The book of Daniel opens in a scene of military conquest, as Nebuchadnezzar invades Jerusalem and carries off to Babylon both treasures and captives. (see 2 Kings 42:1-4) Among the captives taken away was a young teenager … Daniel, who was probably around 15 years old at the time.
From the very opening verses of Daniel a theme emerges, which then traces its way throughout the book: Integrity.
Integrity! Honesty! Standing firm for God’s truth!
Daniel lived in Babylon throughout the duration of the 70-year captivity (Daniel 1:21; Daniel 9:2), serving in the highest offices of government under the reigns of 4 different monarchs: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.
The book of Daniel is important because it gives us a glimpse into the events which transpired in Babylon during the captivity. Many books of the Bible warned and foretold of the captivity. Several books of the Bible looked back on the captivity. But the book of Daniel gives us an “inside look” at what actually took place in Babylon during those 70 years.
* What was life like for the Jews who had been carried away? The book of Daniel gives us insight.
* What was the political and religious climate like for those who had been carried away? The book of Daniel gives us insight.
* Were all of the Jewish exiles stubborn and rebellious towards to God? No! The book of Daniel reveals that there were indeed those among the exiles who were wholly faithful to God!
* Was God with His people in their captivity? Yes! Both the book of Daniel, as well as the book of Ezekiel, reveal that God was very much with His people during their captivity! God was still speaking! God was still seeking repentance and restoration!
Daniel lived to see the end of the captivity and the decree issued by Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to their homeland. (see 2 Chronicles 36:21-22; Isaiah 45:13) However, by then Daniel was well-advanced in years and not able to return with the exiles back to his beloved homeland of Israel.
One of the key significant prophecies within the book of Daniel is found in Daniel 2:31-35: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue, which represents the different kingdoms of the earth. In the dream, a rock not cut by human hands struck the statue on its feet and smashed it. Then the entire statue was broken apart into small pieces and blown away on the wind.
In our background photo today, we can see piles of crushed gravel in the far distance beyond the gate. The crushed gravel could represent the crushed & scattered pieces of the statue (which were the great kingdoms of the earth).
Also in our background photo, you will notice cement trucks. Cement is a rock-like substance which creates a solid foundation for construction/building. In the dream, a rock smashed and obliterated the statue, then the rock grew until it filled the whole earth. The rock is a picture of Jesus Christ who will one day do away with the human kingdoms of the earth and will establish/build His eternal Kingdom.
Our background photo with the cement for building can represent Jesus, the rock, who will one day build His eternal glorious Kingdom! “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18
Jesus Christ in Daniel.
– Jesus is the rock which will smash the kingdoms of the world. (Daniel 2:34,44)
– Jesus appeared in person as the 4th man in the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:25)
– Jesus is seen in Daniel 7:13-14 – “There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. 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.” (see also Luke 1:31-34; Revelation 19:11-16)
– Jesus is the Anointed One, the ruler, who would come 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. (Daniel 9:25; This happened – John 12:12-16)
– Jesus is the Anointed One, who would be killed. (Daniel 9:26; This happened – Matthew 27:35)
– Jesus can be seen, pictured in the life of Daniel. Daniel’s life was characterized by integrity, honesty, and truth! So also, Jesus’s life was one of complete integrity, honesty, and truth! (John 14:6)
