Daniel 1-7
“There Is No Other God That Can Deliver”
November 9 - November 15
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Daniel Introduction
<h1>Introduction</h1> <h2>What is the purpose of the book of Daniel?</h2> <p>The book of Daniel demonstrates that God will continue to do His work even when all seems lost and shows that power is given to the obedient who are loyal to Him and help in His work.</p> <h2>Key themes and concepts</h2> <p>The major theme of the book of Daniel is that God is in charge. He helps those who follow Him even when earthly events and leaders try to replace Him. He gives grace to His followers, and that allows them to accomplish His purposes. Eventually, God will intervene in the world’s history to usher in His kingdom upon the earth.</p> <h2>Literary structure</h2> <p>Daniel 1 serves as an introduction to the book. Chapters 2–7 are presented in a chiastic structure as follows:</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td width="36"> <p><strong>A</strong></p> </td> <td colspan="3" width="588"> <p>(2:4–49) A dream of four kingdoms replaced by a fifth</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p><strong>B</strong></p> </td> <td colspan="2" width="552"> <p>(3:1–30) Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p><strong>C</strong></p> </td> <td width="516"> <p>(4:1–37) Daniel interprets a dream for Nebuchadnezzar</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p><strong>C'</strong></p> </td> <td width="516"> <p>(5:1–31) Daniel interprets the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36"> <p> </p> </td> <td width="36"> <p><strong>B'</strong></p> </td> <td colspan="2" width="552"> <p>(6:1–28) Daniel in the lions’ den</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="36"> <p><strong>A'</strong></p> </td> <td colspan="3" width="588"> <p>(7:1–28) A vision of four world kingdoms replaced by a fifth</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The remaining chapters are apocalyptic and thus filled with symbolism.</p> <p>The book of Daniel is categorized in the Hebrew scriptures as one of the Writings (the other categories of the Bible are the Teachings [that is, the Torah, or the five books of Moses] and the Prophets). In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, Daniel is listed as one of the prophetic books. Why the difference? Because it is both. The first six chapters of Daniel are stories or writings about Daniel and three other young men who were taken captive into Babylon. Chapters 7 to 12 record the visions of future events or prophecies given to Daniel. The major theme of these visions and prophecies is that great blessings await those who are faithful in times of persecution.</p> <p>An interesting fact about the book of Daniel is that about half (2:4 to 7:28) is written in Aramaic, and the other half in Hebrew. Some scholars believe this is because the two parts were not recorded at the same time but were later compiled into one book.</p> <h2>Helpful background</h2> <p>The use of the names Chaldea, Babylon, and Babylonia in the book of Daniel can be confusing. Babylon is the capital city of the ancient empire of Babylonia. Chaldea was a region in southern Babylonia (now known as Iraq) where the kings during the time of Daniel came from. Because of this, the name Chaldea is often used to describe the country. It is also important to note that Chaldean and Aramaic are dialects of the same language, and the differences between them are negligible. Aramaic is an ancient Semitic language closely related to ancient Hebrew. It was an imperial language during the Babylonian and Persian Empires. This meant that people living in those empires would have to learn Aramaic to communicate with others across the empire if it wasn’t their native language, much like how English today is commonly spoken throughout the world.</p> <p>The historical background of the book of Daniel can be found in 2 Kings 24 and 2 Chronicles 36.</p>
Old Testament Minute: Daniel by BMC
Daniel 1:3-7
<p>The master of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, changed the captive boys’ Hebrew names to Chaldean names as part of the captives’ indoctrination into Babylonian culture and religion. In Hebrew Daniel means “God is my judge.” His Chaldean name, Belteshazzar, is usually translated “Bel protect him.” Hananiah’s Hebrew name, meaning “God has favored,” was changed to Shadrach, meaning “command of Aku” (the Babylonian god of the moon). Mishael (“who is like God”) was renamed Meshach (“guest of a king”). Azariah’s name (“Jehovah has helped”) was changed to Abednego (“servant of Nebo”; Nebo was the Babylonian God of arts, science, and literature).</p>
Old Testament Minute: Daniel by BMC
