DANIEL

Daniel; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14

Daniel was born to Judean nobility (Daniel 1:3-6). He was taken as a hostage by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon in 605 BC after the shattering defeat of the Egyptians at the battle of Carchemish. There were to be two further groups to go into exile; the final one being in 586 BC, the start of the Babylonian captivity.

In Babylon Daniel was given the name Belteshazzar, effectively changing his name from "God's judge" to "Zeus". For three years Daniel and his fellow hostages were taught Chaldean, science and the wisdom of the Babylonian civilization (Daniel 1:4) and outshone all others as students (Daniel 1:20). He pined a reputation first as an interpreter of other men's visions (Daniel chapters 2 - 5) then of his own when he predicted the future of empires (Daniel chapters 7 - 12). Renowned for his wisdom he occupied leading governmental posts under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius.

Daniel is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 in regard to the future erection of the "abomination of desolation", the statue of the world leader in the Temple (Daniel 12:11). Tradition has it that Daniel died at Susa, but there is no clear evidence of this. He did, however, live for at least 73 years in exile, thus he died at a full age.

Daniel's dedication is seen in many ways in the book of Daniel.

a) He would not eat meat from the king's table as it had been offered to idols; nor would he drink wine (Daniel 1:8).

b) He worked hard at his studies, being assisted by God (Daniel 1:20).

c) He prayed for wisdom (Daniel 2:14-18).

d) He gives God the credit for interpretation (Daniel 2:28-30).

e) He is fearless in his interpretation (Daniel 2:37-45; 4:18-27; 5:17-28).

f) When promoted he remembered his friends (Daniel 2:49).

g) His friends were also consistent under pressure (Daniel 3).

h) He obtained an excellent reputation in Babylon (Daniel 5:12).

i) Daniel puts God before the laws of man (Daniel 6:10-15).

j) Daniel receives protection (Daniel 6:22).

k) Daniel receives an outline of human history culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to reign (Daniel chapter 7 - 12), including a detailed vision on the Greek kingdoms (Daniel chapter 11). These visions troubled him (Daniel 7:28; 8:27).

l) Daniel studied the Scriptures (Daniel 9:2) and knew that the Jews would return.

m) As an old man Daniel is still interceding for his country (Daniel 9:3-19).

n) He is taught by an angel (Daniel 10:12,13), who had been delayed by demons in the country of Persia.

a) God must be honored in our successes (1 Chronicles 29:12; Acts 12:23).

b) Without God there is no promotion (Psalm 127:1; Psalm 113:7,8).

c) The principles set down in the scripture are not only a guide but a source of hope in a hopeless situation (Psalm 119:105).

d) In times of oppression God is still with you and able to keep (Psalm 42:11).

e) Moral courage comes from Bible principles (Psalm 23:4).

f) God's way has predominance over the laws of a state if those laws are antagonistic to God's Word (Acts 4:19-20).

g) God knows our individual needs (Matthew 6:32).

h) God controls history (Proverbs 8:15,16).

i) Friends and colleagues benefit by association with believers (Genesis 39:3).

j) God will give wisdom when requested (James 1:5).

Study courtesy of the Evangelical Bible College Of Western Australia