Daniel

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Daniel is written during by Daniel (7:2; 8:1; 9:2; 10:2,7; 8:26) during the Exile under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. (1:1) Daniel was an ordinary guy chosen by the chief of staff when he was ordered to bring some strong, healthy, and good-looking young men (1:4) to serve in the royal palace (1:4). He was trained in the language and literature of Babylon (1:4) and served in the palace of the King and given the food of the nation but he was determined to stay set apart and not defile himself with the ways of the people around him (1:8).God gave him an “unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” (1:17) and the King “found them [Daniel and his three friends] ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. Daniel interpreted many dreams for the King and moved up in rank, despite his objection to receiving rewards for his services (2:27-49, ).

The people were Jews in the middle of Babylonian society. They were in the midst of their 70 years of waiting and there were mandates being made that they must bow down to the statues being erected and anyone who refused to do so would be thrown into the furnace (3:1-6); they were not allowed to bow down and pray or worship any other god, not even their own God! Surrounded by idolatry (Chapter 5). The point of Daniel is to show the people the faithfulness God has towards those who remain steadfastly for Him and gives them reassurance that they would and could make it through. Through all of the difficulties Daniel and his friends faced the Lord rewarded them, raised them up and they were never harmed. He showed that He was the “Most High God” (3:26, 4:2, 4:32, 5:18, 5:21) and was bigger than anything they could ever face.

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

He pours out His blessing and favor on those who are faithful to Him and don't let down in the face of adversity (1:17; 2:48; 3:12; 3:28; 3:30; 6:10-16, 21, 11:39) He rescued the three from the fiery furnace, He shut the mouths of the lions in the lions den, He allowed them to be promoted in the kingdom. He is the only God who can do amazing things like that (3:29; 6:26-27). He wants to show people what's in their heart (2:30) and He can give the interpretation for dreams that no magician, wise man , enchanter or fortune teller could (2:27-28). He wants the leaders of the lands, in particular to come to know Him and uses crazy encounters to try to get their attention (Chapter 2; Chapter 5). He does all things so that people may know who He is.

He is loving and merciful even though His people continually rebelled against Him (9:9).

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

7:13, “I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that the people of every race and nation and language would obey him. He rule is eternal- it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.”

9:25 we see mention of the Anointed One which is often said is Jesus.

12:13, “As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.” A promise to Daniel, but also a promise to us.

4. Personal Application
   I love seeing how dedicated Daniel was to prayer. No matter what the trial or opposition that faced him, he stood firm in his faith, set himself apart from the people around him and didn't allow himself to be defiled. I've always felt that I was little different from the people around me, lead to do different things, do things a little bit obscurely, and always challenged by the Lord to go deeper and do more bizarre and set apart things. Daniel is a man who encourages my heart and helps me realize that it's not so weird to be set apart in a generation that seems to have lost touch with who God is. He encourages me in my desire to pray more, interceed more and spend more time in communion with the Lord. In the way that He set himself apart even in food it shows me that the ways that I've felt led to do things that aren't like the world is perfectly okay! It's not out of a place of stirving or prefection, but simply the way the Lord wired me and it's good! It's good to do things that distinguish you from the rest of the world. Lord, would you make me into a woman of even greater distinction! I want to shine for your glory and be lead completely by your spirit. So in tune with you that my discernment will never be questioned! I pray that you would strengthen me to not be swayed by the times and signs around me, but continue steadfastly in you, never overcome but always a voice of truth in the midst of billowing winds of lies.