Daily Devotion 23 April 2024 Book of Daniel: Introduction Theme of Daniel

THEME

From a number of passages (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21) we can deduce the main theme of the book of Daniel:

God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men

In this book, we see the rule of God is…

• Manifested in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus, kings of the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians
• Foretold to occur in the days of the Persians, Greeks, and Romans

In this book, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested…

• With the establishment of God’s kingdom – Dan 2:44
• With the vindication of the cause of His saints – Dan 7:27

OUTLINE

Here is a brief outline of the book of Daniel…

1. God’s Providence In History – Dan 1:1-6:28
   1. Daniel and his determination to be pure – Dan 1:1-21
   2. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s promotion – Dan 2:1-49
   3. Faith in the face of fire by Daniel’s friends – Dan 3:1-30
   4. Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and temporary insanity – Dan 4:1-37
   5. The writing on the wall and fall of Belshazzar – Dan 5:1-31
   6. Darius and his den of lions – Dan 6:1-28
2. God’s Purpose In History – Dan 7:1-12:13
   1. Daniel’s dream of the four beasts – Dan 7:1-28
   2. Daniel’s dream of the ram and the goat – Dan 8:1-27
   3. Daniel’s prayer, and the vision of the seventy weeks – Dan 9:1-27
   4. Daniel’s vision of the time of the end – Dan 10:1-12:13

CONCLUSION

As with all Scripture, the book of Daniel is profitable for our study (2Ti 3:16-17). From Daniel and his friends, we will learn the power of faith and commitment. By studying this book, we can better understand our Lord’s references to it (cf. Mk 13:14-151; Mt 24:15-16).

Despite some of its more difficult and challenging passages, we can benefit from them as well, as long as we interpret them…

• In the context of the book itself
• Consistent with all else the Bible may say on the subject
• With the humility and openness that is incumbent upon all who would study and teach God’s word (cf. 2Ti 2:24-25)

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. During what periods of Israel’s history did Daniel live and prophesy?
   • The Babylonian captivity, and at the beginning of its restoration (605-534 B.C.)
2. What two prophets were contemporary with Daniel?
   • Jeremiah and Ezekiel
3. What is suggested as the theme of Daniel? (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21)
   • God rules in the kingdoms of men
4. What are the two main sections of the book?
   • God’s providence in history (Dan 1:1-6:28)
   • God’s purpose in history (Dan 7:1-12:13)

---

    1. Edited by BLB [An error was made in the original document incorrectly quoting Mk 1:14-15]

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com