“He changes the times and seasons;
Daniel 2:21 CSB
He removes kings and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those
who have understanding.”
Theme of Daniel
The dream of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2 illustrates the primary theme of this book—the power and dominion of God over human affairs. The God of Israel has authority over all nations. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding (2:20–22).
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Sections of Daniel
Chapters 2-7
In chapters 2–7, the language switches from Hebrew to Aramaic, since this portion of the book outlines God’s sovereign plan for the Gentiles. The visions and interpretations in this section reveal how God will raise up and overthrow four Gentile empires, after which He will establish an everlasting kingdom.
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Daniel 6
Historical Setting of Daniel 6
After his long reign over Babylon (605–562 BC), Nebuchadnezzar was succeeded by three kings with brief reigns, and then by his son-in-law Nabonidus (556–539 BC). Because he was constantly fighting the Medes and Persians, Nabonidus arranged a coregency with his son Belshazzar (553–539 BC). In his last feast, Belshazzar defied the God of Israel by using gold vessels from the former temple in Jerusalem. When a hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall, the terrified king sought an interpreter, and Daniel was summoned out of obscurity. The prophet rebuked the king for his pride and predicted the overthrow of Babylon in his interpretation of the writing. That night the Persians diverted the water of the Euphrates, went under the gates, and took over the city.
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Chapters 8-12
In chapters 8–12, the language switches from Aramaic back to Hebrew, since this section overviews God’s prophetic plan for Israel. These chapters describe Israel under the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires and detail the coming kings of Persia and Greece as well as the wars between the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria, and the persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century BC. The people of God will be delivered from tribulation and raised from the dead (chapter 12).
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Daniel 9
Chapter 9 records the third of Daniel’s four visions. After his prayer of confession on behalf of his people, God’s faithful servant was given the revelation of the 70 weeks which gives the chronology of God’s plan for the redemption and deliverance of His people and predicts the time of Messiah’s atoning death.
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/