BIBLE STUDY: (DANIEL, EZEKIEL, and REVELATION)

Date:          8-18-15

Week # 2

 

Part I          Continue:                      Daniel Chapters 1-6

 

"THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

 

Chapter One

 

The book opens with the first deportation of Jews to Babylonian captivity (605 B.C.), and the selection of Daniel and his three friends for special training (1-7).  Daniel is commitment to remain undefiled is blessed by God, and he along with his friends are given wisdom that is acknowledged and rewarded by the king of Babylon (8-21).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

 

*          Young Daniel's commitment to God in pagan environment

*          How Daniel was able to keep both his faith to God and service to the king

 

Chapter Two       

 

Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, challenging his would-be interpreters to first tell him the contents of the dream (1-13).  God reveals the dream to Daniel (14-23) who then interprets it for the king (24-45).  Impressed, the king promotes Daniel, and in turn, his three friends

(46-49).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The kingdoms represented by the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream

*          The kingdom which shall never be destroyed:  its identity and establishment

 

Chapter Three

 

Nebuchadnezzar builds a large image of gold, demanding all to worship it (1-7).  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refuse, and are thrown into a fiery furnace.  Yet they are saved by God (8-25), prompting King Nebuchadnezzar to praise their God as the Most High (26-30).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          Faith in the face of fire

*          The fourth person in the fiery furnace (angel or Christ?)

 

Chapter Four

 

Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, this one of a great tree that fills the earth and then is cut down but its trunk left intact, followed by a man whose heart is changed and becomes like an animal (1-18).  Daniel interprets the dream as applying to the king, that he might know that God rules in the kingdoms of men (19-27).  A year later the dream is fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar praises, blesses and honors the Most High God, King of heaven (28-37).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The Most High rules in the kingdoms of men

*          He sets over the kingdoms of men the lowest of men, or whomever He

            chooses.

 

Chapter Five

 

This chapter fast forwards to 539 B.C. and the last night of Babylonian rule.  King Belshazzar (grandson of Nebuchadnezzar) throws a drunken, idolatrous feast that is interrupted by a hand writing on the wall (1-12).  Daniel is brought in, and explains that it proclaims the judgment of Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon into the hands of the Medes and Persians (13-29) which occurs that very night (30-31).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The character of King Belshazzar contrasted with that of Daniel

*          The meaning of the writing on the wall as explained by Daniel

 

Chapter Six

 

Daniel's character, conviction and courage are seen once more in this well known account of "Daniel in the lion's den".  Despite his age (nearing ninety), Daniel serves his king with an excellent spirit and his God with unwavering faith.  A plot by enemies is set to destroy him (1-9) and he is cast into a den of lions (10-17).  God sends an angel to deliver him (18-23), prompting King Darius of the Medes to praise the living God of Daniel (24-28).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The excellent character and faith of Daniel, the man of God

*          Daniel as a role model for young and old, statesmen and administrators

 

 Daniel Chapter 7-12

 

Chapter Seven

 

In the first year of Belshazzar (552 B.C.), Daniel receives two visions.  The first is of four beasts from the sea (1-8).  The second involves a judgment by the Ancient of Days, and the coronation of the Son of Man (9-14).  The interpretation describes persecution by elements of the fourth beast (kingdom), with ultimate victory by the saints of the Most High (15-28).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The identity of the four kingdoms represented by the four beasts

*          The identity of the Son of Man and the timing of His coronation

*          The conflict between the fourth kingdom and the saints of the Most

            High

 

Chapter Eight

 

In the third year of King Belshazzar (550 B.C.) Daniel has another vision:  a swift goat defeating a mighty ram.  The goat's large horn is then broken into four horns, followed by a little horn that brings desolation to the sanctuary and the host of heaven (1-14).   The angel Gabriel interprets the vision which foretells the rise of a fierce and mighty king (Antiochus IV Epiphanes, 175-164 B.C.) that would bring desolation against the holy people (15-27).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The interpretation of Daniel's vision in this chapter

*          The meaning of the expression, "the time of the end"

 

Chapter Nine

 

In the first year of Darius (539 B.C.), understanding that Jeremiah's prophecy of 70 years of captivity has been fulfilled (Jeremiah 25:11), Daniel confesses his nation's sins and prays that God will restore them (1-19).  In response, Gabriel is sent to give Daniel understanding of key events that will take place in a time period of 70 "weeks" (lit., "sevens"), one of the most challenging prophecies in the Bible (20-27).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          Daniel's prayer, confessing the sins of his people Israel

*          The difficulty in interpreting the vision of seventy weeks

 

Chapter Ten

 

In the third year of Darius (ca. 535 B.C.) Daniel receives a vision that will affect his people (Israel) "in the latter days" (Daniel 10:14), its words to be closed and sealed "till the time of the end" (Daniel 12:9). "The Vision Of The Time Of The End" begins with an appearance of a "glorious man" to Daniel beside the Tigris River (1-9), with an explanation for his delay in coming (10-21).  The prophecy of the vision continues in chapters eleven and twelve.

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The meaning of the phrase "in the latter days" as used in the vision

*          The angelic conflict behind the scenes briefly described by the "glorious man"

 

Chapter Eleven

 

After introductory comments in chapter ten, "The Vision Of The Time Of The End" begins in earnest.  A brief prophecy of a Persian-Greek conflict (2-4) is followed by the description of a lengthy Egyptian-Syrian conflict (5-19), with focus on a vile king from the North who will bring blasphemies against Daniel's people, but who will ultimately be defeated (20-45).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          The prophetic detail of the Persian-Greek and Egyptian-Syrian conflicts

*          The identity of the vile king from the North

 

 

Chapter Twelve

 

"The Vision of The Time of The End" concludes with assurance of ultimate victory for Daniel's people (Israel), in words suggestive of the final resurrection (1-3).  Daniel is given instructions to seal the book because it concern things in the future.  Asking when these things will be accomplished, he is given cryptic answers, but is reassured that he himself shall rest and rise to his inheritance at the end of the days (4-13).

 

POINTS TO PONDER:

*          Identifying the "time of trouble" and "time of the end" in this chapter

*          The instructions for Daniel to "shut up the words, and seal the book"

 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

The prophet Daniel spoke of the coming Antichrist changing "times and law" as the ruler of the world (Daniel 7:25). Such a radical transformation of societies and commerce would be an attempt to break any and all connections with religious, commercial, and legal precedents, all to be replaced by the Antichrist's rule. This was tried during the French Revolution when, from 1793 to 1805, the French Republican (or Revolution) Calendar was instituted. There were still 12 months, but weeks were changed from seven days to 10 days. Days were 10 hours of 144 minutes each. These and many other societal and economic changes were a revolutionary attempt to cut all ties to the previous government and way of life. WOW!!!

 

QUESTIONS:      WEEK # 2

1).  How many deportations is mention of the Jews to Babylon in captivity?

2).  What was Nebuchadnezzar's first dream?

3).  What did Nebuchadnezzar build that is compared to what the Beast built in Revelation?

4).  What was Nebuchadnezzar's second dream?

5).  How did Nebuchadnezzar respond to Daniel's interpretation?

6).  Who was Nebuchadnezzar's grandson?

7).  Explain why Daniel was thrown in the lion's den.

8).  Explain why Daniel companion was thrown in the fiery furnace.

9).  How many visions did Daniel receive during Belshazzar reign in (552 B.C.)?

10) Who are the four Beasts  Daniel speaks of in (1-8).

11) Explain what Gabriel told Daniel in (9:20-27).

12) What chapters give us the details of "The Vision of the Time of the End"?

13) What agent is the vile king of the north?

14) After reading chapter 8:22 what do the horns represent?

 

 SALVATION PRAYER:

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against You and need Your salvation. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead.  I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, fully trusting in the work He accomplished on the cross on my behalf.  Thank You for saving me, accepting me, and adopting me into Your family. Guide my life and help me to do your will, and walk in close step with You, amen.

 

In your name, Amen:

 

Reading Assignment:            Week # 2        Daniel 4-6       Monday-Wednesday-Friday

BIBLE STUDY ANSWERS

QUESTIONS:     WEEK # 1

 

1).        What do the last chapters of Daniel is referring too?

(ch. 12) is filled with apocalyptic visions that challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars. It concerns a vision of the end time, in which we live in now. This vision concludes with assurance of ultimate victory of Jesus Christ and the Church.

 

2).        When properly read and understood, Daniel inspires, how?

It inspires us to greater faithfulness in our service to God, and strength our faith in the inspiration of the Bible.

 

3).        The name of Daniel means what?

The name of Daniel means "God is my judge," which provides a hint of one of the key themes in this book: "God will judge the nations of men."

 

4).        What was Daniel's position in the Kingdom of Babylon and Persia?

After his exile, Daniel rose to great heights in the Kingdom of Babylon and Persia (Daniel 2:48; 6:1-3), and he served as a statesman, a counselor to the kings, and a prophet of God.

 

5).        Daniel was contemporary with two other prophets, who were these prophets?

Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.)

Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 B.C.) This put them in the time of Daniel as well, (605-586 B.C.)

 

6).        Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah prophesied before, during, and after the exile, explain.

Time:             

(626-528 B.C.)……Jeremiah…… "The weeping prophet…….Before and after captivity

(605-586 B.C.)……Daniel……… "Companion to Revelation…1^st Deportation into captivity

(592-570 B.C.)……Ezekiel……… "The eagle eye prophet… 2^nd group deportation to captivity

 

From reading Jeremiah 41-44 Gedaliah was assassinated ; There were a flight to Egypt, and Jeremiah was warned not to go, but he was force to go, and then there were another deportation at this time, which make it the third deportation. I must study it more closely to understand if Jeremiah was taken or left in Egypt at this time. I believe he was taken too.

 

 

7).        In the book of Daniel, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested, how?

It will be manifested with the establishment of God's kingdom-(Daniel 1:1-6:28), and with the vindication of the cause of His saints-(Daniel 7:27).

 

8).        Explain Daniel's dream in (7:1-28)

Daniel saw in a dream four winds, four great beasts come up from the sea (1) Lion with eagle's wings, (2) Bear with three ribs in his mouth, (3) Leopard with four wings of a fowl, with four heads, and (4) a beast with ten horns, and in the midst was another little horn speaking bad things. Daniel saw the antichrist as the little horn that rose out of ten horns on the head of the fourth beast that represented the Roman Empire; John, the book of Revelation describes the antichrist as the "the Beast rising up out of the 'sea'  (Revelation 13:3). In prophecy, the 'sea' represent the vast multitude of Gentile people. This is the end time described in biblical prophecy. He also talked about the Ancient of Days, the judgement, and the books was opened.

 

9).        Explain Daniel's dream in (8:1-27)

In the third year of Belshazzar Daniel had a vision of a ram and goat; The ram has two mighty horns, one longer than the other, and it charges east and west and north, overpowering all other beasts. A goat with a single horn appears from the west and destroys the ram. The goat becomes very powerful until the horn breaks off and is replaced by four lesser horns. A small horn that grows very large, it stops the daily temple sacrifices and desecrates the sanctuary for two thousand three hundred evening and mornings (1150 days) until the temple is cleansed. The angel Gabriel informs him that the ram represents the Medes and Persians, the goat is Greece, and the "little horn" is a wicked king.

 

10).      Explain Daniel's dream in (9:1-27)

The "seventy weeks" prophecy is one of the most significant and detailed Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. It is found in Daniel 9. The chapter begins with Daniel praying for Israel, acknowledging the nation's sins against God and asking for God's mercy. As Daniel prayed, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and gave him a vision of Israel's future.  This vision is explained by Gabriel, which is the 70 weeks. 49 years +434 years =483 years; It talks about the purpose of the 70 weeks, and the fulfillment of the 70 weeks, and then explain the final week of the 70 weeks.

Daniel also predicts that the Antichrist will face judgment. He only rules "until the end that is decreed is poured out on him" (Daniel 9:27). God will only allow evil to go so far, and the judgment the Antichrist will face has already been planned out. 

 

11).      Explain Daniel's dream in (10:1-12-12:13)

It was an argument against territorial spirits.  The battle of Daniel 10 was fought in heaven, not earth. The battle did not involve humans but two angels and a demon; God directed the battle through Michael. God did not ask Daniel to bind demons or cast them from their geographical sphere, not at that time. God did not even ask Daniel to pray about the angelic conflict.  It is a visions and prophecy relating to the controlling hand of God moving the scenes in the Panorama of History. Daniel was informed about the end of time.

 

 

12).      Spiritually, what have you gain from this book (Daniel)?

I had planned to start reading the book of Daniel with this study once again for a greater knowledge of it. I have read this book once and it was a blessing then.  I understood it little, but have gained more knowledge through theology classes, and the teaching from previous pastors, and bible teachers too. Spiritually, it teaches us to hold fast to God even in the evil days, Daniel was a perfect example, amen.  Also, it teaches me that if I turn from God His wrath will be upon me just as upon the enemy. I must serve Him with all my heart, mind, and soul.  Personally, it stirs my heart to honor God more, to honor His Word, and to reach the lost so they can escape this trouble thing of the end time.

 

Reading Assignment:  Week # 1     Daniel 1-3  Monday-Wednesday-Friday

BIBLE STUDY: (DANIEL, EZEKIEL, AND REVELATION) WEEK # 1

Date:          8-8-15

Let's Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your Word. Your Word has guided us throughout the ages, and still leading us through Your Holy Spirit. We are so grateful, Lord. There is fullness of joy when reading and studying Your Word. In this study, we ask for more knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to gain stability in these end times. Most people encounter a spirit of fear when reading or studying Revelation and Daniel; we ask that the Word (II Timothy 1:7) be apply to us as we dig deep into this study. Thank You, Lord. You have given to us a spirit of power, love, and sound mind of Jesus Christ our Lord. Father, when we am afraid, we will put my confidence in You. Yes, we will trust Your promises through Your Word. We are more than conquerors through Your Word. Lord, You are our Light and our Salvation; You protect us from danger-whom shall we fear? When evil men or evil thoughts come to destroy us, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against us, our hearts shall know no fear, in Jesus' name. We are confident that You will save us because we believe, because we are saved, and because of Your faithfulness. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for bringing all that we study back to our remembrance when its needed, when we are tempted to be afraid or to give up. We trust in You as our God, the only true God in heaven and on earth. Throughout this study bless our minds in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Part I                   Daniel:  

One of the more fascinating books of the Bible is the book of Daniel...

*          The first six chapters contain accounts of faith that inspire both young and old

*          The last six chapters are filled with apocalyptic visions that challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars

 

It is a book that has often been attacked and abused...

*          Attacked by liberals and skeptics who deny its inspirational.

*          Abused by many who have taken its visions out of context to support all kinds of wild theories concerning the second coming of Christ.

 

But when properly read and understood, the book of Daniel can...

*          Inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to God

*          Strengthen our faith in the inspiration of the Bible

 

DANIEL AND HIS TIME:

 

The name "Daniel" means "God is my judge" which provides a hint of one of the key themes in this book:  God will judge the nations of men.  Daniel was a person of deep and abiding faith...

 

*          As a youth, he purposed not to defile himself –(Daniel 1:8)

*          When old, he persisted in serving God despite threats against his life – (Daniel 6:10)

 

God blessed Daniel because of his faith...

 

*          He rose to great heights in the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia - (Daniel 2:48; 6:1-3)

*          He served as a statesman, a counselor to kings, and a prophet of

            God

 

Daniel was contemporary with two other great prophets:  Jeremiah and

Ezekiel...

 

*         Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.)

*          Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 B.C.)

*          Daniel prophesied in the capital of Babylon (605-586 B.C.)

 

 

Nothing is known of his personal life outside of the book.  He descended from one of Judah's prominent families, if not from royal blood (Daniel 1:3). At an early age (likely in his teens) Daniel along with others was taken from his family to be trained in the courts of Babylon (Daniel 1:3-4). Whether he ever married is uncertain.

 

Some key dates and events will help appreciate the times in which Daniel lived...

 

*          612 B.C. - Fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria  Assyria had ruled the world since the days of Tiglath-Pileser (845 B.C.).  Nabopolassar came to the throne in Babylon and rebelled against the Assyrians in 625 B.C.

Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, was the general who led the Babylonian army against Nineveh, defeating it in 612 B.C.

 

*          605 B.C. - Battle of Carchemish, establishing Babylonian domination

Pharaoh-Necho of Egypt came to fight the Babylonians at Carchemish.  Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, chasing them south through Judah.  At Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father's death; he returned to assume the throne in Babylon.  The first group of Jewish captives were taken, along with Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:1-4).

 

*          597 B.C. - A second remnant taken to Babylon  Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah) followed the reign of his father, Jehoiakim.  He lasted just three months, when Nebuchadnezzar took him and 10,000 Jews to Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-16).  This second group of captives included Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1-3)

 

*          586 B.C. - Fall of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed  Zedekiah was installed as king in Jerusalem, but was weak and vacillating.  Eleven years later, Jerusalem was totally devastated by Babylonian forces (2 Kings 25:1-10). A third group was (2 Kings 25:11-12, 22; Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:1-6).

 

*          536 B.C. - Babylon falls, and the first remnant returns to Jerusalem Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the first remnant back under the leadership of Zerubbabel.  (Ezra 1:1-5; 2:1-2).

The foundation of the temple was soon started, but the temple was not completed until 516 B.C. (Ezra 3:8-13; 6:14-16).

 

*          457 B.C. - A second remnant returns to Jerusalem.  Ezra the priest returns with this group (Ezra 7:1-8:36). He leads a much-needed revival (Ezra 9:1-10:44).

 

*          444 B.C. - A third remnant returns to Jerusalem.  This group is led by Nehemiah   (Nehemiah 1:1-2:20). Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt (Nehemiah 3:1-7:73). Together with Ezra, they restore much of the religion (Nehemiah 8:1-13:31).

 

Daniel lived through much of these times (605-534 B.C.).  He was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon (Daniel 1:1-4). He continued there over the entire 70 years of captivity; (Daniel 1:21; 10:1) cf. (Daniel 9:1-2; Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10). Daniel was certainly a remarkable man.  His greatness was recognized by his contemporary, Ezekiel (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3).

 

 THEME:

 

From a number of passages (Daniel 2:21; 4:17, 25, 32, 34-35; 5:21) we can deduce the main theme of the book of Daniel:

 

God Rules in the Kingdoms of Men:

 

In this book, we see the rule of God is...

*          Manifested in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and

            Cyrus, kings of the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians

*          Foretold to occur in the days of the Persians, Greeks, and Romans

 

In this book, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested...

 

*          With the establishment of God's kingdom – (Daniel 2:44)

*          With the vindication of the cause of His saints – (Daniel 7:27)  

 

OUTLINE:     There are twelve chapters in the book of Daniel

 

Here is a brief outline of the book of Daniel...

 

1. God's Providence in History – (Daniel 1:1-6:28)

   a.      Daniel and his determination to be pure: 1:1-21

   b.      Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's promotion:  2:1-49

   c.      Faith in the face of fire by Daniel's friends: 3:1-30

   d.      Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and temporary insanity: 4:1-37

   e.      The writing on the wall and fall of Belshazzar: 5:1-31

   f.       Darius and his den of lions:  6:1-28

 

2. God's Purpose in History – (Daniel 7:1-12:13)

   a.      Daniel's dream of the four beasts : 7:1-28

   b.      Daniel's dream of the ram and the goat: 8:1-27

   c.      Daniel's prayer and the vision of the seventy weeks:  9:1-27

   d.      Daniel's vision of the time of the end: 10:1-12:13

 

CONCLUSION

As with all Scriptures, the book of Daniel is profitable for our study: (2 Timothy 3:16-17). From Daniel and his friends, we will learn the power of faith and commitment.  By studying this book, we can better understand our Lord's references to it cf. (Mark 13:14-15; Matthew 24:15-16). Despite some of its more difficult and challenging passages, we can benefit from them as well, as long as we interpret them...

*          In the context of the book itself

*          Consistent with all else the Bible may say on the subject

*          With the humility and openness that is incumbent upon all who would study and teach God's word (cf.2 Timothy 2:24-25).  

 

DID YOU KNOW?

The Swiss theologian, Oscar Cullman, who lived during World War II, has pointed out that every great-war has had a decisive battle. For the French against the British-led coalition, it was Waterloo.  For the American Civil War, it was Gettysburg. And in World War II, it was the Normandy invasion that began on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The successful invasion that began on D-Day marked the turning point in the War and the ultimate defeat of the Axis forces built around Nazi Germany. Even though World War II did not end until September 1945, its outcome turned on D-Day. Just so, Satan's outcome was sealed over the three days of Christ's death and resurrection. The battles and skirmishes rage on, but the outcome is not in doubt.

 

QUESTIONS:     WEEK # 1

 

1)   What do the last chapters of Daniel is referring too?

2)   When properly read and understood, Daniel inspires, how?

3)   The name of Daniel means what?

4)   What was Daniel's position in the Kingdom of Babylon and Persia?

5)   Daniel was contemporary with two other prophets, who was these prophets?

6)   Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah prophesied before, during, and after the exile, explain.

7)   In the book of Daniel, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested, how?

8)   Explain Daniel's dream in (7:1-28)

9)   Explain Daniel's dream in (8:1-27)

10) Explain Daniel's dream in (9:1-27)

11) Explain Daniel's dream in (10:1-12-12:13)

12) Spiritually, what have you gain from this book (Daniel)?

 

SALVATION PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against You and need Your salvation. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead.  I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, fully trusting in the work He accomplished on the cross on my behalf.  Thank You for saving me, accepting me, and adopting me into Your family. Guide my life and help me to do your will, and walk in close step with You, amen.

 

In Jesus' name,  Amen:

 

Reading Assignment:  Week # 1     Daniel 1-3  Monday-Wednesday-Friday