DANIEL
The Authorship and Date
This book bears the simple title, “Daniel”, not only because he is one of the chief characters portrayed in the book but more so because it follows a custom of affixing the name of the author to the book he wrote.
Written between 605 – 530 B.C.
Written between 605 – 530 B.C.
The Literary Form
The Prophecy of Daniel is the 1st great book of apocalyptic literature in The bible. The Greek word apokalypsis, from which comes the English “apocalypse”, means an unveiling, a disclosing, or a revelation.
The Language
The Book of Daniel is unusual in that it is written in two languages:
Chapters 1 – 2:4a and 8 – 12 are written in Hebrew
Chapters 2:4b – 7:28 are written in Aramaic.
Chapters 1 – 2:4a and 8 – 12 are written in Hebrew
Chapters 2:4b – 7:28 are written in Aramaic.
The Unity
Scholars point out that chapters 1 – 6 record historical incidents in Daniel’s life and chapters 7 – 12 record prophetic visions given to Daniel. This observation, coupled with Daniel’s use of 2 languages, has led some to infer a multiplicity of authors.
The Historical Background
Nineveh, The Assyrian Capitol, fell before the assault of the forces of Babylon and Media in 612 B.C. ¨In 609 B.C., The Assyrians sought the help of Egypt. ¨In 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar led Babylon against Egypt in The Battle of Carchemish.
Jerusalem was attacked in 605, 597, and 588. The finally destroyed in 586.
Jerusalem was attacked in 605, 597, and 588. The finally destroyed in 586.
The Purpose
Daniel’s personal dedication to God.
God’s sovereign authority over Gentile Nations.
God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.
It is outlines graphically the prophetic period known as “The Time of The Gentiles”.
Reveals Israel’s future deliverance and the blessings she will enjoy.
God’s sovereign authority over Gentile Nations.
God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.
It is outlines graphically the prophetic period known as “The Time of The Gentiles”.
Reveals Israel’s future deliverance and the blessings she will enjoy.
The Importance of The Book
It bridges the gap between Israel’s historical books and The New Testament.
The Outline (Bible Knowledge Commentary on The Old Testament - Walvoord, Zuck, Cook)
Pt 1: Personal History of Daniel (Daniel 1)
A) Daniel’s deportation (1:1 – 7)
B) Daniel’s devotion to God (1:8 – 16)
C) Daniel’s appointment (1:17 – 21)
Pt 2: Prophetic History of The Gentiles during The Time of The Gentiles (Daniel 2 – 7)
A) The 1st Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (2)
B) The Image of Nebuchadnezzar (3)
C) The 2nd Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (4)
D) The Feast of Belshazzar (5)
E) The Edict of Darius (6)
F) The Vision of The Four Beasts (7)
Pt 3: Prophetic History of Israel during The Time of The Gentiles (Daniel 8 – 12)
A) The Vision of The Ram and The Goat (8)
B) The Vision of The 70 “seven” (9)
C) The Final Vision (10 – 12)
A) Daniel’s deportation (1:1 – 7)
B) Daniel’s devotion to God (1:8 – 16)
C) Daniel’s appointment (1:17 – 21)
Pt 2: Prophetic History of The Gentiles during The Time of The Gentiles (Daniel 2 – 7)
A) The 1st Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (2)
B) The Image of Nebuchadnezzar (3)
C) The 2nd Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (4)
D) The Feast of Belshazzar (5)
E) The Edict of Darius (6)
F) The Vision of The Four Beasts (7)
Pt 3: Prophetic History of Israel during The Time of The Gentiles (Daniel 8 – 12)
A) The Vision of The Ram and The Goat (8)
B) The Vision of The 70 “seven” (9)
C) The Final Vision (10 – 12)