Day 329

Daniel 1:1–2:23; 1 Peter 3:8–4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

TODAY WE BEGAN the book of Daniel —one of the most interesting books in the Old Testament. Daniel is prized for its historical account as well as its sweeping prophetic visions. In fact, Daniel’s visions have been consulted over millennia in eschatological studies.

Daniel was a contemporary of Ezekiel (whose book we concluded yesterday). He was taken into exile when Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 597 BC. We know that times were remarkably difficult for those who were deported —we’ve looked at their stories in the Bible. Through the struggle, Daniel was favored by God. He was a gifted young man who rose to become an influential advisor and authority in the Babylonian kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar and beyond.

Although Daniel was an exile, a Hebrew, and a prophet, he was not a prophet for or against Israel. The visions of Daniel were not particularly Jewish, which gives him a unique voice.

During the first half of our time in this book, we’ll read the story of Daniel’s life. In the process, we’ll encounter some of the richest stories in the Bible. For example, we’ll read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace. We’ll also read the account of Daniel being thrown into a lion’s den.

As we move into the back half of the book, the focus will shift to Daniel’s prophetic visions of four world empires. The imagery is highly symbolic and almost cinematic in nature. It is this portion that has been (and continues to be) scrutinized by eschatological scholars.

If eschatology —or the study of the end times —is something that interests you or that you are a student of, then the book of Daniel will invariably be one of the centerpieces of that study. But whether or not the end times is your passion, Daniel’s portrayal of God’s sovereignty over all kingdoms of the world is a powerful reminder.

Daniel will carry us into the final month of our year together, so let’s settle in and enjoy the rich heritage of God’s faithfulness and the striking prophetic imagery found in the twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament —the book of Daniel.

MEDITATION:

If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.