Angels, Dreams, and Visions

O. T. 1965  "Angels, Dreams, and Visions"

June 17, 2021

Introduction to Daniel

LET IT GLOW

 I figure we are still in need of some encouraging words as we step into the book of Daniel, another prophesy book. So, we are still looking at Psalm 91 to spur us on today. (Encourage means to spur on.)

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (verse 11)

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under foot. (verses 12-13)

Did you recognize verses 11 and 12 as those quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness? (Matt. 4:6) The Lord responded with Deut. 6:16-Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God...                  

 If the Father had commanded Jesus to jump from the temple pinnacle, then the angels would have cared for Jesus, but to jump without the Father's command would have been presumption, not faith, and that would be tempting the Father. (Wiersbe)

I hope we do not give our guardian angels a hard time in protecting us from harm. Isn't it comforting to know God is watching over us?

LET IT GROW

Here we are, stepping into another deep book of the Bible to study. We are blessed to have godly men who spent time writing commentaries and lead the way through another book of prophesy.

Background

This book begins in 605 BC when Babylon conquered Jerusalem and exiled Daniel, his 3 friends, and others. It continues through the conquering of Babylon by the Medo-Persians and beyond that. It was because of idolatry of the Jews that God brought judgment upon His people. (Through the warnings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel they did not repent and turn back to only worshiping God.)

Daniel's background is alluded to in part by Jeremiah, who names 3 of the 5 last kings in Judah before the captivity-Josiah, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiachin. Ezekiel mentions Daniel as a righteous and wise man. Daniel was among one of the first groups of deportees, and Ezekiel followed. Earlier, Israel, who was the northern kingdom, had fallen to Assyria in 722 BC.

The Author

Daniel's name means God is my judge. He was probably a teenager upon his exile and lived out the rest of his life in a foreign land, living at least to the age of 85. He quickly rose to the role of statesman by royal appointment and served as a confidante of kings, as well as a prophet in two world empires. Christ confirmed Daniel as the author of this book in Matthew 24:15.

Themes

Nine of the twelve chapters relate to revelation through dreams and visions. Daniel declares God's present and future plans. He was God's mouthpiece to the Gentile and Jewish worlds. This book was written in Aramaic and was one found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

We read of the sovereign rule of God as He allowed Gentiles to dominate Israel. The main theme is the Messiah's future coming to rule the world in glory over all people. Also, we read of miracles God does for His faithful people (while in a lion's den and fiery furnace, hand writing on the wall).

Daniel recounts and interprets dreams through his God-given ability, which God uses to reveal His will. The main challenges involve passages about future tribulation and kingdom promises. The second coming of Christ will bring a new Temple, kingdom, and hearts.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Let's be like Daniel, instead of giving in or giving up, hold fast to our faith in our God. Despite our circumstances, God is sovereignly in control and working out His plans for us and for nations. 

 

LET IT GO

I see You in everything, all day. No matter where I go, I know Your love is finding me.

I'm going to sing, in the middle of the storm. Death is defeated, the King is alive.

Go meet the challenges of this day and stay close to God.