Chapter 3 The Special features of Prophecy of Daniel

Chapter 3 

The special features of the Prophecy of Daniel

9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.(Daniel.12:9,10)

1. Contents 

    

       The book contains several topics beginning from the creation of man till the end times. We can find revelations in the book about the history of the world like the rise and fall of the Babylonian empire, the rise of Medo-Persian empire, the Greek empire, the Roman empire, the governments of the end times, the rule of the Anti-Christ (the Great Tribulation), etc. There are prophecies on the future of Israel, atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, resurrection of the saints, judgment and eternal kingdom of Christ.

2.Similarities with the Book of Revelation

    The Book of Daniel is the 27th book of the Old Testament, and the Book of Revelations is the 27th book of the New Testament. The writer of the Old Testament book is "the most beloved man, Daniel" and the writer of the New Testament book is "the most beloved disciple, John." Both the books contain prophecies about the future. The visions and messages were given by God to Daniel are from records in a book kept permanently in heaven permanently in heaven called Jehovah's Book.

9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.(Daniel.12:9,10)

It may be seen from these passages that Daniel's book is closed and sealed till the end times and be understood only by wise men who cleanse themselves and search diligently and not by any wicked men. Compare the above verses with Revelation 22:10,11)

10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” (Rev.22:10,11)

John is instructed not to seal the prophecies of the book. The beginning of the 'end times' is from the Day of Pentecost when the Church was established. So we can conclude Daniel's prophecies are now open as they are no more sealed. The Book of Revelation may be considered as an explanation and fulfillment of the prophecies of Daniel. The closing chapters of both the books have verses giving an indication of their special nature.

3. God's attributes as Almighty God 

The Daniel's prophecy points to the attributes of an Almighty God through various events. Each of the chapters from 1 to 6 reveals one special attribute of God and remaining chapters reveal God as righteous Judge.

       

               1. God, the protector of His People (ch 1): The young Jewish men Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were compelled to eat the food and drink the wine of the king's palace when they were being trained in Chaldean arts. They refused to do so as it was against the law of God and kept their separation and holiness. They decided to take only water and vegetables for their food. When the young men were tested after 10 days, they were found to more healthy, beautiful, wise and clever. If we keep out holiness as God's people, God will protect us and grant us health, wisdom, and knowledge.

               2. God who reveals secrets (ch 2):  Nebuchadnezzar saw a dream and the Chaldean wise men were not able to tell the dream and its meaning. The king ordered all the wise men in the land to be killed. At this crisis, Daniel and friends spent all night in prayer and God revealed to Daniel the king's dream and its meaning. God gave Daniel visions on several occasions later on the revealed to him great mysteries. If we live a spirit-filled life, we can also experience God who reveals secrets.

              3. God who saves from calamities (ch 3): We read in this chapter the story of Hananiah (Shadrack), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed-Nego) who were thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down in front of the golden idol. But God Himself descended into the fire and saved them. They were not hurt in any way. Nebuchadnezzar and all Babylon came to know God who will save His people from calamities.

              4. God how humbles the proud (ch 4): Nebuchadnezzar boasted in his riches and power. God removed him from his throne and made him eat grass along with animals in the jungle.

             5. God, the righteous judge (ch 5): The wicked life of the proud, drunken, idol worshiping Belshazzar came to a sudden, unexpected end. The Medo-Persian king took control of the Babylonian empire. 

  

             6. God Almighty (ch 6): Almighty God saved Daniel from the den of lions and his enemies were brought to shame. King Darius understood that God can close the mouth of lions and bring about signs and wonders on the earth and heaven.

4. God the ultimate Judge: 

     The word 'Daniel' means 'God is my judge.' Events described in all the chapters of the book reveal the truth that God judges people. Hence, the title 'Daniel' is most appropriate for the book.

  The first chapter describes how the judgment of God came upon His own people, Jews. As we have already studied, they were attacked three times. The nation and the city of Jerusalem were destroyed. The punishment was sent to them after clear warnings through prophets. The kings of Judah were individually punished and all the people were taken captives to Babylon. Thus began the period of the Gentiles.

The judgment that is coming to world powers is revealed through the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in the second chapter. 

The third chapter describes the judgment that came on the tormentors of the godly young men, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

The judgment on the proud Nebuchadnezzar is given in the fourth chapter. His dreams of a great tree and according to its interpretation he became a mad man and is banished to the forest. 

The fifth chapter has details of the punishment of the wicked, immoral and drunken Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon. God judges the sinner.

God fearing and blameless Daniel gets protection from God from the fury of lions, but his enemies and their families are fed to lions. The sixth chapter describes how Daniel got favor from the king as a result of these events.

Remaining chapters from seven onwards reveal God as the righteous Judge and the King of kings of the whole world.