How does one remain faithful to God when surrounded by people and practices who could not possibly be more opposed to Him? What comfort is there to be found when wicked men hold positions of high authority? Such are good and relevant questions for Christians in the 21st century. Would it surprise you to learn that those questions are answered in the 12-chapter book of Daniel?
About the Book
The name “Daniel” means “God is my judge.” He was born into Jewish royalty (Dan. 1:3) and carried away in his youth to Babylon, in the 1st deportation in 605 BC. He occupied a position of prominence in the courts of 3 kings, and was known for his ability to interpret dreams (Dan. 5:11-12). His book was written in approximately 530 BC covers a span of roughly 70 years. God’s Sovereignty is the primary emphasis of the book. Jehovah is referred to as the “Most High” 14 times, and the purpose statement is “that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (Dan. 4:17; 25; 32). The first half of the book provides narratives which illustrate God’s Sovereignty (ch. 1-6) and the second half contains prophetic utterances illustrating God’s Sovereignty (ch. 7-12). As we study Daniel we are reminded that God indeed rules all. No nation, no era of history, no government, no ruler, and no individual life is outside the bounds of His ruling power.
Lessons to Learn
First, consider the Sovereignty of God in the kingdom’s of men. God’s power is on display in the first verse of the book. Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians did not conquer Israel because of their power, but because of God’s. Nebuchadnezzar was Jehovah’s servant (Jer. 25:9) and his victory over God’s people was permitted because He used him as a tool to carry out punishment on His people for their sin. The great Babylonian king thought he was in charge but he was not. He would learn that lesson in Daniel 2 when Jehovah announced how history would unfold, and again in Daniel 3 the Lord saved His servants from a fiery furnace, and finally in Daniel 4 when his pride found him on all fours eating grass in the field like an ox. Indeed, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.”
Second, consider the Sovereignty of God in history. The second half Daniel contains prophecy which primarily covers the 400 year period between the Testaments. As a whole it represents some of the most comprehensive history of that time period in existence. It is, in fact, so specific and indisputable, that skeptics insist it had to have been written after the fact, in around 165 BC. To acknowledge that Daniel wrote with such pin-point accuracy about people and events that would take place several hundred years in the future, would force one to acknowledge divine inspiration. Sadly, a bridge too far for many. Regardless, 6 chapters of inspired prophecy were not written without reason. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 provides a glimpse of what is coming in Daniel 7-12. The figure the kind saw represented 4 major world empires, the last of which was the Romans. During their time in history “shall he God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:44). The 6-chapter preview of the Intertestamental period is a reminder that God was working out eternal purpose to save man through Christ (Eph. 3:9-11) throughout the pages of history. From the Babylonians to the Romans, the return home to the Maccabean revolt, the rebuilding of the temple to the entrance of Pompey, and everything in between, God was working out His purpose in History.
Third, consider what Daniel teaches us about “civil disobedience.” Though dwelling in a “strange land” neither Daniel, nor his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah ever bowed their knee to ungodliness. They retained their faithfulness while also showing respect and honor. Take note of the firm but respectful tone in passages like Daniel 1:12, 3:16-18, and 6:21. Daniel is a textbook on how to “honor all people” and “honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17) while also obeying God, rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Finally, note the importance of a purposed heart. The foundation for Daniel’s faithfulness throughout his life in Babylon is recorded for us in Daniel 1:8: “But Daniel purposed in his hear that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat….” A purposed heart is one with settled conviction. Daniel decided long beforehand that no matter what happened, regardless of the threat or punishment, he would be true to His God. We would do well to learn and apply that lesson.