The book of Daniel is a prophetic book of the Old Testament. It relates the story of Daniel, a young Israelite who was taken captive to Babylon. While in Babylon, Daniel served King Nebuchadnezzar and his successors. He gained a reputation for his wisdom and integrity, and he had several prophetic visions.
The book of Daniel is divided into two parts: a history (chapters 1-6) and a series of prophetic visions (chapters 7-12). The first part recounts the exile of Daniel and his friends in Babylon. They were taken there as captives when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. However, even in Babylon, Daniel and his friends remained faithful to God.
Daniel 1:8,9 – And Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king’s dainties, nor with the wine that he drank; therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Now God caused Daniel to find grace and mercy before the chief of the eunuchs.
The second part of the book contains the prophetic visions of Daniel. These visions were given to Daniel so he could understand the future and share this wisdom with others.
The book of Daniel is important because it teaches us to be faithful to God, even when we are facing difficulties. It also gives us a perspective on God’s plan for the future of humanity.
Daniel and his friends were chosen to serve King Nebuchadnezzar because they were young and handsome. They were taken to Babylon and trained to serve the king. While in Babylon, Daniel and his friends remained faithful to God. They refused to eat the food offered by the king and asked permission to make their own food. God blessed Daniel and his friends, and they prospered in Babylon.
Daniel 1:11-14 – Then said Daniel to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Misael and Azariah,
Try, I pray thee, thy servants ten days, and that they may give us vegetables to eat, and drinking water.
Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the youths who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as thou shalt see, thou shalt deal with thy servants.
And he consented to it, and tried them ten days.
The story of Daniel is important because it teaches us to be faithful to God even when we are facing difficulties. It also shows us that God can bless those who are faithful to Him.
Psalm 103:17,18 – But the loyal love of the LORD, his everlasting love, is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children, with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
Daniel 7-12 contains Daniel’s prophetic visions. These visions were given to Daniel so he could understand the future and share this wisdom with others.
Daniel’s first vision is known as the vision of the four beasts (chapter 7). It talks about the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Daniel also saw a fifth kingdom, the kingdom of God, which will last forever.
Daniel’s second vision is known as the vision of the stone (chapter 8). It talks about the end time, when the kingdom of God will be established on earth.
Daniel’s third vision is known as the seven-year vision (chapter 9). It talks about the seven years of tribulation that will come before the establishment of the kingdom of God.
Daniel’s fourth vision is known as the vision of the beast (chapter 11). She talks about the realms of the world during the time of the end.
Daniel’s fifth and final vision is known as the vision of the great woman (chapter 12). It talks about the end time and the establishment of the kingdom of God.
Daniel’s prophetic visions are important because they give us a perspective on God’s plan for the future of humanity. They teach us that despite the difficulties we face, the kingdom of God will come and reign forever.
