cover picture depicts these three Hebrew young men in the fiery furnace where Nebuchadnezzar has sentenced them for their refusal to worship his gods. But they are unharmed by the fire and are standing with a fourth man whom Nebuchadnezzar describes as being "like a son of the gods." The Book of Daniel encourages Christians to be faithful to God rather than compromise their commitment due to worldly pressure and enticement.

####

Copyright 2010 William H. Lawson

Revised 2018

Smashwords Edition

####

Dedicated to my students and colleagues in Asia. May the Lord strengthen your faith and commitment as you serve in an environment that is often hostile to Christianity.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF DANIEL

CHAPTER TWO: HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF (Daniel 1:1-21)

CHAPTER THREE: THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN (Daniel 2:1-49)

CHAPTER FOUR: WE WILL NOT SERVE YOUR GODS (Daniel 3:1-30)

CHAPTER FIVE: HIS DOMINION IS AN ETERNAL DOMINION (Daniel 4:1-37)

CHAPTER SIX: MENE MENE, TEKEL, AND PARSIN (Daniel 5:1-30)

CHAPTER SEVEN: HE IS THE GOD WHO LIVES (Daniel 5:31-6:8)

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE ANCIENT OF DAYS TOOK HIS SEAT (Daniel 7:1-28)

CHAPTER NINE: HE WILL BE DESTROYED (Daniel 8:1-27)

CHAPTER TEN: I PRAYED TO THE LORD MY GOD (Daniel 9:1-27)

CHAPTER ELEVEN: DO NOT BE AFRAID (Daniel 10:1-11:1)

CHAPTER TWELVE: THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD (Daniel 11:2-45)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: YOUR PEOPLE WILL BE DELIVERED (Daniel 12:1-13)

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

### PREFACE

Christians and even ministers often struggle to hear God speak through the Bible. The problem in part is that sound principles and methods for interpreting the Bible are not known or practiced. Instead, everyone does what is right in his or her own eyes.

In Ears to Hear: A Guide for the Interpretation of the Bible I provide principles, methods, and procedures for Christians and ministers as they seek to hear God speak through the Bible, apply the message of the Bible to the modern context, and communicate the message of the Bible to those who need a word from God. This guide supplements Ears to Hear by illustrating the principles, methods, and procedures introduced in that guide through practicing them on the Book of Daniel. Other volumes are also available that illustrate these principles, methods, and procedures on other biblical books including Obedient unto Death: A Guide for the Interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians and The Lion Roars: A Guide for the Interpretation of the Book of Amos.

The first chapter contains my introductory study of the Book of Daniel and illustrates the method and procedures introduced in unit 2 of Ears to Hear. Chapters 2 through 13 contain my interpretations of the individual passages in the Book of Daniel and illustrate the method and procedures introduced in units 3 through 6 of Ears to Hear.

It is my earnest desire that you would not only benefit from my interpretation of the Book of Daniel but that you would also use the methodologies illustrated within this book in your interpretation of the Bible.

William H. Lawson

### CHAPTER ONE
### INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF DANIEL

**Background and Purpose**

Authorship

The Book of Daniel has been traditionally attributed to Daniel. In fact, Daniel has been nearly unanimously accepted as the author until the modern critical period. One can easily see why Daniel would be presumed to be the author. He is the prominent person in the book and chapters 7-12 are written for the most part in first person ("I, Daniel"). However, these factors are not sufficient to conclude that Daniel is the author. Chapters 1-6 are written for the most part in third person. Daniel is one of many characters that are written about. Even the first-person accounts of the visions in chapters 7-12 are introduced in third person, "Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream." The most that one can conclude from this evidence is that Daniel wrote parts of the book.

Critical scholars have found several reasons to conclude that an unknown author from the second century wrote the Book of Daniel. First, they observe that the depiction of events from the exilic period in the narrative chapters is sometimes vague and seemingly inaccurate (See Harrison, 1112-1127 for a complete discussion of these seeming inaccuracies; see also Dillard and Longman, 132-137 for an explanation of these seeming inaccuracies). Second, they observe that the depiction of events leading to the rise of Antiochus IV in the visionary chapters is extremely detailed and accurate. Third, they observe that the use of pseudonyms and prophecy after the fact are a characteristic feature of apocalyptic literature. They conclude that chapters 1-6 have been thoroughly reworked to meet the needs of the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. They also conclude that chapters 7-12 were written in the name of Daniel by the actual author. Many speculate that the author is one of the wise teachers mentioned in 11:33. The problem with this position is that it is based on the presumption that the historical events leading to the rise of Antiochus IV could not have been known in such detail before the fact. In fact, a major purpose of the Book of Daniel is to demonstrate that God does know and is in control of human history. The problem with understanding the apocalyptic sections as prophecy after the fact is that prophecy after the fact merely asserts God's knowledge and control, it does not demonstrate God's knowledge and control.

Place and Date

The traditional position is that the Book of Daniel was written in Babylon during the exile (605-536 BC). The modern critical position is that the Book of Daniel was written in Palestine during the latter years of the reign of Antiochus IV (174-164 BC). Nonetheless, I prefer to assume that the portions of the Book of Daniel attributed to him are authentic. However, the place and date of the Book of Daniel are difficult to determine because of the uncertainties with regard to authorship. The traditions and sources found in the Book of Daniel come from the period of exile. Nonetheless, the Book of Daniel might have reached its final form much later, even as late as the time of Antiochus IV.

Situation and Purpose

The setting of the Book of Daniel is in Babylon during the exile. However, the Book of Daniel could not have been written for the exiles because the Book of Daniel looks back at the events of the exile from a time after the decree of Cyrus. Nonetheless, the Book of Daniel presupposes that later readers will be able to relate the experiences Daniel and his three friends in exile narrated in chapter 1-6 to their own experience. Jerusalem had fallen and Daniel and his friends were subject to foreign kings. These kings enticed them with wealth and power to serve them and threatened them with death if they disobeyed. They could easily have doubted God and compromised their commitment to him in order to enhance their position in Babylon or avoid the wrath of the king. This setting presupposes a situation in the life of the readers in which they also were subject to foreign kings and were in danger of doubting God and compromising their commitment to him. Indeed, even though the exiles were allowed to return to Palestine and Jerusalem, they continued to be subject to foreign kings (See Lucas, 37-42 for a helpful discussion of the historical context of the Book of Daniel).

The Book of Daniel also anticipates a crisis during the time of Antiochus IV. The visionary images in the second half of the Book of Daniel clearly depict the historical events leading to the rise of Antiochus IV. In addition, these visionary images also clearly depict the crisis that existed during his reign of terror. A basic understanding of the events leading to the rise of Antiochus IV and the crisis during his reign is essential for understanding the situation of latter readers (See Hartman and DiLella, 29-42 for a detailed description). After the decree of Cyrus, the exiles were allowed to return to Palestine and Jerusalem (538 BC). Upon their return they reestablished Judaism and a Jewish state under Persian control. Palestine remained under Persian control for two centuries (550-336 BC). At that time Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire and established the control of his Greek Empire over Palestine (336-323 BC). When he died his empire was divided into four kingdoms: Thrace, Macedonia, Ptolemaia, and Seleucia. The Ptolemies and Seleucids fought over control of Palestine for centuries. The Ptolemies dominated Palestine for over a century (323-200 BC). However, the Seleucids defeated the Ptolemies and established their control over Palestine in 200 BC. Antiochus IV came to power in 175 BC. He sought to promote Hellenistic culture and religion in the region. When he encountered resistance from the Jews he viciously attacked Jerusalem, banned Judaism, plundered the temple, and placed an altar dedicated to Zeus within it. The situation of Jews during this period was difficult. They were under the control of foreign rulers and could have questioned God's sovereignty. The specific crisis during the time of Antiochus IV might have led them to compromise and even renounce their faith.

In response to the situation implied within the setting of the first half of the Book of Daniel and the situation anticipated in the second half of the Book of Daniel two primary purposes for God's revelation in the Book of Daniel can be determined. First, the purpose of the Book of Daniel was to encourage God's people to trust in him and his sovereignty even though they are subject to foreign rulers. Second, the purpose of the Book of Daniel was to encourage God's people to remain committed to him even though they could enhance their position or avoid pain if they compromised their commitment.

Biblical Context and Role

The Book of Daniel is in the Old Testament. The English canon of the Old Testament consists of four divisions: Law, Historical Books, Wisdom and Worship Books, and Prophetic Books. The Book of Daniel is located in the fourth division of the English canon of the Old Testament, the Prophetic Books. The divisions of the English canon of the Old Testament are based generally on the nature of the material found in each division. The Prophetic Books generally serve within the Old Testament to warn the unfaithful of God's judgment so that they will repent and assure the faithful of God's faithfulness so that they will remain faithful. In this way, the Prophetic Books reinforce the Law in which God established his covenant with the people of Israel, promised to bless and make them a great nation, and warned them of judgment if they were unfaithful. As a prophetic book, the Book of Daniel serves to assure the faithful of God's faithfulness so that they will remain faithful.

The Prophetic Books of the English canon of the Old Testament were originally from two different divisions of the Hebrew canon. The Hebrew canon had three divisions: Law, Prophets, and Writings. The Prophets were divided further into Former Prophets and Latter Prophets. The Former Prophets comprise the basis of the Historical Books in the English canon. The Latter Prophets comprise the basis of the Prophetic Books of the English canon. The Latter Prophets of the Hebrew canon were supplemented with the books of Daniel and Lamentations from the Writings of the Hebrew canon to form the Prophetic Books of the Septuagint, the basis for the English canon. The Book of Daniel was included among the prophetic books because Daniel was regarded as a prophet. The Book of Daniel has a close relationship with the book of Jeremiah. God's revelation to Jeremiah regarding the length of the exile provides the basis for God's revelation to Daniel in chapter 9. However, the Book of Daniel has much in common with the Historical Books and the Wisdom and Worship Books as well. The Book of Daniel is composed in historical narrative like the Historical Books and the first six chapters of Daniel are historical narrative. Daniel is portrayed in the Book of Daniel as the epitome of the man of wisdom.

The Book of Daniel is also related to other biblical books that are either apocalyptic in genre or teach about the end times. The Old Testament Prophetic Books Joel, Amos, and Zechariah share some of the characteristics of apocalyptic literature. However, the Book of Daniel is most closely related to the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation uses and develops many of the visionary images in the Book of Daniel. In addition, Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament teachers employ many of Daniel's visionary images when teaching about the end times.

Actually, the Book of Daniel as found in the English and Hebrew canon is part of a larger collection of literature related to Daniel. The Greek form of the book contains additional material: The Prayer of Azariah, the Song of the Three Young Men, the Story of Susanna, and the Stories of Bel and the Dragon. In addition, four fragmentary Aramaic texts discovered at Qumran also relate to Daniel (See Lucas, 17).

Genre and Function

The Book of Daniel is a mixed genre. The first half of the Book of Daniel is composed in historical narrative, whereas the second half is composed in apocalyptic (See Strategy and Structure). Each of these genres has a distinct nature and function.

The Book of Daniel as Historical Narrative

The first six chapters of the Book of Daniel are written as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the experience of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops (See Lucas, 22-31 for a helpful discussion).

These narratives are all set within the exile and the primary characters are Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The readers could easily identify with these characters in their setting and learn from their experience as the plot developed. However, the kings sometimes play more prominent roles in these stories than even Daniel and his three friends. These kings are described in these stories as being arrogant, wicked, and oppressive. However, they are also described as being humbled, deposed, and killed. In fact, they are also described as rewarding God's servants, praising God, and issuing decrees honoring God. As the readers read about these kings they would be encouraged as they lived in subjection to similar kings. Of course God also plays a prominent role in these stories. Though God is not always described interceding directly in the events narrated in these stories, it is clear that he is in control of all that happens. As the readers read about God's control over the events narrated in these stories they would be encouraged to trust him even when they could not see him interceding directly in the events of their lives.

Though these stories have considerable variety in plot, most of these stories move from crisis, to response, to resolution. The crisis introduces a situation that could threaten the faith and commitment of Daniel and his friends. The response models the appropriate response to that crisis through the response of Daniel and his friends. The resolution describes how God resolved the crisis and validates the response of Daniel and his friends. As the readers read about the crisis they would identify it with their own crises of faith and commitment. As the readers read about the response of Daniel and his friends they would resolve to respond to their crises in the same way. As the readers read about how God resolved the crisis they would be encouraged further to respond appropriately like Daniel and his friends.

The Book of Daniel as Apocalypse

The second half of the Book of Daniel is an apocalypse (See Hartman and DiLella, 62-71 for a technical introduction; see also Lucas, 31-36). Apocalyptic literature has a distinctive outlook with characteristic features. First, apocalyptic literature describes a world that is caught up in a dualistic struggle between God and good on the one hand and Satan and evil on the other hand. Second, apocalyptic literature depicts the current age as a time in which from all appearances Satan and evil are dominant, but in reality God is in control. Third, apocalyptic literature depicts the future age as a time when God and good will triumph.

Apocalyptic literature has a distinctive nature with characteristic elements. First, apocalyptic literature is dominated by visions. Through these visions, apocalyptic literature enables the readers to glimpse the true nature of their present experience as well as what will happen in the future. Second, apocalyptic visions are filled with symbolic images. Through these symbolic images, apocalyptic literature enables the readers to understand the true nature of reality. For example, apocalyptic visions enable the readers to identify empires as evil beasts or to acknowledge that God is on his throne. Third, the symbolic images of apocalyptic literature depict the end in terms of people and events within history. However, these symbolic images are ambiguous enough to be reapplied in subsequent epochs of history until their ultimate fulfillment at the end of time.

Apocalyptic literature is also similar in some ways to prophetic literature. First, apocalyptic literature shares the same perspective as prophetic literature. Both apocalyptic literature and prophetic literature look to the future. Second, apocalyptic literature shares the same purpose as prophetic literature. Both apocalyptic literature and prophetic literature seek to warn sinners of judgment so they will repent and encourage the faithful so that they will remain faithful. Third, apocalyptic literature shares one formal feature with prophetic literature. Some prophecies include vision reports. These vision reports serve to illustrate part of the prophetic message, such as the assurance to the faithful of God's promises or the warning to the rebellious of God's judgment. Apocalyptic literature also uses visions; however, they are normally more intricate.

Apocalyptic literature is also similar in some ways to historical narrative. In fact the visions are normally described in narrative form. As in historical narrative the key elements of visionary narrative are setting, characters. and plot. However, the setting of visionary narrative is not a place and time in the real world, but in the world of visions. Nonetheless, what is depicted in the visionary world does reflect what has occurred, is occurring, or will occur in the real world. Many characters are employed in visionary narrative with diverse roles. The one receiving the vision is often a participant in the vision as well. In fact, he is often a key figure for the readers as they seek to enter into the visionary narrative. Daniel is a key figure in the visionary narratives in the Book of Daniel. Daniel is troubled, confused, and appalled by what he sees in the visionary world. The readers can enter into the visionary narrative by identifying with Daniel. They can do so because they also are troubled, confused, and appalled by their experience in the real world. The visions themselves have diverse and often bizarre characters. In the Book of Daniel there are characters like the four beasts and the ram and the goat that serve to warn of the ongoing conflict of human history. In addition, there are characters like the Ancient of Days and one like a son of man that serve to assure God's people of his control and ultimate triumph. These visions are often confusing, but the visionary narrative includes angels and other heavenly beings that explain the meaning of these visionary images and answer questions. These visionary narratives are not simply symbolic images, but these symbolic images interact with one another in a developing plot. However, apocalyptic narrative functions differently than historical narrative. In historical narrative, the readers are able to enter into the story by identifying with the characters in their historical setting and learn the lessons of history as the plot develops. In apocalyptic narrative, the readers enter into a visionary world where they are able to see God at work in the world accomplishing his purposes and establishing his eternal kingdom in ways that they cannot perceive in the real world.

Strategy and Structure

The Book of Daniel can be divided into two halves based on the genre of the material. The first half contains stories from the exile. The second half contains dreams and visions for a coming crisis. However, the story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a statue in chapter 2 is similar to the dreams and visions of chapters 7-12 (See Genre and Function). Though the genre of the material in each half is different, the purpose and message of both halves are similar (See Message or Messages). Each half is arranged in chronological order. The stories in the first half come from the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar (Chapters 1-4), his son Belshazzar (Chapter 5), and Darius the Mede (Chapter 6). The visions in the second half come from the reigns of Belshazzar (Chapters 7-8), Darius (Chapter 9), and Cyrus (Chapters 10-12).

I. Stories from the Exile (Daniel 1-6)

A. The Story of Young Men in Training--He Would not Defile Himself (Daniel 1:1-21)

B. The Story of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Statue--There Is a God in Heaven (Daniel 2:1-49)

C. The Story of the Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace--We Will not Serve Your Gods (Daniel 3:1-30)

D. The Story of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Tree--His Dominion Is an Eternal Dominion (Daniel 4:1-37)

E. The Story of the Hand Writing on the Wall--Mene Mene, Tekel, and Parsin (Daniel 5:1-30)

F. The Story of Daniel and the Lions' Den--He Is the God Who Lives (Daniel 5:31-6:28)

II. Visions for the Coming Crisis (Daniel 7-12)

A. Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts--The Ancient of Days Took His Seat (7:1-28)

B. Daniel's Vision of a Ram and a Goat--He Will Be Destroyed (8:1-27)

C. Daniel's Prayer and the Decree of Seventy Sevens--I Prayed to the Lord My God (9:1-27)

D. Vision of a Man Dressed in Linen (Daniel 10-12)

1. Do not Be Afraid (10:1-11:1)

2. The People Who Know Their God Will Be Strong (11:2-45)

3. Your People Will Be Delivered (12:1-13)

Message or Messages

The Book of Daniel contains many messages. Below I have stated simply the message of every passage. More sophisticated statements of the message will be included in the study of each individual passage. Though these statements are diverse, they basically affirm the same essential message: God's people should trust in God and remain faithful to him without compromise because he is in control of human history, he will give them the help that they need, and he will ultimately establish his eternal kingdom.

•God's people should not allow opportunities and temptations to lead them to compromise their commitment to God like Daniel and his three friends because he enabled them to remain faithful and even to succeed without compromising (1:1-21).

•God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his three friends because God will answer their prayers and delivered them from harm and pagans will honor their God (2:1-48).

•God's people should remain faithful to God even when they are being coerced into worshipping other gods like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because God delivered them, pagans acknowledged their God, and they succeeded (3:1-48).

•God people should trust in the LORD even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because even King Nebuchadnezzar was forced to acknowledge that God was sovereign over him (4:1-37).

•God's people should trust God and remain committed to him even when they are subject to arrogant rulers who do not honor God because God terrified and deposed King Belshazzar when he arrogantly dishonored him (5:1-30).

•God's people should remain true to their commitment to God even when threatened by death like Daniel because God delivered him, he prospered, and others came to acknowledge God (6:1-28).

•God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him because he is in control of human history, he will defeat and judge their enemies, and he will establish his kingdom (7:1-28).

•God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him because worldly powers are transient, God is ultimately in control, and he will rescue them and judge their enemies (8:1-27).

•God's people should sincerely repent and confess their sin and appeal to God for mercy because he will intercede on their behalf (9:1-27).

•God's people should humble themselves before God and seek him during times of anguish because he will send them help, strengthen them, and give them understanding (10:1-11:1).

•God's people should remain faithful without compromise in times of trial and teach others to do the same because the end will come in God's time (11:2-35).

•God's people should remain faithful to God because he is in control and will establish his eternal kingdom, those who compromise will be put to shame, but those who remain faithful will be delivered (11:36-12:13).

### CHAPTER TWO

### HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF

### Daniel 1:1-21

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

1:1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the house of God and he caused them to be brought to the land of Shinar to the house of his god and placed them in the treasure house of his god.

3The king told Ashpenaz, chief of his officials, to have some of the sons of Israel from the offspring of the royalty and from the nobles brought--4young men without any defect, good looking, insightful in all wisdom, knowing all knowledge, understanding, and knowledgeable--to serve in the king's palace and to teach them the literature and tongue of the Babylonians. 5The king assigned them by word daily from the rich food of the king and from the wine that he drank. They were to be nurtured for three years and at the end of them they were to stand before the king. 6Among them were from the sons Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7The chief of the officials determined names for them: he determined for Daniel, Belteshazzar; for Hananiah, Shadrach; for Mishael, Meshach; and for Azariah, Abednego. 8But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the rich food of the king and the wine that he drank. Therefore, he sought the chief of the officials so that he would not defile himself. 9Now God had given Daniel kindness and compassion before the chief of the officials. 10But the chief of the officials told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces distressed unlike the other young men your age? You would thereby cause me to owe my head to the king." 11Daniel then said to the steward whom the chief of the officials had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12"Please test your servants for ten days. Have them give us vegetables and water and let us eat and drink. 13Then have them look at our appearance before you and the appearance of the young men who eat the rich food of the king and do with your servants in accordance with what you see." 14So he listened to their word and tested them for ten days. 15At the end of the ten days it was seen that in appearance they were better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the rich food of the king. 16So the steward took away their rich food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.

17To these four young men God gave knowledge and insight in all literature and wisdom. And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18At the end of the days that the king said for them to be brought in, the chief of the officials brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19The king talked with them, and none was found among all of them like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they stood before the king. 20In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten hands above all the magicians and enchanters in all his kingdom.

21And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Situation and Purpose

The passage describes a setting in which Daniel and his three friends might easily have become discouraged and compromised their commitment to God. Judah and Jerusalem had fallen to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Articles used in the worship of the LORD were even taken and placed in the temple of the gods of Babylon's king. Daniel and his three friends were carried off into exile in Babylon. These events could have discouraged them and undermined their faith in God. They were also selected along with other elite young men to enter into a training program that would qualify them for service to the king of Babylon. However, they were given new names and assigned food and drink that was not in accordance with Jewish dietary regulations. This opportunity could have encouraged them to compromise their commitment to God. This setting reflects a general situation among later readers in which they also were living under foreign domination and had experienced difficulties that could have undermined their faith and opportunities that could have threatened their commitment. The purpose of this passage was to encourage later readers to continue to trust in God and remain committed to him.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands first among these stories because it explains how Daniel and his three friends--Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah--became exiles in Babylon and attained prominent positions of service to King Nebuchadnezzar. Therefore, this passage provides part of the historical background for the remainder of the book. This passage begins the stories from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. These stories reveal a development in Nebuchadnezzar's attitude toward God. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage introduces this message by revealing God's sovereignty and faithfulness even in the fall of Jerusalem, the exile of the inhabitants, and the conscription of young men to serve the king.

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the experience of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon during the exile. The main characters of the story are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The readers would have readily identified with these four young men and their discouraging and enticing circumstances (See Situation and Purpose). As the plot develops the faith and commitment of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah would be commended to the readers as God is revealed to be in control even in defeat and exile and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are aided by God and succeed in Babylon (See Strategy and Structure).

Strategy and Structure

The passage is arranged in chronological order. First, God allows Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem. Second, God enables Daniel and his three friends to avoid defilement. Third, God enables Daniel and his friends to succeed. Finally, God enables Daniel to endure throughout the exile. Though arranged chronologically, this structure repeatedly emphasizes the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in times of difficulty.

I. The Lord Allows Nebuchadnezzar to Conquer Jerusalem (1:1-2)

A. The Siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (1)

B. The Lord Gives Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's Hand (2)

II. God Enables Daniel and His Three Friends to Avoid Defilement (1:3-16)

A. Opportunity and the Danger of Compromise (3-7)

1. The king orders that elite young men be brought for training and service in his palace (3-4)

2. The king provides food and drink from his rich food and wine (5a)

3. The duration of the training and accountability at the end (5b)

4. The selection of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (6)

5. The chief of the officials determines new names for them (7)

B. God Enables Daniel and His Three Friends to Avoid Defilement (8-16)

1. Daniel determines not to defile himself and seeks the help of the chief of the officials (8)

2. God gives Daniel kindness and compassion before the chief of the officials (9)

3. Nonetheless, the chief of the officials does not grant Daniel's request because of his fear of the king (10)

4. Daniel appeals to the steward to test them for ten days and then act in accordance with the results (11-13)

5. The steward tests them for ten days, finds them healthier, and changes their diet (14-16)

III. God Enables Daniel and His Three Friends to Succeed without Compromise (1:17-20)

A. God Gives Them Knowledge and Insight and Daniel the Ability to Understand Visions and Dreams (17)

B. The King Finds Them to Be Superior to the Other Young Men and All of His Magicians and Enchanters (18-20)

1. They are brought before the king at the end of the time of training (18)

2. The king finds them to be superior to the other trainees (19)

3. The king finds them to be superior to all the magicians and enchanters (20)

IV. God Enables Daniel to Endure throughout the Exile (1:21)

Goldingay regards this passage as "a chiastically-shaped short story" (Goldingay, 8). His analysis brings out clearly the tensions that arise in the first half of the passage and the resolution of these tensions in the second half of the passage. I have simplified his analysis below.

1A 1-2 _tension_ Babylonians defeat Israel

2A 3-7 Young men are taken for training

3A 8-14 Daniel wants to avoid defilement and takes a test

3B 15-16 _resolution_ Daniel is triumphant in the test and avoids defilement

2B 17-20 Young men are triumphant in the training

1B 21 Daniel sees out the Babylonians

Message or Messages

God's people should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty because the Lord is in control despite appearances as he was when Jerusalem fell. God's people should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to remain faithful without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends. God's people should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to succeed without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends. God's people should trust in God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty and are enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to endure like he helped Daniel throughout the exile.

Analysis of the Details

The Lord Allows Nebuchadnezzar to

Conquer Jerusalem

The fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is related in verses 1-2. Verse 1 describes Nebuchadnezzar coming to Jerusalem to besiege it, "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it." Nebuchadnezzar's intention was to force the city into submission. However, verse 2 clarifies that he was only able to capture Jerusalem because God enabled him to do so, "The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the house of God and he caused them to be brought to the land of Shinar to the house of his god and placed in the treasure house of his god." The king of Judah was regarded as protected by God and secure. The surrender of Jehoiakim would have been a great blow to the faith of the people of Judah in God's sovereignty. The articles used in the temple were sacred and used in the worship of God. The placement of these articles in the treasure house of Nebuchadnezzar's gods would seem to indicate that his gods were more powerful than the God they worshiped. As Goldingay observes, "Removing them is thus a sign of the victory of Nebuchadnezzar and his god over the Israelite king and his god" (Goldingay, 15). Nonetheless, God is affirmed as being the Lord and giving Jehoiakim and the articles from the temple into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. As Goldingay explains, "The responses affirmed within the OT agree that the fall of Jerusalem is not to be explained by Yahweh's impotence or inactivity. Nor, as many people today might assume, was it merely the chance outworking of political (and personality) factors. It is the deliberate act of Israel's own God" (Goldingay, 21). Though not revealed here, God's purpose was to discipline the people of Judah because of their persistent unfaithfulness. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty because the Lord is in control despite appearances as he was when Jerusalem fell.

God Enables Daniel and His Three Friends

To Avoid Defilement

God enables Daniel and his three friends to avoid defilement in verses 3-16. An opportunity that leads to the danger of compromise is described; then God's enabling of Daniel and his three friends to avoid defilement is related. Through God's help of Daniel and his three friends the readers are encouraged to be determined to avoid defilement like them.

**An opportunity that leads to the danger of compromise**. An opportunity that leads to the danger of compromise is described in verses 3-8. The king orders that elite young men be brought for training and service in his palace in verses 3-4. The king's provision of food and drink from his rich food and wine and the duration of the training and accountability at the end are described in verse 5. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are identified as being among those chosen in the first part of verse 6. The chief of the officials determines new names for them in the second part of verse 7. The critical issue was whether or not they should eat and drink the rich food and wine of the king. Most of the food would certainly have been in violation of the Jewish laws regulating diet and both the food and the wine were probably linked to pagan worship (See Goldingay, 18-19 for a full discussion of why the rich food and wine might cause defilement). The description of the opportunity emphasizes the extent of the pressure they were under to compromise by eating and drinking. First, their portion of rich food and wine was assigned to them directly by the king, "The king assigned them by word daily from the rich food of the king and from the wine that he drank" (5). To refuse this provision of food and wine would have been direct rebellion against the word of the king, a capital offense. Second, they were all in competition for prestigious positions of employment, "to serve in the king's palace" (4). To refuse this provision of food and wine would have threatened their future prospects. Third, they were in competition with the elite young men of Israel. They were "the offspring of the royalty and from the nobles" (3). Furthermore, they were all "without any defect, good looking, insightful in all wisdom, knowing all knowledge, understanding, and knowledgeable" (4). To refuse this provision of food and wine would have put them at a disadvantage against others who were equally qualified and had no such qualms. Even the renaming of Daniel and his three friends by the chief of the officials subtly reflects the danger of compromise in Babylon. Their original names--Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah--reflect their relationship with God. However, their new names--Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--reflect the religion of Babylon (See Owens 383 for an explanation of both the meaning of their Hebrew names and their new Babylonian names). As Lucas observes, "The giving of a new name as a sign of new ownership and so, by implication, new allegiance, was common court practice" (Lucas, 53).

**God enables Daniel and his three friends to avoid defilement**. God enables Daniel and his three friends to avoid defilement in verses 8-16. Daniel determines not to defile himself and seeks the help of the chief of the officials in verse 8, "But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the rich food of the king and the wine that he drank. Therefore, he sought the chief of the officials so that he would not defile himself." The depth of Daniel's determination is stressed with "in his heart." The heart is the very core of a person's being. Thus Daniel's determination was from the very core of his being. What is more, as Anderson observes, "Daniel's decision to abstain from the proffered delicacies was both the touchstone of his religious commitment and the key to his extraordinary advancement" (Anderson, 6). Through his determination to avoid defilement Daniel serves as a model for readers of the appropriate response to enticements to compromise.

Verse 9 asserts that God made the chief of the officials kind and compassionate toward Daniel, "Now God had given Daniel kindness and compassion before the chief of the officials." This is the first indication of God's support of Daniel in this crisis. The words translated "kindness and compassion" describe the attitude that the chief of the officials had for Daniel. The extent of his compassion is especially emphasized in the Hebrew text with the plural of intensity (literally "compassions").

However, the chief of the officials does not grant Daniel's request because of his fear of the king in verse 10, "But the chief of the officials told Daniel, 'I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces distressed unlike the other young men your age? You would thereby cause me to owe my head to the king.'" The chief of the officials had good reason for fearing the king. The king was his lord and he owed the king absolute obedience. Failure to obey the king would certainly result in his death. The idiomatic expression "owe my head" means that he would forfeit his life. The rhetorical question that the chief of the officials asks Daniel is introduced by the interrogative "Why." Rhetorical questions that have the interrogative "why" normally imply that there is no good reason. Therefore, this rhetorical question is equivalent to the exclamation, "There is no good reason why the king should see your faces distressed unlike the other young men your age!"

Daniel appeals to the steward to test them for ten days and then act in accordance with the results in verses 11-13, "Daniel then said to the steward whom the chief of the officials had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 'Please test your servants for ten days. Have them give us vegetables and water and let us eat and drink. Then have them look at our appearance before you and the appearance of the young men who eat the rich food of the king and do with your servants in accordance with what you see.'" The determination of Daniel is emphasized by his persistent attempts to avoid the rich food and wine of the king. His faith is emphasized by his reasonable appeal. He is absolutely convinced that if the chief of the officials allows them to eat vegetables and drink water they will fare no worse than those who eat the rich food and wine of the king. As Anderson explains, "In refusing what would appear to have been more nourishing food Daniel demonstrated that he was prepared to take the risk that God would undergird his efforts" (Anderson, 7).

The steward tests them for ten days, finds them healthier, and changes their diet in verses 14-16, "So he listened to their word and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days it was seen that in appearance they were better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the rich food of the king. So the steward took away their rich food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables." Daniel and his three friends are found to be in better condition than the other young men. Their superior condition is stressed by the word translated "fatter." Though being fatter is not considered desirable in most cultures today, it was often regarded in the past and is even regarded in some cultures today as an indication of prosperity. In fact, the Hebrew text emphasizes how fat they were with the plural of intensity. This result is ironic. Irony often describes a result that is contrary to expectations to emphasize how extraordinary that result is. In this case, one would have expected the young men who ate the rich food and wine of the king to be fatter. The only explanation is God's intervention on their behalf. Therefore, God's people should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to remain faithful without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends.

God Enables Daniel and His Three Friends

To Succeed without Compromise

God enables Daniel and his three friends to succeed without compromise in verses 17-20. He gives them knowledge and insight and Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams; then the king finds them to be superior to the other young men as well as all of his magicians and enchanters. Through God enabling Daniel and his three friends to succeed the readers are encouraged to remain faithful without compromise like them.

God gives them knowledge and insight and Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams in verse 17, "To these four young men God gave knowledge and insight in all literature and wisdom. And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." The extent of the knowledge and insight given to them is as well as the understanding of visions and dreams given to Daniel is stressed by the inclusive noun translated "all." God gave them total mastery of literature and wisdom and Daniel could understand every vision and dream. Though not specifically stated, the implication of the narrative is that God has especially gifted Daniel and his three friends because they avoided defilement.

The king finds them to be superior to the other young men and all of his magicians and enchanters in verses 18-20. They are brought before the king at the end of the time of training in verse 18, "At the end of the days that the king said for them to be brought in, the chief of the officials brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar." The king finds them to be superior to the other young men in verse 19, "The king talked with them, and none was found among all of them like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they stood before the king." The king finds them to be superior to all his magicians and enchanters in verse 20, "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten hands above all the magicians and enchanters in all his kingdom." Their superiority is emphasized both in quality and extent. The idiomatic expression "ten hands above" emphasizes their qualitative superiority. The New International Version even translates this idiom "ten times better." The extent of their superiority is emphasized by the inclusive noun translated "all." They were superior to every magician and enchanter throughout his kingdom. Though not specifically stated, the implication of the narrative is that they were found superior because they avoided defilement and God gave them insight, knowledge, and understanding. Therefore, God's people should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to succeed without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends.

God Enables Daniel to Endure throughout

The Exile

God enables Daniel to endure throughout the exile in verse 21, "And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus." Cyrus was an important figure in Israel's history. He issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Palestine, ending the exile. During this time Daniel served four kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus) and three kingdoms (Babylon, Media, and Persia). Nonetheless, through all this upheaval Daniel's status remained stable. Though not specifically stated, the implication of the narrative is that God was the basis of his stability. Therefore, God's people should trust in God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty and are enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to endure like he helped Daniel throughout the exile.

Application of the Message

Christians today often become discouraged when they encounter difficulty and are corrupted when they are enticed by opportunity. These correspondences between the original and modern situations provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the contemporary context. This passage does have a significant contextual issue. Daniel and his three friends were in danger of becoming defiled by their violation of Jewish laws regulating their diet. As a result they determined not to eat the rich food and wine of the king and eat vegetables and drink water instead. However, Christians have been released from such rigid adherence to Old Testament laws regulating diet. Nonetheless, Daniel and his friends still serve as examples of remaining faithful to God when enticed by the world. In fact, the statements of the message of the passage in the original context are already stated in a general way that does not mention the specific threat of compromise. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message of the passage in the original context. Christians should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty because the Lord is in control despite appearances as he was when Jerusalem fell. Christians should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to remain faithful without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends. Christians should determine not to defile themselves when enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to succeed without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends. Christians should trust in God and remain faithful to him when they encounter difficulty and are enticed by opportunity because God will enable them to endure like he helped Daniel throughout the exile.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF

**Objective** : The object of this message is to exhort and encourage Christians to trust in God when they encounter difficulties and remain faithful to him when they are enticed by opportunities.

**Proposition** : Christians should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord is in control, he will enable them to remain faithful, succeed, and endure without compromise.
Introduction

Christians today often encounter difficulties that result in discouragement. Christians today also often encounter opportunities that entice them. Indeed, throughout the ages Satan has used trials and temptations to destroy God's people. Daniel and his three friends certainly experienced trials and temptations. They were carried away into exile when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. They could have easily become discouraged and renounced their faith in God. They were given an opportunity to train for three years and enter the service of the king. They could have easily been enticed by this opportunity and forsaken their commitment to God. However, they continued to trust in God and remained faithful to him. Indeed, they show us how we should respond to trials and temptations.

I. Christians should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord is in control despite appearances.

A. Verse 1 describes Nebuchadnezzar coming to Jerusalem to besiege it.

B. However, verse 2 clarifies that he was only able to capture Jerusalem because God enabled him to do so.

C. _Illustration of the Lord's Control Despite Appearances_

D. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord is in control despite appearances as he was when Jerusalem fell.

II. Christians should trust in God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable them to remain faithful without compromise.

A. An opportunity that leads to the danger of compromise is described in verses 3-8.

B. Daniel determines not to defile himself and seeks the help of the chief of the officials in verse 8.

C. God makes the chief of the officials kind and compassionate toward Daniel in verse 9.

D. Daniel appeals to the steward to test them for ten days and then act in accordance with the results in verses 11-13.

E. The steward tests them for ten days, finds them healthier, and changes their diet in verses 14-16.

F. _Illustration of the Lord's Help to Remain Faithful without Compromise_

G. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable us to remain faithful without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends.

III. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable them to succeed without compromise.

A. God gives Daniel and his three friends knowledge and insight and Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams in verse 17.

B. They are brought before the king at the end of the time of training and the king finds them to be superior to the other young men and to all his magicians and enchanters in verse 18-20.

C. _Illustration of the Lord's Help to Succeed without Compromise_

D. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable us to succeed without compromise like he helped Daniel and his three friends.

IV. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable them to endure without compromise.

A. God enables Daniel to endure throughout the exile in verse 21, "And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus."

B. Cyrus was an important figure in Israel's history. He issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Palestine, ending the exile. During this time Daniel served four kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus) and three kingdoms (Babylon, Media, and Persia). Nonetheless, through all this upheaval Daniel's status remained stable. Though not specifically stated, the implication of the narrative is that God was the basis of his stability.

C. _Illustration of the Lord's Help to Endure Trial_

D. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable us to endure like he helped Daniel throughout the exile.

Conclusion

Throughout the ages Satan has used trials and temptations to destroy God's people. Daniel and his three friends certainly experienced trials and temptations. They could have easily become discouraged and renounced their faith in God. They could easily have been enticed by this opportunity and forsaken their commitment to God. However, they continued to trust in God and remained faithful to him. Indeed, they show us how we should respond to trials and temptations. We should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord is in control despite appearances. We should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the Lord will enable us to remain faithful without compromise. We should trust God and remain faithful to him because God will enable us to succeed without compromise. We should trust in God and remain faithful to him because God will enable us to endure trials throughout our lives.

### CHAPTER THREE

### THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN

### Daniel 2:1-49

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

2:1In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams and his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. 2So the king said to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams and they came in and stood before the king. 3Then the king said to them, "I dreamed a dream and my spirit is troubled to know the dream." 4Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will reveal the interpretation." 5Answering, the king said to the Chaldeans, "The word from me is firm. If you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be dismembered and your houses made refuse heaps. 6But if you reveal the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So reveal to me the dream and its interpretation." 7They answered a second time saying, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will reveal the interpretation." 8Then the king answered saying, "With certainty I know that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm. 9If you do not make known to me the dream, there is just one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things until times change. So then, tell me the dream so that I will know that you can reveal its interpretation to me." 10The Chaldeans answered the king saying, "There is not a man on earth who is able to reveal what the king asks! Never has any king, however great and mighty, ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh." 12Because of this the king was angry and very furious and he said to execute all the wise men of Babylon.

13So the decree went out and the wise men were about to be put to death, and they sought Daniel and his friends to put them to death. 14Then Daniel replied with council and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, who had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon. 15He answered and said to Arioch, the king's officer, "Why such a harsh decree from the king?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16Then Daniel went in and asked from the king that he give time for him to reveal the interpretation to the king. 17Then Daniel went to his house and made known the matter to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his friends, 18in order to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20Daniel said:

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever;

Wisdom and power are his.

21He changes times and seasons;

He deposes kings and sets up kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise

And knowledge to those who know understanding.

22He reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what is in the darkness,

And light dwells with him.

23You, O God of my fathers,

I am acknowledging and praising:

You have given me wisdom and power,

You have made known to me what we asked of you,

You have made known to us the matter of the king.

24Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon. He went in and said to him, "Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king and I will reveal the interpretation to the king." 25Arioch with alarm took Daniel to the king and said, "I have found a man from the sons of the exile from Judah who can make known the interpretation to the king." 26The king asked Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?" 27Daniel replied to the king saying, "The mystery that the king has asked no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners are able to reveal to the king, 28but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions of your head upon your bed are these: 29To you, O king, your thoughts in bed came to what would be after this and the revealer of mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all other living men, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king and that you may understand the thoughts of your heart.

31You were looking, O king, and behold before you was a great statue. This great and exceedingly bright statue stood before you and its appearance was frightening. 32The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34You were looking when a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and broke them to pieces. 35Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces as one and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind carried them away so that nothing could be found of them in any place. But the rock that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

36This is the dream. Now we will tell its interpretation to the king. 37You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given dominion and power and might and glory. 38He has given into your hand wherever the sons of men, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air live and made you ruler over them all. That is you, the head of gold. 39After you, another kingdom will arise, lower than you. Then a third kingdom of bronze will arise that will rule over the whole earth. 40Then there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron. Because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things, it will break to pieces and crush all these like iron that crushes. 41Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43And just as you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the people will be a mixture of human seed and will not cling one to another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will the kingdom be left to another people. It will break in pieces and bring to an end all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever 45since you saw that the rock was cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands and it broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. The great God has made known to the king what will be after this and the dream is certain and its interpretation is trustworthy.

46Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and did homage to Daniel and ordered that an offering and incense be poured out to him. 47The king said to Daniel, "Truly your God, he is the God of gods and the Master of kings and Revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery." 48Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the officials over all the wise men of Babylon. 49However, Daniel asked the king and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the door of the king.

Situation and Purpose

This passage describes a setting in which Daniel and his friends could have become discouraged and doubted God's faithfulness. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him and he ordered his advisors to tell him his dream and interpret its meaning. When his advisors attempted to persuade him to tell them his dream so they could interpret it, he adamantly insisted that they tell him the dream and interpret its meaning. When they argued that his request was impossible and unreasonable, he decreed that all the wise men in Babylon be put to death. Daniel and his friends were among those wise men who were targeted for execution. This setting reflects a situation in which later readers were seemingly at the mercy of foreign rulers and could have become discouraged and doubted God's faithfulness. The purpose of the passage was to encourage readers to respond to difficult circumstances with prudence and prayer like Daniel and his friends.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands second and is dated in the second year of the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Chapters 1, 3, and 4 also come from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. The previous passage provides the historical background for understanding this story. These stories reveal a development in Nebuchadnezzar's attitude toward God. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's sovereignty and faithfulness, not just by answering the prayer of Daniel and his three friends and thereby delivering them from the edict of death, but also by revealing his sovereignty over King Nebuchadnezzar through the dream itself. In addition, this passage is related to the second half of the book by its form. This passage reveals the future through a dream and its interpretation like the dreams and visions of chapters 7-12 (See Form and Function).

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the situation of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon during the exile. The main characters of the story are Daniel and his friends. However, as Humphreys asserts, "the God of Daniel is the central figure and not the courtier" (cited by Goldingay, 36-37). The king and his advisors also play significant roles. The readers would have readily identified with Daniel and his friends and their difficult circumstances (See Situation and Purpose). As the plot develops the response of Daniel and his friends to the crisis is commended to the readers as God is revealed to be in control of the situation through the revelation to Daniel of the dream and its interpretation, the content of the dream and its interpretation, and the king honoring Daniel and his God (See Strategy and Structure). Though the passage is historical narrative, it contains a description of a dream and its interpretation. This dream and its interpretation are similar to the material in the apocalyptic section of the Book of Daniel (chapters 7-12). This apocalyptic section contains visionary material that employs symbolic images to depict coming realities. The interpretations that accompany these dreams clarify the significance of the symbolic images. Together, the dream and its interpretation reveal God's sovereignty over the events of history. This vision and its interpretation reveal God's sovereignty over the kings and kingdoms of the earth and ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom and thereby further commend the response of Daniel and his friends to the readers.

Strategy and Structure

The passage is arranged in chronological order. First, the king has a dream, asks his advisors to tell him the dream and interpret it, and becomes increasingly agitated with their failure to do so to the point that he issues a decree ordering the death of all the wise men in Babylon (1-12). This division discourages readers from responding to crises like the king and his advisors. The king's response to the dream and his advisors' response to the king's demand that they tell him his dream and interpret it stand in contrast to the response of Daniel and his friends to the decree of death in the second division. In addition, the inability of the advisors to tell the king his dream and its interpretation accentuates Daniel's ability to do so in the third division. Second, Daniel and his three friends respond to the decree ordering the death of all the wise men with prudence, prayer, and praise (13-23). This division encourages readers to respond to crises like Daniel and his friends through God answering their prayer. Third, Daniel tells the king his dream and interprets it (24-45). This division encourages readers to trust in God during crises by revealing that he is in control of the rise and fall of kingdoms and will ultimately establish his eternal kingdom. The reliability of Daniel's interpretation is demonstrated by his ability to tell the king his dream and interpret it by God's help in contrast to the king's advisors in the first division. Finally, the king honors Daniel and his God (46-49). This division encourages readers to trust in God during crises because even the king of Babylon acknowledged God's sovereignty over world history.

I. The Responses of the King to a Dream and His Advisors to His Demand (2:1-12)

A. The King Is Troubled by Dreams and Summons His Advisors (1-3)

B. The King's Advisors Ask Him to Tell Them the Dream so that They Can Interpret It (4)

C. The King Demands that They Tell Him the Dream and Interpret It (5-6)

D. The King's Advisors Again Ask Him to Tell Them the Dream so that They Can Interpret It (7)

E. The King Accuses His Advisors of Treachery and Demands that They Tell Him the Dream and Interpret It (8-9)

F. The King's Advisors Complain that His Demand Is Impossible and Unreasonable (10-11)

G. The King Becomes Extremely Angry and Orders the Execution of All the Wise Men of Babylon (12)

II. The Response of Daniel and His Friends to the Decree of Death (2:13-23)

A. The Decree Is Sent Out and Daniel and His Friends Are Sought (13)

B. Daniel Responds to the Crisis with Prudence (14-16)

C. Daniel and His Friends Respond to the Crisis with Prayer (17-18)

D. God Reveals the Mystery and Daniel Responds with Praise (19-23)

III. Daniel Tells the King His Dream and Interprets It (2:24-45)

A. Daniel Comes before the King (24-30)

B. Daniel Reveals the Dream to the King (31-35)

C. Daniel Interprets the Dream for the King (36-45a)

D. Daniel Assures the King of the Certainty of the Dream and the Trustworthiness of the Interpretation (45b)

IV. The King Honors Daniel and His God (2:46-49)

A. The King Honors Daniel (46)

B. The King Honors Daniel's God (47)

C. The King Exalts Daniel (48)

D. The King Exalts Daniel's Friends at His Request (49)

Message or Messages

God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because wisdom belongs to God and he reveals the deep and hidden things; power belongs to God and he is sovereign over human history; and he answers the prayers of his people. God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, gives kings their authority to rule, knows and controls human history, and will establish his eternal kingdom. God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because King Nebuchadnezzar gave homage to Daniel; acknowledged that the God of Daniel was the God of gods, the Master of kings, and Revealer of mysteries; and elevated Daniel and his friends to positions of authority in Babylon.

Analysis of the Details

The Responses of the King to a Dream and

His Advisors to His Demand

The responses of the king to a dream and his advisors to his demand are related in verses 1-12. The account depicts the king responding to the dream by becoming troubled and angry. The dream troubled him. When he had the dream "his spirit was troubled and sleep left him" (1). In addition, when he summoned his advisors he told them, "I dreamed a dream and my spirit is troubled to know the dream." The inability of his advisors to tell him his dream and interpret it angered the king. The account describes the king's growing anger with his advisors because of their inability to tell him his dream and interpret it. This description of the increasing anger of the king reaches its climax in verse 12, "Because of this the king was angry and very furious and he said to execute all the wise men of Babylon." The account describes the king's advisors responding to his demand to tell him the dream and interpret it by stalling and becoming desperate. Their replies to the king's demand seem to be calm enough. They simply ask the king to tell them his dream so that they can interpret it (4 and 7). However, the king knows his advisors well. He knows that they are stalling for time in hope that he will change his mind. When it becomes clear that he will not change his mind, they abandon their polite address and calm veneer and complain that the king's demand is impossible and unreasonable. They argue that his demand is impossible and unreasonable because no man can do it and no king has ever asked such a thing (10-11). The responses of the king to the dream and his advisors to his demand to tell him the dream and interpret it stand in contrast to the response of Daniel and his friends to the decree of death.

The Response of Daniel and His Friends to

The Decree of Death

The response of Daniel and his friends to the decree of death is related in verses 13-23. Verse 13 introduces their response by indicating that a decree ordering the death of all the wise men was sent out and Daniel and his friends were sought so that they could be put to death. Daniel responds to this threat with prudence in verses 14-16. Verse 14 says that Daniel responded with "council and discretion." Though the meaning of this expression is uncertain, what is described about his response in verses 14-16 suggests that he responded by carefully considering his options and carefully choosing his course of action. He asks Arioch about the reason for the decree and asks the king for time to interpret his dream.

Daniel and his friends respond to this threat with prayer in verses 17-18. Their faith in prayer stands in contrast to the unbelief of the king's advisors. The king's advisors believed that the gods could reveal the king's dream, but they did not dwell with flesh (11); therefore, no man could reveal it. However, Daniel and his friends believed that God was close by and would listen to their prayers. As Anderson notes, "In the Book of Daniel prayer is . . . the bulwark against every assault of the enemy" (Anderson, 15).

God reveals the mystery to Daniel and he responds with praise in verses 19-23. God's revelation of the mystery vindicates the response of Daniel and his friends to the threat and further encourages the readers to respond to crisis like them. In addition, Daniel's song encourages them to praise God in times of crisis like Daniel. Daniel's song of praise exalts God for three attributes that encourage prudence, prayer, and praise in crisis. First, God is wise and gives wisdom. Daniel declares that wisdom belongs to God in verse 20. He declares further in verses 21-22, "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things." He reinforces this declaration using metaphorical language in the remainder of verse 22, "He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him." Second, God is powerful and controls the events of human history. Daniel declares that power belongs to God as well in verse 20. He declares further in verse 21a, "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and sets up kings." Third, God answers the prayers of his people. As Daniel declares in verse 23, "You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the matter of the king." Therefore, God's people should respond with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because wisdom belongs to God and he reveals the deep and hidden things; power belongs to God and he is sovereign over human history; and he answers the prayers of his people.

Daniel Tells the King His Dream and

Interprets Its Meaning

Daniel tells the king his dream and interprets its meaning in verses 24-45. Daniel appears before the king, tells the king his dream, interprets the dream for the king, and reaffirms the certainty of the dream and the trustworthiness of its interpretation.

Daniel appears before the king in verses 24-30. Daniel tells Arioch not to execute the wise men of Babylon and requests an audience with the king (24); Arioch takes Daniel before the king and introduces him (25); and the king asks Daniel if he can make his dream known and interpret it (26). Daniel's response to the king emphasizes God's knowledge and sovereignty over the events of human history (27-30). As Daniel asserts directly in verse 28, "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the days to come." This assertion is accentuated by his claim that no one is able to reveal this mystery to the king in the preceding verse, "The mystery that the king has asked no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners are able to reveal to the king" (27). In fact, Daniel stresses that even he can only reveal this mystery to the king because God has revealed it to him in accordance with his sovereign purpose (30).

Daniel tells the king his dream in verses 31-35. He describes a great and frightening statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay (31-33), the cutting out of a rock "but not by human hands" (34a), the complete destruction of the statue when struck by the rock (34b-35a), and the transformation of that rock into "a great mountain that filled the whole earth" (35b). Daniel's ability to tell the king his dream confirms his claim that "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" and authenticates his interpretation that follows (28). In addition, his ability to tell the king his dream further encourages the readers to respond to crises like Daniel and his friends.

Daniel interprets the dream for the king in verses 36-45. Daniel's interpretation of the dream stresses God's sovereignty over the events of human history in three ways. First, Daniel's interpretation stresses that God is the one who established the king on his throne in verses 37-38. Daniel identifies the king as "the head of gold" of the statue and interprets that image to mean that he is "the king of kings." However, Daniel stresses that "the God of heaven" is the one who gave him "dominion and power and might and glory . . . wherever the sons of men, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air live" and made him "ruler over them all." Second, Daniel's interpretation stresses God's knowledge and control of subsequent events of human history in verses 39-43. He identifies the chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay as future kingdoms. God's knowledge and revelation of future events confirms what Daniel proclaimed earlier in his song of praise, "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and sets up kings" (21a). Third, Daniel's interpretation stresses God's ultimate establishment of his eternal dominion over the whole earth in verses 44-45. Daniel identifies the rock "not made with human hands" as a kingdom that "the God of heaven will set up" and as the rock broke the statue in pieces, Daniel explains that God's kingdom "will break in pieces and bring to an end all these kingdoms." Goldingay observes that the rock could be a symbol of Israel, but asserts that it is more natural to take it "as standing for God's own sovereignty and power establishing a lasting regime" (Goldingay, 52). Daniel emphasizes that God's kingdom "will never be destroyed, nor . . . left to another people," but will "endure forever." Anderson explains the significance of the dream for "those hemmed in by powers not of their own choosing" is that "their degradation and suffering will come to an end, and that end is in the hands of God" (Anderson, 24).

Daniel reaffirms the certainty of the dream and the trustworthiness of its interpretation at the end of verse 25, "The great God has made known to the king what will be after this and the dream is certain and its interpretation is trustworthy." As Porteous observes, "Daniel's assertion of the reliability of the dream as a revelation of the future, though ostensibly intended for Nebuchadnezzar, was doubtless also intended for the readers of the book" (Porteous, 50-51). He further explains that assertion assured them that "they could rest serene in the certainty that it was God's will that was about to be accomplished" (Porteous, 51). Therefore, God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, gives kings their authority to rule, knows and controls human history, and will establish his eternal kingdom.

The King Honors Daniel and His God and

Exalts Daniel and His Friends

The king honors Daniel and his God and exalts Daniel and his friends in verses 46-49. The king honors Daniel in verse 46, "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and did homage to Daniel and ordered that an offering and incense be poured out to him." This verse emphasizes the honor that the king gave to Daniel in two ways. First, he "fell upon his face and did homage." By prostrating himself before Daniel he acknowledged Daniel's superior status. Second, he "ordered that an offering and incense be poured out to him." The language employed is normally used of the worship of the gods. The king venerates Daniel as a god. The king honors Daniel's God in verse 47, "The king said to Daniel, 'Truly your God, he is the God of gods and the Master of kings and Revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.'" The king stresses the sincerity of his declaration honoring God ("Truly"). He declares that Daniel's God is sovereign over all other gods ("God of gods") as well as all earthly rulers ("Master of kings"). The king exalts Daniel in verse 48, "Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the officials over all the wise men of Babylon." The king exalts Daniel's friends in verse 49, "However, Daniel asked the king and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the door of the king." Through the honoring of Daniel and his God and the exalting of Daniel and his friends, the readers are encouraged to respond to difficulty like Daniel and his friends. Therefore, God's people should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel; acknowledged that the God of Daniel was the God of gods, the Master of kings, and the Revealer of mysteries; and elevated Daniel and his friends to positions of authority in Babylon.

Application of the Message

The fate of Christians today often seems to be in the hands of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for their God much like the fate of Daniel and his friends seemed to be in the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar. This correspondence between the original and modern situations provides a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage contains very little that is contextualized and would require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message of the passage in the original context. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because wisdom belongs to God and he reveals the deep and hidden things; power belongs to God and he is sovereign over human history; and he answers the prayers of his people. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, gives kings their authority to rule, knows and controls human history, and will establish his eternal kingdom. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends because King Nebuchadnezzar gave homage to Daniel; acknowledged that the God of Daniel was the God of gods, the Master of kings, and revealer of mysteries; and elevated Daniel and his friends to positions of authority in Babylon.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise.

**Proposition** : Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because wisdom and power belong to God and he answers prayer; there is a God in heaven who is in control of human history and will establish his eternal kingdom; and all people will come to acknowledge God and they will be vindicated.
Introduction

Christians today often face crises like the crisis that Daniel and his friends faced when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be put to death. They could respond to crises like the king, who was troubled by his dream and became angry with his advisors when they could not help him understand it. They could respond to crises like the king's advisors who tried to ignore the problem and then became desperate when they could not do what the king demanded. However, they should respond to crises with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends did in Daniel 2.

I. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because wisdom and power belong to God and he answers the prayers of his people.

A. Daniel responds to this threat with prudence in verses 14-16.

B. Daniel and his three friends respond to this threat with prayer in verses 17-18.

C. God reveals the mystery to Daniel and he responds with praise in verses 19-23. God's revelation of the mystery vindicates the response of Daniel and his friends to the threat and further encourages God's people to respond to crisis like them. In addition, Daniel's song encourages them to praise God in times of crisis like Daniel.

D. _Illustration of God's Faithfulness to Answer Prayer During Crises_

E. Application--Therefore, we should respond to crises with prudence, prayer, and praise because wisdom and power belong to God and he answers the prayers of his people.

II. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise there is a God in heaven who is in control of human history and will establish his eternal kingdom.

A. Daniel appears before the king in verses 24-30. Daniel's testimony to the king emphasizes God's knowledge and sovereignty over the events of human history (27-30). As Daniel asserts directly in verse 28, "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the days to come."

B. Daniel tells the king his dream in verses 31-35. Daniel's ability to tell the king his dream confirms his claim that "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" and authenticates his interpretation that follows.

C. Daniel interprets the dream for the king in 2:36-45. Daniel's interpretation of the dream stresses God's sovereignty over the events of human history in three ways.

1. First, Daniel's interpretation stresses that God is the one who established the king on his throne in verses 37-38.

2. Second, Daniel's interpretation stresses God's knowledge and control of subsequent events of human history in verses 39-43.

3. Third, Daniel's interpretation stresses God's ultimate establishment of his eternal dominion over the whole earth in verses 44-45.

D. _Illustration of God's Control of Human History_

E. Application--Therefore, we should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because there is a God in heaven who is in control of human history and will establish his eternal kingdom.

III. Christians should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because all people will come to acknowledge God and they will be vindicated.

A. The king honors Daniel in verse 46, "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and did homage to Daniel and ordered that an offering and incense be poured out to him."

B. The king honors Daniel's God in verse 47, "The king said to Daniel, 'Truly your God, he is the God of gods and the Master of kings and Revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.'"

C. The king exalts Daniel in verse 48, "Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the officials over all the wise men of Babylon." Through Nebuchadnezzar's homage to and exaltation of Daniel, God's people are encouraged to respond to crises like he did so that they will be vindicated like him.

D. The king exalts Daniel's friends in verse 49, "However, Daniel asked the king and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the door of the king." Through Nebuchadnezzar's promotion of Daniel and his friends, God's people are encouraged to respond to crises like them so that they will be vindicated.

E. _Illustration of God's Faithfulness to Vindicate His People_

F. Application--Therefore, we should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because all people will come to acknowledge God and we will be vindicated.

Conclusion

Christians today often face crises like the crisis that Daniel and his friends faced when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be put to death. They could respond to crises like the king, who was troubled by his dream and became angry with his advisors when they could not help him understand it. They could respond to crises like the king's advisors who tried to ignore the problem and then became desperate when they could not do what the king demanded. However, they should respond to crises with prudence, prayer, and praise like Daniel and his friends did in Daniel 2. We should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because wisdom and power belong to God and he answers the prayers of his people. We should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because there is a God in heaven who is in control of human history and will establish his eternal kingdom. We should respond to crisis with prudence, prayer, and praise because all people will come to acknowledge God and we will be vindicated.

### CHAPTER FOUR

### WE WILL NOT SERVE YOUR GODS

### Daniel 3:1-30

The first three verses of chapter 4 are actually the last three verses of chapter 3 in the Hebrew Bible, suggesting that they were regarded as the conclusion of the story of the blazing furnace. However, these verses seem to be an integral part of chapter 4. Nonetheless, Owens still regards these verses as the conclusion of chapter 3 (Owens, 397). Chapter 4 is united in form, containing as it does a decree in which King Nebuchadnezzar praises the Most High God and testifies of the miraculous signs and wonders that God has worked in his life.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

3:1King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2Then King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4Then the herald loudly proclaimed, "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages: 5At the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6Whoever does not fall down and worship in that moment will be thrown into a burning furnace of fire. 7Therefore, at the time all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8Therefore, at that time men of the Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. 9They answered and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 **You** *, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music is to fall down and worship the image of gold, 11and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a burning furnace of fire. 12There are men of the Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men do not respect you, O king, do not serve your gods, and do not worship the image of gold you have set up."

13Then Nebuchadnezzar in anger and rage summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. 14Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the image of gold I have set up? 15So if you are ready now, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, fall down and worship the image I made. But if you do not worship, you will be thrown in that moment into a burning furnace of fire. Then what god will deliver you from my hand?"

16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to respond to you regarding this matter. 17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to save us from the burning furnace of fire and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

19Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of rage and the appearance of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20and commanded some of the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the burning furnace of fire. 21So these men were bound in their robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes and thrown into the burning furnace of fire. 22The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 23and these three men--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--fell into the burning furnace of fire bound.

24Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in alarm. He asked his advisers, "Didn't we throw three men into the fire bound?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king." 25He said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." 26Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the opening of the burning furnace of fire and said, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out and come here! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, 27and the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers gathered together around these men. The fire had no power over their bodies, the hair of their heads was not singed, their robes were not changed, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed is the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him, defied the king's command, and gave up their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their God. 29Therefore I decree that any people, nation, or language that says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be dismembered and their houses made refuse heaps, for no other god can save in this way." 30Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

This passage describes a setting in which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could have doubted God and compromised their commitment to him. King Nebuchadnezzar set up a large image of gold and summoned all his officials to the dedication of the image. He then issued a proclamation requiring that everyone fall down and worship the statue or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Indeed, everyone did fall down and worship the image except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Some of the Chaldeans reported their disobedience and further accused them of lack of respect toward the king. As a result, the king became extremely angry and demanded that they fall down and worship the image or be thrown into the blazing furnace. This setting reflects a situation in which the readers were being compelled to worship other gods. As a result, they could have doubted God's faithfulness and compromised their commitment in order to avoid harm. As Lucas says, "The chapter centers on the internal, personal struggle to remain true to one's convictions and commitments when it would be much easier to go with the crowd" (Lucas, 94). The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to trust in God for deliverance and remain committed to him without compromise like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands third presumably because the events narrated happened after the events narrated in the preceding chapters. However, this passage is not dated. This passage is the third of the stories from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. These stories reveal a development in Nebuchadnezzar's attitude toward God. The first passage provides the historical background for understanding this story. Chapters 1, 2, and 4 also come from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's sovereignty and faithfulness through his deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the blazing furnace.

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the experience of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon during the exile. The main characters of the story are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The readers would have readily identified with these three men and their discouraging and compromising circumstances (See Situation and Purpose). They serve as positive examples through their faith in God, commitment to him, and refusal fall down and worship the image. God also plays a significant role. He vindicates the faith and commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by delivering them from the burning furnace of fire. King Nebuchadnezzar and his officials also play significant roles. King Nebuchadnezzar initiates the crisis by requiring that his officials fall down and worship the image or be thrown into a burning furnace of fire. He also vindicates the faith and commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by his response to their miraculous deliverance. His officials model the inappropriate response to the crisis by falling down and worshipping the statue. As the plot develops the faith and commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would be commended to the readers as God delivers them from the burning furnace of fire and King Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God, issues a decree prohibiting anyone from speaking against their God, and promotes them (See Strategy and Structure).

Strategy and Structure

This passage is arranged in chronological order. First, all Nebuchadnezzar's other officials submit to his demand for them to fall down and worship the image that he had set up. Second, Nebuchadnezzar demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall down and worship the image and they refuse to submit to his demand. Third, God delivers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the blazing furnace and Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God, issues a decree prohibiting anyone from speaking against their God, and promotes them. However, a clear didactic intent underlies the chronological order. First, Nebuchadnezzar initiates the crisis with his decree and all his other officials model the inappropriate response to attempts to force God's people to compromise their commitment to him. Second, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego model the appropriate response to attempts to force God's people of compromise their commitment to him. Finally, the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is vindicated by their deliverance by God and Nebuchadnezzar's positive response to them.

I. All of Nebuchadnezzar's other Officials Submit to His Demand (3:1-7)

A. Nebuchadnezzar Makes an Image and Summons His Officials to the Dedication (1-3)

B. Nebuchadnezzar Decrees that Everyone Fall Down and Worship the Image or Be Thrown into a Blazing Furnace (4-6)

C. Everyone Falls Down and Worships the Image (7)

II. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Refuse to Submit to Nebuchadnezzar's Demand (3:8-18)

A. Some Chaldeans Denounce Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for Their Lack of Respect and Disobedience (8-12)

B. Nebuchadnezzar Angrily Demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Fall Down and Worship the Image (13-15)

C. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Refuse to Submit to Nebuchadnezzar's Demand (16-18)

III. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Are Vindicated for Their Refusal to Submit to Nebuchadnezzar's Demand (3:19-30)

A. Nebuchadnezzar Has Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Thrown into the Blazing Furnace (19-23)

B. God Delivers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the Blazing Furnace (24-27)

C. Nebuchadnezzar Blesses Their God, Prohibits Anyone from Slandering Their God, and Promotes Them (28-30)

Message or Messages

God's people should not worship other gods even when they are compelled to do so like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials. Instead, God's people should trust and remain committed to God even when they are compelled to worship other gods like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God's people should not worship other gods like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because God delivered them from the blazing furnace unharmed. God's people should not worship other God's like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because Nebuchadnezzar blessed their God for their faith, defiance, and commitment, prohibited anyone from speaking against their God because of his power to save and promoted them in the province of Babylon.

Analysis of the Details

All of Nebuchadnezzar's other Officials

Submit to His Demand

All of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials submit to his demand to fall down and worship the image in 3:1-7. Nebuchadnezzar makes an image and summons his officials to the dedication (1-3); Nebuchadnezzar decrees that they all fall down and worship the image or be thrown into a blazing furnace (4-6); and everyone falls down and worships the image (7). The account emphasizes the pressure that was placed upon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to submit to the Nebuchadnezzar's demand. Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon and ruled his empire with absolute authority. He had the authority to execute anyone who did not obey him and threatened to throw anyone who did not worship the image into a blazing furnace (7). Indeed, all his officials except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego submitted to his authority and obeyed him immediately. When he summoned his officials for the dedication (2), they came and stood before the image (3). When he decreed that everyone fall down and worship the image (4-5), "all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up" (7). Later readers could easily relate to the situation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The people of Israel continued to be subject to foreign nations and were often pressured to worship the gods of their oppressors. However, later readers would also recognize that the submission of Nebuchadnezzar's officials and all his subjects to his demand was inappropriate for them. Therefore, God's people should not worship other gods even when they are compelled to do so like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Refuse to

Submit to Nebuchadnezzar's Demand

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to submit to Nebuchadnezzar's demand to fall down and worship the image in 3:8-18. Some Chaldeans denounce Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their lack of respect and disobedience; Nebuchadnezzar angrily demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall down and worship the image; and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to submit to Nebuchadnezzar's demand.

Some Chaldeans denounce Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their lack of respect and disobedience in verses 8-12. The Chaldeans probably regarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as rivals and were eager to take the opportunity to eliminate them. The Chaldeans were also wise men and influential advisors. They denounce Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their disobedience to Nebuchadnezzar and disrespect for his authority. However, their denunciation suggests that they resented these outsiders for the power they had in the province of Babylon (12). They state their denouncement very emphatically, doubling the subject pronoun (Literally "You you, O king have issued a decree" and indicated in translation with bold print). The doubling of the subject pronoun they were probably stressing the responsibility of the king to follow through on what he has decreed by throwing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fiery furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar angrily demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall down and worship the image in verses 13-15. He intensifies the pressure upon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to submit to his demand. He summons them "in anger and rage" (13). He asks a rhetorical question that expresses his shock that they would defy him (14). He repeats his demand and his threat (15). He concludes with another rhetorical question, "Then what god will deliver you from my hand?" This rhetorical question is of the type that presupposes an emphatic negative reply and is equivalent to the exclamation, "No god can deliver you from my hand!"

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to submit to Nebuchadnezzar's demand in verses 16-18. Their response to his demand emphasizes their faith in God and commitment to worship him alone. Their determination to defy the king is emphasized in verse 16, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to respond to you regarding this matter." They were so fixed in their commitment that nothing the king could say would persuade them otherwise. Their faith in God is stressed in verse 17, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to save us from the burning furnace of fire and he will rescue us from your hand, O king." Though Nebuchadnezzar's rhetorical question implied an emphatic negative response, their response is emphatically positive. They trusted in their God and believed that he was able to save them even if they were thrown into a blazing furnace. Their commitment is emphasized in verse 18, "But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." They were so committed to God that they would not serve or worship other gods even if they suffered death as a result. Porteous observes, "In a very real sense the climax of the chapter is reached here. The tyrant is defeated on ground of his own choosing, whether God intervenes to work a miracle or not . . . The human spirit, unconquerable through reliance on God, has been able to defy the worst that the earthly power can do" (Porteous, 60). Later readers could easily relate to the situation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The people of Israel continued to be subject to foreign nations and were often pressured to worship the gods of their oppressors. They would also recognize that the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was the appropriate response to that pressure. Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God even when they are compelled to worship other gods like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Are

Vindicated for Refusing to Submit

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are vindicated for refusing to submit to Nebuchadnezzar's demand in 3:19-30. Nebuchadnezzar has them thrown into a blazing furnace; God delivers them from the blazing furnace; and Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God, prohibits anyone from speaking against their God, and promotes them.

Nebuchadnezzar has Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into a blazing furnace in verses 19-23. This account stresses the certainty of their death and thereby emphasizes their miraculous deliverance by God. Nebuchadnezzar is even angrier than he was previously, "Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of rage and the appearance of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (19a). He was so angry that his rage contorted the appearance of his face. He made sure that the blazing furnace would be lethal by having it heated seven times hotter than usual (19b). Owens observes that this number need not be taken literally, but emphasizes that the furnace was heated "more than necessary" (Owens, 395). He made sure that they would not escape by ordering some of his strongest men to bind them and throw them into the furnace (20). Indeed, the fire was so hot that it killed the strong men who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the blazing furnace (22). However, the heat of the fire did not harm Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (See below).

God delivers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the blazing furnace in verses 24-27. Verses 24-25 stress the surprise of Nebuchadnezzar and thereby emphasize their miraculous deliverance by God. He "was astonished and rose up in alarm." He was certainly astonished and alarmed because the fire should have consumed them, but they were unbound, walking around, and unharmed. However, he was even more astonished and alarmed because he saw a fourth man "and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." He later concludes that this was an angel that their God had sent to deliver them (28). Anderson explains that the angel's presence in the furnace indicates that "the man of faith, who holds fast to what God requires of him, will not be left alone. He is not simply abandoned to alien and destructive forces" (Anderson, 37). Their miraculous deliverance is verified by Nebuchadnezzar's officials. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego are summoned from the blazing furnace by Nebuchadnezzar and inspected by his officials and advisors. His officials and advisors confirm that the fire did not harm them in any way. In fact, God's protected them so thoroughly from the fire that their hair was not singed, their clothes were not damaged, and they did not even smell like smoke. Their miraculous deliverance vindicates them for their faith and commitment and serves to encourage later readers to trust in God and remain committed to him like them. Therefore, God's people should not worship other gods like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because God delivered them from the blazing furnace unharmed.

Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God, prohibits anyone from speaking against their God, and promotes them in verses 28-30. He blesses their God in verse 28, "Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Blessed is the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him, defied the king's command, and gave up their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their God.'" Though he blesses their God for delivering them from the blazing furnace, he clearly links their miraculous deliverance to their faith in God, their defiance of his command, and their commitment to God. He especially emphasizes the extent of their commitment. They were so committed that they were willing to die rather than serve and worship another god. Nebuchadnezzar prohibits anyone from speaking against their God in verse 29, "Therefore from me I make a decree that any people, nation, or language that says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be dismembered and their houses made refuse heaps, for no other god can save in this way." Nebuchadnezzar himself has previously spoken against their God, maintaining that their God could not save them (15). Now he forbids anyone else from speaking against their God because "no other god can save in this way." Nebuchadnezzar even promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in verse 30. Nebuchadnezzar's response to God's miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego further vindicates them for their faith and commitment and serves to encourage readers to trust in God and remain committed to him like them. Therefore, God's people should not worship other gods like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego because Nebuchadnezzar blessed their God for their faith, defiance, and commitment, prohibited anyone from speaking against their God because of his power to save, and promoted them in the province of Babylon.

Application of the Message

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were pressured to fall down and worship the image of gold. This correspondence between the original and modern situations provides a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage is somewhat contextualized by the specific character of the threat faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Normally the threat is more subtle today. Christians today are seldom compelled to worship other gods and threatened with death if they do not. However, they may be pressured to convert to another religion or philosophy or in some other way compromise their commitment to God. Therefore, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can still serve as radical examples of faith and commitment. The statements of the message for the contemporary context below have been adjusted to allow for a broader application. Christians should not compromise their commitment to God even if they are compelled to do so like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials. Instead, Christians should trust in God and remain committed to him even when they are compelled to compromise their commitment like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Christians should not compromise their commitment like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego because God delivered them from the blazing furnace unharmed. Christians should not compromise their commitment like all of Nebuchadnezzar's other officials, but trust and remain committed to God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because Nebuchadnezzar blessed their God for their faith, defiance, and commitment, prohibited anyone from speaking against their God because of his power to save, and promoted them in the province of Babylon.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : WE WILL NOT SERVE YOUR GODS

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to trust and remain committed to God even when they are compelled to compromise their commitment.

**Proposition** : Christians should not compromise their commitment to God even if everyone else is whatever the consequences because God is able to deliver them and their commitment may lead others to bless their God.
Introduction

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were also pressured to compromise. King Nebuchadnezzar set up a large image of gold and summoned all his officials to the dedication of the image. He then issued a proclamation requiring that everyone fall down and worship the statue or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Indeed, everyone did fall down and worship the image except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Some people reported their disobedience and further accused them of lack of respect toward the king. As a result, the king became extremely angry and demanded that they fall down and worship the image or be thrown into the blazing furnace. However, they trusted and remained committed to God and refused to bow down and worship the image. As they do so, they show us how we should respond to compromising circumstances.

I. Christians should not compromise their commitment to God even if everyone else is compromising.

A. Nebuchadnezzar makes an image and summons his officials to the dedication and decrees that all his officials fall down and worship the image or be thrown into a blazing furnace.

B. Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon and ruled his empire with absolute authority. He had the authority to execute anyone who did not obey him and threatened to throw anyone who did not worship the image into a blazing furnace.

C. When he summoned his officials for the dedication, they all came and stood before the image. When he decreed that everyone fall down and worship the image everyone fell down and worshipped the image.

D. Everyone that is except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

E. _Illustration of Being Swayed by the Crowd_

F. Application--Therefore, we should not compromise our commitment to God even if everyone else is compromising.

II. Christians should not compromise their commitment to God whatever the consequences.

A. Some Chaldeans denounce Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their lack of respect and disobedience.

B. Nebuchadnezzar angrily demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall down and worship the image.

C. They had faith that God was able to save them, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to save us from the burning furnace of fire and he will rescue us from your hand, O king" (17).

D. But they refused to compromise their commitment whatever the consequences, "But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (18).

E. _Illustration of Commitment Whatever the Consequences_

F. Application--Therefore, we should not compromise our commitment to God whatever the consequences.

III. Christians should not compromise their commitment to God because he is able to deliver them.

A. Nebuchadnezzar has Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into a blazing furnace in verses 19-23. This account stresses certainty of their death and thereby emphasizes their miraculous deliverance by God.

B. God delivers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the blazing furnace in verses 24-27.

1. Nebuchadnezzar was astonished because the fire should have consumed them, but they are unbound, walking around, and unharmed. However, he was even more astonished and alarmed because he saw a fourth man "and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."

2. They are summoned from the blazing furnace by Nebuchadnezzar and inspected by his officials and advisors. His officials and advisors confirm that the fire did not harm them in any way.

C. Their miraculous deliverance vindicates them for their faith and commitment and serves to encourage us to trust in God and remain committed to him like them.

D. _Illustration of God's Power to Deliver_

E. Application--Therefore, we should not compromise our commitment to God because God is able to deliver us.

IV. Christians should not compromise their commitment to God because their faith and commitment may lead others to bless God.

A. Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God in verse 28, "Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Blessed is the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants.'"

B. Nebuchadnezzar prohibits anyone from speaking against their God in verse 29, "Therefore from me I make a decree that any people, nation, or language that says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be dismembered and their houses made refuse heaps, for no other god can save in this way."

C. Nebuchadnezzar explains that he blesses their God because they "trusted in him, defied the king's command, and gave up their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their God" (28). He blesses their God because of their faith, defiance, and commitment.

D. _Illustration of the Power of Faithful Commitment_

E. Application--Therefore, we should not compromise our commitment to God because our faith and commitment may lead others to bless God.

Conclusion

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were also pressured to compromise. However, they trusted and remained committed to God and refused to bow down and worship the image. As they do so, they show us how we should respond to compromising circumstances. We should not compromise our commitment to God even if everyone else is compromising. We should not compromise our commitment to God whatever the consequences. We should not compromise our commitment to God because he is able to deliver us. We should not compromise our commitment to God because our faith and commitment may lead others to bless God.

### CHAPTER FIVE

### HIS DOMINION IS AN ETERNAL DOMINION

### Daniel 4:1-37

In the Hebrew Bible, verses 1-3 are the last three verses of the chapter 3, suggesting that they were regarded as the conclusion of the story of the blazing furnace. However, these verses seem to be an integral part of chapter 4 as in the English Bible. Chapter 4 is united in form, containing as it does a decree in which King Nebuchadnezzar praises the Highest God and testifies of the miraculous signs and wonders that God has worked in his life. Nonetheless, Owens still regards these verses as the conclusion of chapter 3 (Owens, 397). In the translation below I use the chapter and verse numbers from the English Bible with the chapter and verse numbers from the Hebrew Bible in parenthesis.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

4:1(3:31)King Nebuchadnezzar, to all peoples, nations, and languages that live in all the earth: May prosperity be multiplied to you! 2(32)It seemed good for me to tell about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

3(33)How great are his signs!

How mighty his wonders!

His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;

His dominion is from generation to generation.

4(4:1)I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. 5(2)I saw a dream that made me afraid and fancies upon my bed and visions in my head terrified me. 6(3)So I decreed that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me so that they might make known the interpretation of the dream for me. 7(4)When the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not make known its interpretation for me.

8(5)Finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god and the spirit of the holy God is in him, and I told the dream to him. 9(6)"Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy God is in you and every mystery is not too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream and its interpretation. 10(7)The visions of my head upon my bed: Behold a tree in the middle of the earth and its height was enormous. 11(8)The tree grew and became strong and its top reached to heaven and its visibility to the end of the whole earth. 12(9)Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shade, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches; from it all flesh was fed. 13(10)I was looking in the visions in my head upon my bed, and behold a watcher and holy being was coming down from heaven. 14(11)He called with power: 'Cut down the tree and cut off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beast flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15(12)But leave the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16(13)Let his heart be changed from that of a man and let him be given the heart of a beast and let seven times pass by for him. 17(14)The decision is by the decree of watchers and the command and word of holy beings so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.' 18(15)This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, you, O Belteshazzar, tell the interpretation because all the wise men in my kingdom are unable to make known the interpretation for me, but you are able because the spirit of the holy God is in you."

19(16)Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you."

Belteshazzar answered, "My lord, if only the dream were for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! 20(17)The tree you saw, which grew and became strong so that its top reached the heavens and its visibility to all the earth, 21(18) and with its beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, and under it dwelt the beasts of the field, and in its branches lived the birds of the heavens--22(19)It is you, O king! You have grown and become strong; your stature has grown and reaches the heavens and your dominion is to the end of the earth.

23(20)"The king saw a watcher and a holy being coming down from heaven and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth with a band of iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven and let him live with the beasts of the field until seven times pass by for him.' 24(21)This is the interpretation, O king. The Most High has brought this against my lord the king: 25(22)You will be driven from among men and will live with the beasts of the field; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes. 26(23)As they were told to leave the stump of the tree with its root, your kingdom will be returned to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27(24)Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed so that your prosperity will continue."

28(25)All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29(26)Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30(27)he said, "Is this not the great Babylon which I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" 31(28)While the words were still in the mouth of the king a voice came from heaven, "What was spoken has fallen upon you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32(29)You will be driven away from men and will live with the beasts of the field; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes." 33(30)Within the hour the word about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like an eagle and his nails like a bird.

34(31)At the end of those days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored and I blessed the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. I praised and honored because:

His dominion is an eternal dominion;

and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

35(32)All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.

He does as he pleases with the host of heaven

and the peoples of the earth.

No one can hold back his hand

or say to him: "What are you doing?"

36(33)At that same time when my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me, I was reestablished upon my throne, and even more greatness was added to me. 37(34)Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven, because all he does is right, all his ways are just, and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Situation and Purpose

This passage describes a setting in which King Nebuchadnezzar is unsettled and terrified by a dream and seeks help understanding the dream from his wise men and especially Daniel. However, the readers would not have identified with Nebuchadnezzar and his situation. Instead, they would have identified with his subjects. Nebuchadnezzar was one of many arrogant and wicked rulers who oppressed them. Indeed, this passage depicts Nebuchadnezzar as being arrogant, wicked, and oppressive. His arrogance is especially emphasized in verses 29-30, "as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, 'Is this not the great Babylon which I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?'" His wickedness and oppression are indirectly revealed in Daniel's appeal for him to repent in verse 27, "Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed so that your prosperity will continue." This setting reflects a situation in which the readers were under the oppressive rule of the arrogant and wicked kings of foreign nations. As a result, they could have doubted God's sovereignty and compromised their commitment to him. The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to trust in God's sovereignty and remain committed to him without compromise even though they are oppressed by arrogant, wicked, and oppressive rulers. As Owens puts it, "Such a historicized account could be used during the threat or dominance of any tyrannical ruler to bring encouragement and direction to a downtrodden defeated people" (Owens, 404).

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands fourth presumably because the events narrated happened after the events narrated in the preceding chapters. However, this passage is not dated. This passage concludes the stories from the reign on Nebuchadnezzar. These stories reveal a development in Nebuchadnezzar's attitude toward God. This passage's portrayal of Nebuchadnezzar stands in contrast to the portrayal of Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's son, in the subsequent passage. In fact, the subsequent passage makes specific allusions to the historical events recorded in this chapter. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both halves repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's sovereignty and faithfulness through King Nebuchadnezzar's testimony of how God humbled him.

Form and Function

Though this passage relates events, it is not historical narrative. Though this passage does contain a dream, this dream is not apocalyptic in nature like the dreams in chapters 2 and 7-12. Instead this passage takes the unique form of a royal decree in which Nebuchadnezzar testifies to what God has done in his life and praises God for his miraculous signs and wonders. As Goldingay observes, "The form of a royal proclamation gives the content a special degree of authority, which is used to testify to a higher authority than the human king" (Goldingay, 82). Such a testimony would have been extremely encouraging to readers who were oppressed by arrogant and wicked rulers like him. They would have identified King Nebuchadnezzar with those arrogant and wicked rulers who were oppressing them. As King Nebuchadnezzar testified to the sovereign control that God exerted over his life, they would have been encouraged to trust in God even though rulers much like Nebuchadnezzar oppressed them. They would be further encouraged to trust in God even though they were oppressed as King Nebuchadnezzar himself praises God for his sovereignty over the rulers of the earth. Irony plays a significant role in this royal decree. Irony describes a circumstance or result that is contrary to what would be expected and is used to emphasize the extraordinary. In this passage, Nebuchadnezzar's testimony to the sovereign control that God exerted over his life as well as his declaration of praise to God are certainly surprising. This use of irony emphasizes the extraordinary sovereignty of God. God is so sovereign that he is even in control of King Nebuchadnezzar's life and even Nebuchadnezzar is forced to acknowledge that he is in control and praise him for his sovereignty.

Strategy and Structure

The passage begins with Nebuchadnezzar introducing his decree and praising God. He then explains the events that led to this remarkable decree in which he testifies to the control of God over his life and praises God for his sovereignty. First, he explains that he had a frightening dream and sought help from his wise men to understand its interpretation. Second, he explains that Daniel interpreted the dream for him. Third, he explains that he was humbled in accordance with the dream. Finally, he explains that he was restored in accordance with the dream and praises God. The sequence of events (dream, interpretation, and fulfillment) clearly demonstrates that God knows and controls these events. Nebuchadnezzar praises God because God demonstrates his sovereignty over him.

I. Nebuchadnezzar Introduces His Decree and Praises the Most High God (4:1-3)

A. Address and Blessing (1)

B. Subject of the Decree (2)

C. Praise to the Most High God (3)

II. Nebuchadnezzar Has a Terrifying Dream and Seeks the Interpretation (4:4-18)

A. Nebuchadnezzar Has a Dream that Unsettles and Terrifies Him (4-5)

B. Nebuchadnezzar Summons His Wise Men, Tells Them His Dream, but They Are Unable to Interpret It (6-7)

C. Nebuchadnezzar Tells Daniel His Dream and Asks Him to Interpret It (8-18)

1. Introduction to Daniel and the telling of his dream (8)

2. Nebuchadnezzar confidently asks Daniel to interpret his dream (9)

3. Nebuchadnezzar describes his vision of a tree (10-12)

4. Nebuchadnezzar describes his vision of a watcher and holy being (13-17)

5. Nebuchadnezzar confidently asks Daniel to interpret his dream (18)

III. Daniel Interprets the Dream for Nebuchadnezzar (4:19-27)

A. Daniel Is Appalled and Terrified and Nebuchadnezzar Encourages Him (19)

B. Daniel Interprets the Vision of the Tree (20-22)

C. Daniel Interprets the Vision of the Watcher and Holy Being (23-26)

D. Daniel Counsels the King to Renounce His Sin and Do What Is Right (27)

IV. Nebuchadnezzar Is Humbled in accordance with the Dream (4:28-33)

A. Introduction (28)

B. Nebuchadnezzar Arrogantly Boasts of His Might and Majesty (29-30)

C. A Voice from Heaven Announces that the Dream Is Being Fulfilled (31-32)

D. Nebuchadnezzar Is Humbled in accordance with the Dream (33)

V. Nebuchadnezzar Is Restored in accordance with the Dream and Praises God (34-37)

A. Nebuchadnezzar Raises His Eyes Toward Heaven, His Sanity Is Restored, and He Praises the Most High (34-35)

B. Nebuchadnezzar's Honor, Splendor, and Kingdom Are Returned to Him and He Praises the God of Heaven (36-37)

Message or Messages

God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because even King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that the Most High God was sovereign over him and praised him for his miraculous signs and wonders and his eternal kingdom and dominion. God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because God terrified King Nebuchadnezzar with a dream so that he would know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men, gives them to whomever he wishes, and sets over them the lowliest of men. God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because King Nebuchadnezzar's dream revealed that even though he had grown powerful, he would be driven away and live like an animal unless he repented of his sin and was kind to the oppressed and he would only be restored when he acknowledged that Heaven rules. God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled in accordance with his dream when he continued to boast in his might and power rather than acknowledge that Heaven rules. God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because when King Nebuchadnezzar looked to heaven he was restored in accordance with his dream and he honored and glorified the Most High for his sovereignty and praised and exalted the King of Heaven because of his justice.

Analysis of the Details

Nebuchadnezzar Introduces His Decree and

Praises the Most High God

Nebuchadnezzar introduces his decree and praises the Most High God in verses 1-3. He addresses the decree "to all peoples, nations, and languages that live in all the earth" and blesses them in verse 1. These are characteristic features of royal decrees. However, there is nothing characteristic about the subject matter of his decree that he introduces in verse 2, "It seemed good for me to tell about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me." The title that he uses to speak of God--"the Most High God"--emphasizes God's sovereignty over all other gods. He is the God of gods. What is even more extraordinary is that he then bursts out in a song praising the Most High God in verse 3, "How great are his signs! How mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion is from generation to generation." He explains why he praises God for his miraculous signs and wonders and eternal kingdom and dominion in the remainder of the decree. However, even at this point the readers of the Book of Daniel would be encouraged as they witness King Nebuchadnezzar praising their God. Therefore, God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because even King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that the Most High God was sovereign over him and praised the Most High God for his miraculous signs and wonders and his eternal kingdom and dominion.

Nebuchadnezzar Has a Terrifying Dream and

Seeks the Interpretation

Nebuchadnezzar reports that he had a terrifying dream and sought the interpretation in verses 4-18. He stresses the terror that the dream caused him in verses 1-2. He had been at ease in his house and flourishing in his palace (1). However, the dream made him afraid and terrified him (2). He had good reason to be afraid and terrified. Although Daniel does not interpret the dream until later, the dream is clearly an omen of evil. Implicit within the account is the understanding that the dream was from God. The key figure of the dream is "a watcher and a holy one" who "was coming down from heaven" (13). In addition, verse 17 indicates that the word of judgment was revealed in the dream by watchers and holy ones so that it might be recognized as a word of God. Furthermore, even though Nebuchadnezzar's wise men are unable to interpret the dream (6-7), the king had complete confidence that Daniel would be able to interpret the dream (9, 18). He was confident because "the spirit of the holy God is in him" (8; see also 9 and 18). This expression is usually translated "the spirit of the holy gods is in him" because this would be a more appropriate expression for a pagan king. However, as Porteous observes, "it is not necessary to regard this as a polytheistic expression" (Porteous, 67). What is more, even if Nebuchadnezzar's understanding of God is inadequate, he frequently uses terms to refer to God that exalt him to a position above other gods such as "the Most High." Daniel is able to interpret the dream because God revealed the dream and Daniel has "the spirit of the holy God." Lucas successfully sidesteps this problem by translating "the spirit of the holy God" with "a holy, divine spirit" (Lucas, 97). Though the interpretation of the dream must wait until later, the watcher and holy one explains its purpose in verse 17, "The decision is by the decree of watchers and the command and word of holy ones so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men." Therefore, God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because God terrified King Nebuchadnezzar with a dream so that he would know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men, gives them to whomever he wishes, and sets over them the lowliest of men.

Daniel Interprets the Dream for Nebuchadnezzar

The decree recounts that Daniel interpreted the dream for Nebuchadnezzar verses 19-27. This portion of the decree seems to be written by someone else since King Nebuchadnezzar is spoken of in the third person. Daniel's response emphasizes that not only was the dream terrifying, but its interpretation was terrifying as well. What the dream revealed about Nebuchadnezzar's fate was so awful that Daniel is appalled and terrified and expresses his earnest desire that it was for the king's enemies rather than for him (19). Daniel summarizes and interprets the vision of the tree in verses 20-22. This part of the dream acknowledges the power and dominion of Nebuchadnezzar and thereby accentuates the extent of his humiliation. Like the tree that reached the heavens and provided food and shelter for the birds and beasts, King Nebuchadnezzar has grown in power and dominion.

Daniel summarizes and interprets the vision of the watcher and holy being in verses 23-26. He summarizes the interpretation of the dream in verse 24, "The Most High has come against my lord the king." The vision and its interpretation reveal three things about what will happen to Nebuchadnezzar in this confrontation with the Most High. First, he will "be driven from among men and will live with the beasts of the field" and "eat grass like cattle." Second, he will acknowledge "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes" (25). Third, his kingdom will be restored to him when he acknowledges that Heaven rules (26).

Daniel concludes his interpretation of the dream by counseling the king to renounce his sin and do what is right (27). The people of Israel continued to be oppressed by arrogant and wicked rulers like Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, they probably questioned the sovereignty of God. However, as they read about the how God planned to humble Nebuchadnezzar and force him to acknowledge the sovereignty of their God they would be encouraged to trust God. Therefore, God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because King Nebuchadnezzar's dream revealed that even though he had grown powerful, he would be driven away and live like an animal unless he renounced his sin and was kind to the oppressed and he would only be restored when he acknowledged that Heaven rules.

Nebuchadnezzar Is Humbled in accordance

With the Dream

King Nebuchadnezzar is humbled in accordance with the dream in verses 28-33. This portion of the decree also seems to be written by someone else. This account is introduced by stressing that what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar corresponded to what had been revealed to him in his dream and its interpretation in verse 28, "All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar." This account stresses that the humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar was precipitated by his continued boasting in his might and majesty. Twelve months pass without the dream being fulfilled. However, when he boasts of his might and majesty while walking on the roof of his royal palace (29-30), a voice from heaven immediately announces that the dream is fulfilled (31). In fact, the account emphasizes that this announcement came "While the words were still in the mouth of the king" (31). What is more, he was humbled immediately in accordance with the dream and the announcement of the voice from heaven (32-33). Indeed, the account emphasizes that "Within the hour the word about King Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled" (33). The voice from heaven declares that he will remain in this depraved condition until he acknowledges that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes." The people of Israel continued to be oppressed by arrogant and wicked rulers like Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, they probably questioned the sovereignty of God. However, as they read about the humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar by their sovereign God they would be encouraged to trust God. Therefore, God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled in accordance with his dream because he continued to boast in his might and power rather than acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Nebuchadnezzar Is Restored in accordance

With the Dream and Praises God

King Nebuchadnezzar is restored in accordance with the dream and praises God in verses 34-37. Nebuchadnezzar reports that he raised his eyes toward Heaven and his sanity was restored and he praises the Most High in verses 34-35. By raising his eyes toward heaven he was acknowledging that God was above him. He was acknowledging that Heaven rules! As Goldingay says, "Looking to heaven suggests seeking God's aid and thus implicitly recognizing God's kingship" (Goldingay, 90). He reports further that when his sanity was restored he praised God. Indeed, his praise to God emphasizes the superiority of God in several ways. First, he praised "the Most High" (34). God is exalted above everything and everyone. Second, he "honored and glorified the one who lives forever." God is eternal. Third, he praised and honored God because "his dominion is an eternal dominion; and his kingdom is from generation to generation" (34). God rules forever. Fourth, he praised and honored God because "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the host of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What are you doing?'" (35). God has absolute authority.

Nebuchadnezzar reports that his honor, splendor, and kingdom were returned to him and he praises the God of Heaven in verses 36-37. The return of his honor, splendor, and kingdom is also linked to his raising of his eyes to heaven. He indicates that these were returned "At that same time" (36). His praise to God again emphasizes ways in which God is superior in verse 37. First, he praises and exalts and glorifies "the King of Heaven." He acknowledges that though he is an earthly king, God is sovereign over him. Second, he praises and exalts and glorifies God because "all he does is right and all his ways are just." God is absolutely righteous and just. Finally, he praises and exalts and glorifies God because "those who walk in pride he is able to humble." He is sovereign over even the most powerful of men. The people of Israel continued to be oppressed by arrogant and wicked rulers like Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, they probably questioned the sovereignty of God. However, when they read about Nebuchadnezzar's restoration and listened to him praise their God for his sovereignty and justice they would be encouraged to trust God. Therefore, God's people should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked rulers oppress them because when King Nebuchadnezzar looked to heaven he was restored in accordance with his dream and he honored and glorified the Most High for his eternal dominion and absolute sovereignty and praised and exalted the King of Heaven because he is righteous, just, and able to humble the proud.

Application of the Message

The fate of Christians today sometimes seems to be in the hands of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for their God much like the fate of the exiles seemed to be in the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar. This correspondence between the original and modern situations provides a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This chapter is frequently understood as a warning example of the results of pride. In that case it could be applied to those who exalt themselves over God. However, I have chosen to apply the message of the passage to one that corresponds more directly to the original context. This passage contains very little that is contextualized and would require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message of the passage in the original context. However, I have stated them more generally to allow for a broader application. Christians should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked people seem to control their fate because even King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that the Most High God was sovereign over him and praised him for his miraculous signs and wonders and his eternal kingdom and dominion. Christians should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked people seem to control their fate because God terrified King Nebuchadnezzar with a dream so that he would know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men, gives them to whomever he wishes, and sets over them the lowliest of men. Christians should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked people seem to control their fate because King Nebuchadnezzar's dream revealed that even though he had grown powerful, he would be driven away and live like an animal unless he repented of his sin and was kind to the oppressed and he would only be restored when he acknowledged that Heaven rules. Christians should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked people seem to control their fate because King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled in accordance with his dream when he continued to boast in his might and power rather than acknowledge that Heaven rules. Christians should trust in the God even when arrogant and wicked people seem to control their fate because when King Nebuchadnezzar looked to heaven he was restored in accordance with his dream and he honored and glorified the Most High for his sovereignty and praised and exalted the King of Heaven because of his justice.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : HIS DOMINION IS AN ETERNAL DOMINION

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to trust in God even when their fate seems to be controlled by arrogant and wicked people.

**Proposition** : Christians should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to praise the Most High for his mighty wonders and eternal kingdom, acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and their rulers, and exalt the Most High for his everlasting dominion and the King of Heaven for his justice and ability to humble the proud.
Introduction

The fate of Christians today sometimes seems to be in the hands of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for their God. As a result, they could easily become discouraged and begin to doubt God. The exiles in Babylon were in a similar situation. King Nebuchadnezzar was an arrogant, wicked, and oppressive ruler who made their lives miserable. Nonetheless, Daniel 4 contains a decree in which he testifies about how God humbled him and praises God for his sovereignty. His testimony and praise should encourage us as we suffer under the authority of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for our God.

I. Christians should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to praise the Most High for his mighty wonders and eternal kingdom.

A. Nebuchadnezzar announces the amazing subject of his decree in verse 2, "It seemed good for me to tell about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me."

B. Nebuchadnezzar bursts out in a song praising the Most High God in verse 3, "How great are his signs! How mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion is from generation to generation."

C. _Illustration of God Humbling the Proud and Powerful_

D. Application--Therefore, we should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to praise the Most High for his mighty wonders and eternal kingdom.

II. Christians should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and their rulers.

A. King Nebuchadnezzar reports that he had a dream in verses 4-18. Though he was at ease in his house and flourishing in his palace, this dream frightened and terrified him. The watcher and holy one from the dream explains the purpose of the dream in verse 17, "so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men."

B. Daniel summarizes and interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in verses 20-26. Like the tree that reached the heavens and provided food and shelter for the birds and beasts, King Nebuchadnezzar has grown in power and dominion. However, he will "be driven from among men and will live with the beasts of the field" and "eat grass like cattle" and he will only be restored after he acknowledges that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes" (25) and that Heaven rules (26).

C. After Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream he counseled the king to renounce his sin and do what is right (27).

D. Nonetheless, all that was revealed in the dream came upon King Nebuchadnezzar when he continued in his arrogant pride, "All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, 'Is this not the great Babylon which I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?'" (28-30).

E. The voice from heaven declares that he will remain in this depraved condition until he acknowledges that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wishes."

F. _Illustration of God Humbling the Proud and Powerful_

G. Application--Therefore, we should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and their rulers.

III. Christians should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to glorify the Most High for his eternal dominion and exalt the King of Heaven for his justice and ability to humble to proud.

A. Nebuchadnezzar reports that he glorified the Most High for his everlasting sovereignty. By raising his eyes toward heaven he was acknowledging that God was above him. He was acknowledging that Heaven rules! He glorified God as "the Most High" (34). He "honored and glorified the one who lives forever." He praised and honored God because "his dominion is an eternal dominion; and his kingdom is from generation to generation" (34). He praised and honored God because "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the host of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What are you doing?'"

B. Nebuchadnezzar reports that he exalted the God of Heaven and his justice. He praises and exalts and glorifies "the King of Heaven." He praises and exalts and glorifies God because "all he does is right and all his ways are just." He praises and exalts and glorifies God because "those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

C. _Illustration of God Humbling the Proud and Powerful_

D. Application--Therefore, we should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to glorify the Most High for his everlasting dominion and exalted the King of Heaven for his justice and ability to humble the proud.

Conclusion

The fate of Christians today sometimes seems to be in the hands of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for their God. As a result, they could easily become discouraged and begin to doubt God. The exiles in Babylon were in a similar situation. Nebuchadnezzar was an arrogant, wicked, and oppressive ruler who made their miserable. Nonetheless, Daniel 4 contains a decree in which he testifies about how God humbled him and praises God for his sovereignty. His testimony and praise should encourage us as we suffer under the authority of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for our God. We should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to praise the Most High God for his mighty wonders and eternal kingdom. We should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and their rulers. We should trust God because he humbled King Nebuchadnezzar and compelled him to glorify the Most High for his everlasting dominion and exalt the King of Heaven for his justice and ability to humble the proud.

### CHAPTER SIX

### MENE MENE, TEKEL, AND PARSIN

### Daniel 5:1-30

Daniel 5 is clearly united, containing the tragic story of King Belshazzar. However, the limits of chapter 5 are different in the English and Hebrew texts. The English text has 31 verses, whereas the Hebrew text only has 30 verses. I have chosen to follow the Hebrew text because the verse in question introduces Darius and he is the subject of the subsequent chapter.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

5:1King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine in front of them. 2When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem so that the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple, which is the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

5Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote before the lampstand on the plaster of the wall in the palace of the king and the king watched the hand as it wrote. 6Then his color changed, his thoughts alarmed him, his bowels gave way, and his knees knocked together.

7The king called out with strength to bring in the enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners. The king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Anyone who reads this writing and reveals to me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, with a gold chain around his neck, and he will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 8Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known the interpretation to the king. 9So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his color changed even more and his nobles were baffled.

10The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Don't let your thoughts alarm you! Don't let your color change! 11There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father, your father the king, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners. 12Because an outstanding spirit and knowledge and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems were found in this man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, let Daniel be called and he will reveal the interpretation."

13So Daniel was brought before the king and the king said to Daniel, "Are you this Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14I have heard about you; that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom. 15The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not reveal the interpretation of the matter. 16But I have heard about you; that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, with a gold chain around your neck, and you will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

17Then Daniel answered the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and make known to him its interpretation.

18"O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared in his presence. Those whom he wanted, he killed; those whom he wanted, he let live; those whom he wanted, he raised up; and those whom he wanted, he brought low. 20But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he became proud, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken from him. 21He was driven away from people and his heart was made like that of a beast; his dwelling was with the wild donkeys and he ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdom of men and sets over it whomever he wishes. 22But you his son, O Belshazzar have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this. 23Instead, you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. The goblets from his house have been brought in to you and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God in whose hand is your breath and all your ways. 24Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

25"This is the inscription that was written: ' _MENE MENE_ , _TEKEL_ , and _PARSIN_.' 26This is the interpretation of the matter: _Mene_ \--God has numbered your reign and brought it to an end. 27 _Tekel_ \--You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. 28 _Peres_ \--Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

29Then Belshazzar commanded and Daniel was clothed in purple, with a gold chain around his neck, and it was proclaimed concerning him that he would be the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 30That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was killed.

Situation and Purpose

This passage describes a setting in which King Belshazzar is terrified by an omen and inscription and seeks help understanding the inscription from his wise men and especially Daniel. However, the readers would not have identified with Belshazzar and his situation. Instead, they would have identified with his subjects, especially the Hebrew exiles. Belshazzar was one of many arrogant and wicked rulers who oppressed them. Indeed, this passage depicts Belshazzar as being arrogant and disrespectful of God. His arrogance and disrespect are clearly depicted in his behavior at the banquet. He gave orders to bring the gold and silver goblets that were from God's temple and "They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone." Daniel directly accuses the king of arrogance and disrespect for God based on this behavior in verse 23. This setting reflects a situation in which the readers were under the authority of arrogant foreign kings who did not respect their God. As a result, they could have doubted God's sovereignty and compromised their commitment. The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to trust God and remain committed to him without compromise even though they are subject to arrogant foreign rulers who do not respect their God.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands fifth because it narrates events from the life of King Belshazzar, King Nebuchadnezzar's son. This passage makes specific allusion to instances when Daniel has demonstrated his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams such as those recorded in chapters 1-2 and 4. In addition, the portrayal of Belshazzar in this passage stands in contrast to the portrayal of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's father, in the preceding passage. In fact, this passage makes specific allusion to the historical events related in the preceding passage. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both halves repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's sovereignty and faithfulness through his condemnation of King Belshazzar.

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the experience of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon during the exile (See Situation and Purpose). The main character of the story is King Belshazzar. However, the readers would not have readily identified with the king. Instead they would have identified with his subjects, especially the Hebrew exiles. As they witnessed the king's terror when he saw the omen, desperation to find someone to read and interpret the inscription, rebuke by Daniel for his arrogance and disrespect to God, condemnation by the inscription, and death in accordance with the inscription, they would be encouraged to trust in God when they were ruled by arrogant kings who were disrespectful to God. Daniel also plays a significant role. He is God's spokesman, rebuking the king for his arrogance and disrespect to God and reading and interpreting the words of judgment in the inscription. He may also serve to a degree as a model, specifically in his refusal to be enticed by the king's promise of reward.

Strategy and Structure

This passage is arranged in a chronological structure. First, King Belshazzar and his guests dishonor God and the king watches in terror as a hand writes an inscription on the wall. This division introduces the account and implies that his act of arrogance and disrespect for God was foolish. Second, King Belshazzar seeks someone to read and interpret the mysterious inscription and Daniel agrees to do so. This division introduces the credentials of Daniel and establishes the validity of his rebuke and interpretation. Moreover, it presents Daniel as a good example through his refusal to be enticed. Third, Daniel rebukes the king for his failure to humble himself and honor God. Fourth, Daniel interprets the inscription, condemning the king for his arrogance and disrespect for God. Finally, Daniel is rewarded and Belshazzar is killed. This division further validates Daniel's example, rebuke, and interpretation and condemns the king for his arrogance and disrespect for God.

I. King Belshazzar Dishonors God and Is Humiliated (5:1-6)

A. King Belshazzar and His Guests Dishonor God at a Banquet (1-4)

B. King Belshazzar Is Humbled by a Hand Writing on the Wall (5-6)

II. Daniel Refuses to Be Enticed but Agrees to Interpret the Inscription (5:7-17)

A. The King's Wise Men Are Unable to Read and Interpret the Inscription (7-9)

B. The Queen Mother Recommends Daniel (10-12)

C. The King Entices Daniel to Read and Interpret the Inscription (13-16)

D. Daniel Refuses to Be Enticed but Agrees to Interpret the Inscription (17)

III. Daniel Explains the Reason for the Omen and Inscription (5:18-24)

A. Daniel Reminds King Belshazzar that the Most High God Was Sovereign over His Father (18-21)

1. The Most High God gave his father sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor (18-19)

2. The Most High God humbled his father and only restored him when he acknowledged God's sovereignty (20-21)

B. Daniel Explains to King Belshazzar that His Pride and Disrespect Are the Reasons for the Omen and Inscription (22-24)

IV. Daniel Reads and Interprets the Inscription (5:25-28)

A. Daniel Reads the Inscription (25)

B. Daniel Interprets the Inscription (26-28)

V. Daniel Is Rewarded and Belshazzar Is Killed (5:29-30)

Message or Messages

God's people should trust God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because God humiliated King Belshazzar when he arrogantly dishonored God. God's people should trust God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because Daniel was lauded as one who had the spirit of the holy gods, wisdom, and the ability to solve difficult problems and he refused to be seduced by the king's offer of prestige and position. God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because God is sovereign over the rulers of the earth and he sent the hand to write the inscription condemning Belshazzar because he exalted himself against the Lord of heaven and did not honor the God who controlled his fate. God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because when King Belshazzar arrogantly dishonored God, God judged him, brought his reign to an end, and gave his kingdom to the Medes and Persians. God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because Daniel refused to be enticed by the king and received the very things with which the king sought to entice him; whereas King Belshazzar exalted himself and dishonored God and was killed.

Analysis of the Details

King Belshazzar Dishonors God

And Is Humiliated

King Belshazzar dishonors God and is humiliated in verses 1-6. King Belshazzar and his guests dishonor God at a banquet in verses 1-4. The king gives a great banquet (1), gives orders for the gold and silver goblets from the temple to be brought in (2-3), and he and his guests drink from the goblets and praise the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone (4). This display is clearly intended to dishonor God. However, King Belshazzar is dishonored by a hand writing on the wall in verses 5-6. A hand appears and writes on the wall as the king watches in verse 5, "Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote before the lampstand on the plaster of the wall in the palace of the king and the king watched the hand as it wrote." This hand and the inscription that it writes are clearly an omen of evil sent by God against the king. The king is humiliated by his terrified reaction to the hand writing on the wall in verse 6, "Then his color changed, his thoughts alarmed him, his bowels gave way, and his knees knocked together." He was alarmed because he recognized the hand and the inscription that it wrote were an omen of evil against him. However, it is his physical reaction to the omen that humiliates him before his guests. He is so terrified that he turns deathly pale, soils himself, and can hardly stand. The Jews continued to be subject to arrogant rulers who did not honor God. As they witnessed this spectacle they would certainly be encouraged by this demonstration of God's sovereignty. Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain committed to him even when they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor him because he humiliated King Belshazzar when he arrogantly dishonored him.

Daniel Refuses to Be Enticed but Agrees to

Interpret the Inscription

Daniel refuses to be enticed but agrees to interpret the inscription in verses 7-17. The king's wise men are unable to read and interpret the inscription in verses 7-9. The king summons them and entices them to read and interpret the inscription (7); they are unable to read and interpret the inscription (8); and he becomes even more terrified, while his nobles are baffled (9). The inability of the king's wise men to read and interpret the inscription contrasts with and accentuates Daniel's ability to read and interpret the inscription.

The queen mother recommends Daniel to the king in verses 10-12. She tells him not to be terrified (10); explains that there is a man who is able to read and interpret the inscription (11); and advises him to have Daniel called so that he can read and interpret the inscription (12). She praises him for his superhuman intelligence and insight. He "has the spirit of the holy gods" and "insight and intelligence and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods." In fact, she observes that he was found to be so insightful and intelligent that King Nebuchadnezzar "made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners." What is more, "Because of his outstanding spirit and knowledge and understanding" he was able "to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems." He was able to apply his wisdom and understanding in a practical way to real life problems.

The king tries to entice Daniel to read and interpret the inscription in verses 13-16. Daniel is brought before the king (13); the king tells Daniel what he has heard about him (14) and that his wise men were unable to read and interpret the inscription (15); and the king offers Daniel a reward if he will read and interpret the inscription (16). This encounter reinforces the qualifications of Daniel. The king acknowledges that Daniel is regarded as having "the spirit of the holy gods . . . insight, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom" (14) and that he is "able to give interpretations and to solve problems" (15). The king also accentuates the ability of Daniel by admitting the failure of his wise men, "The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not reveal the interpretation of the matter" (15).

This encounter also presents Daniel with a dilemma in addition to the riddle of the writing on the wall. Should he ally himself with an arrogant ruler who dishonors God? Daniel refuses the enticing offer of the king, but agrees to read and interpret the inscription in verse 17, "Then Daniel answered the king, 'Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation." The Jews continued to be subject to arrogant rulers who did not honor God. They would recognize Daniel's dilemma as their own and see his response as the wise response. After all, Daniel had divine insight and understanding and the ability to solve difficult problems. Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain committed to him even when they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because Daniel was lauded as one who had the spirit of the holy gods, wisdom, and the ability to solve difficult problems and he refused to be seduced by the king's offer of prestige and position.

Daniel Explains the Reason for the

Omen and Inscription

Daniel explains the reason for the omen and inscription in verses 18-24. Daniel reminds the king that the Most High God was sovereign over his father in verses 18-19. God gave his father sovereignty, greatness, glory, and splendor (18). He could do whatever he wanted because God had given him the authority (19). Daniel reminds the king that God humbled his father when he became proud in verses 20-21. He only restored him when he "acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdom of men and sets over it whomever he wishes" (20-21). Though the king had authority to do whatever he wanted, his authority was subject to the higher authority of God. Daniel explains that King Belshazzar's pride and disrespect for God are the reasons for the omen and inscription in verses 22-24. Rather than humbling his heart God, he exalted himself against the Lord of heaven (22-23a). Rather than honoring God because of his sovereignty, he dishonored God by drinking wine in the goblets from the temple while worshiping other gods (23b). The Jews continued to be subject to arrogant rulers who did not honor God. As they witnessed Daniel rebuking King Belshazzar they would certainly be encouraged by his affirmation of God's sovereignty. Therefore, God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because God is sovereign over the rulers of the earth and he sent the hand to write the inscription condemning Belshazzar because he exalted himself against the Lord of heaven and did not honor the God who controlled his fate.

Daniel Reads and Interprets the Inscription

Daniel reads and interprets the inscription in verses 25-28. Daniel reads the inscription in verse 25, " _MENE_ , _MENE_ , _TEKEL_ , and _PARSIN_." Daniel interprets the inscription in verses 26-27, " _Mene_ \--God has numbered your reign and brought it to an end. _Tekel_ \--You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. _Peres_ \--Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." This riddle employs word play on the noun and corresponding verb forms of the three words. As Goldingay observes, these words "hint at three moments in God's dealings with him as king, the past moment when he appointed him, the present moment when he is evaluating his performance, and the coming moment when he breaks off his dynasty because of his failure" (Goldingay, 116). The noun transliterated " _mene_ " is a weight measure, mina (600gm). The verb from the same root is translated "numbered." The noun transliterated " _tekel_ " is another weight measure, shekel (60gm). The verb from the same root is translated "weighed." The noun transliterated " _peres_ " (singular of " _parsin_ ") is another weight measure, probably in this context a half mina (300gm). The verb from the same root is translated "divided." The riddle announces God's condemnation of King Belshazzar because of his pride and disrespect for God. A large measure has been numbered to him (mene). However, he has failed to measure up (tekel). Therefore, that which has been given to him is taken away (parsin). The Jews continued to be subject to arrogant rulers who did not honor God. As they witnessed Daniel condemning King Belshazzar they would certainly be encouraged by his affirmation of God's sovereignty. Therefore, God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant rulers who dishonor God because when King Belshazzar arrogantly dishonored God, God judged him, brought his reign to an end, and gave his kingdom to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel Is Rewarded and Belshazzar Is Killed

Daniel is rewarded and Belshazzar is killed in verses 29-30, "Then Belshazzar commanded and Daniel was clothed in purple, with a gold chain around his neck, and it was proclaimed concerning him that he would be the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was killed." The contrasting fates of Daniel and King Belshazzar are an appropriate conclusion to story. Daniel refuses to ally himself with an arrogant king who dishonors his God and ends up receiving those very things with which the king sought to entice him. The king exalts himself above God and dishonors God and receives the ultimate penalty for his arrogance. The Jews continued to be subject to arrogant rulers who did not honor God. As they witnessed Daniel being rewarded and King Belshazzar being killed they would certainly be encouraged by this demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. Therefore, God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who dishonor God because Daniel refused to be enticed by the king and was rewarded with the very things with which the king sought to entice him; whereas King Belshazzar exalted himself and dishonored God and was killed.

Application of the Message

The fate of Christians today sometimes seems to be in the hands of arrogant and wicked people who have little regard for their God much like the fate of the exiles seemed to be in the hands of King Belshazzar who dishonored God by drinking from the gold goblets taken from the temple. This correspondence between the original and modern situations provides a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This chapter is frequently understood as a warning example of the results of pride. In that case it could be applied to those who exalt themselves over God. However, I have chosen to apply the message of the passage to one that corresponds more directly to the original context. This passage contains very little that is contextualized and would require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message of the passage in the original context. However, I have stated them more generally to allow for a broader application. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who do not honor God because God humiliated King Belshazzar when he arrogantly dishonored God. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who do not honor God because Daniel was lauded as one who had the spirit of the holy gods, wisdom, and the ability to solve difficult problems and he refused to be seduced by the king's offer of prestige and position. Christians should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who do not honor God because God is sovereign over the rulers of the earth and he sent the hand to write the inscription condemning Belshazzar because he exalted himself against the Lord of heaven and did not honor the God who controlled his fate. Christians should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who dishonor God because when King Belshazzar arrogantly dishonored God, God judged him, brought his reign to an end, and gave his kingdom to the Medes and Persians. God's people should trust in God and remain committed to him even though they are subject to arrogant people who dishonor God because Daniel refused to be enticed by the king and received the very things with which the king sought to entice him; whereas King Belshazzar exalted himself and dishonored God and was killed.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : _MENE MENE_ , _TEKEL_ , _PARSIN_

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to trust in God and remain committed to him even though their fate seems to be controlled by arrogant people who dishonor God.

**Proposition** : Christians should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule them for their faith because God humiliated King Belshazzar for his disrespect, Daniel was blessed for refusing to be seduced, and the Most High is sovereign and he judged King Belshazzar for his disrespect.
Introduction

Christians today live in a world where most people have little regard for God and ridicule them for putting their faith in him. As a result they may be discouraged and consider forsaking their commitment to God. Similarly, the Jewish exiles were living in Babylon where the Babylonians worshipped other gods and King Belshazzar dishonored God by drinking from the gold goblets taken from the temple. However, God humbled and judged King Belshazzar. Through this story we can be encouraged even though we live in a world where people don't respect God and ridicule Christians for their faith.

I. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule them for their faith because God humiliated King Belshazzar for his disrespect.

A. King Belshazzar and his guests dishonor God at a banquet in verses 1-4.

B. However, King Belshazzar is dishonored by a hand writing on the wall in verses 5-6. This hand and the inscription that it writes are clearly an omen of evil sent by God against the king.

C. King Belshazzar is humiliated by his terrified reaction to the hand writing on the wall in verse 6. He is so terrified that he turns deathly pale, soils himself, and can hardly stand.

D. _Illustration of God Humbling the Proud and Disrespectful_

E. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because God humiliated King Belshazzar for his disrespect.

II. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule them for their faith because Daniel was blessed for his refusal to be seduced.

A. Daniel refuses to be seduced by King Belshazzar .

1. The king's wise men are unable to read and interpret the inscription in verses 7-9.

2. The queen mother recommends Daniel to the king as one who had the spirit of the holy gods, wisdom, and the ability to solve difficult problems in verses 10-12.

3. The king tries to entice Daniel to read and interpret the inscription by flattering him and offering him a reward in verses 13-16.

4. This encounter presents Daniel with a dilemma in addition to the riddle of the writing on the wall. Should he ally himself with an arrogant ruler who dishonors God?

5. Daniel refuses the enticing offer of the king, but agrees to read and interpret the inscription in verse 17.

B. Daniel is rewarded while the King Belshazzar is killed.

C. _Illustration of God's Faithfulness to the Faithful_

D. Application--We should trust in God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because Daniel was blessed for his refusal to be seduced.

III. Christians should trust in God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule them for their faith because the Most High is sovereign and he judged King Belshazzar for his disrespect.

A. Daniel explains that the reason for the omen is King Belshazzar's disrespect for God.

1. He reminds the king that the Most High God was sovereign over his father in verses 18-19.

2. He reminds the king that God humbled his father when he became proud in verses 20-21. Though the king had authority to do whatever he wanted, his authority was subject to the higher authority of God.

3. He explains that the reason for the omen is that the king's lack of respect for God who controls his fate in verses 22-24.

B. Daniel interprets the inscription as an announcement of judgement against King Belshazzar.

1. He reads the inscription in verse 25, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN."

2. He interprets the inscription in verses 26-27, " _Mene_ \--God has numbered your reign and brought it to an end. _Tekel_ \--You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres--Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

C. King Belshazzar is killed while Daniel is rewarded. The contrasting fates of Daniel and King Belshazzar are an appropriate conclusion to story. Daniel refuses to ally himself with an arrogant king who dishonors his God and ends up receiving those very things with which the king sought to entice him. The king exalts himself above God and dishonors God and receives the ultimate penalty for his arrogance.

D. _Illustration of God Judging the Proud and Rewarding the Faithful_

E. Application--Therefore, we should trust in God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because the Most High is sovereign and he judged King Belshazzar for his disrespect.

Conclusion

Christians today live in a world where most people have little regard for God and ridicule them for putting their faith in him. As a result they may be discouraged and consider forsaking their commitment to God. Similarly, the Jewish exiles were living in Babylon where the Babylonians worshipped other gods and King Belshazzar dishonored God by drinking from the gold goblets taken from the temple. However, God humbled and judged King Belshazzar. Through this story we can be encouraged even though we live in a world where people don't respect God and ridicule Christians for their faith. We should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because God humiliated King Belshazzar when he arrogantly dishonored God. We should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because Daniel was blessed for his refusal to be seduced. We should trust God and remain committed to him even though many lack respect for God and ridicule our faith because the Most High is sovereign and he judged King Belshazzar for his disrespect.

### CHAPTER SEVEN

### HE IS THE GOD WHO LIVES

### Daniel 5:31-6:28

Daniel 6 is clearly united, containing the story of Daniel's faithfulness and deliverance from the lions' den. However, the limits of chapter 6 are different in the English and Hebrew texts. Daniel 6:1 in the Hebrew text is 5:31 in the English text. I have chosen to follow the Hebrew text because the verse in question introduces Darius and he is the subject of chapter 6. I have indicated the Hebrew chapter and verses in parenthesis.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

5:31(6:1)Darius the Mede received the kingdom when he was sixty-two years old. 1(2)It pleased Darius to set 120 satraps over the kingdom who were throughout the whole kingdom. 2(3)Over them were three administrators, one of whom was Daniel, to whom these satraps were to give account so that the king might not suffer loss. 3(4)Now Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and the satraps because of the excellent spirit in him and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4(5)Then the administrators and the satraps tried to find a matter against Daniel with regard to the administration of the kingdom, but they could not find any matter or fault because he was trustworthy and not any neglect or fault was found in him. 5(6)Then these men said, "We will never find any matter against this Daniel unless we find something against him in the law of his God." 6(7)So the administrators and the satraps thronged to the king and said, "O King Darius, live forever! 7(8)All the administrators of the kingdom, prefects and satraps, advisers and governors have agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den. 8(9)Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be repealed." 9(10)So King Darius put the decree in writing. 10(11)When Daniel learned that the decree had been put in writing, he went to his house, where the windows were opened toward Jerusalem in his upstairs room, and three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

11(12)Then these men thronged and found Daniel petitioning and imploring for favor to God. 12(13)So they went and spoke to the king about his royal decree: "Did you not put a decree in writing that for thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The word is certain in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." 13(14)Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He prays three times a day." 14(15)When the king heard this, it was evil to him and he set his heart on Daniel to deliver him and he was striving until sundown to save him. 15(16)Then these men thronged to the king and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that any decree or edict that the king issues cannot be changed." 16(17)So the king gave the order and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" 17(18)A single stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18(19)Then the king went to his palace, spent the night without eating, no diversions were brought to him, and his sleep fled from him.

19(20)Then at dawn the king got up and quickly went to the lions' den. 20(21)When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" 21(22)Then Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22(23)My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in his sight and also I have done no wrong before you, O king." 23(24)Then the king was overjoyed concerning him and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. So Daniel was lifted from the den and not any wound was found on him because he had trusted in his God.

24(25)The king commanded and the men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den--them, their children, and their wives. They had not reached the floor of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. 25(26)Then King Darius wrote to all the people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:

Peace be multiplied to you!

26(27)I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom for them to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel;

For he is the God who lives and endures forever.

His kingdom will never be destroyed

and his dominion is until the end.

27(28)He rescues and he saves

and performs signs and wonders

in the heavens and on the earth;

He who has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.

28(29)So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Situation and Purpose

This passage describes a setting in which Daniel could have doubted God and compromised his commitment. Daniel's colleagues were envious of Daniel because the king preferred him and was about to appoint him to a position of authority over all of them. As a result they tricked the king into making a decree that everyone who prayed to any god or man other than King Darius be thrown into the lions' den. Daniel was faced with a choice--he could suspend his prayers for thirty days and live or he could continue to pray and die. This setting reflects a situation in which the enemies of God's people used the demands of their religion in order to ruin them. As a result they often had to choose either to trust in God and remain committed to him or compromise their commitment in order to survive and succeed. The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to trust in God and remain committed to him without compromise like Daniel.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the first half of the Book of Daniel, which contains stories from the exile. These stories are arranged in chronological order. This passage stands last because it narrates events from the reign of King Darius. All the preceding stories illuminate this story. Goldingay observes further that this chapter "takes up from chap. 5, illustrating how Daniel continues to function during the reigns of the Median and Persian kings who succeed Belshazzar." He also maintains that this story has a special relationship with chapter 3 in that chapter 6 parallels and reinforces chapter 3 (Goldingay, 127). Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both halves repeatedly emphasize the same basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this basic message by demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness through delivering Daniel from the lions' den.

Form and Function

This passage can be classified as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the experience of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of this story is Babylon during the exile. The main character of this story is Daniel. The readers would have readily identified with Daniel and his difficult situation because they also were attacked by enemies and subject to foreign kings (See Situation and Purpose). Daniel serves as a positive example for the readers through his faith and commitment to God. King Darius and his administrators and satraps also play significant roles in the story. The administrators and satraps initiate the crisis by tricking the king into condemning Daniel. The king illustrates how even rulers with good intentions can be manipulated and powerless to help. God also plays a significant role within the story, demonstrating his sovereignty and faithfulness by delivering Daniel from the lions' den. As the plot of the story develops, Daniel's faith and commitment are commended to the readers as he is saved from the lions, his accusers suffer the fate they intended for him, Darius issues a decree requiring that all the people in his realm fear the God of Daniel, and Daniel continues to prosper (See Strategy and Structure).

Strategy and Structure

This passage is arranged in chronological order. First, Daniel faithfully prays in spite of a threatening decree. Second, Darius reluctantly enforces his decree and has Daniel thrown into the lions' den. Third, God delivers Daniel from the lions' den because of his faith and commitment. Finally, Darius has Daniel's accusers thrown into the lions' den and issues a decree commanding all people to fear Daniel's God and Daniel continues to prosper. However, a clear didactic intent underlies the chronological order. First, the king is manipulated into making a decree that anyone who prays to another god or man other than him will be thrown into the lions' den. Second, Daniel models the appropriate response by continuing to pray to God as he had always done. Third, the faith and commitment of Daniel are vindicated by his deliverance by God, Darius having his accusers thrown into the lions' den and issuing a decree commanding all his subjects to fear the God of Daniel, and Daniel's continued prosperity.

I. Daniel Faithfully Prays in spite of a Threatening Decree (5:31-6:10)

A. Darius Receives the Kingdom, Appoints Administrators, and Plans to Set Daniel over the Whole Kingdom (5:31-6:3)

B. The Other Satraps and Administrators Are Unable to Find Anything Against Daniel and Determine to Find Something in the Law of His God (4-5)

C. The Other Satraps and Administrators Trick King Darius into Issuing a Decree Condemning Anyone Who Prays to Another Man or God beside Him (6-9)

D. Daniel Continues to Pray to God in spite of the Threatening Decree (10)

II. King Darius reluctantly Has Daniel Thrown into the Lions' Den (6:11-18)

A. The Other Satraps and Administrators Find Daniel Praying (11)

B. The Other Satraps and Administrators Confirm with the King that the Edict Is in Effect (12)

C. The Other Satraps and Administrators Accuse Daniel of Failing to Respect the King and His Decree (13)

D. King Darius Is Distressed and Tries Diligently to Save Daniel (14)

E. The Other Satraps and Administrators Remind the King that the Decree Cannot Be Repealed (15)

F. King Darius Orders Daniel Thrown into the Lions' Den but Expresses His Desire that Daniel's God Rescue Him (16)

G. The Mouth of the Lions' Den Is Blocked and King Darius Securely Seals Daniel inside (17)

H. King Darius Spends the Night in Anguish (18)

III. God Delivers Daniel from the Lions' Den because of His Commitment and Faith (6:19-23)

A. King Darius Rises Early, Goes to the Lions' Den, and Asks Daniel if His God Has Been Able to Rescue Him (19-20)

B. Daniel Replies that God Has Rescued Him because of His Innocence before God and the King (21-22)

C. King Darius Is Overjoyed, Gives Orders for Daniel to Be Lifted Out, and He Is Found to Be without Wound because of His Faith (23)

IV. Additional Events that Vindicate Daniel for His Commitment and Faith (6:24-28)

A. King Darius Commands that Daniel's Accusers Be Thrown into the Lions' Den (24)

B. King Darius Issues a Decree that All the People throughout His Realm Fear the God of Daniel (25-27)

C. Daniel Continues to Prosper during the Reigns of Darius and Cyrus (28)

Goldingay's analysis of the chiastic structure of the passage helps to illuminated the dramatic reversal that occurred because of Daniel's faithfulness and God's intervention (Goldingay, 124).

A Introduction: Daniel's success (1-3)

B Darius signs an edict but Daniel stands firm for God (4-10)

C Daniel's opponents plot his death (11-15)

D Darius hopes for Daniel's deliverance (16-18)

D1 Darius witnesses Daniel's deliverance (19-23)

C1 Daniel's opponents meet with their death (24)

B1 Darius signs an edict and takes his stand for God (25-27)

A1 Conclusion: Daniel's success (28)

Message or Messages

God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel who continued to pray to God even though his enemies tricked the king into issuing a decree that anyone who prayed to any other god or man than the king would be thrown into the lions' den. God's people should trust and remain committed to God rather than relying on secular power because King Darius was easily manipulated by Daniel's enemies and powerless to rescue Daniel even though he was distressed and strove diligently all day to save Daniel. God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because God rescued Daniel from the lions' den unharmed when he trusted in and remained committed to God. God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius commanded that Daniel's enemies be thrown into the lions' den and all their bones were crushed before they even reached the floor. God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius issued a decree that the people throughout his realm fear the God of Daniel because he lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders. God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because Daniel continued to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

Analysis of the Details

Daniel Faithfully Prays in spite of a

Threatening Decree

Daniel faithfully prays to God in spite of a threatening decree in 5:31-6:10. Darius receives the kingdom, appoints satraps and administrators, and plans to set Daniel over the whole kingdom in 5:31-6:3. The king's plan to set Daniel over the whole kingdom probably explains why the other satraps and administrators were trying to find something against Daniel. They were envious of his favored status and regarded him as a rival. The other satraps and administrators are unable to find anything against Daniel and determine to find something in the Law of his God in 6:4-5. They obviously found what they were looking for in the law that forbade God's people to worship any other gods. The other satraps and administrators trick King Darius into issuing a decree condemning anyone who prays to any god or man beside him in 6:6-9. They appealed to the king's vanity and insist that the decree be put into writing "so that it could not be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be repealed." However, Daniel continues to pray to God in spite of this threatening decree in 6:10, "When Daniel learned that the decree had been put in writing, he went to his house, where the windows were opened toward Jerusalem in his upstairs room, and three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." This verse emphasizes Daniel's commitment to pray to God in spite of the decree. He prayed even though he "learned that the decree had been put in writing." He realized that there would be no escaping the penalty for violating the decree. He prayed "where the windows were opened toward Jerusalem in his upstairs room." He prayed where he could be seen rather than concealing his disobedience. He prayed "just as he had done before." He got down on his knees and prayed and gave thanks to his God three times a day. The decree did not change his conduct whatsoever. Daniel's commitment to pray to God despite the decree models for later readers the appropriate response to the pressure placed upon them to compromise their commitment to God. As Anderson states, "There is little question that it is the author's intention to encourage faithfulness and perseverance among his own people and that prayer is a key instrument" (Anderson, 68). Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel who continued to pray to God even though his enemies tricked the king into issuing a decree that anyone who prayed to any other god or man than the king would be thrown into the lions' den.

King Darius reluctantly Has Daniel

Thrown into the Lions' Den

King Darius reluctantly has Daniel thrown into the lions' den in 6:11-18. The other satraps and administrators find Daniel praying (11); they confirm with the King that the edict is in effect (12); they accuse Daniel of failing to respect the king and his decree (13); King Darius is distressed and tries diligently to save Daniel (14); the other satraps and administrators remind the king that the decree cannot be repealed (15); King Darius gives the order for Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den, but expresses his desire that Daniel's God will rescue him (16); the mouth of the den is blocked and King Darius securely seals Daniel inside (17); and King Darius spends the night in anguish (18). This account stresses the desire of the king to help Daniel, but his powerlessness to do anything. When he realized that the decree condemned Daniel, "it was evil to him and he set his heart on Daniel to deliver him and he was striving until sundown to save him" (14). He was distressed and determined to do everything he could to save Daniel. However, when the satraps and administrators reminded him that the decree could not be repealed, he gave the order for Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den (17) and sealed the entrance so that his situation might not be changed (18). Though he expressed his desire that Daniel's God would rescue him (16) and spent the night in anguish because of Daniel's predicament (18), he was powerless to do anything to help Daniel. The powerlessness of King Darius to help Daniel stands in contrast to the ability of God to help Daniel (See below). As Anderson concludes, "The warning to his compatriots is that neither rank nor influence may be able to stem the tide of anti-Jewish fervor. Hope does not reside in any human, however powerful, but in God alone" (Anderson, 72). Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God rather than relying on secular power because King Darius was easily manipulated by Daniel's enemies and powerless to rescue Daniel even though he was distressed and strove diligently all day to save Daniel.

God Delivers Daniel because of His Commitment

and Faith

God delivers Daniel from the lions' den because of his faith and commitment in 6:19-23. King Darius rises early, goes to the lions' den, and asks Daniel if his God has been able to rescue him (19-20); Daniel replies that God has rescued him because of his innocence before God and the king (21-22); and King Darius is overjoyed, gives orders for Daniel to be lifted out, and he is found to be without wound (23). This account emphasizes the ability of God to rescue Daniel in contrast to the powerlessness of King Darius to help him. As Daniel testifies, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me" (22). Indeed, when he was lifted from the den "not any wound was found on him" (23). In addition, this account links God's deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den to Daniel's faith and commitment. The king bases his hope that Daniel's God may have rescued him from the lions on his continual service (20). Daniel explains that he is unhurt because of his innocence (22). The narrator explains that no wound was found on Daniel because "he had trusted in his God" (23). Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because God rescued Daniel from the lions' den unharmed when he trusted in and remained committed to God.

Additional Events that Vindicate Daniel for His

Commitment and Faith

Additional events that vindicate Daniel for his commitment and faith are related in 6:24-28. King Darius orders Daniel's accusers thrown into the lions' den and issues a decree that all people throughout his realm fear the God of Daniel and Daniel continues to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

King Darius orders Daniel's accusers thrown into the lions' den in verse 24, "The king commanded and the men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den--them, their children, and their wives. They had not reached the floor of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones." Though the fate of Daniel's accusers is brutal, it is also ironically appropriate. In fact, the Aramaic expression translated "maliciously accused" literally means "ate his parts." It is certainly appropriate that those who tried to devour Daniel were themselves devoured by the lions. Whereas Daniel spent the whole night in the lions' den without receiving any wound, his accusers did not even reach the floor of the den before the lions overwhelmed them and all their bones were crushed. As Owens observes, "The apparent voraciousness of the animals shows that Daniel had not been spared for the lack of an appetite" (Owens, 417). Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius commanded that Daniel's accusers be thrown into the lions' den and all their bones were crushed before they even reached the floor of the den.

King Darius issues a decree that all the people throughout his realm fear the God of Daniel in verses 25-27, "Then King Darius wrote to all the people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: 'Peace be multiplied to you! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom for them to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the God who lives and endures forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed and his dominion is until the end. He rescues and he saves and performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth; He who has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." The universality of the decree is stressed. The king's decree is addressed to "all the people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth" (25) and "in every part of my kingdom" (26). The king actually breaks out in a song of praise to God in which he gives three reasons for fearing the God of Daniel: 1)"he is the God who lives and endures forever" (26); 2)"His kingdom will never be destroyed and his dominion is until the end" (26); and 3)"He rescues and he saves and performs signs and wonders" (27). God and his kingdom are eternal and he rescues with demonstrations of great power. These declarations of praise are inspired by the fact that it is "He who has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions" (27). This decree stands in contrast to the earlier decree. The situation has been dramatically reversed through the intervention of God. Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius issued a decree requiring everyone throughout his realm to fear the God of Daniel because he lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders.

Daniel continues to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus in verse 28, "So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian." In fact, the reign of Cyrus the Persian marks the end of the exile. God has been faithful to Daniel throughout the period of crisis. Therefore, God's people should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because Daniel continued to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

Application of the Message

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God like Daniel was pressured to stop praying. This correspondence between the original and modern situations provides a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. As Porteous says, "Daniel's heroic witness for his faith at the court of Darius the Mede speaks directly to us and challenges all men everywhere to a like loyalty" (Porteous, 87). This passage contains very little that is contextualized and would require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. However, God's intervention for Daniel does not guarantee that God will always intervene in the same way for Christians. Nonetheless, my statements of the message in the original context only used Daniel as a general example. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to those statements. Christians should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel who continued to pray to God even though his enemies tricked the king into issuing a decree that anyone who prayed to any other god or man than the king would be thrown into the lions' den. Christians should trust and remain committed to God rather than relying on secular power because King Darius was easily manipulated by Daniel's enemies and powerless to rescue Daniel even though he was distressed and strove diligently all day to save Daniel. Christians should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because God rescued Daniel from the lions' den unharmed when he trusted in and remained committed to God. Christians should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius commanded that Daniel's enemies be thrown into the lions' den and all their bones were crushed before they even reached the floor. Christians should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because King Darius issued a decree that the people throughout his realm fear the God of Daniel because he lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders. Christians should trust and remain committed to God like Daniel because Daniel continued to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : HE IS THE GOD WHO LIVES

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to trust God and remain committed to him without compromise even when their enemies are conspiring against them.

**Proposition** : Christians should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because only God can be relied on to rescue and save, they will be vindicated, God lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders, and God's faithfulness persists throughout their lives.
Introduction

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God because the laws and customs of their country and society come into conflict with obedience to their God. Daniel was also pressured to compromise his commitment to God by the laws of his country. His enemies plotted against and manipulated the king into issuing a decree that prohibited praying to any god or man other than him. Daniel had to choose between obedience to the king and obedience to God. He rightly chose obedience to God. Daniel continued to pray to God in spite of this threatening decree, "When Daniel learned that the decree had been put in writing, he went to his house, where the windows were opened toward Jerusalem in his upstairs room, and three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." The decree did not change his conduct whatsoever. Through his experience, we can learn the appropriate response to these compromising situations.

I. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because only God can be relied on to rescue and save.

A. This account stresses the reluctance of King Darius to throw Daniel into the lions' den and his desire of the king to help Daniel, but his powerlessness to do anything.

B. This account emphasizes the ability of God to rescue Daniel in contrast to the powerlessness of King Darius to help him.

C. In addition, this account links God's deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den to Daniel's faith and commitment.

D. _Illustration of God's Reliability in Contrast to the Unreliability of Everyone and Everything Else_

E. Application--God's reliability to deliver Daniel in contrast to the powerlessness of the king encourages us to trust in God rather than anyone or anything else. Therefore, we should trust and remain committed to him without compromise because only God can be relied on to rescue and save.

II. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because they will be vindicated.

A. King Darius orders Daniel's accusers thrown into the lions' den in verse 24.

B. Though the fate of Daniel's accusers is brutal, it is also ironically appropriate. It is certainly appropriate that those who tried to devour Daniel were themselves devoured by the lions. Whereas Daniel spent the whole night in the lions' den without receiving any wound, his accusers did not even reach the floor of the den before the lions overwhelmed them and all their bones were crushed.

C. _Illustration of God's Vindication of Those with Faith and Commitment_

D. Application--The fate of Daniel's enemies assures us that God will vindicate us. Therefore, we should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because we will be vindicated.

III. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because God lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders.

A. King Darius issues a decree that all the people throughout his realm fear the God of Daniel in verses 25-27.

B. The king actually breaks out in a song of praise to God in which he gives three reasons for fearing the God of Daniel: 1)"he is the God who lives and endures forever" (26); 2)"His kingdom will never be destroyed and his dominion is until the end" (26); and 3)"He rescues and he saves and performs signs and wonders" (27).

C. This decree stands in contrast to the earlier decree. The situation has been dramatically reversed through the intervention of God.

D. _Illustration of the Power and Authority of God to Deliver_

D. Application--King Darius' decree assures us that God is alive and has power and authority to deliver us. Therefore, we should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because God lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders.

IV. Christians should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise because God's faithfulness persists throughout their lives.

A. Daniel continues to prosper during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus in verse 28, "So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian."

B. In fact, the reign of Cyrus the Persian marks the end of the exile. God has been faithful to Daniel throughout the period of crisis.

C. _Illustration of God's Enduring Faithfulness_

D. Application--The continuing prosperity of Daniel assures us of God's enduring faithfulness. Therefore, we should trust and remain committed to God because God's faithfulness endures throughout our lives.

Conclusion

Christians today are often pressured to compromise their commitment to God because the laws and customs of their country and society come into conflict with obedience to their God. Daniel was also pressured to compromise his commitment to God by the laws of his country. . Daniel had to choose between obedience to the king and obedience to God. He rightly chose obedience to God. We should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise like Daniel because only God can be relied on to rescue and save. We should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise like Daniel because we will be vindicated. We should trust God and remain committed to him like Daniel because God lives and rules forever and saves with miraculous signs and wonders. We should trust God and remain committed to him without compromise like Daniel because God's faithfulness persists throughout our lives.

### CHAPTER EIGHT

### THE ANCIENT OF DAYS TOOK HIS SEAT

### Daniel 7:1-28

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

7:1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions in his head while upon his bed. Then he wrote down the substance of his dream.

2Daniel said: "I was looking in my vision at night and behold the four winds of heaven were churning up the great sea. 3Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea. 4The first was like a lion, but on it were the wings of an eagle. I was looking until the wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground and was raised on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it. 5Then behold another beast, a second one like a bear, was raised up on one side and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth and it was told, 'Arise and eat much flesh!' 6After that I was looking and behold another like a leopard and on it were the four wings of a bird upon its back and four heads were on the beast. It was given authority to rule. 7After that I was looking in the visions of the night and behold a fourth beast, terrifying and frightening and very powerful, and large iron teeth were on it, eating and breaking in pieces and trampling with its feet whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts that were before it and it had ten horns. 8I was thinking about the horns and behold another horn, a little one, came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it and behold eyes like the eyes of a man were on this horn and a mouth that spoke great things.

9"I was looking until thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow and the hair of his head was white like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze. 10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated and the books were opened.

11"Then I was looking because of the great words the horn was speaking and I was looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and given over for burning with fire. 12As for the rest of the beasts, their authority was taken away, but a prolonging of their lives was given to them until a season, until a time.

13"I was looking in my visions at night and behold one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven and approached the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14To him was given authority, glory, and sovereignty and all peoples, nations, and languages gave reverence to him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

15"As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me and the visions of my head disturbed me. 16I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: 17'These four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. 18But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'

19"Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, most terrifying with its iron teeth and bronze claws, eating and breaking in pieces and trampling with its feet whatever was left; 20and the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up and before which three fell, that horn which had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things and appeared greater than the others. 21As I was looking, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given in favor of the saints of the Most High and the time came and the saints took possession of the kingdom.

23"Therefore, he said: 'As for the fourth beast, a fourth kingdom will be on earth that will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, and trample it, and break it in pieces. 24As for the ten horns, from this kingdom ten kings will arise, and after them another will arise. **He** * will be different from the earlier ones and will subdue three kings. 25He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High and presume to change the set times and the law. They will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time. 26But judgment will be given and his power will be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed until the end. 27Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and all powers will worship and obey him.

28"This is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts deeply troubled me and my face changed color, but I kept the matter to myself."

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

The passage seems to anticipate an extended trial culminating in a crisis in the second century BC. In the vision, Daniel sees four beasts. The fourth beast is fiercer than the other beasts and has ten horns. Three of these horns are displaced by another horn that speaks great things. The beasts are interpreted to be kingdoms. The fourth beast with ten horns is interpreted to be another kingdom that will subdue the whole earth. The horn that displaces three of the beast's ten horns is interpreted to be a king who "will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High and presume to change the set times and the law." The vision and its interpretation accurately depict the political events of the next few centuries culminating in the rise to power of Antiochus IV. During these centuries the Jews were under the oppressive rule of pagan kings. This situation was especially acute during the reign of Antiochus IV, who attacked Jerusalem, banned Judaism, plundered the temple, and placed an altar to Zeus within the temple. As a result, the Jews could have easily doubted God and compromised their commitment to him in order to avoid persecution or to enhance their position. The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to continue to trust in God and remain committed to him even though they were under the oppressive rule of foreign kings.

Literary Context and Role

This passage begins the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial and a future crisis. However, the narratives in the first half of the Book of Daniel have provided the foundation for the visionary revelations in the second half of the Book of Daniel. As Miller asserts, "Daniel's background and credentials--nationality, religion, impeccable character, and amazing wisdom granted by the sovereign God--are set forth in chaps. 1-6" (Miller, 192). This passage is also united with the first half of the Book of Daniel by language. This passage, like chapters 2-6, is written in Aramaic. The visions in the second half of the Book of Daniel are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. This vision was received during the first year of the reign of Belshazzar. The vision in chapter 8 comes from the third year of the reign of Belshazzar. Subsequent visions come from the reigns of Darius (chapter 9) and Cyrus (chapters 10-12). However, these visions seem to describe the same historical events using different visionary images. In addition, Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2 is similar to these visions and seems to describe the same historical events. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's knowledge and control of historical events in advance as well as God's ultimate judgment and establishment of his eternal kingdom.

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as apocalyptic literature. More specifically it contains a vision report. Through this vision report the readers are able to enter into a visionary world that parallels their experience in the real world. However, in the visionary world they are able to see God in sovereign control of events in ways that they cannot perceive in the real world. Readers are able to enter into this visionary world in the Book of Daniel through Daniel who is normally a participant. The visionary world of the Book of Daniel contains a variety of visionary images and is often a confusing place. However, the visionary world of the Book of Daniel also has heavenly beings that explain what Daniel sees. The readers can easily enter into the visionary world of this passage through their identification with Daniel who is described as being disturbed and confused by what he sees. Daniel describes a variety of visionary images in this passage, including four beasts, ten horns and another horn, the Ancient of Days, and one like a son of man. However, this vision report also describes others standing around and one of these explains the vision and its images. These visionary images reveal historical events that are to occur in the real world. In this way the readers are warned of coming trials. However, they are also assured of God's control of historical events and his ultimate judgment of oppressive world powers and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. These warnings and assurances imply the command, "Continue to trust in God and remain committed to him." Goldingay includes a helpful warning against being distracted from the message of visions by being preoccupied with identifying the specific referents:

Part of the point about a symbolic vision is to engage its recipients in such a way that they are drawn into the significances and value judgments it attaches to the referents while being discouraged from overtly focusing on what the referents are--and thus perhaps resisting the vision's message. Indeed, to be mainly concerned when we are studying the symbolic vision with identifying the referent of the symbols is to miss the point of the vision (Goldingay, 169).

Goldingay also describes an added benefit of not identifying the referents of a symbolic vision: "he permits its reapplication to subsequent situations where there is a reappearance of the pattern seen in the events of the second century B.C., a pattern itself known from earlier situations and here being reworked" (Goldingay, 188).

Strategy and Structure

The date and source of this vision report are introduced in verse 1. This introduction serves primarily to provide the historical context for understanding the vision. The vision revealed what was going to happen long before the actual events. The report of the vision follows. Daniel recounts his vision of the four beasts, the Ancient of Days, and one like a son of man in verses 2-14. Daniel recounts his conversation with one of those standing there in the visionary world with him in verses 15-27. This visionary personage provides a general interpretation of the vision in response to Daniel's distress and request in verses 15-18 and a more detailed interpretation of the vision in response to Daniel's desire to understand in verses 19-27. This structure progressively reveals the significance of the vision (vision>general interpretation>specific interpretation). This structure also contains a significant amount of repetition that reinforces three predominant themes (God's sovereign control of history, God's judgment of hostile world powers, and God's establishment of his eternal kingdom). Daniel concludes the report of the vision himself in verse 28 by describing his distress because of the vision. This conclusion serves primarily to encourage the readers to take what is revealed in the vision and its interpretation very seriously. After all, the vision and its interpretation caused Daniel great distress.

Introduction (7:1)

I. Daniel's Vision (7:2-14)

A. Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts (2-8)

B. Daniel's Vision of the Ancient of Days (9-10)

C. Daniel's Vision of the Judgment of the Ancient of Days against the Beasts (11-12)

D. Daniel's Vision of One Like a Son of Man Receiving Authority, Glory, and Sovereignty from the Ancient of Days (13-14)

II. The Interpretation of Daniel's Vision (7:15-27)

A. The General Interpretation of Daniel's Vision (15-18)

1. Daniel's distress and request for an interpretation (15-16a)

2. The general interpretation of Daniel's vision by one of those standing there (16b-18)

B. The Specific Interpretation of Daniel's Vision (19-27)

1. Daniel's desire to know more about the vision (19-22)

2. The specific interpretation of the vision by one of those standing there (23-27)

Conclusion (7:28)

Message or Messages

God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial and future crisis are coming in which they will be attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he knows and is in sovereign control of historical events even when they are attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge and judgment is coming. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge their oppressors, take away their power, and they will be consumed and destroyed. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of the saints, the Son of Man will be given everlasting dominion, the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, and all powers will worship and obey him.

Analysis of the Details

Analyzing the details following the structure of the passage is somewhat awkward because the visionary images are separated from their interpretation. Therefore, I have chosen to follow the dominant themes of the vision and its interpretation. These dominant themes are the severity of the trial and crisis, the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis, the ultimate judgment of the Ancient of Days, his judgment against the kings and kingdoms of the world, and his judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High.

The Severity of the Coming Trial

And Crisis

Daniel's vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial and future crisis were coming. Daniel describes his vision of four beasts in verses 2-8. He describes the four winds churning up the sea and the four terrifying beasts emerging (2-3); then he describes each of the four terrifying beasts (4-8). The one standing there later interprets these beasts as kingdoms (17). Their emergence from the sea indicates that they are kingdoms of the earth in contrast to the heavenly kingdom described at the conclusion of the vision. The first beast is like a lion with the wings of an eagle (4). The second beast is like a bear with three ribs in its mouth (5). The third beast is like a leopard with four wings and four heads (6). As terrifying as the first three beasts are, the fourth beast is even more terrifying. Daniel describes this beast as being "terrifying and frightening and very powerful" with "large iron teeth" and "eating and breaking in pieces and trampling with its feet whatever was left" (7). This beast is so terrifying that it cannot be compared to the other beasts. A distinctive feature of this beast is that it has ten horns. However, three of these horns are uprooted and replaced by a little horn that has eyes like a man and a mouth that speaks great things (8).

This warning is made clearer within the interpretation of the vision. Daniel himself gives a clearer picture of the crisis when he expresses his desire to know more about the fourth beast and the other horn (19-22). He reemphasizes that the fourth beast is uniquely terrifying and the other horn is arrogant (19-20). However, he also adds, "As I was looking, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them" (21). The one standing there also gives a clearer picture of the crisis in his interpretation of the vision (23-27). He interprets the fourth beast as a fourth kingdom, the ten horns as kings, and the other horn as another king. This king will be different than the others. His arrogance will be so great that "He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High and presume to change the set times and the law" (25a). Indeed, the one standing there reveals that "They will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time" (25b).

The element of warning in the vision is underscored by Daniel's response to it. Daniel describes his initial response to the vision in verse 15, "As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me and the visions of my head disturbed me." Daniel describes his response once again at the conclusion of the vision, "This is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts deeply troubled me and my face changed color, but I kept the matter to myself" (28). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial and future crisis are coming in which they will be attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings.

The Sovereignty of God over the

Trial and Crisis

Daniel's vision and its interpretation also reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis. One way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is that God is depicted as knowing what will happen long before the actual events. The historical context of Daniel's vision is clearly defined in verse 1, "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions in his head while upon his bed. Then he wrote down the substance of his dream." Daniel received the vision and wrote down the substance of his dream during the reign of Belshazzar. However, the vision accurately depicts events that occur over subsequent centuries. The four beasts accurately depict the Babylonian, Median, Persian, and Greek Empires and the other horn accurately depicts Antiochus IV.

Another way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is through subtle clues. Each of Daniel's descriptions of the first three beasts contains subtle indications of God's sovereignty over these kingdoms. The first beast is said to be like a lion with the wings of an eagle. However, Daniel states, "I was looking until the wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground and was raised on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it" (4). This beast had been changed from a beast to a man. The second beast is said to be like a bear raised up on its side with three ribs in its mouth. However, Daniel also says, "it was told, 'Arise and eat much flesh!'" (5). This beast was given permission to eat all it wanted. The third beast is said to be like a leopard with four wings and four heads. However, Daniel also says, "It was given authority to rule" (6). This beast had been given authority to rule. As Lucas claims, "the humanizing of the first beast, and the words spoken to the second and third, do not positively endorse them, but remind us that they are not totally off the leash. God is still there in the background as the ultimate sovereign who 'gives' power to earthly rulers" (Lucas, 198).

The fourth beast, the other horn, and even the crisis itself are also subtly described as being under the sovereign control of God in the interpretation of the vision. The one standing there explains that the saints of the Most High "will be handed over to him for time, times, and half a time" (25). God has subjected his saints to this king and kingdom in accordance with his sovereign will. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he knows and is in sovereign control of historical events even when they are attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings.

The Ultimate Judgment of the Ancient

Of Days

Daniel's dream and its interpretation also reveal that God is the sovereign, eternal, righteous judge who will ultimately render judgment against the kings and kingdoms of the earth and in favor of the saints (See below). God is clearly depicted as the sovereign, eternal, and righteous judge in Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days in verses 9-10, "I was looking until thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow and the hair of his head was white like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated and the books were opened." The title "Ancient of Days" depicts the eternity of God. The sitting of the Ancient of Days on a throne as well as the thousands attending him and ten thousand times ten thousand standing before him depict the sovereignty of God. The extremely white clothes and hair of the Ancient of Days depict the holiness of God. The blazing throne of the Ancient of Days as well as the river of fire flowing out from him depict the righteous judgment of God. The seating of the court and the opening of the books are indications that judgment is imminent. Indeed, in Daniel's expression of his desire to know more about the fourth beast and the other horn he relates that he watched "until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given" (22). In fact, in his interpretation of the vision, the one standing there specifically promises, "judgment will be given" (26). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge and judgment is coming.

The Judgment against the Kings and Kingdoms

Of the Earth

Daniel's dream and its interpretation specifically reveal that God will render judgment against the kings and kingdoms of the earth. Daniel describes his vision of God's judgment against the kings and kingdoms of the earth in verses 11-12, "Then I was looking because of the great words the horn was speaking and I was looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and given for burning with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their authority was taken away, but a prolonging of their lives was given to them until a season, until a time." This picture of judgment is reinforced by the interpretation of the vision by one standing there in verse 26, "But judgment will be given and his power will be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed until the end." Antiochus IV did come to his end. However, this passage points beyond him to all kings and kingdoms that set themselves against God and his people and reaches its ultimate fulfillment at the end of the age. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge their oppressors, take away their power, and they will be consumed and destroyed.

The Judgment in Favor of the Saints of the

Most High

Daniel's dream and its interpretation also specifically reveal that God will render judgment in favor of his saints. God's judgment in favor of the saints is depicted in Daniel's vision through the image of one like a son of man in verses 13-14, "I was looking in my visions at night and behold one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven and approached the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. To him was given authority, glory, and sovereignty and all peoples, nations, and languages gave reverence to him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Through this visionary image the promise is given that someone who resembles man and yet is far more will be given authority, glory, and sovereignty, all people will reverence him, and he will reign forever. Though much of this promise would be a mystery to Daniel, from a Christian perspective the one like a son of man can be none other than Jesus Christ.

God's judgment in favor of the saints is reinforced in Daniel's expression of his desire to know more about the fourth beast and the other horn in verses 21-22, "As I was looking, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given in favor of the saints of the Most High and the time came and the saints took possession of the kingdom." God's judgment in favor of the saints is reinforced once again in the interpretation of the vision by the one standing there in verse 27, "Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and all powers will worship and obey him." Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of the saints, the Son of Man will be given everlasting dominion, the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, and all powers will worship and obey him.

Application of the Message

Christians today are often subject to the authority of people who do not honor their God and oppose them like those who were subject to the authority of the rulers depicted in the four beasts. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences in situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage contains very little that is contextualized and would require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message of the passage in the original context. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial and future crisis are coming in which they will be attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he knows and is in sovereign control of historical events even when they are attacked, defeated, and oppressed by terrifying kingdoms and kings. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge and judgment is coming. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge their oppressors, take away their power, and they will be consumed and destroyed. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of the saints, the Son of Man will be given everlasting dominion, the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, and all powers will worship and obey him.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : THE ANCIENT OF DAYS TOOK HIS SEAT

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to continue to trust in God and remain committed to him in times of trial and crisis.

**Proposition** : Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because trials are coming, God knows and controls whatever happens, God is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge, God will judge their oppressors, and God will judge in favor of his saints.
Introduction

Christians today are often subject to the authority of people who do not honor their God and oppose them like those who were subject to the authority of the rulers. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. God warned and encouraged the Jews through the vision related in Daniel 7. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Therefore, we should be warned and encouraged by Daniel's vision as well.

I. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because trials are coming.

A. Daniel's vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial and future crisis were coming.

B. Daniel describes the four winds churning up the sea and four terrifying beasts emerging. As terrifying as the first three beasts are, the fourth beast is even more terrifying. Daniel describes this beast as being "terrifying and frightening and very powerful" with "large iron teeth" and "eating and breaking in pieces and trampling with its feet whatever was left" (7)

C. Daniel emphasizes that the fourth beast is different and more terrifying than the other beasts and says of the horn that displaced 3 of the beast's 10 horns, "this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them" (21).

D. The one standing there says of the fourth beast, "a fourth kingdom will be on earth that will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, and trample it, and break it in pieces" (23). He also says that the horn that displaced 3 of the beast's 10 horns is a king that will be different from the ones who have come before and "He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High and presume to change the set times and the law. They will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time" (25).

E. The element of warning in the vision is underscored by Daniel's response to it. He was deeply troubled and disturbed.

F. _Illustration of Contemporary Christian Trials_

G. Application--.Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because trials are coming.

II. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he knows and controls whatever happens.

A. The vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis by demonstrating that God knew what would happen long before the actual events. Daniel received the vision and wrote down the substance of his dream during the reign of Belshazzar. However, the vision accurately depicts events that occur over subsequent centuries.

B. The vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God through subtle clues. Each of Daniel's descriptions of the first three beasts contains subtle indications of God's sovereignty over these kingdoms. The first beast had been changed from a beast to a man. The second beast was given permission to eat all it wanted. The third beast had been given authority to rule.

C. The fourth beast and the horn are also described as being under the sovereign control of God in the interpretation of the vision. There is a limit placed on the duration of this kingdom and the reign of this king until God intervenes to judge and deliver.

D. _Illustration of God's Knowledge and Control of Whatever Happens_

E. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he knows and controls whatever happens.

III. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge.

A. Daniel describes his vision of God as the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge in verses 8-10. The title "Ancient of Days" depicts the eternity of God. The sitting of the Ancient of Days on a throne as well as the thousands attending him and ten thousand times ten thousand standing before him depict the sovereignty of God. The extremely white clothes and hair of the Ancient of Days depict the holiness of God. The blazing throne of the Ancient of Days as well as the river of fire flowing out from him depict the righteous judgment of God. The seating of the court and the opening of the books are indications that judgment is imminent.

B. In addition, Daniel relates that he watched "until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given" (22).

C. Moreover, the one standing there specifically promises, "judgment will be given" (26).

D. _Illustration of God's Righteous Judgment_

E. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge.

IV. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge their oppressors.

A. Daniel's dream and its interpretation specifically reveal that God will render judgment against the kings and kingdoms of the earth.

B. Daniel describes his vision of God's judgment against this king and his kingdom and ultimately all the kings and kingdoms of the earth in verses 11-12, "Then I was looking because of the great words the horn was speaking and I was looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and given over for burning with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their authority was taken away, but a prolonging of their lives was given to them until a season, until a time."

C. The one standing there reemphasizes God's judgment of this king and his kingdom in verse 26, "But judgment will be given and his power will be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed until the end."

D. _Illustration of God's Judgment of the Wicked_

E. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the last days. Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge our oppressors.

V. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of his saints.

A. Daniel's dream and its interpretation also specifically reveal that God will render judgment in favor of his saints.

B. Daniel describes the coming of one like a son of man coming in the clouds and approaching the Ancient of Days, "To him was given authority, glory, and sovereignty and all peoples, nations, and languages gave reverence to him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (13-14). Though much of this visionary image would be a mystery to Daniel, from a Christian perspective the one like a son of man can be none other than Jesus Christ.

C. Daniel further relates that even though the horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, "the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given in favor of the saints of the Most High and the time came and the saints took possession of the kingdom" (21-22).

D. God's judgment in favor of the saints is reinforced once again in the interpretation of the vision by the one standing there in verse 27, "Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and all powers will worship and obey him."

E. As Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

F. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of his saints.

Conclusion

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them like those who were subject to the authority of the rulers. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because trials are coming. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he knows and controls whatever happens. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he is the eternal, sovereign, and righteous judge and judgment is coming. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge our oppressors. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because he will judge in favor of his saints.

### CHAPTER NINE

### HE WILL BE DESTROYED

### Daniel 8:1-27

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

8:1In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that appeared to me first.

2I looked in the vision and saw that I was in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; and I looked in the vision and saw I was beside the Ulai Canal. 3I raised my eyes and looked and behold a ram standing beside the canal, and on it two horns, and the two horns were long, but one of the horns was longer than the other and the longer horn grew up later. 4I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. None of the beasts could stand against him and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.

5 **I** * was thinking and behold a goat came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching on ground, and the goat had a prominent horn between its eyes. 6He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at him in great rage. 7I saw him approach the ram and he was embittered against him and struck the ram and broke his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him and he threw him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power. 8The goat made himself very great, but when he was strong his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent ones grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

9Out of one of them came a little horn and it became very great to the south and to the east and toward the beautiful place. 10It made itself great until it reached the host of the heavens and it threw some of the host and stars down to the earth and trampled on them. 11It made itself great even unto the Prince of the host and it took away the daily sacrifice from him and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. 12The host and the daily sacrifice were given over to it with transgression and truth was thrown to the ground and it prospered in what it did.

13Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled--the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the transgression that causes desolation, and the giving over of the sanctuary and the host that will be trampled underfoot?" 14He said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be put right."

15And it came to be that while I, Daniel, looked at the vision and I earnestly sought to understand it, behold standing before me was one who looked like a man. 16And I heard a man's voice within the Ulai calling, "Gabriel, explain the vision to this man." 17He came near the place where I was standing and when he came I was terrified and fell upon my face. But he said to me, "Understand son of man that the vision concerns the time of the end." 18While he was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and set me on my feet. 19He said, "Behold I am making known to you what will happen in the later time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.

20The ram that you saw with two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21The goat is the king of Greece and the great horn between his eyes is the first king. 22Concerning the one that was broken and four others arose in its place, four kingdoms will arise from his nation but will not have his power. 23At the end of their reign, when the transgressors have become complete, a king will arise with a fierce appearance, one who understands subterfuge. 24His power will become vast, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does and will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 25By his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper in his hand, he will make himself great in his heart, he will destroy many quietly, and he will rise up against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. 26The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns many days ahead."

27 **I** *, Daniel, was overcome and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. But I was appalled by the vision; and there was no understanding.

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

The passage seems to anticipate an extended trial culminating in a crisis in the second century BC. In the vision, Daniel sees a ram with two horns that is seemingly invincible. He then sees a goat with a prominent horn that is able to overcome the ram and become great. However, at the height of his power, the ram's horn falls off and four other horns grow in its place. Moreover, a little horn grows from one of these horns and becomes great. The vision and its interpretation accurately depict the political events of the next few centuries culminating in the rise to power of Antiochus IV. During these centuries the Jews were under the oppressive rule of pagan kings. This situation was especially acute during the reign of Antiochus IV, who attacked Jerusalem, banned Judaism, plundered the temple, and placed an altar to Zeus within the temple. As a result, the Jews could have easily doubted God and compromised their commitment to him in order to avoid persecution or to enhance their position. The purpose of the passage was to encourage the readers to continue to trust in God and remain committed to him even though they were under the oppressive rule of foreign kings.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial and future crisis. However, the narratives in the first half of the Book of Daniel provide the foundation for the visionary revelations by commending Daniel as a godly man with wisdom and insight. These visions are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. This vision was given to Daniel during the reign of Belshazzar after the vision reported in chapter 7 (verse 1). Lucas draws a connection between the story (chapter 5) and vision from Belshazzar's reign and concludes that "Belshazzar can be seen as a pale foreshadowing of the small horn" (Lucas, 222). Subsequent visions come from the reigns of Darius (chapter 9) and Cyrus (chapters 10-12). However, these visions seem to describe the same historical events using different visionary images. In addition, Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2 is similar to these visions and seems to describe the same historical events. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's knowledge and control of historical events in advance as well as God's ultimate judgment and establishment of his eternal kingdom.

Form and Function

This passage can be generally classified as apocalyptic literature. More specifically it contains a vision report. Through this vision report the readers are able to enter into a visionary world that parallels their experience in the real world where they are able to see God in sovereign control of events in ways that they cannot perceive in the real world. The visionary world of the Book of Daniel contains a variety of visionary images and is often a confusing place. However, the visionary world of the Book of Daniel also has heavenly beings that explain what Daniel sees. The readers can easily enter into the visionary world of this passage through their identification with Daniel who is described as being disturbed and confused by what he sees. Daniel describes a variety of visionary images in this passage, including a ram with two horns, a ram with one horn that breaks off and is replaced by four horns, a little horn that becomes great, and a conversation in which the daily sacrifice is discussed. However, this vision report also contains a heavenly being identified as Gabriel who explains the vision and its images. These visionary images reveal historical events that are to occur in the real world. In this way the readers are warned of coming trials. However, they are also assured that God controls historical events and will ultimately destroy their oppressor and restore their worship at the sanctuary. These warnings and assurances imply the command, "Continue to trust in God and remain faithful to him."

Strategy and Structure

Daniel introduces the vision in verse 1 by supplying the date of the vision. He recounts his actual vision in verses 2-14. After describing the place that he saw in his vision he recounts his vision of a ram with two horns, a goat with one horn that falls off and is replaced by four horns, a little horn that emerges among them and becomes great, and a conversation between two heavenly beings about the daily sacrifice. Daniel recounts his conversation with Gabriel in verses 15-26. Gabriel explains the meaning of the visionary images and assures him of the truth of the vision about the daily sacrifice. Daniel concludes his account of the vision in verse 27 by describing his distress because of the vision and its interpretation. This description of his distress probably serves to stress the urgency of the warning in the vision. This structure contains a significant amount of repetition that reinforces four predominant themes (The severity of the trial and crisis, the transience of worldly kings and kingdoms, the sovereignty of God over history and his judgment of kings who oppose him, and God's limitation of the crisis and restoration of the sanctuary).

Introduction (8:1)

I. Daniel's Vision of a Ram, a Goat, a Little Horn, and Holy Ones Conversing (8:2-14)

A. The Place Daniel Saw in His Vision (2)

B. The Ram with Two Long Horns (3-4)

C. The Goat with One Prominent Horn (5-8)

D. The Little Horn that Became Very Great (9-12)

E. The Holy Ones Conversing (13-14)

II. Gabriel's Interpretation of Daniel's Vision of a Ram and a Goat and Holy Ones Conversing (8:15-26)

A. Introduction (15-19)

B. The Interpretation of the Ram with Two Horns (20)

C. The Interpretation of the Goat with One Horn (21)

D. The Interpretation of the Four Horns that Replace the First Horn (22)

E. The Interpretation of the Little Horn (23-25)

F. The Truth of the Vision of the Evenings and Mornings (26)

Conclusion (8:27)

Message or Messages

God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial is coming when they will be subject to powerful nations, culminating in a crisis when a powerful and cunning king will defy God, overthrow the temple and abolish the daily sacrifice, and cause great devastation. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God is in control and will ultimately destroy their oppressor. God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore the sanctuary.

Analysis of the Details

Analyzing the details following the structure of the passage is somewhat awkward because the visionary images are separated from their interpretation. Therefore, I have chosen to follow the dominant themes of the vision and its interpretation. These dominant themes are the severity of the coming trial and crisis, the transience of worldly kings and kingdoms, the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis, and God's limitation of the crisis and restoration of the sanctuary.

The Severity of the Coming Trial

And Crisis

Daniel's vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial and future crisis were coming. Daniel describes his vision of the ram with two long horns, the goat with a prominent horn, and the little horn that became great in verses 1-11. Gabriel later explains in his interpretation of these visionary images that the ram and goat are Media-Persia and Greece and the little horn that became great is a king (20-25). Daniel's vision depicts these nations as extremely powerful and aggressive. Daniel describes the aggression and irresistible power of the ram in verse 4, "I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. None of the beasts could stand against him and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great."

Daniel describes the aggression and irresistible power of the goat in verses 5-7, "I was thinking and behold a goat came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the on ground . . . I saw him approach the ram and he was embittered against him and struck the ram and broke his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him and he threw him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power."

Daniel describes the arrogance, aggression, and power of the little horn in verses 9-11, "it became very great to the south and to the east and toward the beautiful place. It made itself great until it reached the host of the heavens and it threw some of the host and stars to the earth and trampled on them. It made itself great even unto the Prince of the host and it took away the daily sacrifice from him and the place of his sanctuary." Gabriel's interpretation elaborates on this depiction of the arrogance and destructive power of the little horn that became great in verses 24-25, "He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does and will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. By his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper in his hand, he will make himself great in his heart, he will destroy many quietly, and he will rise up against the Prince of princes." The vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial was coming during which God's people would be subject to aggressive and powerful nations against which they had no power to resist. In addition, the vision and its interpretation warn that a crisis was coming in which a powerful and cunning king would arrogantly defy God, overthrow the temple and abolish the daily sacrifice, and cause great devastation.

The element of warning in the vision and its interpretation is underscored by Gabriel's explanation that the vision is for the end. Gabriel explains in verse 17, "Understand son of man that the vision concerns the time of the end." He clarifies further in verse 19, "Behold I am making known to you what will happen in the later time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end." The element of warning in the vision and its interpretation is also underscored by Daniel's response to it. Daniel describes his response to the vision in verse 27, " **I** , Daniel, was overcome and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. But I was appalled by the vision; and there was no understanding." Daniel's reaction is emphasized in the Hebrew text by doubling the subject pronoun (literally "I, I Daniel" and indicated in translation with bold print). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial is coming when they will be subject to powerful nations culminating in a crisis when a powerful and cunning king will defy God, overthrow the temple and abolish the daily sacrifice, and cause great devastation.

Transience of Worldly Kings and Kingdoms

Daniel's vision and its interpretation encourage God's people by revealing that worldly kings and kingdoms are transient. Daniel describes the irresistible power of the ram in verse 4, "I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. None of the beasts could stand against him and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great." Nonetheless, Daniel also describes the inability of the ram to resist the power of the goat in verses 5-7, "I was thinking and behold a goat came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the on ground . . . I saw him approach the ram and he was embittered against him and struck the ram and broke his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him and he threw him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power." However, Daniel goes on to describe the dissolution of the kingdom represented by the goat in verse 8, "The goat made himself very great, but when he was strong his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent ones grew up toward the four winds of heaven." As Gabriel's interpretation explains in verse 22, "Concerning the one that was broken and four others arose in its place, four kingdoms will arise from his nation but will not have his power." Even the powerful and cunning king represented by the little horn that became great will come to his end as Gabriel states in verse 25, "Yet he will be destroyed." As Anderson observes, "A central theme of the Book of Daniel is that sooner or later each earthly kingdom will meet its match and give way to another" (Anderson, 92). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient.

The Sovereignty of God over the Trial

And Crisis

Daniel's vision and its interpretation also encourage God's people by revealing that God is sovereign over the trial and crisis. One way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is that God is depicted as knowing what will happen long before the actual events. The historical context of Daniel's vision is clearly defined in verse 1, "In the third year of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that appeared to me at first." However, the vision accurately depicts historical events that span the Median, Persian, and Greek Empires over subsequent centuries. Indeed, Gabriel's interpretation specifically identifies the ram as the Median-Persian Empire and the goat as the Greek Empire. The ram with two long horns depicts Media-Persia. The shorter horn that came up earlier is Media. The longer horn that came up later is Persia. Persia superseded Media with the ascent of Cyrus. The goat is Greece and its long horn is Alexander the Great. The four horns that grow up in its place are the four kingdoms into which Greece was divided upon the premature death of Alexander (Seleucia, Ptolemy, Macedonia, and Thrace). Though the little horn that became great is not specifically identified, what is revealed in the vision and its interpretation accurately depicts the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. He was preceded by seven kings and displaced three rivals (the 10 horns) during his rise to power in Seleucia. He grew powerful and dominated the entire region. He sought to establish Greek religion within his realm. He abolished the daily sacrifice and erected altars to Greek gods within the temple.

Another way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is through subtle clues. These subtle clues are found predominantly in Daniel's vision of the little horn that became great and Gabriel's interpretation of that visionary image. In Daniel's vision, the little horn that became great is depicted as defying God and his heavenly host, overthrowing the temple and abolishing the daily sacrifice, and causing great devastation. However, Daniel states in verse 12 that "The host and the daily sacrifice were given over to it." The passive voice is often used in the Old Testament to subtly indicate the action of God. God gave the host and the daily sacrifice to Antiochus IV. Gabriel describes the rise of Antiochus IV to power in verse 23. However, he then states in verse 24, "His power will become vast, but not by his own power." God will enable him to amass power. Gabriel describes the cunning, arrogance, destructiveness, and defiance of Antiochus IV in verse 25. However, he concludes by stating, "Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power." God will destroy him. As Anderson puts it, "Raised up by God, or at least allowed by God to prosper, for a purpose beyond his own knowing, Antiochus must surely be brought down by that same power" (Anderson, 102). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God is in control and will ultimately destroy their oppressor.

God's Limits on the Crisis and Restoration

Of the Sanctuary

Daniel's vision and its interpretation also encourage God's people by revealing that God has placed limits on the crisis and will restore the sanctuary. Daniel describes a conversation between two holy ones in verses 13-14, "Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, 'How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled--the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the transgression that causes desolation, and the giving over of the sanctuary and the host that will be trampled underfoot?' He said to me, 'It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be put right.'" The daily sacrifices were offered in the evenings and mornings. What is probably meant is that the crisis will last for 2,300 offerings or 1,150 days. This number is roughly equivalent to other figures used to limit the duration of the crisis in the Book of Daniel (See 7:25, 9:27, and 12:7). Thus it reveals that God has placed limits on the duration of the crisis. As Goldingay says, "Its first significance was to promise that there would be an end, and then that this end was not too far off" (Goldingay, 220). Gabriel does not explain this conversation in his interpretation of the vision. In fact, he even commands Daniel to seal up the vision. However, he does assure Daniel of the truth of the vision, "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns many days ahead" (26). Therefore, God's people should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore the sanctuary.

Application of the Message

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them like the Jews who were subject to the authority of the rulers depicted in the ram, the goat, and the little horn. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences in situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage does contain some elements that are contextualized and require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. The warning of the extended trial and coming crisis is stated specifically in terms of the trial of foreign domination culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Similarly, the assurance that God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore the sanctuary is stated specifically in terms of the resolution of the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below have been generalized to relate to the trials of Christians today and the crisis of the end times. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial is coming culminating in a great crisis. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because worldly powers are transient. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God is in control and will ultimately destroy their oppressor. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him during the trial and crisis because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore all things.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : HE WILL BE DESTROYED

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to warn and encourage Christians to continue to trust in God and remain faithful to him during trial.

**Proposition** : Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because trials are coming, worldly powers are transient, God is in control and will ultimately judge their oppressors, and God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore them.
Introduction

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. The Jews were also subject to the authority of rulers who did not honor their God and opposed them. God warned and encouraged the Jews through the vision related in Daniel 8. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Therefore, we should be warned and encouraged by Daniel's vision as well.

I. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because trials are coming.

A. Daniel's vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial and future crisis were coming.

B. Daniel describes his vision of the ram with two long horns, the goat with a prominent horn, and the little horn that became great in verses 1-11. Gabriel later explains in his interpretation of these visionary images that the ram and goat are Media-Persia and Greece and the little horn that became great is a king (20-25). Daniel's vision depicts these nations as extremely powerful and aggressive.

C. Daniel describes the arrogance, aggression, and power of the little horn in verses 9-11. Gabriel's interpretation elaborates on this depiction of the arrogance and destructive power of the little horn that became great in verses 24-25.

D. The vision and its interpretation warn that an extended trial was coming during which God's people would be subject to aggressive and powerful nations against which they had no power to resist. In addition, the vision and its interpretation warn that a crisis was coming in which a powerful and cunning king would arrogantly defy God, overthrow the temple and abolish the daily sacrifice, and cause great devastation.

E. _Illustration of Contemporary Christian Trials_

F. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the last days. Therefore, we should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because trials are coming.

II. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because worldly powers are transient.

A. Daniel's vision and its interpretation also encourage God's people by revealing that worldly kings and kingdoms are transient.

B. Daniel describes the irresistible power of the ram in verse 4. Nonetheless, Daniel also describes the inability of the ram to resist the power of the goat in verses 5-7.

C. The power of the kingdom represented by the goat seems to be insurmountable. However, Daniel goes on to describe the dissolution of the kingdom represented by the goat in verse 8, "The goat made himself very great, but when he was strong his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent ones grew up toward the four winds of heaven." As Gabriel's interpretation explains in verse 22, "Concerning the one that was broken and four others arose in its place, four kingdoms will arise from his nation but will not have his power."

D. Even the powerful and cunning king represented by the little horn that became great will come to his end as Gabriel states in verse 25, "Yet he will be destroyed."

E. _Illustration of the Transience of Worldly Powers_

F. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the last days. Therefore, we should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because worldly powers are transient.

III. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God is in control and will ultimately judge their oppressors.

A. Daniel's vision and its interpretation also encourage God's people by revealing that God is sovereign over the trial and crisis.

B. One way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is that God is depicted as knowing what will happen long before the actual events. The historical context of Daniel's vision is clearly defined in verse 1, "In the third year of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that appeared to me at first." However, the vision accurately depicts historical events that span the Median, Persian, and Greek Empires over subsequent centuries.

C. Another way that the vision and its interpretation reveal the sovereignty of God over the trial and crisis is through subtle clues. These subtle clues are found predominantly in Daniel's vision of the little horn that became great and Gabriel's interpretation. Daniel relates in verse 12, "The host and the daily sacrifice were given over to it." The passive voice is often used in the Old Testament to subtly indicate the action of God. God gave the host and the daily sacrifice to Antiochus IV. Gabriel describes the rise of Antiochus IV to power in verse 23. However, he then states in verse 24, "His power will become vast, but not by his own power." God will enable him to amass power. Gabriel describes the cunning, arrogance, destructiveness, and defiance of Antiochus IV in verse 25. However, he concludes by stating, "Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power." God will destroy him.

D. As Anderson puts it, "Raised up by God, or at least allowed by God to prosper, for a purpose beyond his own knowing, Antiochus must surely be brought down by that same power" (Anderson, 102).

E. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the last days. Therefore, we should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God is in control and will ultimately destroy our oppressors.

IV. Christians should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore them.

A. Daniel's vision and its interpretation also encourage God's people by revealing that God has placed limits on the crisis and will restore the sanctuary.

B. Daniel describes a conversation between two holy ones in verses 13-14, "Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, 'How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled--the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the transgression that causes desolation, and the giving over of the sanctuary and the host that will be trampled underfoot?' He said to me, 'It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be put right.'"

C. The daily sacrifices were offered in the evenings and mornings. What is probably meant is that the crisis will last for 2,300 offerings or 1,150 days. This number is roughly equivalent to other figures used to limit the duration of the crisis in the Book of Daniel. Thus it reveals that God has placed limits on the crisis. Gabriel does not explain this conversation in his interpretation of the vision. In fact, he even commands Daniel to seal up the vision. However, he does assure Daniel of the truth of the vision, "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns many days ahead" (26).

D. As Paul says in First Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

E. Application--Christians will continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis in the last days. Therefore, we should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore us.

Conclusion

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. God warned and encouraged the Jews through the vision related in Daniel 8. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Therefore, we should be warned and encouraged by Daniel's vision as well. We should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because an extended trial is coming culminating in a great crisis. We should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient. We should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God is in control and will ultimately destroy our oppressors. You should continue to trust in God and remain committed to him because God has placed a limit on the crisis and will restore us.

### CHAPTER TEN

### I PRAYED TO THE LORD MY GOD

### Daniel 9:1-27

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

9:1In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans, 2in the first year of his reign, I Daniel understood in the books that the number of years which were to fulfill the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the desolations of Jerusalem was seventy years. 3So I turned my face to the Lord God to seek him in prayer and petition, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said urgently:

"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant and steadfast love for those who love him and obey his commands, 5we have sinned and done wrong and been wicked and rebelled and turned away from your commands and your laws. 6We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

7You, O Lord, are righteous, but we have ashamed faces like this day, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away in all the countries where you have banished us because of the unfaithfulness they have committed against you. 8O LORD, we have ashamed faces, our kings, our princes, and our fathers because we have sinned against you.

9The Lord our God is very merciful and forgiving because we have rebelled against him and 10not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by following his laws that he gave us through his servants the prophets.

11All Israel has passed over your Law and turned away, not listening to your voice. Therefore the curse and the oath that are written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us because we have sinned against him. 12He has raised up the words which he spoke against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster which has never been done under the whole heaven like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not appeased the face of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14Therefore the LORD has kept watch over the disaster and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does and we have not listened to his voice.

15Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name as this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 16O Lord, in accordance with all your righteous acts, please turn away your anger and your wrath from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill. Because of our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and your people are an insult to all those around us. 17Now, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his petitions and shine your face upon your desolate sanctuary for the sake of my Lord. 18Incline your ear and hear, O my God; open your eyes and see our desolations and the city that is called with your name upon it because we do not make requests of you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, attend and act! Do not delay! For your sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

20While I was speaking and praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and presenting my request before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, 21while I was speaking in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, greatly wearied himself in order to reach me about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22He instructed and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23At the beginning of your petitions, a word went out and **I** * have come to declare that you are greatly favored. Therefore, discern the word and understand the vision:

24Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the holy of holies. 25Know and understand, from the going out of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until an anointed one, a ruler, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be restored and built with a broad open place and a trench, but in a time of troubles. 26After the sixty-two 'sevens,' an anointed one will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. His end will come with a flood, but until the end, war is decreed, desolations. 27He will make a strong covenant with many for one 'seven' and for half of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering and upon a wing, abominations that cause desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolator."

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

The passage depicts two parallel situations. First, the prayer of Daniel describes the situation of Daniel. The introduction to Daniel's prayer depicts a situation in which Daniel has been in exile for a considerable amount of time (1-4a). More specifically, his prayer implies a situation in which God's people have sinned against God and been sent into exile by him; nonetheless, they still have not repented of their sins (4b-14). Second, the passage anticipates an extended trial and future crisis. Gabriel warns of an extended period of trial that culminates in a crisis. He describes the crisis in verses 26-27: An anointed one will be removed from his position, Jerusalem will be destroyed along with its sanctuary, warfare and desolation will be a part of everyday life, some will make an alliance with the enemy, and the temple will be desecrated. This description fits well the crisis that occurred in the second century during the reign of Antiochus IV. Gabriel also describes the purpose of the extended trial and the crisis in verse 24, "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your holy people and your city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the holy of holies." Therefore, the purpose of the entire passage is to lead God's people to repent and live righteously for God.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial that culminates in a crisis. These visions are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. Daniel received this vision during the reign of Darius the son of Ahasuerus (verse 1). Previous visions come from the reign of Belshazzar (chapters 7-8) and a subsequent vision comes from the reign Cyrus (chapters 10-12). However, these visions seem to describe the same historical events using different visionary images. In addition, the visions in chapters 7-8 provide in part the background for understanding Daniel's prayer of repentance and appeal for mercy. He already was aware that future trials were in store for God's people. Indeed, the vision to which Gabriel refers in verses 21 and 23 could be either of those visions. Furthermore, the vision in chapters 10-12 is a sequel to this passage, not focusing so much on Daniel's prayer of repentance, but upon the extended time of trial and coming crisis. This passage also has ties to the first half of the Book of Daniel. This passage includes another edifying story about Daniel from the exile. In addition, chapter two anticipates the apocalyptic visions of the second half of the book. Though the two halves of the Book of Daniel are distinct in form, both repeatedly emphasize one basic message--God is sovereign and faithful to help his people even when foreign kings oppress them. This passage reinforces this message by revealing God's knowledge and control of historical events in advance as well as God's ultimate judgment of their oppressor. However, it has a distinct role as well, leading those who have become discouraged and compromised to repent and appeal for God to intervene.

Form and Function

This passage is distinct in form from the remainder of the book. As Anderson observes, "it is clearly different in type and format from what precedes it and what follows it. There is no neatly balanced vision and interpretation sequence. Rather, what we find is Daniel pondering a prophetic text, engaging in extensive prayer, and receiving illumination on the text from the angel Gabriel" (Anderson, 104). On the one hand, this passage can be considered as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the situation of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon during the exile. The main character of the story is Daniel, but Gabriel also plays a significant role. The readers would have readily identified with Daniel and the difficult circumstances of the exile (See Situation and Purpose). As the plot develops the response of Daniel to the crisis is commended to the readers as Gabriel comes to him in response to his prayer. Daniel's example implies the command, "Repent and appeal for God to intervene like Daniel."

On the other hand, this passage can be considered as apocalyptic literature. However, in this case rather than Daniel describing a vision and then relating its interpretation to him by a heavenly being, Daniel describes the visit of a heavenly being and relates his reapplication of God's word through Jeremiah that the exile would last seventy years to an extended trial and future crisis. Thus as Goldingay states, this passage "comes closer than any other passage in Daniel to being expository midrash" (Goldingay, 231). This reapplication of God's word reveals historical events that are to occur in the real world. In this way the readers are warned of coming trials. However, they are also assured that God controls historical events and will ultimately destroy their oppressor. The purpose of this revelation is revealed in verse 24 (See Situation and Purpose). These warnings and assurances also imply the command, "Repent of sin and appeal for God to intercede based on his mercy."

Strategy and Structure

This passage begins with Daniel introducing his prayer. Next, Daniel records the content of his prayer. Through his prayer, Daniel models the appropriate response to the crisis--repenting and appealing for mercy. In addition, his prayer affirms God's greatness, faithfulness, righteousness, mercy, and justice as motivation for repenting and appealing for mercy. Next, Daniel describes Gabriel coming to him in response to his prayer. The coming of Gabriel serves to reinforce prayer as the appropriate response to the crisis as well as introduce the revelation of the seventy "sevens." Finally, Daniel relates Gabriel's revelation of the seventy "sevens." The revelation of the seventy "sevens" is actually a reapplication of the seventy years that Jeremiah spoke about regarding the exile to an extended trial and future crisis. The revelation of the seventy "sevens" serves to further encourage prayer as the appropriate response to the crisis.

I. Daniel's Introduction to His Prayer (9:1-4a)

A. The Factors that Precipitated His Prayer (1-2)

B. The Nature of His Prayer (3-4a)

II. The Content of Daniel's Prayer (9:4b-19)

A. Daniel's Affirmation of God's Character and Confession of Their Sin (4b-14)

1. Affirmation of God's greatness and faithfulness and confession of their sin and failure to listen (4b-6)

2. Affirmation of God's righteousness and confession of their shame because of sin (7-8)

3. Affirmation of God's mercy and confession of their rebellion (9-10)

4. Affirmation of God's justice and confession of their failure to repent (11-14)

B. Daniel's Urgent Appeal to God for Mercy and Forgiveness (15-19)

III. The Coming of Gabriel (20-23)

A. Daniel Describes the Coming of Gabriel (20-21)

B. Gabriel Explains the Reasons for His Coming (22-23a)

C. Gabriel Exhorts Daniel to Discern the Word and Understand the Vision (23b)

IV. The Revelation of the Seventy "Sevens" (24-27)

A. Gabriel Reveals the Purpose for the Seventy "Sevens" (24)

B. Gabriel Reveals the Meaning of the Seventy "Sevens" (25-27)

Message or Messages

God's people should heed God's word, seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently call out to God like Daniel. God's people should humbly repent and confess their sin like Daniel because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, but they are sinful; God is righteous, but they are covered with shame; God is merciful, but they are rebellious; and God has justly judged them, but they have not repented. God's people should humbly and urgently appeal for God to intervene like Daniel because they have sinned, but he is righteous and merciful. God's people should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and humbly and urgently call out to God to intervene like Daniel because God sent Gabriel immediately in response to his prayer to tell him he was greatly favored and give him insight and understanding. God's people should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently appeal for God to intervene because an extended trial is coming that will culminate in a great crisis, but God knows what is going to happen, is using the trial and crisis for his own purposes, and will judge their oppressor and end the crisis.

Analysis of the Details

Daniel's Introduction to His Prayer

Daniel introduces his prayer in verses 1-4. He explains the factors that precipitated his prayer in verses 1-2, "In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans, in the first year of his reign, I Daniel understood in the books that the number of years which were to fulfill the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the desolations of Jerusalem was seventy years." The change in regime probably aroused hope in Daniel that God might intervene and mercifully allow the exiles to return home. Daniel describes the rise of Darius to power using the passive voice ("was made ruler"), probably implying that God is the one who made him ruler. This hope was intensified by what Daniel read in "the books" or Scripture. Jeremiah prophesied that Judah would serve the king of Babylon for seventy years (25:10). However, he also prophesied, "'But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt, declares the LORD, 'and will make it desolate forever.'" With the fall of the king, Daniel probably envisioned the possibility that God was mercifully shortening the time of exile. However, he also realized that the people had not learned from God's discipline.

Daniel describes the nature of his prayer in verses 3-4, "So I turned my face to the Lord God to seek him in prayer and petition, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to LORD my God and confessed and said urgently." Daniel describes three characteristics of his prayer. First, he turned his attention to seeking God. Second, he mourned and confessed sin. Fasting, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes were common expressions of mourning. Third, he cried out to God with a sense of urgency. The urgency of his prayer is emphasized in the Hebrew text by the addition of a cohortative he to the verb form. Through his prayer, Daniel models the appropriate response to the crisis. As Goldingay observes, "the fact that God has spoken through the prophets does not mean that all the believer does is sit, newspaper in hand, awaiting the outcome. The appropriate response to prophecy is prayer" (Goldingay, 263). Therefore, God's people should heed God's word, seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently call out for God to intervene like Daniel.

The Content of Daniel's Prayer

Daniel records the content of his prayer in verses 4-19. Daniel affirms God's character and confesses their sin; then appeals for God to intervene.

**Daniel's affirmation of God's character and confession of their sin**. Daniel affirms God's character and confesses their sin in verses 4-14. Daniel affirms God's greatness and faithfulness and confesses their sin and failure to listen in verses 4-6. Daniel affirms that the Lord is "the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant and steadfast love for those who love him and obey his commands." However, he confesses, "we have sinned and done wrong and been wicked and rebelled and turned away from your commands and your laws." He stresses their culpability by using five verbs to describe their disobedience. What is more, he confesses, "We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land." Their culpability is stressed in this instance by underscoring that everyone heard what God said through the prophets.

Daniel affirms God's righteousness and confesses their shame because of sin in verses 7-8. He affirms God's righteousness at the beginning of verse 7, "You, O Lord, are righteous." However, he confesses in the remainder of verse 7, "but we have ashamed faces like this day, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away in all the countries where you have banished us because of the unfaithfulness they have committed against you." He stresses the shame of "all Israel" whether they are from the country or city, in Babylon or in some distant land of captivity. He explains that sin is the reason for their shame in verse 8, "O LORD, we have ashamed faces, our kings, our princes, and our fathers because we have sinned against you."

Daniel affirms God's mercy and confesses their rebellion in verses 9-10. He affirms God's mercy in the first part of verse 9, "The Lord our God is very merciful and forgiving." Daniel stresses the extent of God's mercy and forgiveness by using the plural form of the nouns for mercy and forgiveness (Translated "very merciful and forgiving"). Daniel further stresses the mercy and forgiveness of God by contrasting it with the rebellion of his people in the remainder of verse 9 and in verse 10, "because we have rebelled against him and not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by following his laws which he gave us through his servants the prophets."

Daniel affirms the justice of God's judgment and confesses their disobedience and failure to repent in verses 11-14. Daniel repeatedly declares that the exile was a result of sin and in accordance with the word of God. He declares in verse 11, "All Israel has passed over your Law and turned away, not listening to your voice. Therefore the curse of and the oath that are written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us because we have sinned against him." The exile was a direct result of their disregard for God's Law and they were clearly warned in God's Law of the consequences of disregarding God's Law. He declares in verse 12, "He has raised up the words which he spoke against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster." He declares in verse 13, "Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not appeased the face of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth." The clear implication is that they should have turned from their sin and given attention to God's truth. He summarizes in verse 14, "Therefore the LORD has kept watch over the disaster and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does and we have not listened to his voice." God is justified in judging them because he warned them and they sinned anyway; therefore, they deserve what they get. Through his humble confession, Daniel models the appropriate response to sin and its consequences. Therefore, God's people should seek God and humbly repent and confess their sin because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, but they are sinful; God is righteous, but they are covered with shame; God is merciful, but they are rebellious; and God has justly judged them, but they have not repented.

**Daniel's appeal for God to intervene**. Daniel appeals for God to intervene in verses 15-19. Daniel's appeal has three distinctive characteristics. First, his appeal is characterized by humility. He does not base his appeal on their worthiness. Instead, he confesses, "we have sinned, we have done wickedly" (15) and "Because of our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and your people are an insult to all those around us" (16). As he states directly in verse 18, "we do not make requests of you because of our righteousness." Second, he bases his appeal on God's righteousness and mercy. He addresses God as the one "who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name as this day" (15). He then appeals to God based on God's righteous acts, "O Lord, in accordance with all your righteous acts, please turn away your anger and your wrath from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill" (16). He also bases his appeal on God's mercy, "Incline your ear and hear, O my God; open your eyes and see our desolations and the city that is called with your name upon it . . . because of your great mercy" (19). Third, his appeal is characterized by a sense of urgency. All of the imperative verbs in verse 19 are in an emphatic form, "O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, attend and act! Do not delay!" Therefore, God's people should humbly and urgently appeal for God to intervene like Daniel because they have sinned, but he is righteous and merciful.

The Coming of Gabriel

The coming of Gabriel to Daniel is related in verses 20-23. This account introduces the revelation of the seventy "sevens" that follows. Gabriel explains, "I have now come to give you insight and understanding" (22) and commands Daniel to "discern the word and understand the vision" (23). However, this account also affirms Daniel's prayer as the appropriate response to God's word. The account indicates that the coming of Gabriel was a result of his prayer. Daniel indicates that the coming of Gabriel corresponded to the time of his prayer, "While I was speaking and praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and presenting my request before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer" (20-21a). Indeed, Daniel relates that Gabriel came in such haste in response to his prayer that he "greatly wearied himself in order to reach me about the time of the evening sacrifice." The Hebrew grammar stresses the extent of Gabriel's exertion and could be literally translated "wearied himself with weariness." Many scholars have had difficulty conceiving an angel becoming weary. As a result, they have traced the word to another word meaning "fly" and translated the grammatical construction "flying swiftly" or "in swift flight." In either case, Gabriel's haste is stressed. Others attribute the great weariness to Daniel (Miller, 250-251).

Gabriel also indicates that his coming corresponded to the time of Daniel's prayer, "At the beginning of your petitions, a word went out and **I** have come to declare that you are greatly favored" (23). As Miller observes, "The pronoun 'I' is emphatic in the Hebrew, stressing the fact that God sent one of his most important angels, Gabriel, to relay the message to the prophet" (Miller, 251; Literally "I, I have come" and indicated in translation with bold print). Goldingay concludes that the message conveyed through this narrative portrait is that "God is eager to respond to his servants when they come to him on behalf of his people in need" (Goldingay, 255). Indeed, Gabriel's specific mission was to declare the word of God that Daniel is "greatly favored"; God approves of his prayer. Therefore, God's people should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and humbly and urgently call out for God to intervene like Daniel because God sent Gabriel immediately in response to his prayer to tell him he was greatly favored and give him insight and understanding.

The Revelation of the Seventy "Sevens"

Gabriel reveals to Daniel the seventy "sevens" in verses 24-27. Gabriel reveals the purpose of the seventy "sevens" in verse 24, "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the holy of holies." Actually, Gabriel states six purposes, three negative and three positive purposes. However, the three negative purposes are very similar and probably emphasize the same thing three times. These six purposes reflect God's purpose for this period of trial and crisis and have implications for the response of his people. They are to repent of their sin and wickedness. Though the second and third of the positive purposes are somewhat obscure, they presumably reemphasize the first. They are to be righteous so that all that God has revealed in the prophets is fulfilled and the temple is consecrated.

Gabriel reveals the meaning of the seventy "sevens" in verses 25-27. The seventy "sevens" is actually a reapplication of Jeremiah's prophecy that the exile would last for 70 years. Gabriel breaks down the seventy "sevens" into blocks of seven "sevens," sixty-two "sevens," and one "seven." The one "seven" is subdivided into two halves. The seven "sevens" or 49 years is the period from the time that Jeremiah delivered his prophecy until "an anointed one, a ruler" would lead the exiles back to Judah to rebuild Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, did lead the exiles to Judah and they did rebuild Jerusalem. The sixty-two "sevens" or 434 years is the period of struggle after the return of the exiles to Judah and Jerusalem. As Gabriel explains, "It will be restored and built with a broad open place and a trench, but in a time of troubles." The returning exiles did struggle over the subsequent centuries, caught between the great empires of the world.

The final "seven" is the period of the crisis. Gabriel describes five tribulations of the period of crisis. First, "an anointed one will be cut off and will have nothing." Second, "The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." Third, "until the end, war is decreed, desolations." Fourth, "He will make a strong covenant with many." Fifth, "for half of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering and upon a wing, abominations that cause desolation." This description fits well the crisis during the time of Antiochus IV. Antiochus Epiphanes deposed Onias III as High Priest and appointed his replacement, destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, conducted incessant military campaigns and caused great desolation, made allegiances with many influential Jews, abolished the Jewish sacrificial system, and erecting a statue of Zeus in the temple. However, Gabriel provides those caught in the struggle and crisis with a basis for hope and encouragement to pray like Daniel. First, God knows what is going to happen long before it occurs. He was able to reveal what would happen. Second, God is using what is happening for his own purposes. Gabriel explained God's purpose for the seventy "sevens" in verse 24. Third, God will judge Antiochus IV and bring the crisis to an end. As Gabriel assures Daniel, "His end will come with a flood" (26) and an end is decreed and will be poured out on the desolator (27). Therefore, God's people should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently appeal for God to intervene because an extended trial is coming that will culminate in a great crisis, but God knows what is going to happen, is using the trial and crisis for his own purposes, and will judge their oppressor and end the crisis.

Application of the Message

Even though God disciplines Christians, they sometimes do not learn from his discipline and repent. Similarly, God disciplined the people of Israel and they did not learn from his discipline and repent. Though he sent them into exile, they did not learn from his discipline. They were so stubbornly unrepentant that God was bringing an extended trial that would culminate in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences between the original and modern situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage does contain some elements that are contextualized and require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. The warnings and assurances related to the extended trial and coming crisis are stated specifically in terms of the trial of foreign domination culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below have been generalized to relate to the trials of Christians today and the crisis of the end times. Christians should heed God's word, seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently call out to God like Daniel. Christians should humbly repent and confess their sin like Daniel because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, but they are sinful; God is righteous, but they are covered with shame; God is merciful, but they are rebellious; and God has justly judged them, but they have not repented. Christians should humbly and urgently appeal for God to intervene like Daniel because they have sinned, but he is righteous and merciful. Christians should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and humbly and urgently call out to God to intervene like Daniel because God sent Gabriel immediately in response to his prayer to tell him he was greatly favored and give him insight and understanding. Christians should seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently appeal for God to intervene because an extended trial is coming that will culminate in a great crisis, but God knows what is going to happen, is using the trial and crisis for his own purposes, and will judge their oppressor and end the crisis.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : I PRAYED TO THE LORD MY GOD

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to heed God's word, seek God, humbly repent and confess their sin, and urgently call out to God.

**Proposition** : Christians should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, and just and merciful; God will be pleased and give them insight and understanding; and God knows and controls whatever happens and will judge their oppressors and resolve the crisis.
Introduction

Even though God disciplines Christians, they sometimes do not learn from his discipline and repent. Similarly, God disciplined the people of Israel and they did not learn from his discipline and repent. Though he sent them into exile, they did not learn from his discipline. They were so stubbornly unrepentant that God was bringing an extended trial that would culminate in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Christians are still experiencing trials that will culminate in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Daniel models the appropriate response for us by repenting and appealing to God for mercy (1-4).

I. Christians should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, and just and merciful.

A. Daniel's prayer is related in verses 4-19.

B. Daniel affirms God's character and confesses their sin in verses 4-14.

1. First, Daniel affirms God's greatness and faithfulness and confesses their sin and failure to listen in verses 4-6.

2. Second, Daniel affirms God's righteousness and confesses their shame because of sin in verses 7-8.

3. Third, Daniel affirms God's mercy and confesses their rebellion in verses 9-10.

4. Fourth, Daniel affirms the justice of God's judgment and confesses their disobedience and failure to repent in verses 11-14.

C. Daniel appeals for mercy in verses 15-19. There are three distinct aspects to Daniel's prayer.

1. First, his appeal is characterized by humble repentance.

2. Second, he bases his appeal on God's justice and mercy.

3. Third, his appeal is characterized by a sense of urgency.

D. _Illustration of God's Compassion and Mercy_

E. Application--Christians continue to experience trials that will culminate in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, and just and merciful.

II. Christians should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God will be pleased and give them insight and understanding.

A. The coming of Gabriel to Daniel is related in verses 20-23.

B. This account affirms Daniel's prayer as the appropriate response to God's word.

C. Daniel indicates that the coming of Gabriel corresponded to the time of his prayer and was God's response to his prayer.

D. Gabriel also indicates that his coming corresponded to the time of Daniel's prayer and that Daniel was greatly favored by God.

E. Gabriel reveals that the purpose of his coming was to give Daniel insight and understanding.

F. _Illustration of God's Faithfulness to Answer Prayer_

G. Application--Christians continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God will be pleased and give us insight and understanding.

III. Christians should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God knows and controls whatever happens and will judge their oppressors and resolve the crisis.

A. Gabriel reveals to Daniel the seventy "sevens" in verses 24-27.

B. Gabriel reveals the purpose of the seventy "sevens" in verse 24. It is a time of testing for God's people so that they will repent of their sin and wickedness.

C. Gabriel reveals the meaning of the seventy "sevens" in verses 25-27. The seventy "sevens" is actually a reapplication of Jeremiah's prophecy that the exile would last for 70 years. This period of 490 years would be a time of struggle for God's people, culminating in a great crisis.

D. However, Gabriel provides those caught in the struggle and crisis with a basis for hope and encouragement to pray like Daniel.

1. First, God knows what is going to happen long before it occurs.

2. Second, God is using what is happening for his own purposes.

3. Third, God will judge their tormentor and bring the crisis to an end.

E. _Illustration of God's Sovereignty_

F. Application--Christians continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Therefore, we should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God knows and controls whatever happens and will judge our oppressors and resolve the crisis.

Conclusion

Even though God disciplines Christians, they sometimes do not learn from his discipline and repent. Similarly, God disciplined the people of Israel and they did not learn from his discipline and repent. Though he sent them into exile, they did not learn from his discipline. They were so stubbornly unrepentant that God was bringing an extended trial that would culminate in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Christians are still experiencing trials that will culminate in the ultimate crisis of the end times. Daniel models the appropriate response for us by repenting and appealing to God for mercy. We should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God is great and awesome, faithful and compassionate, and just and merciful. We should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God will be pleased and answer our prayers by giving us insight and understanding. We should humbly repent and urgently appeal to God for mercy because God knows and controls whatever happens and will judge our oppressors and resolve the crisis.

### CHAPTER ELEVEN

### DO NOT BE AFRAID

### Daniel 10:1-11:1

This passage is very closely related and difficult to distinguish from the other passages in chapters 10-12. I have chosen to include 11:1 with this passage because it is not part of the revelation of future events in chapter 11 and seems to continue the thought of chapter 10. However, any division of chapters 10-12 is somewhat arbitrary.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

10:1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was uncovered for Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, and the word is true and concerned a great war. He understood the word and understanding for him was in the vision.

2At that time **I** *, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3I ate no pleasurable food; meat and wine did not enter my mouth; and I did not anoint myself at all for the full three weeks.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5I lifted my eyes and looked and behold a man dressed in linen, with the gold of Uphaz wrapped around his waist. 6His body was like chrysolite, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.

7 **I** *, Daniel alone saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great trembling fell upon them and they fled in order to hide themselves. 8So I was left alone and saw this great vision. Strength did not remain in me, my splendor was overturned, and upon me ruin and I did not retain strength. 9Then I heard the sound of his words and as I heard the sound of his words I fell into a deep sleep upon my face and my face was to the ground.

10Behold, a hand touched me and caused me to quiver on my knees and the palms of my hands. 11He said to me, "Daniel, man of great delight, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand at your station, for I have now been sent to you." When he said this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel because from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to your words. 13The prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me and I left him there with the prince of the kings of Persia. 14I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the later days, for the vision concerns later days."

15While he was speaking to me with these words, I put my face to the ground and was speechless. 16Then behold, one according to the likeness of the sons of man touched my mouth; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said urgently to the one standing before me, "My Lord, because of the vision pains have overcome me and I am helpless. 17How can I, your servant, talk with you my Lord? My strength is gone and I do not retain strength." 18Again the one who looked like a man touched me and strengthened me. 19He said, "Do not be afraid, man of great delight! Peace to you! Be strong! Be strong!"

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said urgently, "Let my Lord speak because you have strengthened me." 20So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21but first I will reveal to you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince, 11:1and in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him."

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

The passage depicts two parallel situations. First, the mourning of Daniel in the third year of King Cyrus implies that he is concerned for the exiles who have returned to Judah and Jerusalem because of the revelation that he has already received about their extended trial (See Literary Context and Role). Second, the subsequent passages that are a continuation of this vision and revelation anticipate a crisis in the future (chapters 11-12). The man dressed in linen warns of an extended period of trial that culminates in a crisis. He warns that an armed force will desecrate the temple, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up an abomination. He also warns that the leader of this force will corrupt God's people and even some of the wise will stumble. This description fits well the crisis that occurred in the second century during the reign of Antiochus IV. The purpose of this passage was to encourage God's people to remain faithful and lead those who have stumbled to repent and turn to God.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial that culminates in a crisis. These visions are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. Daniel received this vision during the reign of Cyrus. Previous visions come from the reigns of Belshazzar (chapters 7-8) and Darius the Mede (chapter 9). These visions seem to describe the same historical events using different visionary images. In addition, the visions in chapters 7-9 provide in part the background for understanding Daniel's mourning. He already was aware that future trials were in store for God's people. In addition, chapter 9 describes more fully what Daniel was undoubtedly doing during the time of mourning described in this passage. He was humbly praying, repenting and seeking God's mercy. Daniel's humble prayer is presupposed in what the man dressed in linen says to him in verse 12, "Do not be afraid, Daniel because from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to your words." This passage is continued in chapters 11-12 where the revelation regarding the extended trial and future crisis is elaborated. Indeed, the exhortation of the man dressed in linen for Daniel to listen carefully anticipates the revelation given in chapters 11-12. This passage along with the subsequent passages is a sequel to chapter 9, calling those who have become discouraged and compromised to repent and appeal to God for mercy.

Form and Function

This passage is mixed in form. On the one hand, this passage can be considered as historical narrative. The key elements of historical narrative are setting, characters, and plot. Through identifying with the characters in their setting the readers are enabled to enter into the situation of God's people in history and learn from their experience as the plot develops. The setting of the story is Babylon at the end of the exile. The main character of the story is Daniel, but the man dressed in linen also plays a significant role. The readers would have readily identified with Daniel and the difficult circumstances of the exile and first years of the return to Palestine (See Situation and Purpose). As the plot develops the response of Daniel to the crisis is commended to the readers as the man dressed in linen appears to him in response to his humble prayer. Daniel's example implies the command, "Repent and appeal to God for mercy like Daniel." On the other hand, this passage can be considered as apocalyptic literature. However, in this case Daniel describes his vision of a man dressed in linen and relates his encounter with this "man." Daniel's vision of this glorious man clearly reveals that this man shares divine glory and is God's instrument in exhorting, encouraging, strengthening, and enlightening Daniel.

Strategy and Structure

First, Daniel's vision of the man dressed in linen and the revelation that he mediated is introduced generally. Next, Daniel describes the mourning that precipitated his vision. This description models the appropriate response to crisis. Next, Daniel describes his vision of the man dressed in linen. This description emphasizes how majestic, frightening, and overwhelming the man is. Finally, Daniel describes the ministry of the man dressed in linen to him. This description assures the readers that if they humbly pray to God he will minister to them as well.

I. Introduction to Daniel's Vision (10:1)

II. The Mourning of Daniel that Precipitated His Vision (10:2-3)

III. Daniel's Vision of a Man Dressed in Linen (10:4-9)

A. The Date and Location of Daniel's Vision (4)

B. Daniel's Vision of a Man Dressed in Linen (5-6)

C. The Fear and Flight of Daniel's Companions without Seeing the Vision (7)

D. Daniel's Devastation when He Saw the Man and Heard His Voice (8-9)

IV. The Ministry of the Man Dressed in Linen to Daniel (10:10-11:1)

A. The Man Touches Daniel and Commands Him to Consider His Words Carefully and Stand (10:10-11)

B. The Man Dressed in Linen Encourages Daniel to not Be Afraid (10:12-14)

C. The Man Touches Daniel and Enables Him to Speak (10:15-17)

D. The Man Touches and Strengthens Daniel and Encourages Him to Be Strong (10:18)

E. The Man Enlightens Daniel from the Book of Truth (10:20-11:1)

Message or Messages

God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial like Daniel because Daniel pleased God and God sent him a vision in response to his prayer. God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty in response to his prayer. God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty and encouraged him, strengthened him, and enlightened him in response to his prayer.

Analysis of the Details

Analyzing the details following the structure of this passage is somewhat awkward because several themes are intertwined. Therefore, I have chosen to follow the dominant themes of the vision. These dominant themes are Daniel's humble and earnest seeking of God, the coming of the man dressed in linen, the awesome majesty of the man dressed in linen, and the ministry of the man dressed in linen.

Daniel Humbly and Earnestly Seeks God

Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen indicates that he humbly and earnestly sought God. Daniel describes his three-week period of mourning and fasting in verses 2-3, "At that time **I** , Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no pleasurable food; meat and wine did not enter my mouth; and I did not anoint myself at all for the full three weeks." The Hebrew text emphasizes Daniel's continual mourning during the three-week period with the verb of being with the participle. The Hebrew text further emphasizes his commitment with an emphatic pronoun (Literally "I, Daniel, I was mourning" and indicated in translation with bold print). Though Daniel does not specifically state that he was seeking God during this period, mourning and fasting were practices that express humility before God and earnest desire to come before him.

In addition, the man dressed in linen describes more fully what Daniel was doing during this period in verse 12, "you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God." The verb translated "set your heart" stresses his determination to gain understanding and humble himself before God. Daniel was humbly and earnestly seeking understanding from God. Daniel continues to exhibit humility and earnest desire to seek God in his encounter with the man dressed in linen. When confronted with the vision of the man, Daniel is at first totally overwhelmed. Even after the man touches him and enables him to stand, he falls to the ground again, speechless (15). When the man touches him again and enables him to speak, he still declares his helplessness and inability to talk with the man (16-17). However, when he does speak to the man, he speaks with urgency. The Hebrew text emphasizes the urgency of his speech with the cohortative voluntative mood. Through humbly and earnestly seeking God, Daniel serves as a model of the appropriate response to trial. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial like Daniel.

The Coming of the Man Dressed in Linen

Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen indicates that the coming of the man was a direct response to Daniel humbly and earnestly seeking God. Daniel states that the revelation of the vision corresponded with his period of mourning and fasting in verse 2 ("At that time"). The man dressed in linen indicates that he has been sent to Daniel in verse 11, "I have been sent to you." In fact, the man dressed in linen specifies that his coming is a direct response to Daniel humbly and earnestly seeking God in verse 12, "from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to your words."

What is more, the man dressed in linen twice addresses Daniel as "man of great delight" (11 and 19). The implication seems to be that Daniel greatly delights God because he humbly and earnestly sought God. In fact, verse 13 suggests that he even left an important task in order to come to Daniel, "The prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me and I left him there with the prince of the kings of Persia." The coming of the man dressed in linen in response to Daniel humbly and earnestly seeking God serves to encourage readers to humbly and earnestly seek him like Daniel. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial like Daniel because Daniel pleased God and God sent him a vision in response to his prayer.

The Dazzling and Awesome Majesty of the

Man Dressed in Linen

Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen stresses the man's dazzling and awesome majesty. The dazzling majesty of the man dressed in linen is clearly emphasized in verses 5-6, "I lifted my eyes and looked and behold a man dressed in linen, with the gold of Uphaz wrapped around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude." The awesome majesty of the man dressed in linen is clearly emphasized in verses 7-8. The man is so awesome that the men who were with Daniel fled and hid themselves without ever seeing him, " **I** , Daniel alone saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great trembling fell upon them and they fled in order to hide themselves" (7). The unique experience of Daniel is emphasized in the Hebrew text by doubling the subject pronoun (Literally "I, Daniel, I alone saw the vision" and indicated in translation with bold print). The man is so awesome that Daniel is completely overwhelmed. He relates that when he saw the man, "strength did not remain in me, my splendor was overturned, and upon me ruin and I did not retain strength" (8). He relates that when he heard the man's voice, "I fell into a deep sleep upon my face with my face to the ground" (9). Moreover, Daniel continues to struggle for survival in the presence of this awesome personage.

Who is the man dressed in linen? Though many scholars maintain that the man is an angel, Daniel has encountered angels before, even Gabriel, and has never had such a dramatic reaction. The man is described as being a man, yet he has the radiant and awesome majesty of God. From Daniel's perspective the man is a mystery, but he clearly is God's representative. From a Christian perspective the man can be none other than Jesus Christ. Though Daniel is initially overwhelmed by the vision, the man was sent in response to Daniel humbly seeking God and for the purpose of ministering to him (See below). The vision of the man dressed in linen serves to encourage readers to humbly and earnestly seek God like Daniel. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty in response to his prayer.

The Ministry of the Man Dressed in Linen

Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen describes how the man ministered to him. The man dressed in linen ministered to him by encouraging, strengthening, and enlightening him.

**The man dressed in linen encourages Daniel**. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen describes how the man encouraged him. The man dressed in linen encourages Daniel not to be afraid in verse 12, "Do not be afraid Daniel because from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to your words." The man dressed in linen further encourages Daniel not to be afraid, but to be strong in verse 19, "Do not be afraid, man of great delight! Peace to you! Be strong! Be strong!" Though the man dressed in linen is dazzling and awesome and his coming terrified Daniel's companions and overwhelmed him, he did not come to frighten Daniel. Indeed, he came to encourage, strengthen, and enlighten Daniel. The man twice assures Daniel that he is a "man of great delight"--a man who pleases God. The vision of the man dressed in linen encouraging Daniel serves to assure readers that their awesome and majestic God will come to them and encourage them if they humbly and earnestly seek him like Daniel. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty and encouraged him in response to his prayer.

**The man dressed in linen strengthens Daniel**. Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen describes how the man strengthened him with three touches. First, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to stand. Daniel describes his total incapacitation by the vision in verses 8-9. Nonetheless, he relates in verse 10, "Behold, a hand touched me and caused me to quiver on my knees and the palms of my hands." Then when the man dressed in linen told him "stand at your station," Daniel says, "I stood up trembling." Second, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to speak. Daniel describes his continuing incapacitation by the revelation in verse 15, "While he was speaking to me with these words, I put my face to the ground and was speechless." Nonetheless, he relates in verse 16, "Then behold, one according to the likeness of the sons of man touched my mouth; then I opened my mouth and spoke." Third, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to receive the revelation. Daniel expresses his pessimism that he will be able to receive the revelation in verses 16-17, "My Lord, because of the vision pains have overcome me and I am helpless. How can I, your servant, talk with you my Lord? My strength is gone and I do not retain strength." Nonetheless, he relates in verse 18, "Again the one who looked like a man touched me and strengthened me." In addition, the man dressed in linen commands Daniel, "Be strong! Be strong!" and Daniel relates in the second part of verse 19, "When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said urgently, "Let my Lord speak because you have strengthened me." The man dressed in linen strengthening Daniel serves to assure readers that their awesome and majestic God will come to them and strengthen them if they humbly and earnestly seek him like Daniel. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty and strengthened him in response to his prayer.

**The man dressed in linen enlightens Daniel**. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen describes how the man enlightened him. Daniel's vision of the man dressed in linen is introduced in verse 1, "In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a word was uncovered for Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, and the word is true and concerned a great war. He understood the word and understanding for him was in the vision." This introduction provides the setting of the revelation--"In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia"; verifies the truth of the revelation--"the word is true"; introduces the subject of the revelation--"concerned a great war"; and explains the means of the revelation--"He understood the word and understanding for him was in a vision." The man dressed in linen explains the purpose of his coming in verse 14, "I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the later days, for the vision concerns latter days." However, Daniel is too weak to comprehend. Therefore, after the man touches Daniel a third time and strengthens him, he explains the purpose of his coming again in verses 20-21, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; but first I will reveal to you what is written in the Book of Truth." Indeed, the remainder of chapters 11-12 contains the substance of this revelation. This revelation affirms three essential truths: 1)God knows what is happening; 2)God is in control of what is happening; and 3)God will bring his will to fulfillment. The man dressed in linen enlightening Daniel serves to encourage readers to consider carefully the revelation as the man commands Daniel (11). However, it also serves to encourage readers to humbly and earnestly seek him like Daniel. Therefore, God's people should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty and enlightened him in response to his prayer.

Application of the Message

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. Daniel also experienced trials. What is more, God revealed to him that the trial would continue for his people. They would suffer under foreign domination for centuries, culminating in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Daniel not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, he also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences between the original and modern situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. There is very little of a contextualized nature within the passage to require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern context. Therefore, the statements of the message for the modern context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message in the original context. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial like Daniel because Daniel pleased God and God sent him the vision in response to his prayer. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty in response to his prayer. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because God appeared to him in his dazzling and awesome majesty and encouraged him, strengthened him, and enlightened him in response to his prayer.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : DO NOT BE AFRAID

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to humbly and earnestly seek God in prayer during times of trial.

**Proposition** : Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come to them in all his awesome majesty to encourage them, strengthen them, enlighten them, and fight for them.
Introduction

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. Daniel also experienced trials. He was in Jerusalem when it fell. He was carried off and lived most of his life in exile. He was now an old man in Babylon. What is more, God revealed to him that the trial would continue for his people. They would suffer under foreign domination for centuries. They would endure a great crisis. Daniel responded to this revelation by humbly and earnestly seeking God (2-3). Daniel 10 encourages us as God's people to respond to trials like Daniel.

I. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come to them in all his awesome majesty.

A. Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen indicates that the coming of the man was a direct response to Daniel humbly and earnestly seeking God.

B. Daniel states that the revelation of the vision corresponded with his period of mourning and fasting in verse 2.

C. The man dressed in linen indicates that he has been sent to Daniel in direct response to Daniel humbly and earnestly seeking God in verses 11-12.

D. In fact, verse 13 suggests that the man dressed in linen left an important task in order to come to Daniel.

E. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen stresses the man's dazzling and awesome majesty

F. Who is the man dressed in linen? Who is the man dressed in linen? Though many scholars maintain that the man is an angel, Daniel has encountered angels before, even Gabriel, and has never had such a dramatic reaction. The man is described as being a man, yet he has the radiant and awesome majesty of God. From Daniel's perspective the man is a mystery, but he clearly is God's representative. From a Christian perspective the man can be none other than Jesus Christ.

G. Application--Therefore, we should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come to us in all his awesome majesty.

II. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and encourage them.

A. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen describes how the man encouraged him.

B. The man dressed in linen encourages Daniel by telling him not to be afraid because God answers prayer in verse 12, "Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel because from the first day that you set your heart to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to your words."

C. The man dressed in linen further encourages Daniel not to be afraid, but to be strong in verse 19, "He said, 'Do not be afraid, man of great delight! Peace to you! Be strong! Be strong!'".

D. The man twice assures Daniel that he is a "man of great delight"--a man who pleases God.

E. _Illustration of Jesus Christ Coming to Encourage_

F. Application--Therefore, we should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and encourage us.

III. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial like Daniel because Jesus Christ will come and strengthen them.

A. Daniel's account of his vision of a man dressed in linen describes how the man strengthened him with three touches.

B. First, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to stand.

C. Second, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to speak.

D. Third, the man dressed in linen touches Daniel and enables him to receive the revelation.

E. _Illustration of Jesus Christ Coming to Strengthen_

F. Application--Therefore, we should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and strengthen us.

IV. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and enlighten them.

A. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen describes how the man enlightened him.

B. Daniel's vision of the man dressed in linen is introduced in verse 1. This introduction affirms that God enabled Daniel to understand through a vision.

C. The man dressed in linen explains the purpose of his coming in verse 14 and again in verses 20-21, "I have come to make you understand what will happen . . . I will reveal to you what is written in the Book of Truth."

D. Indeed, the remainder of chapters 11-12 contains the substance of this revelation. This revelation affirms three essential truths.

1. First, God knows what is happening.

2. Second, God is in control of what is happening.

3. Third, God will bring his will to fulfillment.

E. _Illustration of Jesus Christ Coming to Enlighten_

F. Application--Therefore, we should humbly and earnestly seek God in times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and enlighten us.

V. Christians should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will fight for them.

A. Daniel's account of his vision of the man dressed in linen describes how the man fought for him.

B. The man dressed in linen told Daniel that he was going to return and fight against the prince of Persia, "Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come" (20).

C. The man dressed in linen told Daniel that he had taken his stand to support their prince, the angel Michael, "No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince, and in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him" (10:21-11:1).

D. _Illustration of Jesus Christ Fighting for Us_

E. Application--Therefore, we should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will fight for us.

Conclusion

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. Daniel also experienced trials. What is more, God revealed to him that the trial would continue for his people. Daniel responded to his trial by humbly and earnestly seeking God. Daniel 10 encourages us as God's people to respond to trials like Daniel. We should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come to us in all his awesome majesty. We should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come to encourage us. We should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and strengthen us. We should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and enlighten us. We should humbly and earnestly seek God during times of trial because Jesus Christ will come and fight for us.

### CHAPTER TWELVE

### THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD

### Daniel 11:2-45

This passage is very closely related and difficult to distinguish from the other passages in chapters 10-12. I have chosen to include 11:1 with the preceding passage because it is not part of the revelation of future events and seems to continue the thought of 10:21. Even though 12:1-3 describes the climax of the crisis, I have not chosen to include it in this passage because 11:45 does anticipate the climax of the crisis and 12:1-3 is necessary for understanding the remainder of the revelation in chapter 12. However, any division of chapters 10-12 is somewhat arbitrary.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

11:2Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far wealthier than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.

3Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. 4After he has risen his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his descendants and not with the power with which he ruled, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others rather than these.

5The king of the South will become strong, but one of his princes will become even stronger than him and will rule his kingdom with great authority.

6For a period of years they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make things level, but she will not retain her strong arm, and he and his seed will not stand. In those days she will be given over, together with the ones going with her and her child and the one who supported her.

7One from a branch of her roots will arise to take his place. He will come against the forces and enter the fortress of the king of the North and will act against them and prevail. 8He will even take captive to Egypt their gods, their molten images, and their valuable articles of silver and gold. For some years he will keep away from the king of the North. 9Then the king of the North will go into the realm of the king of the South but will return to his own country. 10His sons will cause strife and gather a massive horde. It will certainly go and flood and pass over and return and cause strife as far as his fortress.

11Then also the king of the South will embitter himself and go out and fight against the king of the North and he will raise a large horde, but the horde will be given over. 12When the horde is taken, his heart will be exalted and he will cause many thousands to fall, yet he will not become dominant. 13For the king of the North will return and raise another horde, larger than the first; and after a period of years, he will certainly go with great strength and abundant supplies.

14In those days many will rise against the king of the South and the violent men among your own people will lift themselves up to fulfill the vision, but they will be tripped up. 15Then the king of the North will come and throw up siege ramps and will take a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even with his best people there will be no strength to stand. 16The one coming against him will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will stand in the Beautiful Land and it will be completely in his hand. 17He will set his face to come with the might of his entire kingdom and requirements and he will do them. He will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but it will not stand or be to his advantage. 18Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence for him. No, he will return his insolence to him. 19Then he will turn his face to the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall and not be found.

20Then one will arise in his place who will send out one with authority over the splendor of the kingdom, but some days afterwards he will be broken, but not in anger or in battle.

21Then in his place will arise a contemptible person, but they will not give him the splendor of the kingdom. Instead, he will come quietly and become strong by great smoothness. 22Overwhelming armies will be overwhelmed before him and broken along with a prince of the covenant. 23After making an alliance with him, he will act deceitfully and arise and become vast with only a few people. 24He will come quietly into the richest provinces and will do what neither his fathers nor his fathers' fathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot, and wealth among them and devise plans against fortresses, but only until a time.

25He will stir up his strength and heart against the king of the South with a great army. The king of the South will wage war with a great and very powerful army, but he will not stand because plans will be planned against him. 26Those who eat from his provisions will break him and his army will be swept away and they will fall with many killed. 27As for the two kings, with their hearts set on evil, they will speak lies at the same table, but it will not succeed, because there is still an appointed time. 28He will return to his own country with great wealth and his heart will be against the holy covenant and he will act and return to his own country.

29At the appointed time he will return and go into the South again, but it will not be like at first and afterward. 30Ships of the western coastlands will come against him and he will be discouraged and return and be enraged against the holy covenant. He will act and return and give heed to those who forsake the holy covenant. 31Armed forces will rise from him to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32With great smoothness he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant.

However, the people who know their God will be strong and act accordingly. 33Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many, but they will fall by the sword and by fire, by capture and by plunder some days. 34When they stumble, they will be helped with a little help. Many will join them with great smoothness and 35some of the wise will stumble, to be refined, cleansed, and made white until the time of the end, for still a time is appointed.

36The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say extraordinary things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined will be done. 37He will not have regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women nor will he regard any god because he will exalt himself above them all. 38Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses, whom his fathers did not know, with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39He will take action against the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will multiply the glory of those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many and will distribute the land as payment.

40At the time of the end the king of the South will thrust against him and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and many ships. He will invade many countries and overflow and pass through. 41He will also invade the Beautiful Land and many will be knocked down, but these will be delivered from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the leaders of the sons of Ammon. 42He will stretch out his hand against many countries and Egypt will not escape. 43He will gain control over the treasures of gold and silver and all the desirable things of Egypt, with the Libyans and the Nubians in his steps. 44But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to exterminate and totally annihilate many. 45He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end and there will be no help for him.

Situation and Purpose

The passage anticipates an extended trial and a future crisis. The extended trial is reflected in verses 2-20. These verses describe a long period of domination by foreign kings during which rival kings and kingdoms will struggle with one another, with God's people caught in the middle. The future crisis is reflected in verses 21-45. These verses describe the rise of a contemptible king. This king is described as being arrogant, powerful, wealthy, and cunning. He will corrupt many, depose the high priest, desecrate the temple, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up an abomination. Even some of the wise will stumble. The vision accurately depicts the political events of the next few centuries culminating in the rise to power of Antiochus IV. During these centuries the Jews were under the oppressive rule of pagan kings. This situation was especially acute during the reign of Antiochus IV. As a result, the Jews could have easily doubted God and compromised their commitment to him in order to avoid persecution or to enhance their position. The purpose of this passage was to encourage God's people to trust in God and remain committed to him rather than become discouraged and compromise.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial and future crisis. These visions are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. Daniel received this vision during the reign of Cyrus. Previous visions were received during the reigns of Belshazzar (chapters 7-8) and Darius the Mede (chapter 9). These visions seem to describe the same historical events using different visionary images. This passage contains a more direct revelation of these historical events and can be used to understand the visionary images of the preceding visions. This passage is part of Daniel's report of his vision of a man dressed in linen that spans chapters 10-12. This vision is introduced in 10:1-11:1 where the revelation about what is to happen is reinforced by showing that it comes from God. Daniel 11:2-45 is a continuation of this vision and contains the substance of the revelation about what is to happen in the future. The vision concludes in 12:1-13, which provides the climax of the vision and additional encouragement for continuing to trust God and remain committed to him in the future crisis.

Form and Function

The passage can be classified generally as a visionary narrative. The key elements of narrative are setting, characters, and plot. The visionary narrative is set in Babylon, but anticipates an extended trial and future crisis (See Situation and Purpose). The readers are able to enter into the visionary narrative through Daniel, who has been described as humbly seeking understanding about the trial and crisis. The glorious man of Daniel's vision reveals to him what will happen in the future and enlightens the readers as well. However, this passage does not contain a visionary description of future events. Instead, the glorious man of Daniel's vision reveals to Daniel in a more direct manner what is to happen in the future. His revelation is a kind of visionary prophecy that both warns the readers of the dangers of failing to remain faithful and assures them of the blessings of remaining faithful. In this way, he commends faith and faithfulness to the readers. These warnings and assurances imply the command, "Continue to trust in God and remain faithful to him."

Strategy and Structure

The man dressed in linen reveals future events in chronological order. In the first half of the passage, he warns that there will be an extended trial. However, his account of the extended trial also reveals that human kings and kingdoms are transient and God knows and controls the events of human history. In the second half of the passage, he warns that there will be a coming crisis precipitated by the rise to power of a contemptible king. His account of the crisis is divided into two parts. In the first part, he warns of the coming crisis, assures that God has determined the end of the crisis, and describes the appropriate response of God's people to the crisis. In the second part, he warns of the climax of the crisis and assures of God's sovereignty and the inevitable doom of the contemptible king.

I. The Extended Trial, the Transience of Kings and Kingdoms, and God's Knowledge and Sovereignty (11:2-20)

A. The Rise and Fall of Persia (2)

B. The Rise and Fall of Greece (3-4)

C. Rival Kings and a Failed Alliance (5-6)

D. The King of the South Prevails but Is Repelled (7-10)

E. The King of the South again Prevails but Is Repelled (11-13)

F. The King of the North Prevails but Is Repelled and Falls (14-19)

G. His Successor Seeks to Promote the Royal Splendor but Is Broken (20)

II. The Coming Crisis, the End Appointed by God, and the Appropriate Response of God's People (11:21-35)

A. The Rise of a Contemptible King (21-24)

B. The Contemptible King's First Campaign against the South and Attack of the Holy Covenant (25-28)

C. The Contemptible King's Second Campaign against the South and Attack of the Holy Covenant (29-32)

D. The Response of Those Who Know Their God and Are Wise (33-35)

III. The Climax of the Crisis, God's Sovereignty, and Inevitable Doom of the Contemptible King (11:36-45)

A. The Contemptible King Exalts Himself (36-39)

B. The Contemptible King's Third Campaign against the South and Invasion of the Beautiful Land (40-45a)

C. The Contemptible King's Inevitable Doom and Helplessness (45b)

Message or Messages

God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because an extended trial is coming during which they will be caught in the struggle between competing foreign kings, culminating in a crisis when they will be attacked and enticed by a contemptible king and even some of the wise will stumble. God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient and will all come to their end. God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events. God's people should trust in God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history. God's people should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know their God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and be helped, refined, purified, and made spotless.

Analysis of the Details

Analyzing the details following the structure of the passage is somewhat awkward because several themes are developed throughout the passage. Therefore, I have chosen to follow the dominant themes of the visionary revelation. These dominant themes are the severity of the trial and crisis, the transience of worldly kings and kingdoms, God's foreknowledge of the trial and crisis, God's sovereignty over the trial and crisis, and the appropriate response of God's people to the trial and crisis.

The Severity of the Trial and Crisis

The glorious man dressed in linen warns that the people of Judah and Jerusalem are beginning an extended trial that will culminate in a coming crisis. He warns that an extended trial was beginning during which they would be caught in the struggle between foreign kings competing for dominance in verses 2-20. He describes the specific threat to God's people most directly in verse 16, "He (the king of the North) will stand in the Beautiful Land and it will be completely in his hand." The glorious man warns that this extended trial will culminate in a coming crisis in verses 21-45. This crisis will be precipitated by the rise of a contemptible king. After the contemptible king's first foray into the south "his heart will be set against the holy covenant" (28). After his second foray into the south and the campaign doesn't go according to plan, "he will be discouraged and return and be enraged against the holy covenant" (30). Indeed, "Armed forces will rise from him to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination that causes desolation" (31). What is more, "With great smoothness he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant" (32). In fact, even some of the wise will stumble (35). During his third foray into the South he will "also invade the Beautiful Land and many will be knocked down" (41). What is more, when he hears alarming reports, "he will set out in a great rage to exterminate and totally annihilate many" (44) and "pitch his royal tents between the seas and the beautiful holy mountain" (45). Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because an extended trial is coming during which they will be caught in the struggle between competing foreign kings, culminating in a crisis when they will be attacked and enticed by a contemptible king and even some of the wise will stumble.

The Transience of Human Kings and Kingdoms

The glorious man reveals that human kings and kingdoms are transient by contrasting the dominance of human kings and kingdoms with their eventual demise. This theme is most clearly revealed in the warning of the extended trial. As Goldingay states, "It is the story of the exercise of power, but the exercise of power leads only to external conflict (v 2b), internal dissolution (vv 3-4), or eclipse by a more powerful entity (v 5)" (Goldingay, 293). The fourth Persian king is extremely wealthy and uses his wealth to attain power. However, he stirs up a mighty king in Greece with his wealth who overthrows him (2-3). The Greek king is mighty, rules with great power, and does as he pleases. However, his kingdom is broken up and parceled out without the power with which he ruled (3-4). The king of the South is strong; however, one of his princes becomes even stronger than him (5). They become allies for a period of years; however, this alliance does not last (6). The king of the South prevails against the forces of the king of the North. He is even able to take their gods, their molten images, and their valuable articles of silver and gold to Egypt (7-8). However, the king of the North attacks the king of the South, and even though he returns to his own country, his sons cause great strife and overwhelm the South like a flood (9-10). The king of the South attacks the king of the North and overcomes a great horde (11-12a). However, he does not become dominant and the king of the North raises another great horde, larger than the first, and attacks him (12b-13). The king of the North again attacks the king of the South, taking a fortified city, and the forces of the king of the South are not able to withstand and the land is completely at his mercy (14-17a). However, his attempt to form a lasting alliance through marriage fails, a commander puts an end to his insolence, and he stumbles and falls and cannot be found (17b-19). Another arises in his place, but he also is broken (20). Though this theme is most clearly revealed in the warning of the extended trial, even the contemptible king is transient, "Yet he will come to his end and there will be no help for him" (45). Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient and will all come to their end.

God's Foreknowledge of the Trial and Crisis

The glorious man reveals God's foreknowledge of the trial and crisis by his ability to foretell what would happen long before the actual events. Though the fourth Persian king is difficult to identify (See Goldingay, 294-295 and Lucas, 278-279), the king of Greece is certainly Alexander the Great. He was powerful, but died at a young age and his kingdom was divided among his generals (3-4). The titles "king of the North" and "king of the South" refer to several Seleucid and Ptolemaic kings. Ptolemy I was the first king of the South. One of his generals did become more powerful than him, Seleucus I, the first king of the North (5). Ptolemy II, the king of the South, did give his daughter Berenice to Antiochus II, the king of the North, to secure an alliance. However, Antiochus II returned to his first wife Laodice, who had him killed along with Berenice, her son by Antiochus, and her attendants (6). Ptolemy III, the king of the South and brother of Berenice, attacked and prevailed against Seleucus II, the king of the North (7-8). Seleucus II attacked the South but was forced to return to his own country (9). His sons and successors to the throne in the North, Seleucus III and Antiochus III, continued to wage war against the South (10). Ptolemy IV, the king of the South, defeated the great horde of Antiochus III at Raphia, but did not press the attack and become dominant (11-12). Antiochus III raised a great army and attacked Ptolemy V, who had succeeded his father as king of the South (13). The forces of the South were unable to withstand his assault (15-16). Antiochus III and Ptolemy V made a treaty and Antiochus III gave his daughter Cleopatra to Ptolemy V to seal the alliance. However, the alliance did not achieve his intentions because his daughter supported her husband against her father (17). Antiochus III attacked Greece and was soundly defeated by the Roman consul, Lucius Cornelius Scipio (18). Antiochus III returned to his dominion and consolidated his power, but was killed while raiding a temple of his own god (19). His son, Seleucus IV, succeeded Antiochus III as king of the North. However, Seleucus IV was assassinated (20). The contemptible king is Antiochus IV. Antiochus IV was not named king, but usurped the position of the rightful king, Demetrius I, through deceit and bribery (21-24). He defeated and plundered the Seleucid Kingdom (25-28). He desecrated the temple, abolished the daily sacrifice, and set up an altar to Zeus in the temple (29-32a). Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events.

God's Sovereignty over the Trial and Crisis

The glorious man reveals God's sovereignty over the trial and crisis by indications of his control of the events. These indications of God's sovereign control are subtle in the warning of the extended trial in verses 2-20. However, many of the passive verbs are probably indications of God's activity. The empire of the king of Greece "will be broken up and parceled out" and "uprooted and given to others" (4). The daughter of the king of the South "will be given over" (6). The horde of the king of the South "will be given over" (11). The violent men among the people of Judah "will be tripped up" (14). The king of the South "will be broken" (20). The warning of the crisis in verses 21-45 also contains instances where the passive voice subtly indicates God's activity. The wise "will be helped with a little help" when they stumble. Edom, Moab, and Ammon "will be delivered from his hand" (41). However, the indications of God's sovereign control normally are more direct. The contemptible king will attain power through deceit and bribery, "but only until a time" (24). He will seek an alliance with the Seleucid king, "but it will not succeed, because there is still an appointed time." "At the appointed time" (29) he will again invade the South. Some of the wise will stumble, but they will continue to be refined "until the time of the end, for still a time is appointed" (34). He will be successful because God is using him as his instrument of wrath; however, "what has been determined will be done" (35). Indeed, "he will come to his end and there will be no help for him" (45). God is in sovereign control of the timing of events, especially the end. In addition, he uses Antiochus IV for his own purposes: to inflict his wrath on those who forsake the holy covenant (30, 36) and refine the wise (34). Therefore, God's people should trust God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history.

The Appropriate Response of God's People to

The Trial and Crisis

The glorious man describes the appropriate response of God's people to the trial and crisis in verses 32b-35. He describes the response of those who know their God in verse 32, "However, the people who know their God will be strong and act accordingly." He has just warned that the contemptible king will seek to corrupt them with intimidation and deceit. In fact, he has stated that the contemptible king "will corrupt those who have violated the covenant" (32a). However, he maintains that those who truly know their God will not be corrupted like these violators of the covenant. Instead, they will be determined to avoid corruption. They will be determined to remain faithful to their God because they know that he can be relied upon. He describes the response of the wise in verses 33-35, "Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many, but they will fall by the sword and by fire, by capture and by plunder some days. When they stumble, they will be helped with a little help. Many will join them with great smoothness and some of the wise will stumble, to be refined, cleansed, and made white until the time of the end, for still a time is appointed." The response of the wise is characterized in two ways. First, even though they suffer ("fall") because of their commitment to God, they continue to instruct others. Second, even though their own faithfulness may at times fail ("stumble"), they strive to refine and cleanse their conduct. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know their God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and be helped, refined, purified, and made spotless.

Application of the Message

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. God revealed to Daniel that the people of Israel would continue to experience trials under foreign domination, culminating in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Daniel not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, he also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences between the original and modern situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. This passage does contain some elements that are contextualized and require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern situation. The warnings and assurances related to the extended trial and coming crisis are stated specifically in terms of the trial of foreign domination culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Therefore, the statements of the message for the contemporary context below have been generalized to relate to the trials of Christians today and the crisis of the end times. Christians should trust in God and remain faithful to him because an extended trial is coming, culminating in a crisis when they will be attacked and enticed and even some of the wise will stumble. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient and will all come to their end. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history. Christians should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know their God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and be helped, refined, purified, and made spotless.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to trust God and remain faithful to him even during times of trial and crisis.

**Proposition** : Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because trials are coming and even some of the wise will stumble; worldly powers are transient and will all come to an end; God knows what will happen long before the actual events; God controls the events of human history; and those who know God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and receive help and be refined.
Introduction

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. God revealed to Daniel that the people of Israel would continue to experience trials under foreign domination culminating in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Daniel not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, he also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Daniel's vision in chapter 11 warns and encourages us to trust God and remain faithful to him.

I. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because trials are coming when they will be attacked and enticed and even some of the wise will stumble.

A. The glorious man dressed in linen warns that the people of Judah and Jerusalem are beginning an extended trial that will culminate in a great crisis.

B. The glorious man warns that an extended trial was beginning during which they will be caught in the struggle between foreign kings competing for dominance and they will be completely in the hand of a foreign power. He warns them that the heart of a foreign ruler will be set against them (28), he will be enraged against them (30), desecrate the temple, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up an abomination (31), and try to exterminate many (44). What is more, he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant" (32) and even some of the wise will stumble (35).

C. The glorious man warns that the contemptible king will corrupt those who have violated the covenant (32) and even some of the wise will stumble (35).

D. _Illustration of the Failure of a Complacent Christian_

E. Application--Christians continue to experience trials culminating in the ultimate crisis of the last times. Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because trials are coming and even some of the wise will stumble.

II. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly kings and kingdoms are transient and will all come to an end.

A. The glorious man reveals that human kings and kingdoms are transient by contrasting the dominance of human kings and kingdoms with their eventual demise.

B. This theme is most clearly revealed in the warning of the extended trial. Each king and kingdom appears to be unassailable, but they ultimately fall.

C. Though this theme is most clearly revealed in the warning of the extended trial, even the contemptible king is transient, "Yet he will come to his end and there will be no help for him" (45).

D. _Illustration of the Transience of Worldly Powers_

E. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly powers are transient and will all come to an end.

III. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events.

A. The glorious man reveals God's foreknowledge of the trial and crisis by his ability to foretell what would happen long before the actual events.

B. The apocalyptic images present an accurate portrayal of the history of the ancient world from Alexander the Great until Antiochus IV.

C. The apocalyptic images present an especially accurate portrayal of the rise and reign on Antiochus IV--the contemptible king.

D. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events.

IV. Christians should trust God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history.

A. The glorious man reveals God's sovereignty over the trial and crisis by indications of his control of the events.

B. The glorious man provides subtle clues of God's sovereign control over the events of human history. Many of the passive verbs are probably indications of God's activity. The empire of the king of Greece "will be broken up and parceled out" and "uprooted and given to others" (4). The daughter of the king of the South "will be given over" (6). The horde of the king of the South "will be given over" (11). The violent men among the people of Judah "will be tripped up" (14). The king of the South "will be broken" (20). The wise "will be helped with a little help" when they stumble. Edom, Moab, and Ammon "will be delivered from his hand" (41).

C. The glorious man also gives direct indications of God's sovereignty over the events of human history. The contemptible king will attain power but only "until a time" (24); he will seek an alliance, but it won't succeed because there is "an appointed time;" and at "an appointed time" he will invade the South (29). Though some of the wise will stumble until the time of the end, for still a time is appointed" (34). The contemptible king may be successful because God is using him for his purposes "what has been determined will be done" (35)."

D. _Illustration of God's Sovereignty over the Events of Human History_

E. Application--Therefore, we should trust God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history.

V. Christians should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and receive help and be refined.

A. The glorious man describes the appropriate response of God's people to the trial and crisis in verses 32-35.

B. He describes the response of those who know their God in verse 32b, "However, the people who know their God will be strong and act accordingly."

C. He describes the response of the wise in verses 33-35, "Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many, but they will fall by the sword and by fire, by capture and by plunder some days. When they stumble, they will be helped with a little help. Many will join them with great smoothness and some of the wise will stumble, to be refined, cleansed, and made white until the time of the end, for still a time is appointed." The response of the wise is characterized in two ways.

D. _Illustration of God's Use of Trials to Refine His People_

E. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know God and are wise will be strong and instruct many and receive help and be refined.

Conclusion

Christians often experience trials that challenge their faith and commitment. God revealed to Daniel that the people of Israel would continue to experience trials under foreign domination, culminating in a crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. Indeed, Daniel not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, he also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Daniel's vision in chapter 11 warns and encourages us to trust God and remain faithful to him. We should trust God and remain faithful to him because trials are coming and even some of the wise will stumble. We should trust God and remain faithful to him because worldly powers are transient and will all come to their end. We should trust God and remain faithful to him because he knows what will happen long before the actual events. We should trust God and remain faithful to him because he controls the events of human history. We should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because those who know God will be strong and instruct many and receive help and be refined.

### CHAPTER THIRTEEN

### YOUR PEOPLE WILL BE DELIVERED

### Daniel 12:1-13

This passage is very closely related and difficult to distinguish from the other passages in chapters 10-12. Even though 12:1-3 contains the climax of the crisis described in chapter 11, I have chosen to include it in this passage because 11:45 does anticipate the climax of the crisis and 12:1-3 is necessary for understanding chapter 12. However, any division of chapters 10-12 is somewhat arbitrary.

**Study of the Passage**

Text and Translation

12:1At that time Michael, the great prince who stands up for your people, will take his stand. There will be a time of distress such as has not been from the beginning of the nations until that time. But at that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to great shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise will shine like the shining of the firmament, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. 4But you, Daniel, close up the words and seal the scroll until the time of the end. Many will eagerly go here and there and knowledge will increase.

5Then **I** *, Daniel, looked, and behold two others stood, behold one on this bank of the river and behold one on the opposite bank. 6One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long until the end of these extraordinary things?" 7I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river. He lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever, saying "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the hand of the holy people is broken, all these things will be completed."

8 **I** * heard, but I did not understand. So I said urgently, "My lord, what will the outcome of these things?" 9He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked will act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. 11From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the 1,335 days. 13As for you, go until the end and you will rest and stand in your allotment at the end of the days."

*The Hebrew text contains an emphasis that is otherwise difficult to translate into English (See Analysis of the Details).

Situation and Purpose

The passage anticipates a coming crisis. The glorious man dressed in linen describes this crisis in verse 1, "There will be a time of distress such as has not been from the beginning of the nations until that time." In the previous chapter he warned that an armed force will desecrate the temple, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up an abomination. He also warned that the leader of this force will corrupt God's people and even some of the wise will stumble. This description fits well the crisis that occurred in the second century during the reign of Antiochus IV. The purpose of this passage was to encourage God's people to trust in God and remain committed to him rather than become discouraged and compromise during the crisis.

Literary Context and Role

This passage is located in the second half of the Book of Daniel, which contains visions that anticipate an extended trial and future crisis. These visions are arranged in the chronological order in which they were received. This passage is an integral part of the vision that Daniel reports in chapters 10-12. Daniel received this vision during the reign of Cyrus (10:1). Previous visions come from the reigns of Belshazzar (chapters 7-8) and Darius the Mede (chapter 9). This passage is part of Daniel's report of his vision of a man dressed in linen that spans chapters 10-12. This vision is introduced in 10:1-11:1. This passage reinforces the revelation about what is to happen by showing that it comes from God through the glorious man that Daniel describes. This vision is continued in 11:2-45. This passage provides the substance of the revelation about what is to happen in the future. The vision concludes in 12:1-13. This passage provides additional encouragement for continuing to trust God and remain committed to him in the future crisis. In fact, this passage could be considered the climax of the entire Book of Daniel since it provides the ultimate basis for encouragement--hope for everlasting life.

Form and Function

The passage can be classified as a visionary narrative. The key elements of narrative are setting, characters, and plot. The visionary narrative is set in Babylon, but anticipates an extended trial and future crisis (See Situation and Purpose). The readers are able to enter into the visionary narrative through Daniel, who has been described as humbly seeking understanding about the trial and crisis. The glorious man of Daniel's vision reveals to him what will happen in the future and enlightens the readers as well. His revelation is a kind of visionary prophecy that both warns them of the dangers of failing to remain faithful and assures them of the blessings of remaining faithful. In this way, he commends faithfulness to the readers. The assurances of verses 5-7 are made even stronger by being put in the form of an oath that is made is response to a question about the duration of the crisis from another heavenly figure. The assurances and warnings of verses 8-13 are given in response to the confusion and question of Daniel about the outcome of these things.

Strategy and Structure

The passage begins with the glorious man instructing Daniel regarding the future crisis. This instruction is then reinforced and supplemented by two additional scenes in which questions are asked and answered. First, two other heavenly beings appear and glorious man responds to a question posed by one of them regarding the duration of the crisis. Second, Daniel is confused and the glorious man answers his question about the outcome of the crisis.

I. The Glorious Man Instructs Daniel regarding the Future Crisis (12:1-4)

A. The Glorious Man Promises that Michael Will Take His Stand at that Time (1a)

B. The Glorious Man Warns of Distress and Promises Deliverance (1b)

C. The Glorious Man Warns of Judgment and Assures the Wise that They Will Shine Forever (3)

D. The Glorious Man Exhorts Daniel to Close Up the Words and Seal the Scroll (4)

II. Two Others Appear and the Glorious Man Responds to a Question Posed by One (12:5-7)

A. Two Others Appear and One Asks about the Duration of The Crisis (5-6)

B. The Glorious Man Swears that the Crisis Will Be Limited (7)

III. The Glorious Man Responds to Daniel's Confusion and Question (12:8-13)

A. Daniel's Confusion and Question (8)

B. The Response of the Glorious Man (9-13)

1. The glorious man exhorts Daniel to go on his way (9)

2. The glorious man explains that the wise will understand and purify themselves and the wicked will not understand and remain wicked (10)

3. The glorious man explains that the crisis will last 1,290 days and blesses those who remain faithful for 1,335 days (11-12)

4. The glorious man exhorts Daniel to remain faithful and assures him of rest and inheritance (13)

Message or Messages

God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision has revealed that Michael will fight on their behalf; all those whose names are written in the book will be delivered; those who are wise and lead others to righteousness will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt; and the prophecy is true and will provide needed understanding. God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision has sworn on oath before heavenly witnesses that the crisis will not last long. God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly; those who remain committed throughout the time of distress and beyond will be blessed; and those who go until the end will receive rest and an inheritance.

Analysis of the Details

The Glorious Man Instructs Daniel regarding

The Future Crisis

The glorious man instructs Daniel regarding the future crisis in verses 1-4. First, he assures Daniel that Michael will take his stand at that time in the first part of verse 1, "At that time Michael, the great prince who stands up for your people, will take his stand." The time to which he refers is the period of great distress described in the preceding passage and subsequently. The authority and dedication of Michael is emphasized to intensify the assurance. He is "the great prince" who takes his stand in defense of the people. This assurance to Daniel would also encourage the readers to trust God and remain committed during the crisis based on the promise of Michael's help.

Second, the glorious man warns Daniel of a time of great distress, but assures him that his people will be delivered in the remainder of verse 1, "There will be a time of distress such as has not been from the beginning of the nations until that time, but at that time your people will be delivered, everyone whose name is found written in the book." The time of great distress is so severe that it is unlike any time in human history. However, the people will be delivered; at least "everyone whose name is found in the book" (For a fuller discussion see Hartman and DiLella, 306-307; Lucas, 294; Miller, 315-316). This book is probably the same as "the book of life" of Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; and Malachi 3:16-18; as well as Luke 10:20 and Revelation 3:5 and 20:12. This book contains the names of all the faithful members of the covenant community. As Miller explains, "Evidently this figure comes from the practice of keeping a record of all the citizens of a town. Those whose names were listed enjoyed the blessings of community membership, whereas the names of those who were excommunicated from fellowship were blotted out" (Miller, 315-316). This assurance of deliverance would encourage the readers to trust God remain faithful based on the promise of deliverance.

Third, the glorious man warns Daniel of judgment, but assures him that the wise who lead others to righteousness will shine forever in verses 2-3, "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake--some to everlasting life, others to great shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the shining of the firmament, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." This is one of the clearest teachings of resurrection found in the Old Testament. Indeed, sleep is used as a synonym for death so as to minimize its power. Death is not the end! The great shame and everlasting contempt that some will suffer are contrasted with the everlasting life and honor that others will enjoy. The extent of the shame of some is emphasized in the Hebrew text with the plural form of the noun (literally "shames" and translated "great shame"). The shining of the firmament and the stars is employed as a simile for the honor that will be awarded to others. The factor that determines who receives great shame and everlasting contempt and who receives everlasting life and honor is their response to the time of distress. Those who are wise and remain faithful and teach others to live righteously will enjoy everlasting life and honor. Those who are foolish and compromise their commitment will suffer great shame and everlasting contempt. This assurance and warning encourage the readers to trust God and remain faithful so that they can receive everlasting life and honor rather than contempt.

Finally, the glorious man exhorts Daniel to close up the words and seal the scroll in verse 4, "But you, Daniel, close up the words and seal the scroll until the time of the end. Many will eagerly go here and there and knowledge will increase." The command is probably related to emphasize the certainty of what has been revealed. Documents were sealed in order to keep their content sacrosanct rather than conceal them (Miller, 320 makes a strong case). However, this command probably also emphasizes the urgency of the revelation for those who would be living in the time of crisis. The obscure observation that follows is probably related in order to stress the urgency of finding guidance during the time of distress and assure that as events develop the content of prophecy would become clearer. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision has revealed that Michael will fight on their behalf; all those whose names are written in the book will be delivered; those who are wise and lead others to righteousness will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to great shame and everlasting contempt; and the prophecy is true and will provide needed understanding.

Two Others Appear and The Glorious Man

Responds to a Question Posed by One

Two other heavenly beings appear and the glorious man responds to a question posed by one of them in verses 5-7. Daniel describes the appearance of two other heavenly beings and relates the question posed by one of them about the duration of the crisis in verses 5-6, "Then **I** , Daniel, looked, and behold two others stood, behold one on this bank of the river and behold one on the opposite bank. One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, 'How long until the end of these extraordinary things?'" Daniel's observance of this vision is stressed in the Hebrew text by doubling the subject pronoun (Literally "I, Daniel, I looked" and indicated in translation with bold print). These two other heavenly beings raise a question that would be extremely relevant for those enduring the time of distress, "How long until the end of these extraordinary things?" They also serve as witnesses to the oath that follows. In this way the veracity of the assurance in the oath is emphasized.

The glorious man swears that the crisis will be limited in verse 7, "I heard the man clothed in linen, who is above the waters of the river. He lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever, saying "It will be for a time, times, and half a time. When the hand of the holy people is broken, all these things will be completed.'" Lifting the right hand was the normal practice when taking oaths. The lifting of both hands in the swearing of this oath probably emphasizes the earnestness of the assurance within the oath. The earnestness of the assurance is also emphasized by the name invoked in swearing the oath, "him who lives forever." The oath contains an implicit warning. The "hand" or "power" of the holy people will be broken. However, the time of distress is limited to "a time, times, and half a time." This assurance would encourage the readers to trust God and remain faithful based on God's promise that the trial will not last long. Therefore, God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision has sworn on oath before heavenly witnesses that the crisis will not last long.

The Glorious Man Responds to Daniel's

Confusion and Question

The glorious man responds to Daniel's confusion and urgent question with additional instruction in verses 8-13. Daniel describes his confusion and relates his urgent question in verse 8, " **I** heard, but I did not understand. So I said urgently, 'My lord, what will the outcome of these things?'" Daniel's confusion is emphasized in the Hebrew text by doubling the subject pronoun (Literally "I, I heard" and translated with bold print). The urgency of Daniel's question is emphasized in the Hebrew text with the cohortative voluntative mood ("I said urgently").

The glorious man responds to Daniel's confusion and question in verses 9-13. First, the glorious man exhorts Daniel to go his way in verse 9, "He replied, 'Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end." Again the command is probably related to emphasize the certainty of what has been revealed. However, again the command also probably stresses the urgency of the revelation for those who are enduring the crisis.

Second, the glorious man explains that the wise will understand and purify themselves while the wicked will not understand and remain wicked in verse 10, "Many will purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked will act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." This verse commends righteousness as the wise response to the time of distress. The wise will understand that the time of distress is a trial that will determine their ultimate fate and determine to live righteously. The wicked will foolishly fail to understand and continue to live wickedly, oblivious to the consequences.

Third, he explains that the crisis will last 1,290 days and blesses those who remain faithful for 1,335 days in verses 11-12, "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the 1,335 days." The specific meaning of the number of days is difficult to determine and has been the subject of much discussion (For a fuller discussion see Goldingay, 309-310; Hartman and DiLella, 313-314; and Lucas, 297-298). The glorious man has already revealed that the time of distress would last for "a time, times, and half a time" (7). This enigmatic expression is normally understood to be 1,260 days (360 x 3 ½). The figure of 1,290 days adds an additional 30 days whereas the figure of 1,335 days adds another 45 days. Despite the uncertainty of these numbers, the general implication is clear. Those who remain faithful throughout the time of crisis and beyond will be blessed. As Lucas concludes, "Whatever the actual meaning of the numbers, the significance of them is as an encouragement to perseverance because the suffering has a time limit and will end fairly soon" (Lucas, 298).

Finally, he exhorts Daniel to remain faithful and assures him of rest and an inheritance in verse 13, "As for you, go until the end and you will rest and stand in your allotment at the end of the days." The command and promise of the glorious man to Daniel continue to apply to later readers. Through Daniel they are also called upon to "go until the end" with the assurance that they also "will stand in your allotment at the end of days." Therefore, God's people should continue to trust and remain committed to him during the time of distress because the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly; those who remain committed throughout the time of distress and beyond will be blessed; and those who go until the end will receive rest and an inheritance.

Application of the Message

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them like the Jews who were subject to the authority of pagan rulers. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. These correspondences in situation provide a strong basis for applying the message of this passage to the modern context. There is very little of a contextualized nature within the passage to require that the message be limited or adjusted when applied to the modern context. Therefore, the statements of the message for the modern context below are nearly identical to the statements of the message in the original context. Christians should continue to trust and remain committed to God during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision revealed that Michael will fight on their behalf; all those whose names are written in the book will be delivered; those who are wise and lead others to righteousness will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt; and the prophecy is true and will provide needed understanding. Christians should continue to trust and remain committed to God during the time of distress because the glorious man of Daniel's vision has sworn on oath before heavenly witnesses that the crisis will not last long. Christians should continue to trust and remain committed to God during the time of distress because the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly; those who remain committed throughout the time of distress and beyond will be blessed; and those who go until the end will receive rest and an inheritance.

Proclamation of the Message

**Title** : YOUR PEOPLE WILL BE DELIVERED

**Objective** : The objective of this message is to encourage Christians to continue to trust and remain committed to God in times of distress.

**Proposition** : Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because Michael will fight on their behalf; all those whose names are written in the book will be saved; those who are wise will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt; the crisis will not last long; the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly; and those who remain committed will be blessed and receive rest and an inheritance.
Introduction

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. The Jews were subject to rulers who did not honor their God for centuries, culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. God warned and encouraged the Jews through the vision related in Daniel 10-12. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. Therefore, we should be warned and encouraged by Daniel's vision as well. _Read Daniel 12_.

I. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because Michael will fight on their behalf.

A. The glorious man assures Daniel that Michael will take his stand at that time in the first part of verse 1, "At that time Michael, the great prince who stands up for your people, will take his stand."

B. The authority and dedication of Michael is emphasized to intensify the assurance. He is "the great prince" who takes his stand in defense of God's people.

C. _Illustration of God's Forces Fighting for Us during Trials_

D. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust and remain faithful to God throughout the time of distress because Michael will fight on our behalf.

II. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because all those whose names are written in the book will be saved.

A. The glorious man warns Daniel of a time of great distress, but assures him that his people will be delivered in the remainder of verse 1, "There will be a time of distress such as has not been from the beginning of the nations until that time, but at that time your people will be delivered, everyone whose name is found written in the book."

B. The time of great distress is so severe that it is unlike any time in human history. However, the people will be delivered; at least "everyone whose name is found in the book." This book is probably the same as "the book of life" of Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; and Malachi 3:16-18; as well as Luke 10:20 and Revelation 3:5 and 20:12. This book contains the names of all the faithful members of the covenant community.

C. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because all those whose names are written in the book will be saved.

III. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because those who are wise will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt.

A. The glorious man warns Daniel of judgment, but assures him that the wise who lead others to righteousness will shine forever in verses 2-3, "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake--some to everlasting life, others to great shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the shining of the firmament, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

B. The factor that determines who receives great shame and everlasting contempt and who receives everlasting life and honor is their response to the time of distress. Those who are wise and remain faithful and teach others to live righteously will enjoy everlasting life and honor. Those who are foolish and compromise their commitment will suffer great shame and everlasting contempt.

C. _Illustration of Honorable/Shameful Conduct during Trials_

D. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust and remain faithful to God throughout the time of distress because those who are wise and lead others to righteousness will be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt.

IV. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because the crisis will not last long.

A. Daniel describes the appearance of two other heavenly beings and relates the question posed by one of them about the duration of the crisis in verses 5-6, "Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold two others stood, behold one on this bank of the river and behold one on the opposite bank. One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, 'How long until the end of these extraordinary things?'"

B. The glorious man swears before the two heavenly witnesses that the crisis will be limited in verse 7, "I heard the man clothed in linen, who is above the waters of the river. He lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever, saying 'It will be for a time, times, and half a time. When the hand of the holy people is broken, all these things will be completed.'"

C. _Illustration of Enduring Trials_

D. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him the crisis will not last long.

V. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly.

A. The glorious man responds to Daniel's confusion by exhorting him to go his way in verse 9, "He replied, 'Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end."

B. But the glorious man then explains that the wise will understand and purify themselves while the wicked will not understand and remain wicked in verse 10, "Many will purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked will act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."

C. _Illustration of Wisdom during Trials_

D. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain faithful to him because the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly.

VI. Christians should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because those who are faithful will be blessed and receive rest and an inheritance.

A. The glorious man responds to Daniel's confusion by explaining that the crisis will last 1,290 days and blesses those who remain faithful for 1,335 days in verses 11-12, "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the 1,335 days." Despite the uncertainty of these numbers, the general implication is clear. Those who remain faithful throughout the time of crisis and beyond will be blessed.

B. Finally, the glorious man exhorts Daniel to remain faithful and assures him of rest and an inheritance in verse 13, "As for you, go until the end and you will rest and stand in your allotment at the end of the days." The command and promise of the glorious man to Daniel continue to apply to later readers. Through Daniel they are also called upon to "go until the end" with the assurance that they also "will stand in your allotment at the end of days."

C. Application--Therefore, we should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because those who remain committed will be blessed and receive rest and an inheritance.

Conclusion

Christians today are often subject to the authority of rulers who do not honor their God and oppose them. As a result, they may be tempted to compromise their commitment to God in order to avoid harm and enhance their position. The Jews were subject to rulers who did not honor their God for centuries, culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV. God warned and encouraged the Jews through the vision related in Daniel 10-12. Indeed, this passage not only describes the trial of Jews culminating in the crisis during the reign of Antiochus IV, it also describes the trial of Christians culminating in the crisis at the end of time. We should continue to trust God and remain committed to him because Michael will fight on our behalf; all those whose names are written in the book will be saved; those who are wise be raised to everlasting life and honor, but those who are foolish will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt; the crisis will not last long; the wise will understand and purify themselves, but the wicked will not understand and continue to act wickedly; and those who remain committed will be blessed and receive rest and an inheritance.

### SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Robert A. Signs and Wonders: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel. _International Theological Commentary_. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1984.

Dillard, Raymond B. and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament. LEI, England: Apollos, 1995.

Goldingay, John E. Daniel. _Word Biblical Commentary_. Volume 30. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1989.

Harrison, R. K. Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1969.

Hartman, Louis F. and Alexander A. DiLella. The Book of Daniel. _The Anchor Bible_. Volume 23. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, 1978.

Lucas, Ernest C. Daniel. Apollos Old Testament Commentary. Volume 20. Leicester, England: Apollos, 2002.

Miller, Stephen R. Daniel. _The New American Commentary_. Volume 18. USA: Broadman and Holman, 1994.

Owens, John Joseph. _Daniel_. The Broadman Bible Commentary. Volume 6. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1971.

Porteous, Norman W. Daniel: A Commentary. _The Old Testament Library_. Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster Press, 1965.

### ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William H. (Bill) Lawson is a proud graduate of California Baptist University (BA), Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (PhD). He taught briefly at SBTS and then served with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and taught the Bible in Baptist seminaries throughout Asia for over 30 years. He has written other books including Ears to Hear: A Guide for the Interpretation of the Bible, The Lion Roars: A Guide for the Interpretation of the Book of Amos, and Obedient Unto Death: A Guide for the Interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. Download all of his books for FREE at <https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/drwhlawson>. He is now retired and living at _The End of the Lane_ where he is writing books and painting/drawing pictures.
