Daniel — Introduction & Outline

Modern critics have challenged the authorship of Daniel on several grounds.

Primarily their presuppositions precluding miraculous prophecy causes them to date Daniel in the second century after the many graphic prophecies of the book are fulfilled. But this denies God's sovereignty in the affairs of men which is the crucial theme of the book. They go on to argue that there are historical inaccuracies, but this has been answered by research and archeological discoveries. Another argument is that the use of Persian and Greek terms argues for a late date, but Daniel lived in the Persian era and Greek influence was present in his day. Also, critics object to the developed theological concepts (e.g. the Messiah, angels, resurrection), but these concepts are found throughout the Old Testament as early as Genesis. Furthermore, their erroneous idea that the "Writings" of the Hebrew canon, which includes Daniel, was closed about 165 B.C. is not consistent with the inclusion of earlier works (e.g. Psalms and Proverbs).

Daniel was probably not included in the "Prophets" section of the canon because he was considered a governmental figure as opposed to a prophet specifically commissioned to minister to Israel. Finally, it argued Daniel fits the Maccabean period when apocalyptic literature flourished. But Ezekiel also contains apocalyptic form.

There are many positive evidences that Daniel wrote this book bearing his name in the sixth century. He is identified as the writer (12:4) and uses the first person consistently after chapter 6. Also, the author's familiarity with prominent people, customs, religions, and history of the sixth century makes Daniel the likely writer. Furthermore, Ezekiel testified to the historicity and prominence of Daniel (Eze. 14:14,20; 28:3) and the Lord Jesus Christ attributed the book to him (Matt. 24:15). In addition, Josephus notes that Alexander the Great was shown Daniel's prophecy long before the second century. Finally, there is the agreement of both Jewish and Christian tradition.

Daniel was evidently a native of Jerusalem and from a royal family (1:4). When taken captive to Babylon in 605 B.C. he was about 16 years old, but after three years of training he rose to prominence in Babylon and eventually became a leader of the wise men, a counselor to Nebuchadnezzar, and the prime minister under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius I. His ministry of about 70 years endured six Babylonian and two Persian rulers. Daniel is a notable example of faith, courage, integrity, and prayerfulness.

Daniel's visions are dated from 605 to 536 B.C., the latter being the third year of Cyrus (10:1). No doubt the visions were recorded as they occurred to him, but finally arranged soon after 536 B.C.

The book of Daniel shares the same historical background as Jeremiah and Ezekiel. With the defeat of Ninevah and Assyria, Babylon began its campaign against other cities. The first invasion of Jerusalem in 605 resulted in Daniel and his friends being deported. Judah and Jerusalem finally were destroyed in 586 B.C. while Daniel was in exile. Daniel saw the rise and

fall of the Babylonian empire. Babylon conquered Egypt in 568 B.C., but the Persians led by Cyrus were growing in power until finally Babylon was taken in 539 B.C. Thus Daniel saw the first return of the Jews to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel in 539 B.C. Daniel predicted the later course of Gentile powers as he envisioned the coming Greek and the Roman empires. This period of Gentile domination of Israel is known as the times of the Gentiles.Daniel's contemporaries were Jeremiah earlier in life and Ezekiel, who also lived in exile. The exiles were spiritually devastated with the loss of Jerusalem and the temple and further oppressed by having to live with the Babylonian religion; Daniel and his friends were given names after Babylonian deities. The Babylonians worshiped a pantheon of gods, but their devotion to the chief god, Bel Merodach (Marduke), was almost monotheistic in nature. They had a great temple, Esagila, with huge towers and public devotion was expected. Nebuchadnezzar evidences monotheistic tendencies in Daniel and perhaps could be considered a convert to YHWHism after his divine chastisement (ch. 4).

The book of Daniel was written to alleviate the despair of the exiled Jews who wondered about the future of their nation and the relative promises of God. Daniel's prophecy accomplishes this by revealing God's program for Israel during and after Gentile domination. Theologically, the book's purpose is to present God as the sovereign authority in human history (4:25) who directs the kingdoms of men and brings in the kingdom of the Messiah (ch. 2). It shows God is faithful to His covenant in spite of the appearance of having cast Israel aside.

After the introductory first chapter, Daniel is clearly divided in two parts. The first (chs. 2-7), reveals the prophetic history of the Gentiles and is distinguished by use of Aramaic. The second part (chs. 8-12) is written in Hebrew and reveals the prophetic history of Israel.

The first chapter explains how Daniel came to Babylon and rose to prominence and thus prepares the reader for his influence seen in the Babylonian government. It also creates the atmosphere of a somewhat hostile environment against which God can display His sovereignty.

The prophetic history of the Gentiles (2:1-7:28) is revealed in Daniel's interpretations and visions, but also in significant historical events. The first revelation of Gentile history comes in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (2:1-49). After the king's dream (2:1), his inability to find an interpreter (2:2-13) emphasizes the sovereignty of God in finally giving the interpretation through Daniel (2:14-49). His interpretation of the image reveals the course of four kingdoms in history beginning with Babylon (2:36-40). A fifth kingdom is a form of the fourth (2:41-43) and the final kingdom is God's (2:44-45). This reveals that the Gentiles will maintain power for some time before God establishes the Messianic kingdom for Israel.

The next episode of the book describes Nebuchadnezzar's persecution of the three Hebrew youths and their deliverance from the fiery furnace (3:1-30). Two significant emphases emerge in this event. First, God rewards the faith of the three amid Gentile persecution (3:16- 18). Second, God's sovereignty in delivering His own from danger is proved (3:28-30). These historical facts may have symbolic significance for the circumstances of Israel in exile and in

their future under Gentile domination. God will reward the faith of the remnant and protect them through tribulation to come.

The next event involves Nebuchadnezzar's dream about God's sovereign rule and is narrated by him (4:1-37). Once more he can find no interpreter for his dream, this time about a tree which is cut down (4:4-18). Daniel's interpretation reveals that the king will be humiliated and lose his rule for a time (4:19-27). The prophetic interpretation is fulfilled (4:28-33) and results in Nebuchadnezzar's recognition of the sovereignty of God's rule in human affairs (4:34- 37), Daniel's stated purpose for the ordeal (4:25b).

Belshazzar's overthrow (5:1-31) also displays God's sovereignty by showing how He can destroy one kingdom and raise up another. Again, the interpretation, this time of handwriting on the wall, belongs to Daniel alone (5:5-12). Next, Daniel's faith is tested in the new Persian empire when Darius issues a decree prohibiting prayer (6:1-28). Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den is attributed to God who rewards his faith (6:21-23). Darius also comes to the recognition of God's sovereignty and the indestructibility of His kingdom (6:25-28). To the exiles, this story would encourage faith in their present circumstances and hope in the future triumph of God's kingdom.

The first part of the book ends with Daniel's vision of God's program for the Gentiles (7:1-28). The vision is of four beasts, representing the Gentile kingdoms, and a little horn, a significant end time ruler (7:1-14), who are all destroyed by God with the kingdom given to the Son of Man (7:9-14,23-27). The view of Gentile history given thus far and the faithfulness of God depicted in the events of chapters 2-7 would serve to encourage the exiles in Babylon.

Israel's future is more specifically addressed in the next part which is a prophetic history of Israel (8:1-12:13). Daniel's vision of the latter times of Gentile rule (8:1-27) conveys in more detail the shift in power from the third kingdom (Persia) to the fourth (Greece). Ominous details about the evil activity of the Greek little horn, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, against the Jews (8:13-14) foreshadows the evil king of the end time who opposes the Messiah and His kingdom.

In answer to Daniel's concern over the future of Israel after the seventy-year captivity, God next reveals His prophetic plan of Israel's future (9:1-27). Daniel recognizes Israel is suffering justly under the terms of the covenant and asks God for mercy (9:3-19). The answer comes as the prophecy of the seventy "sevens" which gives a specific timetable for Israel's future including the final activity of the terrible ruler who is yet to come (9:24-27).

The final vision is lengthy, but detailed in its disclosure of Israel's future (10:1- 12:13). The circumstances described in the setting for the vision emphasize its significance (10:1-11:1). Then Israel's history under the second (Persia) and third (Greek) kingdoms is revealed (11:2-35). Described in amazing detail is the rise of the Greeks over the Persians (11:2- 4), the wars between the Greek kings (11:5-20), and the rise of the terrible king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (11:21-35). The description of this king bridges into a description of the final antichrist who opposes God and Israel in the seventieth "seven" (11:36-12:3). Though the days ahead are frightening for Israel, the nation is delivered by God in the end (12:1-3).

Such a detailed prophecy of history, events, and the triumphant kingdom of God would be an encouragement to the dispersed nation of Daniel's day and a confirmation of God's

sovereign rule and control of human history. God's punishment of Israel will end, as will the times of Gentile domination, and He will keep all of His promises in the establishment of the Messianic kingdom.

1. Introduction 1:1-21

   1. Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah. 1:1-2
   2. Daniel and his companions are deported to serve the king. 1:3-7

      1. Nebuchadnezzar orders the young men brought to Babylon. 1:3-4
      2. Nebuchadnezzar orders a training program for them. 1:5
      3. Daniel and his companions are identified and named. 1:6-7
2. The Prophetic History of the Gentiles 2:1-7:28

   1. Nebuchadnezzar's dream about God's program for the Gentiles 2:1-49

      1. The king has a dream. 2:1
      2. The king searches for an interpreter. 2:2-13

         1. The court wisemen cannot interpret the dream. 2:2-13

            1. The king asks for an interpretation. 2:2-3
            2. The wisemen ask for the contents of the dream. 2:4-7
            3. The wisemen admit their inability. 2:8-11
            4. The king orders all wisemen destroyed. 2:12-13
      3. The interpretation is revealed to Daniel. 2:14-49

         1. Daniel asks for a chance to interpret the dream. 2:14-16
         2. Daniel blesses God for the interpretation. 2:17-23
         3. Daniel explains his ability to interpret. 2:24-30
         4. Daniel interprets the dream. 2:31-45

            1. He describes the image in the dream. 2:31-35
            2. He explains the first four kingdoms. 2:36-40
            3. He explains the kingdom of iron and clay. 2:41-43
            4. He explains the final kingdom of God. 2:44-45
         5. Daniel is promoted by the king. 2:46-49
   2. Nebuchadnezzar's persecution of the Hebrew youths 3:1-30

      1. The king institutes worship of a gold image. 3:1-7

         1. The image is set up. 3:1-3
         2. The people are commanded to worship. 3:4-7
      2. The three Hebrews defy the king's order to worship. 3:8-18

         1. The Hebrews' defiance is reported to the king. 3:8-12
         2. The king threatens the Hebrews with the furnace. 3:13-15
         3. The Hebrews answer with faith in God. 3:16-18
      3. The Hebrews are delivered from the fiery furnace. 3:19-27

         1. They are thrown into the furnace. 3:19-23
         2. The king sees four men walking in the furnace. 3:24-25
         3. They emerge unharmed from the furnace. 3:26-27
      4. The king praises God and promotes the Hebrews. 3:28-30
   3. Nebuchadnezzar's dream about God's sovereign rule 4:1-37

      1. The king proclaims the greatness of the kingdom of God. 4:1-3
      2. The king has a dream about a great tree. 4:4-18

         1. The king has a troublesome dream. 4:4-5
         2. The king searches for an interpreter. 4:6-9
         3. The king describes the dream to Daniel. 4:10-17

            1. He describes a great tree. 4:10-12
            2. He describes the command to cut the tree. 4:13-17
         4. The king asks Daniel for an interpretation. 4:18
      3. Daniel interprets the dream for the king. 4:19-27

         1. The tree is the king. 4:19-22
         2. The tree cut down is the king's humiliation. 4:23-25
         3. The stump and roots assure of restoration. 4:26-27
      4. The King is humiliated in fulfillment of the dream. 4:28-33

         1. The king boasts of his power. 4:28-30
         2. The king becomes as an animal. 4:31-33
      5. The king praises God upon being restored. 4:34-37

         1. He praises God for His eternal kingdom rule. 4:34-35
         2. He is restored to his own kingdom. 4:36-37
   4. Belshazzar's overthrow 5:1-31

      1. Belshazzar throws a great feast. 5:1-4
      2. Belshazzar is troubled by handwriting on the wall. 5:5-12

         1. He sees a hand writing on the wall. 5:5-6
         2. His wisemen cannot interpret the writing. 5:7-9
         3. The queen suggests Daniel be summoned. 5:10-12
      3. Daniel interprets the writing for Belshazzar. 5:13-29

         1. Daniel is asked to interpret the writing. 5:13-16
         2. Daniel explains the writing. 5:17-28

            1. He reminds of Nebuchadnezzar's pride. 5:17-21
            2. He accuses Belshazzar of the same pride. 5:22-24
            3. He explains Belshazzar's demise. 5:25-28
         3. Daniel is promoted. 5:29
      4. Belshazzar is slain and loses the kingdom to Darius. 5:30-31
   5. Darius' decree 6:1-28

      1. The leaders plot against Daniel. 6:1-9

         1. Daniel rises to prominence. 6:1-3
         2. The leaders plot to discredit Daniel. 6:4-5
         3. The leaders convince Darius to sign a decree. 6:6-9
      2. Daniel is convicted of breaking the law. 6:10-17

         1. He is found praying. 6:10-11
         2. The king is persuaded to punish him. 6:12-15
         3. He is thrown into the den of lions. 6:16-17
      3. Daniel is delivered from the lions. 6:18-24

         1. The king asks Daniel if God has delivered him. 6:18-20
         2. Daniel answers that God has delivered him. 6:21-23
         3. The leaders are thrown into the den of lions. 6:24
      4. Darius decrees that all people fear God. 6:25-28
   6. Daniel's vision of God's program for the Gentiles 7:1-28

      1. Daniel describes his vision of the four beasts. 7:1-14

         1. Four beasts come from the sea. 7:1-3
         2. Each beast is described. 7:4-7
         3. A little horn speaks pompous words. 7:8
         4. The Ancient of Days is described. 7:9-14

            1. The Ancient of Days is seated on a throne. 7:9-10
            2. The beasts are slain. 7:11-12
            3. The Son of Man is given the kingdom. 7:13-14
      2. Daniel is given an interpretation of the vision. 7:15-27

         1. He asks for an interpretation. 7:15-16
         2. He is given a summary interpretation. 7:17-18
         3. He asks about the fourth beast and little horn. 7:19-22
         4. He learns the fate of the beast and little horn. 7:23-27
      3. Daniel keeps the vision's interpretation in his heart. 7:28
3. The Prophetic History of Israel 8:1-12:13

   1. Daniel's vision of the latter times of Gentile rule 8:1-27

      1. Daniel sees a vision of a ram and a goat. 8:1-14

         1. He describes the setting of the vision. 8:1-2
         2. He sees a ram with two horns. 8:3-4
         3. He sees a goat destroy the ram. 8:5-8
         4. He sees a little horn exalt itself. 8:9-12
         5. He hears about the sanctuary's defilement. 8:13-14
      2. Daniel is given an interpretation of the vision. 8:15-27

         1. He is told it concerns the time of the end. 8:15-19
         2. The ram and goat are explained. 8:20-22
         3. The little horn is explained. 8:23-25
         4. He is told to seal up the vision. 8:26-27
   2. The prophetic plan of Israel's future 9:1-27

      1. Daniel gives the setting of the seventy sevens vision. 9:1-2
      2. Daniel prays for God's mercy. 9:3-19

         1. He introduces the prayer. 9:3-4
         2. He confesses Israel's sin. 9:5-10
         3. He recognizes God's covenant chastening. 9:11-15
         4. He asks God for mercy. 9: 16-19
      3. Gabriel comes to Daniel to give understanding. 9:20-23
      4. Gabriel gives a vision of Israel's future. 9:24-27

         1. The purpose of the 70 "sevens" 9:24
         2. The timing of the first 69 "sevens" 9:25
         3. The events of the 70th "seven" 9:26-27
   3. Daniel's vision of the details of Israel's future 10:1-12:13

      1. The preparation of Daniel for the vision 10:1-11:1

         1. Daniel introduces the vision. 10:1-9

            1. He gives the historical setting. 10:1-3
            2. He describes his vision of a man. 10:4-9
         2. Daniel talks with the man. 10:10-11:1

            1. The man explains his mission to Daniel. 10:10-14
            2. Daniel explains that he is overwhelmed. 10:15-17
            3. The man strengthens Daniel. 10:18-11:1
      2. Israel's history under the second and third kingdoms 11:2-35

         1. The rise of the Greek kings after the Persians 11:2-4
         2. The war between the kings of the north and south 11:5-20

            1. The South plunders the North. 11:5-8
            2. The South defeats a northern attack. 11:9-13
            3. The North defeats the South. 11:14-16
            4. The North loses two kings. 11:17-20
         3. The rise of the terrible king 11:21-35

            1. He seizes power by intrigue. 11:21
            2. He seizes power over the provinces. 11:22-24
            3. He wars with the South. 11:25-30a
            4. He vents his rage against the Jews. 11:30b-35
      3. The prophetic history of the 70th "seven" 11:36-12:3

         1. The blasphemies of the willful king 11:36-39
         2. The conquests of the willful king 11:40-44
         3. The end of the willful king 11:45
         4. The deliverance of Israel at the end time 12:1-3
      4. Conclusion 12:4-13

         1. Daniel is told to seal the book. 12:4
         2. Daniel sees two men. 12:5-13

            1. The first question and answer 12:5-7
            2. The second question and answer 12:8-13