InstaStudy

Exploring Daniel 1-12

A study of the book of Daniel, focusing on faith, divine sovereignty, prophetic visions, and the coming Messiah.

1. Faith and Divine Sovereignty

1.1 Daniel's Steadfast Faith

Verses: Daniel 1:8; Daniel 1:17; Daniel 1:20
  • Daniel and his friends purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves.
  • God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.
  • Their wisdom and understanding excelled all the king's magicians.

1.2 God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms

Verses: Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:25
  • God gives kingdoms to whomever He wills.
  • He removes kings and sets up kings.
  • The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.

2. God's Power and Kingdom

2.1 Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Verses: Daniel 2:31-35; Daniel 2:44-45
  • The dream revealed a succession of kingdoms.
  • A stone cut out without hands destroyed the kingdoms.
  • The stone became a great mountain that filled the whole earth.

2.2 The Fiery Furnace

Verses: Daniel 3:16-18; Daniel 3:25; Daniel 3:28-29
  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship the golden image.
  • God delivered them from the fiery furnace.
  • Nebuchadnezzar recognized the power of their God.

2.3 Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation

Verses: Daniel 4:30; Daniel 4:32-33; Daniel 4:34-35
  • Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his power and glory.
  • He was driven from men and ate grass like oxen.
  • He acknowledged the Most High and His everlasting dominion.

3. Judgment and Deliverance

3.1 Belshazzar's Feast

Verses: Daniel 5:1-4; Daniel 5:5; Daniel 5:25-28
  • Belshazzar profaned the vessels of the temple.
  • A hand wrote on the wall, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.
  • Daniel interpreted the writing, foretelling the kingdom's end.

3.2 Daniel in the Lions' Den

Verses: Daniel 6:10; Daniel 6:16; Daniel 6:22
  • Daniel continued to pray to God despite the decree.
  • He was cast into the lions' den.
  • God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths.

4. Prophetic Visions

4.1 The Vision of the Four Beasts

Verses: Daniel 7:3; Daniel 7:7; Daniel 7:9-14
  • Four great beasts came up from the sea, representing kingdoms.
  • The fourth beast was exceedingly dreadful and powerful.
  • The Ancient of Days judged the beast, and His kingdom is everlasting.

4.2 The Vision of the Ram and the Goat

Verses: Daniel 8:3-8; Daniel 8:20-22
  • The ram represented the kings of Media and Persia.
  • The goat represented the kingdom of Greece.
  • The horn was broken, and four horns came up in its place.

4.3 Gabriel's Explanation

Verses: Daniel 8:16-19
  • Gabriel was sent to make Daniel understand the vision.
  • The vision concerned the appointed time of the end.
  • The interpretation provides insight into future events.

5. Prayer and Prophecy of the Messiah

5.1 Daniel's Prayer and Confession

Verses: Daniel 9:4-19
  • Daniel confessed the sins of Israel.
  • He pleaded for God's mercy and restoration.
  • He acknowledged God's righteousness and justice.

5.2 The Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Verses: Daniel 9:24-27
  • Seventy weeks were determined for Israel to finish transgression.
  • The Messiah would be cut off.
  • Desolation was decreed until the end.