Daniel 3

Study Guide 66: Daniel 1-6 DANIEL’ S LIFE Overview The Book of Daniel contains the personal history and visions of the future of Daniel, a Jew deported to Babylon as a teenager in 605 b.c. There Daniel was trained, with young people from other conquered nations, to become administrators in the empire of Nebuchadnezzar. The book is divided into two natural parts:

Outline I. Daniel’ s Life and WorkDan. 1-6 II. Daniel’ s Prophetic VisionsDan. 7-12The Book of Daniel is written in two languages: 1:1-2:4a, and 8:1-12:13 are in Hebrew. The rest of the book, 2:4b-7:28, is written in Aramaic. Archeology has shown that other writings of the same time share this trait. The name “ Daniel” means “ God is my judge.” The first six chapters of this important Old Testament book show how the conviction represented by Daniel’ s name guided his actions from youth through old age. Committed to pleasing God alone, this man was unshakable in his determination to do what he knew was right. The book, written in the first person, gives an insider’ s view of the administration of three great empires Daniel served. While some have challenged Daniel’ s authenticity because of the accuracy of its fulfilled prophecy, this unit reviews some of the evidence which shows it truly was written by Daniel in his own time.

Commentary The Bible is a book of history. Archeological discovery after discovery has shown just how accurate it is. We can trust Scripture’ s historical accounts. But the Bible is more. Among its amazing claims is the clear expression of confidence that its writers and prophets were inspired by God to predict the future. Sometimes these predictions are narrow and specific, touching the life of an individual or the near future of a city or nation. But often prediction involves vast and sweeping panoramas, encompassing the destiny of not only the nations of our world but of the universe itself. In the next unit we’ ll look at the shape of history ahead as the Bible describes it in one of the most fascinating of Bible prophetic books. But how confident can we be that the Bible’ s picture of history ahead is accurate? Probably the best way is to look closely at the life and writings of one man: Daniel.

Daniel As a young teenager, Daniel and several friends were taken to Babylon in the first group of captives (605 b.c.). There Daniel was trained with young men from other districts of the far-flung empire for the Babylonian civil service. Through a series of events recorded in his book, Daniel was advanced to the highest positions in the administration of three empires, and his lifetime spans the entire period of Judah’ s Captivity. Five incidents illustrate Daniel’ s relationship with these world rulers: his decision not to defile himself with pagan foods (Daniel 1:1-21 : ca. 602 b.c.); his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’ s first dream (Daniel 2:1-49 : ca. 595 b.c.); his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’ s second dream (Daniel 4:1-37 : ca. 567 b.c.); his reading of the writing on Belshazzar’ s wall, when Daniel was at least 80 (Daniel 5:1-31 : ca. 539 b.c.); and his being cast into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:1-28 : ca. 537 or 536 b.c.). In addition Daniel experienced, at least four times, special revelations of the future. Those recorded in chapters 7-9 were probably given during Belshazzar’ s reign, while those in chapters 10-12 were in the first and third years of Cyrus’ rule. Of particular note is the fact that the Book of Daniel is written half in Hebrew and half in Aramaic, the language of the Gentile world of Daniel’ s day. The Aramaic portion, chapters 2:4b-7:28, seems to concentrate on Gentile issues. Daniel the man. Daniel is portrayed as a distinctly committed and humble man. Though he rose to the highest governmental rank, and was familiar with several world rulers, Daniel maintained his daily walk with God. His character is mentioned several times by Ezekiel, a contemporary of his, who compared Daniel’ s righteousness to Noah’ s and Job’ s (cf. Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20). Daniel was set up by Ezekiel as the standard against which to measure wisdom (Ezekiel 28:3). When jealous enemies tried to set Daniel aside from his administrative posts, they could find no areas of weakness except that he was faithful to God. Their attempt to turn Daniel’ s commitment to their own advantage — and how that attempt backfired! — is recorded in the famous story of Daniel and the lions’ den. Daniel’ s times. Probably the Book of Daniel has been given more critical scrutiny than any of the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Some scholars have believed that it was not written by Daniel at all, but by an unknown author about 165 b.c. The main reason for this belief is the amazing detail with which Daniel outlines history from the days of the Roman Empire to at least the time of Antiochus in the 160s. Those who cannot accept the idea of supernatural revelation of the future have been forced to seek some other explanation for Daniel’ s accuracy! Yet the book itself claims to be Daniel’ s work, and Jesus authenticates his prophecies (see Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). Fragments of Daniel’ s book have been found in the Qumran documents — a cache of Old Testament books dating from the early first and second centuries a.d. — and it is highly unlikely that “ fiction” would have been included among that community’ s treasure-house of Scripture. Actually, as Leon Wood points out, many recent archeological discoveries strongly support the Daniel authorship, and the Exile dating. Wood summarizes: The author shows remarkable knowledge of Babylonian and early Persian history, such as would be true of a contemporary like Daniel. In the fourth chapter Nebuchadnezzar is presented correctly as the creator of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In the fifth chapter Belshazzar is set forth as co-ruler of Babylon, a fact only recently demonstrated by archeological research. In the sixth chapter, Darius is presented as ruler of Babylon, even though Cyrus was the supreme ruler of Persia. Cyrus is now known to have appointed one Bubaru in this capacity, with whom Darius may well be identified. In the second chapter (cf. Daniel 2:12-13, Daniel 2:46), Nebuchadnezzar is shown to have been able to change Babylonian laws which he had previously made (such a change is now known to have been possible in Babylonia); whereas in the sixth chapter (cf. Daniel 6:8-9, Daniel 6:12, Daniel 6:15) Darius is presented as not having been able to do this (such a change is now known to have been impossible in Persia). (A Commentary on Daniel, Zondervan) The supernatural. The only serious question left concerning the authenticity of Daniel has to do with the likelihood of the supernatural. The book describes several notable miracles. God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (three Jewish fellow-captives) from a fiery furnace. Through Daniel, God not only interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’ s dream; he even described the dream when Nebuchadnezzar refused to reveal it to his “ wise men” advisers. The mouths of a den of hungry lions were closed by angelic intervention to preserve Daniel’ s life; then opened to crush the bones of Daniel’ s enemies. Nebuchadnezzar was struck with seven years’ madness, and when he recovered his throne was returned. How likely are these amazing events? How much confidence can we place in these miracles? This is, of course, the same argument raised against prophecy. No living human being can possibly know the outline of the future, and surely not in the detail given in the Book of Daniel. If we reject the idea that God exists or that He acts in the world of men, then of course we have to seek some other explanation for miracles. We have to suppose that people who describe historical events live after the events have happened and not before. But once we admit the possibility of the supernatural; once we accept the fact that God may actually not be standing impotently on the outside of space and time — then everything changes! If God exists, and if He is the kind of God the Bible describes, then there is nothing impossible about miracles and nothing unlikely about prophecy. In fact, the Bible records four great but relatively short outbursts of miracles. The first was the time of miracles associated with the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (the Exodus Age). The second was the days of Elijah and Elisha, shortly after Israel’ s unified kingdom had been shattered into two. The third was focused in the time of Daniel. And the fourth was the day of Jesus and the early church. Through most of recorded time God has not chosen to intervene in obvious ways. He has chosen instead the quiet providential manner of guiding events illustrated so powerfully in the Book of Esther. Why then the periods of miracles? Some have suggested that miracles may be associated with times of deep-set resistance to God, or times of questioning God’ s power. In Daniel’ s time the miracles certainly had both these functions, of witness and reassurance. To the Babylonians, a god was evaluated by the size of the nation which worshiped him and the power of that nation’ s army. How could the God of insignificant Judah, whose people had been led away in humiliation, be anything but insignificant too? And then, as Daniel recorded the series of miraculous interventions, we see a gradual change in the attitude of the Babylonian rulers. Finally even Nebuchadnezzar himself is seen praising and honoring the Most High: His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: “ What have You done?” Daniel 4:34-35We can see how such rulers’ public decrees acknowledging God must have comforted their captives. Had their God lost power, or lost His love for them? No, even in Captivity they were not abandoned! Even here God acted and in His miracles gave continuing testimony to His involvement in their lives. You or I may choose to hold a view of God that denies Him the power to intervene in space and time, or that at least doubts His will to do so. But it is clear that the writers of the Bible held no such limited view. The God of the Bible chose to stand behind the scenes of history for the most part. But when He chooses, He can and will intervene. And even behind the scenes, He is the Author and Director of the play. So history moves, purposefully, toward the great climax He has planned.

Impact on His Own Time Like all Old Testament prophets, Daniel had a great impact on his own era. Unlike most, Daniel’ s impact was primarily on the very highest ranks of pagan rulers! Earlier, the experience of Jonah had shown that God cares for pagan peoples as well as for His chosen community of Israel (see especially Jonah 4:1-11). In Daniel we see God acting in grace in the lives of pagan individuals, to bring them to a knowledge of Himself. The apparent conversion of Nebuchadnezzar is among the most striking of all Old Testament events, particularly when contrasted to Pharaoh’ s response some thousand years earlier. At the same time, Daniel must have had several very vital influences on the captive Israelites. His early example of commitment to God (Daniel 1:1-21) was an encouraging testimony to the fact that the believer could remain true to his faith in a pagan culture — and still find acceptance and even advancement. Rather than withdrawing from his world, Daniel influenced the course of events! Often questions are raised today about the validity of Christians in politics. Shouldn’ t the true believer withdraw from the system, particularly when to get ahead seems associated with compromise and questionable “ yokes” with unbelievers? While this is not a simple question, the experience of Daniel demonstrated that when God calls a believer to a role within the power structure of society, that individual can both remain true to God and influence the course of history. It is possible, as some have suggested, that the influence of Daniel even extended to drafting Cyrus’ decree permitting the first groups of Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. If so, it must have been one of the final — and most satisfying — acts of Daniel’ s long and useful life. Daniel’ s righteousness, described by Ezekiel as being legendary in his own day, stood to the exiles as a beacon, pointing them toward the way to live for God no matter where they might be. One final influence on his own people must have come from the prophetic sections of the book Daniel authored (chaps. 7 — 12). Daniel was old when these sections were introduced. The Jews had been in Babylon for a generation or more. After the passage of decades, the majority would have settled down to seek the best possible adjustment to their fate. Many would have been born and grown to maturity there, knowing nothing of their homeland or their God except what was passed on by their parents. For a great many of that generation, Hebrew was a foreign tongue; a scholar had to explain in Aramaic what the original text said. But God’ s people were not meant to settle down in a foreign land. Destiny awaited them, and the whole world, in Palestine! Someday Messiah would come. Someday the kingdoms of this world would be shaken. Someday all worldly glory would be shattered. There would come one “ like a Son of man” (Daniel 7:13). To Him, the Ancient of Days would make a great presentation. Looking ahead in a great vision of the night, Daniel saw destiny. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 Observations on the Text A youth’ s commitment (Daniel 1:1-21). Old Testament dietary law specified certain foods no Jew was to eat. When Daniel was taken to Babylon he and three companions determined to keep God’ s Law and refused “ to defile” themselves with the royal food and drink. His native wisdom and tact are shown in this incident. He requested permission from the chief official (no “ demands” or sullenness here!), and proposed a test when he understood the fears of that official that a limited diet might harm Daniel’ s health. We too can learn much from this teenager. We too want to be committed to doing what is right. But we also need to show sensitivity to others. In most cases commitment can be expressed in cooperation, and need not provoke confrontation. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN God’ s people today are also special. We are supposed to do what is right and to stay away from things that are forbidden. Boys and girls, like young Daniel, can dare to do what is right. What do the boys and girls you teach think of as right (but hard) things to do, and wrong things to keep away from? Have your class members pretend that Daniel is coming to visit them. Let them make a list to show Daniel things children today do because they are right, and another list of things they stay away from. When the children’ s lists of right and wrong things to do has been completed, ask each to pick out one thing they will dare to do or not do, like Daniel. Give each child willing to “ dare” an I DARE pin to wear during the week to remind him to show Daniel’ s courage and faithfulness. To make I DARE pins, cut half-dollar sized circles from heavy cardboard. On one side glue heavy aluminum foil. Attach a small safety pin to the other side with scotch tape. Use nail polish to print “ I DARE” on the foil side. Courage rewarded (Daniel 3:1-30). The events reported in this chapter probably happened when Daniel was away from the capital. But his three Jewish companions, also officials in the government, were in Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar set up a giant golden idol and commanded all to worship it. All who would not were to be thrown in a blazing furnace. The three Jews — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — refused to bow. Courageously they expressed both faith and commitment: “ The God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). God did deliver His three worshipers. A fourth figure appeared in the center of the flaming furnace, to be with the three. And even though the heat of the fire was so great it killed those who cast them into the furnace, the three returned without even the scent of burning on their clothing. Nebuchadnezzar was impressed not only with the rescue, but with the fact that the three “ were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God” (Daniel 3:28). LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN It often takes courage to choose to do things we know will please the Lord. Taking that courageous stand is one way that we witness for the Lord. But what gives us the courage? We Christians need to know that God is with us, and that God can help. As you emphasize the faith of the three young Jewish believers, here’ s a simple way to help your boys and girls remember that God is with them when they face a hard choice. At home practice holding up three fingers, bending the little finger and holding it down with your thumb. Then try to pick up a pencil, hold a fork, or do some other task. It is almost impossible to do. In class, show the three fingers to your boys and girls, naming one Shadrach, one Meshach, and one Abednego. Explain that they were not afraid, because they believed God was with them (hold up the little finger too). Have your children hold down their little fingers with their thumbs, and try to pick up pencils or do other tasks. Explain that the three knew they couldn’ t to anything alone, just as our three fingers don’ t work well without the fourth! Then have them release their little fingers, and try the same tasks. God was the fourth Person in the fire with His three servants. With God there the three were able to live even in the fire. Because God is with us too, we can have courage in our difficult situations. Encourage the children, when they feel anxious or afraid, to grip their right hand and look at all four fingers. They can remember that God is with them too and because He is there, they can be courageous instead of afraid. Nebuchadnezzar’ s pride (Daniel 4:1-37). God revealed Himself to Nebuchadnezzar in several ways. He learned of God through Daniel’ s interpretation of an early dream (Daniel 2:1-49). He saw God’ s power to save at the incident of the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:1-30). And in another dream God warned the great king of judgment due to his great pride (Daniel 4:1-37). This dream, interpreted by Daniel, also came true. The king, swelling with pride at his accomplishments, was suddenly stricken with madness. When his mind was restored, and his kingdom with it, Nebuchadnezzar at last praised and honored and glorified God as the Most High. It is likely that Nebuchadnezzar’ s confession recorded here represents a true conversion. There are many exciting lessons to be drawn from God’ s dealing with the Babylonian conqueror. We see evidence that God did care about pagan individuals. We see evidence that believers in public positions can have influence — on individuals and on national policy. How rich the personal recollections of Daniel are in lessons for us. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Divide into teams to look at the incidents reported in Daniel 2:1-49, Daniel 3:1-30, and Daniel 4:1-37. Each team is to look at the same material from a different viewpoint, and to answer its “ key question.” Questions are: Group 1: What demonstrates God’ s care for Nebuchadnezzar as a person? Group 2: What qualities in believers influenced Nebuchadnezzar? Group 3: What changed Nebuchadnezzar’ s attitude toward the God of little, defeated Judah? When each group has answered its question, ask each to take 8 minutes and develop a list of lessons we can learn and apply to our own lives from these chapters. Delivered from lions (Daniel 6:1-28). The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is familiar to all of us. What may not be well known is that at the time Daniel was over 80 years old, and chief administrator of the Persian Empire. Daniel’ s enemies tried to trap the aged saint through his faithfulness to God. But God was also faithful to him. The lions were unable to touch Daniel. But those who had falsely accused Daniel were quickly killed when the angry ruler had them cast into the same den. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Have your boys and girls draw pictures of the famous Daniel and the lions’ den story, picking the scene they prefer. Print on each picture, “ When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Then have the children draw a picture of a time when they were afraid, or may still be afraid. Let each child tell about his completed picture. Remind them, “ How good to know that God is with us when we are afraid, just as He was with Daniel.” Let each child print the same verse on his contemporary picture. Send both pictures home, to be put on bedroom walls as a reminder that God is faithful now as He was in Daniel’ s day.

Teaching Guide Prepare What is one trait of Daniel’ s you would like to see mature in your own life?

Explore

1. Give a brief overview of the life and times of Daniel. Touch particularly on lines of evidence which demonstrate that the book truly is Daniel’ s composition.
2. Or, ask your group members to assume they are high officials in an all-conquering empire. What impression would they form of the god of a tiny, defeated nation whose captive citizens were an insignificant minority in their population? List impressions, and reasons for them, on the chalkboard.

Expand

1. Assign one chapter of Daniel 1:1-21 through Daniel 6:1-28 to pairs of group members. Each pair is to identify choices of believers in God which suggest they did not share the Babylonian view of the Lord, and to identify acts of God which began to change the Babylonians’ impression of the Lord. In what specific ways would that impression have changed: that is, what insights into who god is and what He is like would each incident provide an observer? Share team discoveries, and then work together to answer this question: “ What does the Book of Daniel teach us about God?”
2. Or, examine God’ s interaction with Nebuchadnezzar. What do chapters 2-4 tell us about God’ s concern for the lost in Old Testament times, and about how believers might exercise influence even in difficult circumstances? See the “ link-to-life” idea above.

Apply Go around the circle. Ask each person to pick a trait of Daniel which he or she admires, and tell why that trait is important for Christians today.