These politicians, skilled in corruption, saw an end to their positions and profits should Daniel be appointed over them. What Does it Mean to Be a Prophet? This is consistent with the prophetic significance of the Book of Daniel and other prophecies that Israels disobedience would not only result in the discipline of Gods people but also in the salvation of the Gentiles. It is a dangerous thing to oppose those who serve the living God. By the kings orders, those who falsely accused Daniel of wrong-doing were cast into the lions den, along with their families. What can we learn about his personal life and the prophecies God revealed to him about the end times ahead of us now? Your descendants shall also be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. They knew that allowing these men to grow in power and popularity would be the end of communist domination of the USSR. Accusing a man of the kings favor was dangerous. He would get too far behind in his praise and thanksgiving and never catch up. He is delivered from his pride and oppression when, for a period, his sanity and kingdom are removed from him, and he must live like a beast of the field. Daniel would not forsake his regimen even when men passed a law against it. It also included the narrative-heavy books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. But they also see God as the supreme divine being in the cosmos: hes at the top of the universes org chart, and the rest of the gods (not to mention the humans) ultimately answer to him. 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions den. Why? also 2 Chronicles 6:20-40). Three major divisions comprise this ninth chapter of Daniel: the introduction in verses 1-3; Daniel's prayer in verses 4-19; and the appearance and announcement of Gabriel in verses 20-27. If Israel remained loyal to God, they would enjoy his blessings and protection in the land he promised to Abraham in the book of Genesis. As their health improved, they were permitted to continue with their chosen diet. 28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.72. Gods blessings were so full, so frequent, and so gracious Daniel could not possibly cease praying for 30 days. Read full chapter Footnotes Daniel 10:11 Lit man of treasure Daniel did not rise to power solely on the basis of his past accomplishments, however. In one sense, a prophet is a preacher. Solomon spoke in his prayer of men praying toward Jerusalem, the place where God would meet with men to bless them. There was no way Daniel could redirect his petitions to the king, rather than to God, by facing Jerusalem. This section included most of the books in the modern Prophets (except Lamentations and Daniel). This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven (Genesis 28:10-17). Beyond this, the Scriptures also indicate there have been and will be times of official persecution, when human governments and the laws of the land will be used to oppose and oppress the saints. They receive wisdom from God and surpass "all the magicians and enchanters of the kingdom." Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a giant statue made of four metals with feet of mingled iron and clay, smashed by a stone from heaven. To the corrupt leaders of the kingdom, Daniels ability and honesty seriously threatened their corruption. Since the nineteenth century, many "scholars" have denied either God's existence or that He would intervene in history even if He did exist. What options did he have? The same truth is later affirmed by Solomon at the time of the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. c. Perhaps the Masoretes did not consider Daniel to be a prophet since he was not appointed or ordained as a prophet in the text in the usual way; rather he was a servant of the government. But other parts of this prophecy went unfulfilled for a long, long timewhile Christianity claims Jesus Christ was that promised king, Judaism still awaits a Messiah and deliverer. The Senate Judiciary Committee members most definitely would not wish to be under the same scrutiny they are giving Judge Thomas. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. The deliverance of Daniel in chapter 6 is an example of divine deliverance and retribution on the enemies of God and His people. He saw himself as powerless, without the provisions God gave to him daily. This is what the gospel is all about. 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime. 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. The eyes of the psalmist look toward Jerusalem and long to return there to worship God. Chapter 6 is one of the portions under heaviest attack. among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah" (vv. All are featured in books from the Bible, and Jeremiah may have written two. So it will also be as the last days draw near. The Book of Revelation especially speaks of such times of persecution and oppression, but so do the latter chapters of the Book of Daniel. There may be some truth in this perspective, but I suggest times of crisis are those times when great men continue to persist in the good things they have practiced all along, when it was easier to do so. They knew that if Daniel had to choose between Gods law and the law of the land, Daniel would disobey human law. Thus Aaron was to function as Moses' mouthpiece. However, in the Bible, the prophets played a much larger role. If nothing else, Nebuchadnezzar became a henotheist, believing in many gods but worshiping only one God as supreme. 1:6-7).Daniel and three other captives refused the king's food for religious reasons (Dan. . Just as he had not wished Daniel good luck as he left him the previous evening, his first words to Daniel were pointed: Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?. What the king could not do, God did, not by keeping Daniel from death or by casting the law aside. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. He assures Daniel that His God would most certainly deliver him. But Jerusalem was the place where God chose to meet with men and to bless them. The messages of the prophets are often dire and gloomy, but the prophets usually encourage their readers and listeners to turn away from the path theyre on. In this case, if they were ever to succeed in doing away with the Jews and their religion, they would first have to do away with Daniel. While we may be confident that God will deliver the righteous and destroy the wicked, we may not be certain how and when He will do so. Darius, Daniel and the Lions. During those days I, Daniel, mourned for three whole weeks. He would have broken Gods law in order to obey mans laws. These stories usually serve to remind Israel about their special pact with their God. The place of blessing changed from Jerusalem to Jesus (compare Genesis 28:10-17 with John 1:43-51 and 4:19-26). The Prophet Jeremiah Is Sent to Preach | Children's Bible Lessons The Lord Reveals His Secrets to His Servants the Prophets Christians divide the books of prophecy into two large groups: the Major Prophets and the Minor Prophets. The king was so impressed he issued a decree guaranteeing the Jews freedom to worship their God without hindrance. The Jewish captives brought the blessings of God on the kingdom of their captors. Their accusation was meant to impress upon the king that Daniel had not merely broken the law once, he was persisting in violating this law, showing in their minds complete disregard for the king and his authority. 5 Then these men said, We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God. 6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: King Darius, live forever! Logos Bible Software 10 review: Do you REALLY need it? A group seems to have come before the king as a delegation, representing themselves as the spokesmen for the entire number of prefects, satraps, officials, and governors. The second contemporary illustration is the recent unsuccessful coup in Russia. What is a Prophet? Meaning from the Bible - Bible Study Tools Why? The disasters that the prophets see coming dont necessarily need to happenor they can at least be postponed for a generation that chooses to ignore the prophets. The Beginner's Guide to the Prophets in the Bible (5) This particular law implied something utterly inconsistent with and contrary to Gods law. Their proposal seemed to be in the kings best interest, helping to establish his rule over the former kingdom of Babylon. He may deliver them from death, or through it. Nothing is known about his parents, although he appears to have been of royal descent ().He was taken captive to Babylon, where he received the name Belteshazzar (Dan. These are the books that expound on the relationship between God and Israel after they formed an alliance in the Torah. Although Daniels enemies were of one heart and purpose, they have a most difficult task ahead of them. Nebuchadnezzar seems to have been more stubborn in his resistance, while Darius seems to have believed more quickly. Ask a modern Christian, and theyll list the final 17 books of the Old Testament: IsaiahMalachi. These lion murals once lined the streets of ancient Babylon, the city where Daniel the prophet spent much of his life. If he were to rise above them, they could not continue. In a long prayer Daniel declares that Yahweh is "the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments" ( Dan. Chapter 5 witnesses Belshazzars condemnation in contrast to Nebuchadnezzars conversion in chapter 4. It would be temporary, setting a precedent. 20 And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. Darius was greatly distressed to find Daniel accused of disregarding his new law, taking every possible measure to deliver him from the lions den. He reiterated that he had indeed passed the law forbidding any petition be made except to him. From all the king is reported to have said and done, this would not be surprising. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. Had Daniel not disobeyed the law and been divinely delivered, things would have been quite different for the Jews held captive in Babylon. He is famous for successfully interpreting the proverbial "writing on the wall" and miraculously surviving the lions' den. He came to the lions den early the next morning, expecting Daniel to have been delivered. If I forget you, O Jerusalem, May my right hand forget her skill. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Daniel gave glory to God for delivering him through His angel. What joy must have filled the kings heart when Daniel responded to his call. We may now better understand Daniels situation. This chapter helps us understand why Christians will be persecuted for their faith, and how such persecution can even become a part of public policy, forcing saints to break those laws which oppose the law of God. Having spoken words of faith and hope to Daniel, he had Daniel lowered into the lions den, the stone cover put in place and sealed. They proposed this new law to the king as though all of the officials, including Daniel, had been consulted and approved. Darius not only regretted signing the 30 day law, he sought to reverse it or at least to arrange for Daniels release. Many of Jeremiah's prophecies are yet to be fulfilled in the end times. The ministry of prophet, priest, and king converged in the person and work of Christ, our great Prophet, Priest, and King. What a rebuke! It also assures us that God will judge those who persecute us. Since our hope is not for earthly pleasure or success, but rather on that heavenly city and Gods eternal blessings, we can face either life or death with joy and confidence. 65 In several ways, the concerns of Daniels peers, the leaders of this Medo-Persian kingdom, were nearly identical with the concerns of the leaders of Israel regarding Jesus. But when official opposition to our faith and service to God come about, we must be prepared, like Daniel, to disobey those laws which directly conflict with Gods law, and we must be willing to suffer the consequences. If we reject the Bibles authority, historical confirmation of its teachings will certainly be insufficient to change minds. How does this explain his rise to power under this Median king, when he had formerly served the Babylonian kings? The king orders Daniel lowered into the lions den; the king speaks words of encouragement to Daniel; the king abstains from entertainment that night and sleep eludes him.70. 62 See Joyce C. Baldwin, Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1978), pp. Daniel was cast into the den of lions, just as the law required. The committees concern stems essentially from their desire to be re-elected. But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me! These books are prophetic history, books that told the story of how the people of Israel did (or didnt) uphold the Torah, and how God kept his word to protect and discipline his people. Such praise does not come from the lips of an unbeliever. It was also an implied warning to anyone in his kingdom who would be tempted to resist Daniel, to persecute the Jews, or to try to accuse anyone else of breaking the 30 day injunction he had wrongly signed. While this cannot be proven, it would almost seem as though Daniel had become a friend to the king and not just an employee. Introduction to the Bible Prophets | Theology of Work He knew that political power afforded the opportunity not only for oppression but for corruption. I speak Jehovah's words, not my own.'. Daniels godliness posed a serious threat to his peers, who used their positions corruptly to benefit at the expense of both their king and those under their authority. All you need do is admit you are a sinner, condemned by Gods law, and to trust in the Lord Jesus as the One whom God sent to die in your place. It acknowledges the God of Daniel as sovereign. Daniel is an example of a man who knew the difference between the urgent and the important. When times of crisis confronted him, he refused to panic and to change his priorities and practices. Having paid the penalty of the law, he was released. 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. These designations are more about length than rank. A message as important and encouraging as that found in our text could be expected to come under attack. God granted these men favor in the eyes of their foreign superiors, and they were allowed to eat vegetables, rather than the food set aside for them by their king. 5.Why do you think Daniel was able to talk with God? Parts of this prophecy are fulfilled in Davids literal immediate heir, Solomon. When Daniel was found guilty under the law of the Medes and the Persians, the king was unable to save him. Have you read my book on Daniel? (2) They must discredit Daniel by passing a new law, which was purposely designed to lead to Daniels death. Who Was Daniel in the Bible? (1) Unlike chapter 1, Daniel seems to have had no opportunity to protest the law signed by the king and no way to avoid obedience to the law without compromise. (5) The story of Daniels deliverance from the lions den in our text is an illustration of the gospel. Lest some skeptic explains Daniels miraculous deliverance by suggesting all the lions had the flu, the account is given of the devouring of Daniels enemies and their families. But if they betrayed him, they agreed to incur his judgment: God would remove his protection and allow Israel to be consumed by larger, more powerful foreign nations. For the first time in his life, he was awe-struck that this land of Canaan was a holy place. Even more, somehow it was a place of mediation, a place where heaven and earth met. (12) Do you think king Darius was a true believer? He bore the penalty and came out alive, so that he no longer was subject to the law or its penalty. In time, we may be able to better identify with Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. Daniel the Prophet 19 Then the king arose with the dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions den. Have you experienced the freedom from the condemnation of the law which God has provided in Jesus Christ? Under the Torah, the people of Israel enjoyed Gods blessings and protection if they kept his laws. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. (9) What was the kings response to Daniels deliverance? The prophets of Israels God believed that this behavior was unacceptable, and that these empires would eventually be overthrown with in Gods time, Gods way. 64 Baldwin points out that the Persian kingdom would become the largest kingdom in history: The Persian empire, which incorporated that of the Medes, a vast area forming an arc to the north of the Babylonian territories, extended eventually to Asia Minor, Libya and Egypt to the west, and to the Indus river and the Aral Sea to the east. These prophecies included messages of warning and hope. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked. 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.63. After spending the day seeking to arrange Daniels release, they returned and reminded the king the law Daniel had broken was a law of the Medes and the Persians and thus irrevocable. His job description was to carry God's messages "over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to . There are many times when God allows His saints to suffer persecution and death, to deliver them through death, rather than from it. Correctly, two Christian authors have compared Daniels experience in the lions den to the critics attack on the Book of Daniel itself. Daniel (biblical figure) Petitions could not be delayed. At first, Nebuchadnezzar's success against Jerusalem left even the godliest person wondering whether Yahweh, the covenant Lord of Israel, had suffered a defeat. Thus, he could as easily be a loyal supporter of Darius as he had been of Nebuchadnezzar. These cookies do not store any personal information. This group of twelve books are all relatively short (compared to the three big books of the Major Prophets). In this covenant, God promised Abraham a land, a seed, and a blessing.