His importance as a prophet was confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. Daniel means “God Is My Judge.” His unshakable consecration to Yahweh and his loyalty to God’s people strongly affirmed that truth in his life.
Although the siege and carrying away of captives into Babylon lasted several years, the mighty men of valor, the skilled, and the educated were taken from Jerusalem early in the war (2 Kin. 24:14). The date usually given for Daniel’s captivity is 605 b.c. His prophecy covers the time span of his life.
Along with thousands of captives from Judah who were taken into Babylonian exile between 605 b.c. and 582 b.c., the treasures of Solomon’s palace and the temple were also transported. The Babylonians had subdued all the provinces ruled by Assyria and had consolidated their empire into an area that covered much of the Middle East.
To govern such a diversified kingdom over such an expanse of space required a skillful administrative bureaucracy. Slaves who were educated or possessed needed skills became the manpower for the government. Because of their wisdom, knowledge, and handsome appearance, four young Hebrews were selected for the training program (1:4). The outstanding character of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah secured positions for them in the king’s palace; and it was Daniel who rose to excel all the wise men of that vast empire (6:1–3).
The purpose is to show that the God of Israel, the only God, is in control of the destiny of all nations.
Daniel has three main sections: Introduction to the person of Daniel (ch. 1), Daniel’s key tests of character and the development of his prophetic interpretation skills (chs. 2—7), and his series of visions about future kingdoms and events (chs. 8—12). In this final section, Daniel emerges as a key prophetic book for understanding much of the Bible. Many insights into end-times prophecies are dependent upon an understanding of this book. Jesus’ comments in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24; 25) and many of the revelations given to the apostle Paul find harmony and cohesion in Daniel (see Rom. 11; 2 Thess. 2). Likewise, it becomes a necessary study companion to the Book of Revelation.
Although the interpretation of Daniel, like Revelation, is subject to great diversity, for many the dispensational approach has become quite popular. It is an interpretive approach that sees in Daniel keys to help unlock the mysteries of such subjects as the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ, the Times of the Gentiles, future resurrections, and judgments. This approach also sees most unfulfilled prophecy as revolving around two major focal points: 1) the future destiny of the city of Jerusalem; 2) the future destiny of Daniel’s people, national Jews (9:24). See Introduction to Revelation: Methods of Interpretation.
Daniel’s writing covers the reign of two kingdoms, Babylon and Medo-Persia, and four kings: Nebuchadnezzar (2:11—4:37); Belshazzar (5:1–31); Darius (6:1–28); and Cyrus (10:1—11:1).
One of the beautiful themes of this book is the emphasis on separation to God, with Daniel as the ultimate example. From their decision not to eat the king’s food to the refusal to bow to the image of the king, Daniel and his three friends (now named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) displayed such an uncompromising spirit that spectacular opportunities were opened for God to display His power on their behalf. Their courageous commitment presents a timeless challenge to believers not to compromise their testimony of Jesus Christ. Even though it may mean a fiery-furnace testing, the Lord’s protection and deliverance will be there.
Daniel 9:9-12 “‘Compassion is our only hope, the compassion of you, the Master, our God, since in our rebellion we’ve forfeited our rights. We paid no attention to you when you told us how to live, the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets. All of us in Israel ignored what you said. We defied your instructions and did what we pleased. And now we’re paying for it: The solemn curse written out plainly in the revelation to God’s servant Moses is now doing its work among us, the wages of our sin against you. You did to us and our rulers what you said you would do: You brought this catastrophic disaster on us, the worst disaster on record—and in Jerusalem! ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Daniel's Prayer 9:1-19
4 Keys to Revival
Daniel REPENTED for himself and for his people
Daniel 9:4,5, and 9:17
Preparing To Receive The Lord
Daniel 9:4a And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, Daniel REPENTED for himself and for his people.
MY CONFESSION: It is important for us as the people of God to realize our own imperfections. It is important for us to understand the reason for which we should not judge – we too are sinners, saved by grace, yet sinners.
Matthew 7:1 “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured back to you.”
Daniel 9:4b O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
Daniel recognized the awesomeness of God. This is a key factor that we should all consider in our prayers. Do we come with a gimme attitude or do we come to worship and praise His Holy Name?
Daniel 9:5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
WE HAVE SINNED! Daniel was making supplication for his own as well as the national sins of Israel.
Daniel 9:17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
We need to pray that for HIS SAKE – America is yet known as a Christian nation among the nations of the earth, though sadly we are far from so being, but the nations are now saying (as they did of Israel) where is their god???
Let us today begin to live a lifestyle of repentance before God. Let us prepare for His Second Advent – His coming in clouds of glory – by repenting of our sins, both private and public, personal and national. Let us begin to pray for a revival that will spread throughout this land.
Let us pray for salvation of souls. Let us pray for the many foreigners who live in America to be saved and to see as Alexis de Touqueville said, “her pulpits are aflame with righteousness.” ~Bits & Pieces of Daniel's Prayer
