The Book of Daniel divides
into two parts. The first gives an historical run down of the events of the
time. The second part is given to prophecy and apocalyptic visions. We must not
let that long word throw us because it contains a really simple idea. The word
means unveiling.
So, at a time when
wickedness seemed supreme in the world and evil powers were dominant, a vision
was given. It was intended to show the real situation behind that which was
apparent to the human eye and it revealed the eventual victory of righteousness
upon the earth.
When a woman is wearing a
heavy veil, you are not sure what she really looks like. When the veil is
removed the truth is evident. Apocalyptic writing uses many figures and
symbols. God used this means to convey His truth to His people.
Daniel is a book of kings
and kingdoms. The four world empires are understood to have been Babylon,
Persia, Greece, and Rome. From the days of Daniel to the coming of Christ, the
world was ruled by these four empires, exactly as Daniel predicted, or=‑course.
Through it all we must not
lose sight of the great purposes of God. Let us remember that for a thousand
years God had been nurturing the Hebrew nation for the purpose of establishing
through that nation (living in a world of idol worshippers) the idea that the
Lord, He is God. Now they had been destroyed by a nation that worshipped idols.
Therefore it was plain to see that the idols of Babylon were more powerful than
the God of the Jews.
It was a crisis in God's
struggle with idolatry. If ever there was a time to do something dramatic to
show the power of God, it was now. Therefore mighty miracles took place during
this time. The miracle of the fiery furnace is an example. God put it in the
hearts of these men to be faithful and true. He then went with them into the
fire, not only to confirm their faith, but to demonstrate to all the assembled
dignitaries of the far‑flung empire the power of God over the idols of
Babylon.
It had a profound effect
upon the king. The miracle of Daniel in the lion's den had the same results.
Therefore, these incidents and others were not only personal tests in the lives
of his men but also the means whereby God would accomplish His objectives of
curing His people once and for all of idolatry.
And God accomplished His
purpose.
Daniel added an important
prophecy to the coming of Christ. Other scriptures tell us that He would come
of the line of David, be born of a virgin, and that Bethlehem would be the
place of his birth. And now Daniel announces the important fact of the time. At
the expiration of 69 sevens, dating from the building of the wall of Jerusalem,
the birth and death of Jesus Christ will occur. And this prophecy was fulfilled
to the letter.
It is interesting to note
that Daniel and his companions were tested at the outset as to their
faithfulness to God. Would they eat that which God had forbidden? I'm sure the
pressure of the royal command and the pressure of the rest of their companions
must have been great. But they withstood the test.
God honored their dedication
and faith. What an example to you and me to be faithful to His Word.
© Copyright
2002, LeRoy Eims