DanielDaniel

• ““Daniel, I now command you to keep the Daniel, I now command you to keep the message of this book secret until the end message of this book secret until the end of time, even though many people will go of time, even though many people will go everywhere, searching for the knowledge everywhere, searching for the knowledge to be found in it.” (Daniel 12:4 – CEV)to be found in it.” (Daniel 12:4 – CEV)

• ““He said to me, ‘And now, Daniel, close He said to me, ‘And now, Daniel, close the book and put a seal on it until the end the book and put a seal on it until the end of the world. Meanwhile, many people will of the world. Meanwhile, many people will waste their efforts trying to understand waste their efforts trying to understand what is happening." (Daniel 12:4 – GN)what is happening." (Daniel 12:4 – GN)

ChronologyChronologyKingKing ProphetProphet

650650 ManasseManassehh

AmonAmon NahumNahum

JosiahJosiah Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, EzekielHabakkuk, Ezekiel

JoahazJoahaz

600600 JehoiakimJehoiakim 605 – 1605 – 1stst invasion (Daniel) invasion (Daniel)

JehoiachiJehoiachinn

597 – 2597 – 2ndnd invasion (Ezekiel) invasion (Ezekiel)

586586 ZedekiahZedekiah 586 – 3586 – 3rdrd invasion (Jeremiah) invasion (Jeremiah)

538538 *Cyrus conquers Babylon**Cyrus conquers Babylon*

• ““In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked Jerusalem and surrounded the city. attacked Jerusalem and surrounded the city. The Lord The Lord letlet him capture King Jehoiakim and him capture King Jehoiakim and seize some of the Temple treasures. He seize some of the Temple treasures. He took some prisoners back with him to the took some prisoners back with him to the temple of his gods in Babylon, and put the temple of his gods in Babylon, and put the captured treasures in the temple captured treasures in the temple storerooms. The king ordered Ashpenaz, his storerooms. The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief official, to select from among the chief official, to select from among the Israelite exiles some young men of the royal Israelite exiles some young men of the royal family and of the noble families. They had family and of the noble families. They had to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, quick to learn, and free from physical quick to learn, and free from physical defects, so that they would be qualified to defects, so that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. serve in the royal court.

• Ashpenaz was to teach them to read Ashpenaz was to teach them to read and write the Babylonian language. and write the Babylonian language. The king also gave orders that every The king also gave orders that every day they were to be given the same day they were to be given the same food and wine as the members of the food and wine as the members of the royal court. After three years of this royal court. After three years of this training they were to appear before training they were to appear before the king. Among those chosen were the king. Among those chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, all of whom were from the Azariah, all of whom were from the tribe of Judah.” (Daniel 1:1-6 – GN)tribe of Judah.” (Daniel 1:1-6 – GN)

• Daniel (‘God is my Judge’) to Daniel (‘God is my Judge’) to Belteshazzar (‘Lady protect the king’), Belteshazzar (‘Lady protect the king’),

• Hananiah (‘God has been gracious’) to Hananiah (‘God has been gracious’) to Shadrach (‘I am very fearful [of god]’), Shadrach (‘I am very fearful [of god]’),

• Mishael (‘Who is what God is?’) to Mishael (‘Who is what God is?’) to Meshach (‘I am of little account’) Meshach (‘I am of little account’)

• Azariah (‘The Lord has helped’) to Azariah (‘The Lord has helped’) to Abed-Nego (‘Servant of the shining Abed-Nego (‘Servant of the shining one’ [i.e. Nebo])one’ [i.e. Nebo])

• ““Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help him, and God made Ashpenaz sympathetic to Daniel. him, and God made Ashpenaz sympathetic to Daniel. Ashpenaz, however, was afraid of the king, so he said Ashpenaz, however, was afraid of the king, so he said to Daniel, ‘The king has decided what you are to eat to Daniel, ‘The king has decided what you are to eat and drink, and if you don’t look as fit as the other and drink, and if you don’t look as fit as the other young men, he may kill me.’ So Daniel went to the young men, he may kill me.’ So Daniel went to the guard whom Ashpenaz had placed in charge of him guard whom Ashpenaz had placed in charge of him and his three friends. ‘Test us for ten days,’ he said. and his three friends. ‘Test us for ten days,’ he said. ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare us with the young men who are eating the compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.’ He agreed to let them try it for ten how we look.’ He agreed to let them try it for ten days. When the time was up, they looked healthier days. When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food. royal food.

• ““So from then on the guard let them continue to So from then on the guard let them continue to eat vegetables instead of what the king provided. eat vegetables instead of what the king provided. God gave the four young men knowledge and skill God gave the four young men knowledge and skill in literature and philosophy. In addition, he gave in literature and philosophy. In addition, he gave Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams. At Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams. At the end of the three years set by the king, the end of the three years set by the king, Ashpenaz took all the young men to Ashpenaz took all the young men to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them all, Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them all, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah impressed him more than any of the others. So impressed him more than any of the others. So they became members of the king's court. No they became members of the king's court. No matter what question the king asked or what matter what question the king asked or what problem he raised, these four knew ten times problem he raised, these four knew ten times more than any fortuneteller or magician in his more than any fortuneteller or magician in his whole kingdom. Daniel remained at the royal whole kingdom. Daniel remained at the royal court until Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, court until Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, conquered Babylonia.” (Daniel 1:8-21 – GN)conquered Babylonia.” (Daniel 1:8-21 – GN)

• ““So then, about eating the food offered to idols: So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. Even if there are so-called "gods," the one God. Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," yet there is for us only one God, the "lords," yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live. But not everyone and through whom we live. But not everyone knows this truth. Some people have been so knows this truth. Some people have been so used to idols that to this day when they eat used to idols that to this day when they eat such food they still think of it as food that such food they still think of it as food that belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, and they feel they are defiled by the food. and they feel they are defiled by the food. Food, however, will not improve our relation Food, however, will not improve our relation with God; we shall not lose anything if we do with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.” (1 Corinthians 8:1-11 – GN)eat.” (1 Corinthians 8:1-11 – GN)

• ““None of you should be looking out for your own None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others. interests, but for the interests of others. You are free to You are free to eat anything sold in the meat marketeat anything sold in the meat market, without asking , without asking any questions because of your conscience. For, as the any questions because of your conscience. For, as the scripture says, ‘The earth and everything in it belong to scripture says, ‘The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.’ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and the Lord.’ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you decide to go, eat what is set before you, without you decide to go, eat what is set before you, without asking any questions because of your conscience. But if asking any questions because of your conscience. But if someone tells you, ‘This food was offered to idols,’ then someone tells you, ‘This food was offered to idols,’ then do not eat that food, for the sake of the one who told do not eat that food, for the sake of the one who told you and for conscience' sake--- that is, you and for conscience' sake--- that is, not your own not your own conscienceconscience, but the other person's conscience. ‘Well, , but the other person's conscience. ‘Well, then,’ someone asks, ‘why should my freedom to act then,’ someone asks, ‘why should my freedom to act be limited by another person's conscience? If I thank be limited by another person's conscience? If I thank God for my food, why should anyone criticize me about God for my food, why should anyone criticize me about food for which I give thanks?’ Well, whatever you do, food for which I give thanks?’ Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory. Live whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory. Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or to the church of God. Just do as I do; I try to Gentiles or to the church of God. Just do as I do; I try to please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own good, but of the good of all, so that they might be good, but of the good of all, so that they might be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:24-33 – GN)saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:24-33 – GN)

• ““But the place the LORD your God will But the place the LORD your God will choose to put his name may be too far choose to put his name may be too far away. He may bless you with so much that away. He may bless you with so much that you can’t carry a tenth of your income that you can’t carry a tenth of your income that far. If so, exchange the tenth part of your far. If so, exchange the tenth part of your income for silver. Take the silver with you, income for silver. Take the silver with you, and go to the place the LORD your God will and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you want: cattle, sheep, goats, wine, liquor-want: cattle, sheep, goats, wine, liquor-whatever you choose. Then you and your whatever you choose. Then you and your family will eat and enjoy yourselves there family will eat and enjoy yourselves there in the presence of the LORD your God.” in the presence of the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:24-26 – GOD’S WORD)(Deuteronomy 14:24-26 – GOD’S WORD)

• ““In the second year that Nebuchadnezzar was In the second year that Nebuchadnezzar was king, he had a dream. It worried him so much king, he had a dream. It worried him so much that he couldn't sleep, so he sent for his that he couldn't sleep, so he sent for his fortunetellers, magicians, sorcerers, and wizards fortunetellers, magicians, sorcerers, and wizards to come and explain the dream to him. When to come and explain the dream to him. When they came and stood before the king, he said to they came and stood before the king, he said to them, ‘I’m worried about a dream I’ve had. I them, ‘I’m worried about a dream I’ve had. I want to know what it means.’ They answered want to know what it means.’ They answered the king in Aramaic, ‘May Your Majesty live the king in Aramaic, ‘May Your Majesty live forever! Tell us your dream, and we will explain forever! Tell us your dream, and we will explain it to you.’ The king said to them, ‘I have made it to you.’ The king said to them, ‘I have made up my mind that you must tell me the dream up my mind that you must tell me the dream and then tell me what it means. If you can’t, I’ll and then tell me what it means. If you can’t, I’ll have you torn limb from limb and make your have you torn limb from limb and make your houses a pile of ruins.” (Daniel 2:1-5 – GN)houses a pile of ruins.” (Daniel 2:1-5 – GN)

• ““What Your Majesty is asking for is so What Your Majesty is asking for is so difficult that no one can do it for you difficult that no one can do it for you except the gods, and except the gods, and they do not live they do not live among human beingsamong human beings.” (Daniel 2:11 .” (Daniel 2:11 – GN)– GN)

• ““The king said to Daniel (who was also called The king said to Daniel (who was also called Belteshazzar), ‘Can you tell me what I dreamed Belteshazzar), ‘Can you tell me what I dreamed and what it means?’ Daniel replied, ‘Your and what it means?’ Daniel replied, ‘Your Majesty, there is no wizard, magician, Majesty, there is no wizard, magician, fortuneteller, or astrologer who can tell you that. fortuneteller, or astrologer who can tell you that. But there is a God in heaven, who reveals But there is a God in heaven, who reveals mysteries. He has informed Your Majesty what mysteries. He has informed Your Majesty what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you the will happen in the future. Now I will tell you the dream, the vision you had while you were asleep. dream, the vision you had while you were asleep. While Your Majesty was sleeping, While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed you dreamed about the futureabout the future; and God, who reveals ; and God, who reveals mysteries, showed you what is going to happen. mysteries, showed you what is going to happen. Now, this mystery was revealed to me, not Now, this mystery was revealed to me, not because I am wiser than anyone else, but so that because I am wiser than anyone else, but so that Your Majesty may learn the meaning of your Your Majesty may learn the meaning of your dream and understand the thoughts that have dream and understand the thoughts that have come to you.’” (Daniel 2:26-30 – GN)come to you.’” (Daniel 2:26-30 – GN)

Authorship of Daniel? Authorship of Daniel?

• ““The repeated allusions to the desecration The repeated allusions to the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple suggest the time of of the Jerusalem Temple suggest the time of persecution…175-164 – B.C.” – Good News persecution…175-164 – B.C.” – Good News BibleBible

• ““The ram you saw that had two horns The ram you saw that had two horns represents the kingdoms of Media and represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia. The goat represents the kingdom of Persia. The goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the prominent horn between his Greece, and the prominent horn between his eyes is the first king.” (Daniel 8:20-21 – GN)eyes is the first king.” (Daniel 8:20-21 – GN)

• ““In the first year that Belshazzar was king In the first year that Belshazzar was king of Babylonia, I had a dream….” (Daniel 7:1 of Babylonia, I had a dream….” (Daniel 7:1 – GN)– GN)

• ““In the third year that Belshazzar was king, In the third year that Belshazzar was king, I saw a second vision.” (Daniel 8:1 – GN)I saw a second vision.” (Daniel 8:1 – GN)

• ““Darius the Mede, who was the son of Darius the Mede, who was the son of Xerxes, ruled over the kingdom of Xerxes, ruled over the kingdom of Babylonia. In the first year of his reign I Babylonia. In the first year of his reign I was studying the sacred books and was studying the sacred books and thinking about the seventy years that thinking about the seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the LORD had told the prophet what the LORD had told the prophet Jeremiah. (Daniel 9:1-2 – GN)Jeremiah. (Daniel 9:1-2 – GN)

• ““The LORD says, ‘When Babylonia's seventy years The LORD says, ‘When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home.’” (Jeremiah my promise to bring you back home.’” (Jeremiah 29:10 – GN)29:10 – GN)

• ““In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked Jerusalem and surrounded the city.” (Daniel 1:1 – Jerusalem and surrounded the city.” (Daniel 1:1 – GN) - - - 606 BCGN) - - - 606 BC

• ““Daniel remained at the royal court until Cyrus, Daniel remained at the royal court until Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, conquered Babylonia.” the emperor of Persia, conquered Babylonia.” (Daniel 1:21 – GN) - - 538 BC (Daniel 1:21 – GN) - - 538 BC

• ““Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre, Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Almighty LORD ‘This is what the Almighty LORD says…You think that you are wiser says…You think that you are wiser than Daniel and that no secret can than Daniel and that no secret can be hidden from you.” (Ezekiel 28:2-3 be hidden from you.” (Ezekiel 28:2-3 – GOD’S WORD)– GOD’S WORD)

• ““You will see ‘The Awful Horror’ of You will see ‘The Awful Horror’ of which the prophet Daniel spoke.” which the prophet Daniel spoke.” (Matthew 24:15 – GN)(Matthew 24:15 – GN)

• Textual analysis*Textual analysis*

• "This was the dream. Now I will tell Your Majesty what "This was the dream. Now I will tell Your Majesty what it means. Your Majesty, you are the greatest of all it means. Your Majesty, you are the greatest of all kings…You are the head of gold. kings…You are the head of gold.

• After you there will be another empire, not as great as After you there will be another empire, not as great as yours, yours,

• and after that a third, an empire of bronze, which will and after that a third, an empire of bronze, which will rule the whole earth.rule the whole earth.

• And then there will be a fourth empire, as strong as And then there will be a fourth empire, as strong as iron, which shatters and breaks everything. And just iron, which shatters and breaks everything. And just as iron shatters everything, it will shatter and crush all as iron shatters everything, it will shatter and crush all the earlier empires. the earlier empires.

• You also saw that the feet and the toes were partly You also saw that the feet and the toes were partly clay and partly iron….clay and partly iron….

• You saw how a stone broke loose from a cliff without You saw how a stone broke loose from a cliff without anyone touching it and how it struck the statue made anyone touching it and how it struck the statue made of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. The great God is of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. The great God is telling Your Majesty what will happen in the future. I telling Your Majesty what will happen in the future. I have told you exactly what you dreamed, and have have told you exactly what you dreamed, and have given you its true meaning.” (Daniel 2:36-45 – GN)given you its true meaning.” (Daniel 2:36-45 – GN)

Dan.2

Head: Gold(Babylon)

Chest: Silver(Medo-Persia)

Waist: Bronze(Greece)

Legs: Iron(Rome)

Feet: Clay

• Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. Come as living stones, and let valuable. Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. For the scripture says, ‘I through Jesus Christ. For the scripture says, ‘I chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.’ This stone is in him will never be disappointed.’ This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe: ‘The stone which the those who do not believe: ‘The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.’” (1Peter 2:4-7 – GN)the most important of all.’” (1Peter 2:4-7 – GN)

• ““Your God is the greatest of all gods, Your God is the greatest of all gods, the Lord over kings, and the one who the Lord over kings, and the one who reveals mysteries. I know this because reveals mysteries. I know this because you have been able to explain this you have been able to explain this mystery.’ Then he gave Daniel a high mystery.’ Then he gave Daniel a high position, presented him with many position, presented him with many splendid gifts, put him in charge of the splendid gifts, put him in charge of the province of Babylon, and made him the province of Babylon, and made him the head of all the royal advisors. (Daniel head of all the royal advisors. (Daniel 2:47,48 – GN)2:47,48 – GN)

• ““King Nebuchadnezzar had King Nebuchadnezzar had a gold a gold statue statue made, ninety feet high and nine made, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and he had it set up in the feet wide, and he had it set up in the plain of Dura in the province of plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then the king gave orders for Babylon. Then the king gave orders for all his officials to come together…As all his officials to come together…As soon as the music starts, you are to soon as the music starts, you are to bow down and worship the gold statue bow down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Anyone who does not bow down and Anyone who does not bow down and worship will immediately be thrown worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.’” (Daniel 3:1-6 – into a blazing furnace.’” (Daniel 3:1-6 – GN)GN)

• ““He said to them, ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and He said to them, ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up? Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of up? Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the other instruments, bow down and worship the the other instruments, bow down and worship the statue. If you do not, you will immediately be statue. If you do not, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there is any god who can save you?’ Shadrach, is any god who can save you?’ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, ‘Your Majesty, Meshach, and Abednego answered, ‘Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. But furnace and from your power, then he will. But even if he doesn’teven if he doesn’t, Your Majesty may be sure that , Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up.’” down to the gold statue that you have set up.’” (Daniel 3:14-18 – GN)(Daniel 3:14-18 – GN)

– ““Then Jacob made a vow to the Then Jacob made a vow to the LORD: ‘LORD: ‘IfIf you will be with me and you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and making and give me food and clothing, and clothing, and ifif I return safely to my I return safely to my father’s home, father’s home, thenthen you will be my you will be my God.’” (Genesis 28:20-22 – GN) God.’” (Genesis 28:20-22 – GN)

• ““Behold, I see four men loose, walking in Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (Daniel 3:25 – son of the gods!” (Daniel 3:25 – Amplified)Amplified)

• ““...the appearance of the fourth is like a ...the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (son of the gods.” (RSV, ASV; NASB, ESV)RSV, ASV; NASB, ESV)

• ““...the fourth looks like a god!” (...the fourth looks like a god!” (TLB, TLB, NEB, CEV)NEB, CEV)

• ““...has the appearance of a god.” (...has the appearance of a god.” (NRSV)NRSV)

• ““The king said, ‘Praise the God of Shadrach, The king said, ‘Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their than bow down and worship any god except their own. And now I command that if anyone of any own. And now I command that if anyone of any nation, race, or language speaks disrespectfully of nation, race, or language speaks disrespectfully of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he is to be torn limb from limb, and his house is to be is to be torn limb from limb, and his house is to be made a pile of ruins. There is no other god who made a pile of ruins. There is no other god who can rescue like this.’” (Daniel 3:28-29 – GN)can rescue like this.’” (Daniel 3:28-29 – GN)

• ““While I was asleep, I had a vision of a huge While I was asleep, I had a vision of a huge tree in the middle of the earth. It grew tree in the middle of the earth. It grew bigger and bigger until it reached the sky bigger and bigger until it reached the sky and could be seen by everyone in the world. and could be seen by everyone in the world. Its leaves were beautiful, and it was loaded Its leaves were beautiful, and it was loaded down with fruit---enough for the whole world down with fruit---enough for the whole world to eat. Wild animals rested in its shade, to eat. Wild animals rested in its shade, birds built nests in its branches, and every birds built nests in its branches, and every kind of living being ate its fruit. While I was kind of living being ate its fruit. While I was thinking about the vision, I saw coming thinking about the vision, I saw coming down from heaven an angel, alert and down from heaven an angel, alert and watchful. He proclaimed in a loud voice, ‘Cut watchful. He proclaimed in a loud voice, ‘Cut the tree down and chop off its branches; the tree down and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Drive strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Drive the animals from under it and the birds out the animals from under it and the birds out of its branches.” (Daniel 4:10-14 – GN)of its branches.” (Daniel 4:10-14 – GN)

• ““Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means. None of my royal advisers could tell me, None of my royal advisers could tell me, but you can, because the spirit of the holy but you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’ At this, Daniel, who is also gods is in you.’ At this, Daniel, who is also called Belteshazzar, was so alarmed that called Belteshazzar, was so alarmed that he could not say anything. The king said to he could not say anything. The king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream and him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream and its message alarm you.’ Belteshazzar its message alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘Your Majesty, I wish that the replied, ‘Your Majesty, I wish that the dream and its explanation applied to your dream and its explanation applied to your enemies and not to you.” (Daniel 4:18-19 – enemies and not to you.” (Daniel 4:18-19 – GN)GN)

• ““This, then, is what it means, Your Majesty, and This, then, is what it means, Your Majesty, and this is what the Supreme God has declared will this is what the Supreme God has declared will happen to you. You will be driven away from happen to you. You will be driven away from human society and will live with wild animals. For human society and will live with wild animals. For seven years you will eat grass like an ox and sleep seven years you will eat grass like an ox and sleep in the open air, where the dew will fall on you. in the open air, where the dew will fall on you. Then you will admit that the Supreme God controls Then you will admit that the Supreme God controls all human kingdoms and that he can give them to all human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses. The angel ordered the stump anyone he chooses. The angel ordered the stump to be left in the ground. This means that you will to be left in the ground. This means that you will become king again when you acknowledge that become king again when you acknowledge that God rules all the world. So then, Your Majesty, God rules all the world. So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous.” (Daniel 4:24-27 – GN)to be prosperous.” (Daniel 4:24-27 – GN)

• ““Only twelve months later, while he was Only twelve months later, while he was walking around on the roof of his royal walking around on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, he said, ‘Look how great palace in Babylon, he said, ‘Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display my power and might, my glory and display my power and might, my glory and majesty.’ Before the words were out of his majesty.’ Before the words were out of his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, ‘King mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your royal power is now taken away from you. royal power is now taken away from you. You will be driven away from human You will be driven away from human society, live with wild animals, and eat grass society, live with wild animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven years…’ The words like an ox for seven years…’ The words came true immediately. Nebuchadnezzar came true immediately. Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human society and ate was driven out of human society and ate grass like an ox. The dew fell on his body, grass like an ox. The dew fell on his body, and his hair grew as long as eagle feathers and his hair grew as long as eagle feathers and his nails as long as bird claws. and his nails as long as bird claws.

• ‘‘When the seven years had passed,’ said the king, ‘I When the seven years had passed,’ said the king, ‘I looked up at the sky, and my sanity returned. I praised looked up at the sky, and my sanity returned. I praised the Supreme God and gave honor and glory to the one the Supreme God and gave honor and glory to the one who lives forever…When my sanity returned, my who lives forever…When my sanity returned, my honor, my majesty, and the glory of my kingdom were honor, my majesty, and the glory of my kingdom were given back to me. My officials and my noblemen given back to me. My officials and my noblemen welcomed me, and I was given back my royal power welcomed me, and I was given back my royal power with even greater honor than before. And now, I, with even greater honor than before. And now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, honor, and glorify the King of Nebuchadnezzar, praise, honor, and glorify the King of Heaven. Everything he does is right and just, and he Heaven. Everything he does is right and just, and he can humble anyone who acts proudly.” (Daniel 4:29-can humble anyone who acts proudly.” (Daniel 4:29-37 – GN)37 – GN)

• In the first year that Belshazzar was king of In the first year that Belshazzar was king of Babylonia, I had a dream…Four huge beasts Babylonia, I had a dream…Four huge beasts came up out of the ocean, each one different came up out of the ocean, each one different from the others. from the others.

• The first one looked like a lion, but had wings The first one looked like a lion, but had wings like an eagle. While I was watching, the wings like an eagle. While I was watching, the wings were torn off. The beast was lifted up and were torn off. The beast was lifted up and made to stand up straight. And then a human made to stand up straight. And then a human mind was given to it.mind was given to it.

• The second beast looked like a bear standing The second beast looked like a bear standing on its hind legs. It was holding three ribs on its hind legs. It was holding three ribs between its teeth, and a voice said to it, ‘Go between its teeth, and a voice said to it, ‘Go on, eat as much meat as you can!’ on, eat as much meat as you can!’

• While I was watching, another beast appeared. While I was watching, another beast appeared. It looked like a leopard, but on its back there It looked like a leopard, but on its back there were four wings, like the wings of a bird, and it were four wings, like the wings of a bird, and it had four heads. It had a look of authority had four heads. It had a look of authority about it. about it.

• As I was watching, a fourth beast appeared. As I was watching, a fourth beast appeared. It was powerful, horrible, terrifying. With its It was powerful, horrible, terrifying. With its huge iron teeth it crushed its victims, and huge iron teeth it crushed its victims, and then it trampled on them. Unlike the other then it trampled on them. Unlike the other beasts, it had ten horns. While I was staring beasts, it had ten horns. While I was staring at the horns, I saw a little horn coming up at the horns, I saw a little horn coming up among the others. It tore out three of the among the others. It tore out three of the horns that were already there. This horn had horns that were already there. This horn had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting human eyes and a mouth that was boasting proudly.” (Daniel 7:1-8 – GN)proudly.” (Daniel 7:1-8 – GN)– ““This is the explanation I was given: ‘The This is the explanation I was given: ‘The

fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be on the earth and will be different from all on the earth and will be different from all other empires. It will crush the whole earth other empires. It will crush the whole earth and trample it down.’” (Daniel 7:23 – GN)and trample it down.’” (Daniel 7:23 – GN)

Dan.2

Head: Gold(Babylon)

Chest: Silver(Medo-Persia)

Waist: Bronze(Greece)

Legs: Iron(Rome)

Feet: Clay

Dan.7 Lion(Babylon)

• ““Thrones were set up while I was watching, and the Thrones were set up while I was watching, and the Eternal God took his place. His clothing and his hair Eternal God took his place. His clothing and his hair were white as snow. His throne was a blazing fire were white as snow. His throne was a blazing fire with fiery wheels, and flames were dashing out from with fiery wheels, and flames were dashing out from all around him. Countless thousands were standing all around him. Countless thousands were standing there to serve him. The time of judgment began, and there to serve him. The time of judgment began, and the books were opened. I watched closely to see the books were opened. I watched closely to see what would happen to this smaller horn because of what would happen to this smaller horn because of the arrogant things it was saying. Then before my the arrogant things it was saying. Then before my very eyes, the fourth beast was killed and its body very eyes, the fourth beast was killed and its body destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. As I continued to watch the vision live a while longer. As I continued to watch the vision that night, I saw what looked like a son of man that night, I saw what looked like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, and he was coming with the clouds of heaven, and he was presented to the Eternal God. He was crowned king presented to the Eternal God. He was crowned king and given power and glory, so that all people of and given power and glory, so that all people of every nation and race would serve him. He will rule every nation and race would serve him. He will rule forever, and his kingdom is eternal, never to be forever, and his kingdom is eternal, never to be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:9-14 - CEV)destroyed.” (Daniel 7:9-14 - CEV)