His greatness was recognized by his contemporary, Ezekiel ( Eze 14:14, 20 28:3).įrom 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: He continued there over the entire 70 years of captivity ( Dan 1:21 10:1 cf. He was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon ( Dan 1:1-4). Together with Ezra, they restore much of the religion ( Neh 8:1- 13:31).ĭaniel lived through much of these times (605-534 B.C.). Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt ( Neh 3:1- 7:73). A third remnant returns to Jerusalem This group is led by Nehemiah ( Neh 1:1- 2:20). He leads a much-needed revival ( Ezr 9:1- 10:44). A second remnant returns to Jerusalem Ezra the priest returns with this group ( Ezr 7:1- 8:36). The foundation of the temple was soon started, but the temple was not completed until 516 B.C. Babylon falls, and the first remnant returns to Jerusalem Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the first remnant back under the leadership of Zerubbabel ( Ezr 1:1-5 2:1-2). A third group was taken into Babylonian captivity, but Jeremiah was among those who stayed behind ( 2Ki 25:11-12, 22 Jer 39:11-14 40:1-6). Eleven years later, Jerusalem was totally devastated by Babylonian forces ( 2Ki 25:1-10). Fall of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed Zedekiah was installed as king in Jerusalem, but was weak and vacillating. This second group of captives included Ezekiel ( Eze 1:1-3). He lasted just three months, when Nebuchadnezzar took him and 10,000 Jews to Babylon ( 2Ki 24:8-16). A second remnant taken to Babylon Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah) followed the reign of his father, Jehoiakim. The first group of Jewish captives were taken, along with Daniel and his friends ( Dan 1:1-4). At Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father's death he returned to assume the throne in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, chasing them south through Judah. Battle of Carchemish, establishing Babylonian domination Pharaoh-Necho of Egypt came to fight the Babylonians at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, was the general who led the Babylonian army against Nineveh, defeating it in 612 B.C. Nabopolassar came to the throne in Babylon and rebelled against the Assyrians in 625 B.C. Fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria Assyria had ruled the world since the days of Tiglath-Pileser (845 B.C.). Some key dates and events will help appreciate the times in which Daniel lived. At an early age (likely in his teens) Daniel along with others was taken from his family to be trained in the courts of Babylon ( Dan 1:3-4). He descended from one of Judah's prominent families, if not from royal blood ( Dan 1:3). Nothing is known of his personal life outside of the book. Daniel prophesied in the capital of Babylon (605-586 B.C.).Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 B.C.).Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.).He served as a statesman, a counselor to kings, and a prophet of Godĭaniel was contemporary with two other great prophets: Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He rose to great heights in the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia - Dan 2:48 6:1-3 When old, he persisted in serving God despite threats against his life - Dan 6:10 Daniel was a person of deep and abiding faith.Īs a youth, he purposed not to defile himself - Dan 1:8 The name "Daniel" means "God is my judge" which provides a hint of one of the key themes in this book: God will judge the nations of men. Strengthen our faith in the inspiration of the Bible.Inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to God.Abused by many who have taken its visions out of context to support all kinds of wild theories concerning the second coming of Christīut when properly read and understood, the book of Daniel can.Attacked by liberals and skeptics who deny its inspiration.It is a book that has often been attacked and abused. The last six chapters are filled with apocalyptic visions that challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars.The first six chapters contain accounts of faith that inspire both young and old.One of the more fascinating books of the Bible is the book of Daniel.
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