Chapter Analysis - The Book of Daniel

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Foreword: There are some facts that one might find interesting before tackling the book of Daniel. Daniel's name means: God is my judge. Daniel is the apocalyptic book of the Old Testament, just as the Revelation is the apocalyptic book of the New Testament. The central theme to Daniel is that God is sovereign over human government. Background: the Babylonian captivity in which Daniel lived was inflicted upon Israel because of their disobedience to God. God's command to the Israelites was to let the land rest on the Sabath year, or every 7th year. During this year, they were not to plant the fields, but were to live off of the harvest of the previous year - a year in which God promised to give them enough bounty to store for the following year. Exodus 23:10-11 ASV And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the increase thereof: (11) but the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie fallow; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beast of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. Israel neglected to do this for 490 years, so God gave the land rest for 70 years - the span of the Babylonian captivity. Daniel was probably in his early twenties at the onset of this captivity. He was a man of God from the beginning. He talked to angels. The scriptures do not once speak of a sin that Danel committed, although we know he was a sinner - as Christ himself was the only sinless man to walk this earth. For other than Jesus, no other bible character escapes the pages of scripture with as clean a track-record as Daniel.

Scripture	Commentary
Chapter 1	Chapter 1
Chapter 2	Chapter 2
Chapter 3	Chapter 3
Chapter 4	Chapter 4
Chapter 5	Chapter 5
Chapter 6	Chapter 6
Chapter 7	Chapter 7
Chapter 8	Chapter 8
Chapter 9	Chapter 9
Chapter 10	Chapter 10
Chapter 11	Chapter 11
Chapter 12	Chapter 12

 

Chapter 1

Daniel 1:1-21 ASV In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. (2) And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god.

(3) And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in certain of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; (4) youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (5) And the king appointed for them a daily portion of the king's dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at the end thereof they should stand before the king.

(6) Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (7) And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.

(8) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (9) Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. (10) And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king.

(11) Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: (12) Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. (13) Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king's dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. (14) So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

(15) And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king's dainties. (16) So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

(17) Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

(18) And at the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. (19) And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. (20) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm.

(21) And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

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Chapter 1 Commentary

(v.1-5) We immediately get some insight to the character of Nebuchadnezzar. He is a very mystical person, as one minute he shows true brilliance, while the next he displays complete and utter stupidity - not that any of us would appear any different to a great and mighty God. Nebuchadnezzar's first move was to remove many of the articles from the Israelite temple and place them in the temple of his god in Babylon. No doubt this had a depressing and demoralizing effect upon the captives. The next thing was also a stroke of genius - he had the brain-trust of the captive nation removed and brought to the king's palace. Knowledge is indeed power, and Nebuchadnezzar knew this. The nation with the brightest minds is often the most powerful nation in the world. These men were to be trained for three years before entering directly into the king's service, a job that carried prestige and would be certain to 'capture' the loyalty of these newly acquired minds.

(v.6-20) Among the captives brought to the king's palace were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These men were soon given Chaldean names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respectively. Strange how we know Daniel by his Hebrew name, and his three close friends by their pagan names. Daniel most-likely preferred to be called by his Hebrew name amongst his friends. During these opening days of residence in the palace, a chief official was instructed to treat these new 'wise men' very well, fattening them with the royal food and wine of the king. In verse six, we see that Daniel was clearly resolved not to be 'shaped' by anything or anyone other than God himself. God, in his grace, saw fit to show favor to Daniel in the eyes of this chief official, allowing him a channel of reasoning. This official was afraid for his life, however, because he assumed the Hebrew men would seem less healthy to the king, who would then inquire as to their appearance. One did not dare defy the kings command. Daniel was able to reason, however, and made a deal with the official that vegetables and water would suffice for the Hebrews. Truly, it did suffice, as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah looked healthier and better nourished at the end of a 10-day period than any of the men who had eaten the royal food.

At the end of the 3-year period, the king interviewed these men and found none equal to them. In fact, he found them 10 times better than any of the magicians and enchanters in the entirety of his kingdom.

We notice the favor of God upon these young men. But, we also see that these were not typical of the Israelites that were taken captive. These men followed God with all their hearts. Because of this, God not only saw them through the calamity of their time, but he blessed them intensely. This is a lesson we should learn when it comes to handling adversity that comes our way.

(v.21) An aside, this verse gives us the span of Daniel's stay, for he was a captive all his life. He did continue to have the favor of God, and of 'almost' all the kings in power during this time. King Cyrus was of Persia, so Daniel witnessed the whole of the Babylonian captivity.

Chapter 3

Daniel 3:1-30 ASV Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. (2) Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. (3) Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

(4) Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, (5) that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up; (6) and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

(7) Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

(8) Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. (9) They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever. (10) Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image; (11) and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. (12) There are certain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

(13) Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. (14) Nebuchadnezzar answered and said unto them, Is it of purpose, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, that ye serve not my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? (15) Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?

(16) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter. (17) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. (18) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

(19) Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated. (20) And he commanded certain mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. (21) Then these men were bound in their hosen, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. (22) Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. (23) And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

(24) Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spake and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. (25) He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.

(26) Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spake and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came forth out of the midst of the fire. (27) And the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their hosen changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.

(28) Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. (29) Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god that is able to deliver after this sort.

(30) Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the province of Babylon.

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Chapter 3 Commentary

(v.1) The statue that Nebuchadnezzar set up is very interesting in dimension. 6 Cubits wide, 60 cubits high. Notice the 6's? The number of man seems to be all over this project. Even as the Revelation speaks of the mark of the beast, 666, in chapters 13 and 18. Nebuchadnezzar set the statue up in the plain of Dura - out away from the majestic structures already within his kingdom. What better way to make it appear all the greater!

(v.2-6) All of the 'higher-ups' were invited to the dedication of the king's statue. No doubt, most of these had been to similar functions, for the king had indeed created many wonderous things, ie. the hanging gardens. However, it is written in such a way as to suggest that perhaps these people had no idea the dedication was going to take a 'religious' turn - for the worst. As the herald proclaimed, at the sound of the music all must bow down and worship the image upon pain of death - being burnt alive in a fiery furnace.

Here we see a prophetic parallel, or foreshadowing, of events to come. In the Revelation we read that the false prophet will erect a similar image of the antichrist and will force all to bow down before it. To refuse will be to lose your head (Revelation 20:4).

Why would Nebuchadnezzar do such a thing? Well, if we look at the physics of his kingdom, it makes more sense. Consider, if you will, a ruling king that conquers the United States and Russia (much less all of the known world!). All of a sudden, the king is faced with the problem of 'unifying' his kingdom. There are not many solutions to this, but there is a tried and true one - state religion. If we can force the people to worship the same God, then they have something in common and rebellions are 'fewer'.

(v.8-12) We notice here that the Chaldeans were very quick to frame the Hebrew children. Finally, a charge serious enough to bring before the king - for one cannot levy charges of 'spitting on the sidewalk' against those whom the king has appointed to power. Truly, this was an opportunity the jealous 'underlings' could not pass up, and they did not.

(v.13-15) This hardly seems like the same king of chapter one that told Daniel "Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret. " What happened? We have to speculate a bit here, but we already know that Nebuchadnezzar had an ego. Another point that the scripture does not mention is that Nebuchadnezzar's dream interpretation with Daniel had actually occurred 23 years prior to this (so he'd slept since then). Some big things had happened to the king in 23 years. He had taken Jerusalem again in 598 BC and hauled off many captives and temple artifacts and vessels. Then once again in 587 BC he raged through Jerusalem again, this time destroying the city and burning the temple. A very primitive, and early way of thinking - especially in many eastern countries - is to conclude that your gods are more powerful than the gods of your conquered lands. So, perhaps Daniel's God had gone away... or had died. Who knows what Nebuchadnezzars mindset was exactly, but it prompted him to drop the challenge: "who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?"

(v.19-23) The text here is 'awesome'. Here is a model of how a Christian should approach a demanding world. They bravely said, "we have no need to answer thee in this matter". We dont answer to you, oh king! We answer to the One True God! The Hebrew children truly did have a martyr's spirit in this case, as they fully expected the penalty of death to be passed down upon them. But once again, that power which man thinks he holds upon a believing Christian is certainly filtered through the will of our Father. Enraged, Nebuchadnezzar has some of his prize warriors bind the prisoners, and has the furnace heated 7 times to its normal heat (how did they know?). When going against God, even the routine turns against you. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were bound hand and feet in their full clothing and tossed into the furnace. The heat is so great that it kills the king's prize men, and the Hebrew children fall down harmlessly within the furnace.

(v.24-27) Surely this is a fine example of the sense of humor God must have. For if ever there was a slapstick moment in scripture, this was it! The Hebrew children are walking around the pit with Jesus! Another important observation: they had to be 'summoned' out. This is good, as we learn that they would rather walk around inside a fiery pit with Christ than to be outside with the king!

(v.28-30) So, once again the king is impressed, inspired, and awed by the true God of Israel. He withdraws the decree and the Jews are spared persecution, for the time being, amidst the sea of gentiles... at least persecution unto death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are promoted by.... GOD... although Nebuchadnezzar thought he was in charge of that, too.

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Chapter 4

Daniel 4:1-37 ASV Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.

(2) It hath seemed good unto me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God hath wrought toward me. (3) How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

(4) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. (5) I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. (6) Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. (7) Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. (8) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying,

(9) O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. (10) Thus were the visions of my head upon my bed: I saw, and, behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and the height thereof was great. (11) The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth. (12) The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the heavens dwelt in the branches thereof, and all flesh was fed from it.

(13) I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven. (14) He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches. (15) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven: and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: (16) let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

(17) The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men.

(18) This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

(19) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken dumb for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries. (20) The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; (21) whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the birds of the heavens had their habitation: (22) it is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong; for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

(23) And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven: and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

(24) this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king: (25) that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. (26) And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. (27) Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

(28) All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. (29) At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. (30) The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?

(31) While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from thee: (32) and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

(33) The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair was grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

(34) And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. (35) And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

(36) At the same time mine understanding returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added unto me. (37) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

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Chapter 4 Commentary

(v. 1-3) This chapter is actually a Babylonian State Document, issued by the king in 562 BC, hence the opening statement: Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth. However, "peace be multiplied unto you" is a Christian salutation that indeed, sounds like the apostle Paul! What a contrast to the king of the last chapters! A changed man issued this decree, as evidenced in verses 2 and 3. Nebuchadnezzar's greatest struggle in life was that of pride - like so many Christians. In his case, however, it was preventing him from truly coming to know the true Lord of Lords.

(v.4-5) Have you ever had a dream that bothered you? Nebuchadnezzar did, and we soon find out 'why' it bothered him so much.

(v.6-9) Here again, we're seeing the problem. Nebuchadnezzar is hard-headed. He had dealt with this dream business before, and yet on the outset he immediately summons his Chaldean magicians and seers to see if they can provide an interpretation. Naturally, they cannot do it to his satisfaction (even without the requirement of having to provide the dream to him, this time) and he summons Daniel. Or, perhaps hearing of the king's plight, Daniel summons himself!

(v.10-14) During Nebuchadnezzar's description of the dream we see him mention a 'watcher' or Holy One. Most likely, this is indeed an angel - and Nebuchadnezzar recognized it as such. To this point, perhaps the king's rest had not been overly troubled.

(v.15-16) From the latter half of verse 15, there is a marked difference in pronouns used: and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: (16) let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. There can be no doubt that 'this' was the troubling aspect of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He was led in his spirit that it had 'something' to do with himself, personally, but he had no idea what.

(v.17) The sentence is by the decree of the watchers Wow! What a revealing statement here. It's almost as if a court of angels were in charge of the 'dealings' of this kingdom, which is in total agreement to other instances in scripture that hint to such. Later in this book we see: and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. (21) But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince. This is Gabriel speaking to Daniel. Truly, it would seem that every major power on earth has an equivalent spiritual 'leadership', be it angelic or demonic.

(v.18) Nebuchadnezzar, knowing that his own wise men could not at this point interpret his dream, looked upon Daniel as the 'revealer of dreams'. Was his faith at this point genuine? In Daniel or in God?

(v.19) This is a great verse that alludes to much. First, Daniel knew what the dream meant, but he did not want to reveal the interpretation. This was not because he was afraid for his life, in my opinion, but because he had come to love the king. The king treated Daniel kindly in his court. This conclusion also seems accurate because of the way the king speaks to Daniel here: 'dont worry, Daniel, if the interpretation is bad - I wont be mad at you'. And Daniel says 'I wish this dream was about your enemies!' It seems a great deal of mutual respect was held between these two men.

(v.20-23) The tree, oh king, is you. No doubt the king's brow furrowed at this.

(v.24) The 'decree of the Most High' shows us that once again, the state of the union is handled by God.

(v.25-26) The bad news is that you, oh king, will lose your kingdom until you admit that it is God, and only God that puts men in power. Men do not rule by their own might.

(v.27) Here Daniel pleads with the king to change his 'views' and become righteous, which certainly he did not have to do. As written, it adds to the belief that Daniel cared for his king.

(v.28-33) We see a grace period of 1 year is given to the king. Perhaps he took Daniel's pleadings to heart, at least for a time. But for whatever reason, by the time a year had passed, he had forgotten the warning. For seven years, the king became totally insane - or as a beast - until he was restored. Larkin points out the prophetical significance of this, as in the last days, once the church has been raptured away, mankind will live 7 years as beasts (and with the Beast) until all is restored at its conclusion. The insanity will end.

(v.34-36) Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his kingdom. He was 'sought unto' by his lords and counsellors. The final verse is the ending of his 'state document': Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

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Chapter 5

Daniel 5:1-31 ASV Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. (2) Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink therefrom. (3) Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them. (4) They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

(5) In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. (6) Then the king's countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

(7) The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

(8) Then came in all the king's wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation. (9) Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

(10) Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spake and said, O king, live forever; let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed. (11) There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; (12) forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

(13) Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, who art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah? (14) I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in thee. (15) And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing. (16) But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

(17) Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

(18) O thou king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty: (19) and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down. (20) But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: (21) and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts', and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that the Most High God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he setteth up over it whomsoever he will.

(22) And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thy heart, though thou knewest all this, (23) but hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou and thy lords, thy wives and thy concubines, have drunk wine from them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified. (24) Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.

(25) And this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. (26) This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end; (27) TEKEL; thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. (28) PERES; thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

(29) Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

(30) In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain. (31) And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

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Chapter 5 Commentary

(v.1-4) 'Belshazzar the king' should probably be translated 'Belshazzar, ruling in the stead of the king', as his 'father' Nabonidus, son of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar at this point was dead. His son, Nabonidus, was on a military expedition as the kingdom was at war. Belshazzar was left in charge of the city. In the Old Testament, the word grandfather was not used, but 'father'. Knowing this prevents some confusion. Belshazzar was 'getting' drunk, and wanting to flaunt the power he (although temporarily) now had, he ordered the holy temple vessels to be brought in for use in his hedonistic feast. All this, as history tells us, happened 'during' the seige of the Meads and Persions in an act of defiance - even while the common citizens within the city were going hungry. Belshazzar considered the city, which was truly mighty, to be impregnable, as the walls were mighty and even the great Euphrates river was barred.

(v.5-6) The handwriting on the wall... or, the hand writing on the wall - scared the king greatly, as to where his knees 'smote one against the other'. This presents a humorous image, considering the brashness of the leader. His countenance 'changed' from arrogance to fear and 'worry'. Perhaps at that point, poisoned wine might have crossed his mind.

(v.7) Once again, the king calls for his wise men, enchanters, and sooth sayers for the answer to the mystery. Great fame and 'position' was offered to the one who could provide the interpretation of the writing. We notice here, too, that the position was to be 'third' in the kingdom, which is because Belshazzar himself was only 'second' in the kingdom.

(v.8-9) We have deja-vu, all over again! The kings seers fail, again.. and are denied the prize. The king's countenance changes 'again', this time from fear and worry to worry and irritation. There is little doubt that the well-being of the enchanters was not guaranteed at this point.

(v.10-12) Now, for whatever reason, the queen had been paying attention during all this time. She knew of Daniel and his reputation as the 'chiefest' of all wise men and enchanters. Like Nebuchadnezzar had said earlier, Daniel had 'the spirit of the holy gods', which meant she respected him but didnt quite yet understand him.

(v.13-16) In a lengthy and formal invitation, Belshazzar explains the situation to Daniel and promises him wealth and position for his interpretation.

(v.17) Daniel does NOT treat Belshazzar with the same concern he felt for King Nebuchadnezzar. Most likely, Daniel could see the unholy usage of the temple artifacts and was very familiar with the spoiled nature of this man. Daniel was not impressed, and told the king he could keep his gifts.

(v.18-21) Daniel recites the story of Nebuchadnezzar, his rise and fall and rise again, and the lesson of the story which is 'God sets up kings and kingdoms as he wills'.

(v.22-24) Daniel then 'scolds' the king... or rebukes him. He brings to the kings attention that he 'knew' all of these things about his grandfather, and still chose to be rebellious to the Lord. The final straw was his unholy and irreverent use of the temple vessels.

(v.25-28) Daniel interprets the writing. That God 'hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end' speaks of perhaps yet another 'court decree, or decision' in which God, in his wrath, makes the final judgement immediately upon the misuse of the temple vessels. The kingdom was 'weighed', and found wanting. It was divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.

(v.29) For an hour, or a very, VERY short time, Daniel was the third highest in the kingdom of Babylon, as Belshazzar kept his promise. It is interesting that he should have done so, for had he 'believed' Daniel, then what is the point of keeping his promise. And yet, if he didnt not believe Daniel, why reward him?

(v.30-31) That night, Cyrus rerouted the mighty Euphrates river and marched under the bronze gates unmolested (just as Isaiah predicted). The city fell quickly and Belshazzar was slain by the sword. As an act of courtesy, governship was given by Cyrus to his uncle, Darius, who ruled for two years.

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Chapter 6

Daniel 6:1-28 ASV It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; (2) and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. (3) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (4) Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. (5) Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

(6) Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. (7) All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. (8) Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (9) Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict.

(10) And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (11) Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (12) Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

(13) Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (14) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him.

(15) Then these men assembled together unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no interdict nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

(16) Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

(17) And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. (18) Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him.

(19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (20) And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

(21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

(23) Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God.

(24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.

(25) Then king Darius wrote unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.

(26) I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, And his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even unto the end. (27) He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

(28) So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

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Chapter 6 Commentary

(v.1-3) At this point, we are finally past the Babylonian empire and settled into the reign of the Meads and Persians. As Babylon fell in 538 B.C. and Darius died in 536 B.C., we have only a short window here for this story to be told.

Persian monarchs commonly delegated their rule to princes or 'presidents', and then to lesser 'satraps' (remember when this was recommended to Moses?). This case was no different as Darius set up three sub-rulers to form a type of congress in order to create the laws of the land - and then many more satraps beneath them. Daniel, no doubt because of his obvious wisdom (he was nearly 90 years old), reputation amongst those who survived the regime change, and also this 'spirit' which God placed upon him which simply gave him favor with those in which he came in contact, became the favorite president of Darius the king. So much was he favored that Darius wished to set him over the entire realm.

(v.4-5) Keep in mind that Daniel was still 'captive', of sorts. He was the outsider. Yet he lived his life with such integrity to God that he was successful in everything and in every situation. This is just the sort of thing that makes people angry, especially people who are 'not' captive and are 'not' foreign but are ambitious and are willing to do anything to achieve fame and success. So now we have the other presidents and satraps who resent Daniel and are frustrated because of his spotless ethic and honesty. Truly, how does one go about setting a moral or political trap for a man who has spotless integrity and honesty? The only thing they could come up with was to use a religious difference, as they knew Daniel was faithful to 'his god'.

(v.6-9) A plot was conceived to trap the king, and to trap Daniel. As we can see, the decree was so generalized that the King did 'not' realize it was written to entrap Daniel, his favorite president. Had any such wording been included so as to single out praying to the 'Hebrew' god, then the king would have realized the plot aimed at Daniel and would have refused to sign it.

(v.10) Here we find Daniel doing what would be very difficult for most Christians to do. He did the will of God first, ignoring possible consequences. Nor did he preceed in secret, but rather in his window facing Jerusalem, as he had always done.

Notice the practice of one of the Bible's most faithful heroes. He knelt and prayed three times a day. Does this not speak volumes? What kind of prayer habits do we hold personally? Are we surprised or discouraged when God does not seem to come through for us like we think He should?

(v.11-13) The trap is sprung. The satraps tell King Darius of Daniel's flagrant disregard for the law.

(v.14-15) Have you ever stepped into a trap? Have you ever been ensnared by the words or manipulation of others? In this verse, we see King Darius in a horrified state. Not only that. He is 'sore displeased'. With whom? With Himself! He knows that he has been tricked! He now recognises the contempt with which the accusers betray Daniel.

Evidently the king was so determined to dig out a way of escape for Daniel that it captured the attention of the satraps, who remind him in verse 15 that there is no changing the king's own edict.

Satan does this to us as well. He lays the trap. We step into it. In our desperation to find a way out, Satan constantly whispers in our ear that 'there is no way out'. What we must remember, and what God is teaching Darius, is that with God anything is possible. Darius is brought to the end of 'his' means.

(v.16) King Darius is forced to throw Daniel into the den of lions. In his heart, he knows it is the death sentence. We see something pure in Darius here, and that is the desire to give hope to Daniel. "Daniel, the God whom you serve will deliver you!" Did Darius really believe this? Perhaps he had an element of hope, but truly he was shaken to his core. He simply did not know.

(v.17) A stone is rolled across the door of the den and a royal signet is placed upon it, effectively 'sealing' Daniel's punishment. We will notice again in the gospels that yet another king will roll a stone across an opening and seal it with his royal signet as well. However, the seal of Ceasar, as placed on Christ's tomb by Pilot, was not to keep Jesus from getting out. It was to keep His followers from getting in. In either case, neither king expected a living person to walk out from behind the stone.

While Daniel faced the jaws of the lions, Jesus faced the jaws of death.

(v.18-22) After the king spends a sleepless night, he rushes to the 'tomb' the next morning and with a 'lamentable' voice he calls out to Daniel. Had the king's concern not have been genuine, he would not have spent a sleepless night, nor would he have called out in a lamentable voice. Daniel answers the king in triumph, knowing he was delivered by the 'God whom he serves continually'.

(v.23) Daniel is brought out of the den. The king is glad! Let us imagine what portion of faith King Darius now holds. Let us imagine the fire in his spirit during this time! Not only had Daniel's god delivered him from certain death, but absolutely 'no manner of hurt' was found upon him.

Once again, once Daniel emerges from the den of lions, he could not be thrown in again, as his penalty was PAID. Jesus, too, emerged from the tomb never again to enter. For he PAID OUR PENALTY!

(v.24) We see the penalty ultimately given the devil's pawns. To these and their families, the end came on earth. The scripture says the lions had them devoured before they 'hit the bottom of the den'. Do wicked actions hurt our families?

(v.25-28) Darius, as Nebuchadnezzar before him, signed a law stating the magnificance and glory of God, and that all men must tremble and respect the God of Daniel. We are not told of the decreed prohibition of worshiping other gods in Persia.

 

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Chapter 7

Daniel 7:1-28 ASV In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.

(2) Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of heaven brake forth upon the great sea. (3) And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

(4) The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon two feet as a man; and a man's heart was given to it.

(5) And, behold, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

(6) After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

(7) After this I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, a fourth beast, terrible and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

(8) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

(9) I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire. (10) A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

(11) I beheld at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake; I beheld even till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. (12) And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

(13) I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (14) And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

(15) As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. (16) I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. (17) These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, that shall arise out of the earth. (18) But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

(19) Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was diverse from all of them, exceeding terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet; (20) and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (22) until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

(23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (24) And as for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings. (25) And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.

(26) But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. (27) And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

(28) Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

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Chapter 7 Commentary

 

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Chapter 8

Daniel 8:1-27 ASV In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me, Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. (2) And I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in Shushan the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai. (3) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. (4) I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; and no beasts could stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and magnified himself. (5) And as I was considering, behold, a he-goat came from the west over the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. (6) And he came to the ram that had the two horns, which I saw standing before the river, and ran upon him in the fury of his power. (7) And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with anger against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him; but he cast him down to the ground, and trampled upon him; and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. (8) And the he-goat magnified himself exceedingly: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four notable horns toward the four winds of heaven. (9) And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land. (10) And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and some of the host and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled upon them. (11) Yea, it magnified itself, even to the prince of the host; and it took away from him the continual burnt-offering, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. (12) And the host was given over to it together with the continual burnt-offering through transgression; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did its pleasure and prospered. (13) Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said unto that certain one who spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the continual burnt-offering, and the transgression that maketh desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? (14) And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. (15) And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. (16) And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. (17) So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was affrighted, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man; for the vision belongeth to the time of the end. (18) Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright. (19) And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it belongeth to the appointed time of the end. (20) The ram which thou sawest, that had the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia. (21) And the rough he-goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. (22) And as for that which was broken, in the place whereof four stood up, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not with his power. (23) And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (24) And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people. (25) And through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and in their security shall he destroy many: he shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (26) And the vision of the evenings and mornings which hath been told is true: but shut thou up the vision; for it belongeth to many days to come. (27) And I, Daniel, fainted, and was sick certain days; then I rose up, and did the king's business: and I wondered at the vision, but none understood it.

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Chapter 8 Commentary

 

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Chapter 9

Daniel 9:1-27 ASV In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans, (2) in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years whereof the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years. (3) And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. (4) And I prayed unto Jehovah my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments, (5) we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from thy precepts and from thine ordinances; (6) neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, that spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. (7) O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. (8) O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. (9) To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him; (10) neither have we obeyed the voice of Jehovah our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. (11) Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even turning aside, that they should not obey thy voice: therefore hath the curse been poured out upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God; for we have sinned against him. (12) And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil; for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. (13) As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet have we not entreated the favor of Jehovah our God, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in thy truth. (14) Therefore hath Jehovah watched over the evil, and brought it upon us; for Jehovah our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth, and we have not obeyed his voice. (15) And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. (16) O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, let thine anger and thy wrath, I pray thee, be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are round about us. (17) Now therefore, O our God, hearken unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. (18) O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies' sake. (19) O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name. (20) And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Jehovah my God for the holy mountain of my God; (21) yea, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. (22) And he instructed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee wisdom and understanding. (23) At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment went forth, and I am come to tell thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision. (24) Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. (25) Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times. (26) And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined. (27) And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate.

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Chapter 9 Commentary

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Chapter 10

Daniel 10:1-21 ASV In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. (2) In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. (3) I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (4) And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, (5) I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: (6) his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. (7) And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. (8) So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. (9) Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. (10) And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. (11) And he said unto me, O Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. (12) Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words' sake. (13) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (14) Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days: (15) and when he had spoken unto me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was dumb. (16) And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength. (17) For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me. (18) Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. (19) And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (20) Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. (21) But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.

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Chapter 10 Commentary

 

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Chapter 11

Daniel 11:1-45 ASV And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. (2) And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when he is waxed strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. (3) And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. (4) And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion wherewith he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these. (5) And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. (6) And at the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the strength of her arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in those times. (7) But out of a shoot from her roots shall one stand up in his place, who shall come unto the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail. (8) And also their gods, with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, shall he carry captive into Egypt; and he shall refrain some years from the king of the north. (9) And he shall come into the realm of the king of the south, but he shall return into his own land. (10) And his sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress. (11) And the king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand. (12) And the multitude shall be lifted up, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail. (13) And the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance. (14) And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among thy people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall. (15) So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand. (16) But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land, and in his hand shall be destruction. (17) And he shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and with him equitable conditions; and he shall perform them: and he shall give him the daughter of women, to corrupt her; but she shall not stand, neither be for him. (18) After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yea, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn upon him. (19) Then he shall turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found. (20) Then shall stand up in his place one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory of the kingdom; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. (21) And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (22) And the overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. (23) And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people. (24) In time of security shall he come even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yea, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time. (25) And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him. (26) Yea, they that eat of his dainties shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow; and many shall fall down slain. (27) And as for both these kings, their hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table: but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. (28) Then shall he return into his land with great substance; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do his pleasure, and return to his own land. (29) At the time appointed he shall return, and come into the south; but it shall not be in the latter time as it was in the former. (30) For ships of Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall do his pleasure: he shall even return, and have regard unto them that forsake the holy covenant. (31) And forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt-offering, and they shall set up the abomination that maketh desolate. (32) And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people that know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (33) And they that are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days. (34) Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves unto them with flatteries. (35) And some of them that are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed. (36) And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done. (37) Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all. (38) But in his place shall he honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. (39) And he shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god: whosoever acknowledgeth him he will increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for a price. (40) And at the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through. (41) He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. (42) He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (43) But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. (44) But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many. (45) And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

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Chapter 11 Commentary

 

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Chapter 12

Daniel 12:1-13 ASV And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (3) And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (4) But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (5) Then I, Daniel, looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side. (6) And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? (7) And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (8) And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things? (9) And he said, Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end. (10) Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand. (11) And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand and two hundred and ninety days. (12) Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (13) But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and shalt stand in thy lot, at the end of the days.

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Chapter 12 Commentary

 

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