The Basics: A Brief Overview of the Book of Daniel

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

BASICS COURSE: 

Daniel

INTRODUCTION: 

The Persian officer stretched his back looking out over the palace balcony, he watched the starlight twinkle and the rooftop glisten with torchlights being lit by the locals. Behind him, men stand waiting for the host of the meeting to arrive.  Some grumbled, while others waited in silence. For him it was always a moment of wonder. How could a captured Judah prisoner from the once great Babylonian empire come to such heights and respect?  When his own Persian Empire had captured Babylon, he had thought all advisors would have been executed, and some had been. Yet, this one wasn’t. This Judah prisoner was no longer a prisoner, in fact it had been many years since anyone had thought of him in such a manner, and most just knew him as the King’s most old and trusted advisor. This old man stood in power and prestige, and he did it without a single hand of mischief, deceit, or even treachery to his own people. It was as if a divine hand was upon his very actions. The Persian locals called him “Lion Tamer” after he walked out of the lion’s den, however personally the officer knew him as a trusted advisor. Anyone who had a question or needed advice knew who in the palace to go to. If the Lion Tamer was guilty of anything, it was his dutiful prayer life. His God must have truly thought he was something special. Suddenly, the officer’s thoughts were pulled back into the room when the door opened. The men around the table all stood at attention waiting for the final arrival to come sit first. Once they all sat down, the room was silent as the old man looked at each one at the table with a soft smile. It was the officer who finally broke the silence, “Well Daniel, what are the orders from the King?”

WHO WROTE IT: 

The book of Daniel is named after its author, Daniel.  

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

If there is one book of the Bible which has had more argument regarding the date, it would be Daniel. Due to the intricate prophecies discussed in the book, many scoffers believe it is impossible for it to be written where it claims. Nevertheless, according to Biblical scholars, archaeologists, theologians, and historians Daniel was indeed written around 606 B.C and was finished by the same author in 536 B.C. As we will discuss, the date this book was written is foundational to so much more.

KEY TOPICS:

The book of Daniel is a book describing the rest of human history through the eyes of the Jewish people. It is here that God outlines His master plan on what will happen before the coming of Jesus Christ to reign for 1,000 years. It is here that Daniel prophecies the exact date that Jesus would come the first time to Jerusalem and present Himself as King, but only to be rejected. Daniel does more than just give details of the Jewish nation, but also gentile nations and people that wouldn’t show up for hundreds of years such as Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Antiochus IV, Anti-Christ and so many more. The book is a marvelous pronouncement of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

KEY SECTIONS:

To break this book into sections would be an injustice to the reader. But rather, I would guide you to undertake the book carefully to review the information as Daniel intended it to be. The book should be taken seriously, with the topic being discussed by Daniel taken to other scripture for its continuity. Do not read Daniel and attempt to interpret it based solely on one verse or even two, but rather the circumference of Biblical cohesion.

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

There is not a book of the Bible that does not have some relevance to or from the book of Daniel. To best understand Daniel, like Revelation, one must study the rest of scripture to see what God has declared.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

  Out of all the books of the Bible, Daniel is my favorite. Daniel is a man on fire for God but proves we can stand for Jesus and work in this world. For Christians today who claim we need to hide in communities and run far away to where we believe we will not be persecuted, they should read Daniel. For those who do not know human history, you should read Daniel. If you want to know what is going to happen to Israel, read Daniel. If you want to see how much God is not reckless with His love, read Daniel. If you want to understand how much the Devil hates Israel and those who would seek Jesus, just read the book of Daniel. Daniel is a book that if read seriously, you will be naturally drawn to wanting to know more about the Jewish people, the coming Messiah, and what is to come shortly upon the earth. The book of Daniel is so precise with world events, that those who oppose the Bible have tried to discredit it. Because if they cannot discredit the book of Daniel, it means that God is in charge and understands what is going to happen and there is a coming day where Jesus will reign. Daniel is a critical book for any believer in Jesus to study, but it is also a foundational book for those living today to understand what is happening around the world. Daniel, like Revelation, if read and studied should excite the born-again believer! What was promised as signs of Jesus soon return are starting to manifest itself. Daniel is a key book for any believer to have in their pocket to reflect on how we should interact in this world, the spiritual world, and how we should be expecting Jesus.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL