The book of Daniel

Daniel 1

1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19And the king communed w1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

Daniel 1:2 (KJV)

2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Daniel 1:3 (KJV)

3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;

Daniel 1:4 (KJV)

4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:5 (KJV)

5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Daniel 1:6 (KJV)

6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Daniel 1:7 (KJV)

7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

 

Daniel 1:8 (KJV)

8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:9 (KJV)

9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel 1:10 (KJV)

10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

Daniel 1:11 (KJV)

11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:12 (KJV)

12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Daniel 1:13 (KJV)

13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

Daniel 1:14 (KJV)

14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel 1:15 (KJV)

15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

Daniel 1:16 (KJV)

16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

 

Daniel 1:17 (KJV)

17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 1:18 (KJV)

18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 1:19 (KJV)

19And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

Daniel 1:2 (KJV)

2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Daniel 1:3 (KJV)

3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;

Daniel 1:4 (KJV)

4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:5 (KJV)

5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Daniel 1:6 (KJV)

6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Daniel 1:7 (KJV)

7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

 

Daniel 1:8 (KJV)

8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:9 (KJV)

9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel 1:10 (KJV)

10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

Daniel 1:11 (KJV)

11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:12 (KJV)

12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Daniel 1:13 (KJV)

13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

Daniel 1:14 (KJV)

14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel 1:15 (KJV)

15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

Daniel 1:16 (KJV)

16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

 

Daniel 1:17 (KJV)

17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 1:18 (KJV)

18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 1:19 (KJV)

Daniel 12: 1  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which 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.

 

Introduction

 

Daniel chapter 12 concludes the vision began back in Chapter 10. This chapter is a kind of appendix to the book of Daniel.

 

1. Great Tribulation

 

Michael is the angel protector of Israel. There will come a time of trouble, one like the world has never seen. Think how the Jews have suffered down through the years at the hands of evil men. Such suffering at the hands of the Jewish Holocaust in WW II. This time of Daniel 12:1 will be much greater that anything the world have ever witnessed. But, the devil will not win, a remnant will survive, the Lord and Michael will see to that.

 

 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 be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

 

2. The Tomb

 

            A. Resurrection

 

All who have died will one day be resurrected. God has a program for resurrection. It is found in I Cor 15:20-26. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

 

Christ is the firstfruits, meaning He is the first to be resurrected from the dead. Resurrected meaning raised to life again and death no longer has a hold. Then the scripture teaches that “every man after his own order”. Meaning there will be divisions of resurrection. John 5:28,29 & Acts 24:15 both teach us there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust  I believe the order of resurrection will be as follows:

 

            Resurrection of the just (First resurrection)

            1- Christ the Firstfruits-     I Cor 15:20

            2- Church                           I Thes 4:16 “the dead in Christ” at the Rapture

            3- Old Testament Saints    Ps 50:4-6 Dan 12:2 After the tribulation before the millennium

            4-Tribulation Saints           Rev 20:5,6    After the tribulation before the millennium

 

            Resurrection of the unjust (second resurrection)

            1- Wicked dead                  Rev 20:11-15 After the millennium at the Great White Throne

 

The “dead in Christ”, the church will be raised at the rapture. After the rapture there will be a 7 year tribulation, during which many will be killed for faith in Christ. At the conclusion of the tribulation the Old Testament Saints will be raised and the Tribulation Saints will be raised. Then the Lord Jesus will set up His 1000 year Millennial Reign. At the conclusion of this reign the next phase of resurrection will be the wicked dead. They will be raised and judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.

 

            B. Reward

 

God will judge each believer and will give reward to those that deserve reward. During the Tribulation, that Daniel has been shown, there will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Rev 7:3-8). These evangelists spread the gospel and reap an enormous harvest of believers. Surely they will be given a due reward for their service to God and fellow man.

 

 

  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 this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.  6  And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon 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, which was upon 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 an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

 

 

3. Times

 

            A. The Sealed Book

 

Daniel was told to shut up the words and seal the book. God had revealed to Daniel, all that He was going to. The phrase “many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased” is very significant. It could mean that the methods of transportation and technological advances would reach epic proportions at the end days. Surely we have noticed all the advancements that have been brought about in travel and technology in the last century. But, I wonder if it does not mean that the apostasy of the last days is so great (Read Jer 5:1) and psychiatric care so prevalent (Amos 8:12) that men will seek scripture by studying prophecy and God will then provide what understanding He deems necessary.

 

            B. The Spirit Beings

 

Daniel sees 2 angels and beside them, one clothed in linen, whom I believe is the Lord, communicating. One angel is on this side of the river, while the other angel is on that side of the river. The Lord was upon the waters of the river and was asked by one of the angels, “How long shall it be.....?” The Lord held up both hands to heaven and responded “time, times and an half” meaning 3 ½ years. The tribulation will last for 7 years, but the Great Tribulation will be the last half of those years or 3 ½ years.

 

After the rapture, the antichrist comes on the scene and signs a 7 year peace treaty with Israel. (This will begin the 70th week of Daniel 9). Halfway through the period the antichrist will tear up the treaty, seize the temple, desecrate the temple with the abomination of desolation and the next 3 ½ years that will fo1low are known as the great Tribulation.

 

The Jews thought that the antichrist was their protector, but he will turn against them. He has played the Jews as fools. The antichrist will now seek to kill and destroy anyone who opposes his rule.

 

 

 8  And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?  9  And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  10  Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.  11  And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand 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 stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

 

 

4. Truth

 

            A. Request

 

Daniel did not understand the communication between the angels and the Lord. Daniel asked for enlightenment, but none was given.  God thought it unnecessary for Daniel to know or write more than what we are given right here in this book.

 

            B. Reply

 

Daniel is told not to ask any more questions. The words are sealed up. God has sealed it. My friend, I realize that modern day liberals and theologians criticize and scoff at this book, but God has sealed it and everything written here will be fulfilled just as God has said.

 

God tells Daniel that during this period there will be many who will believe and be wise, yet there will be others who are wicked and will not believe.

 

Now in Verse 11 and 12, we find an unexplained period of time. We know that the last half of the tribulation will be 3 ½ years or 1260 days, but verse 11 speaks of 1290 days. 30 days more are given and I find no explanation, nor shall I render a guess. Verse 12 speaks of 1335 days or 75 days more that 3 ½ years. Again I know not why. (Some have written that Antiochus Epiphanes was defeated by Judas Maccabeus in 1290 days and then from that time to Antiochus Epiphanes death was a period of 1335 days.  Maybe this is helpful to you, but not to me.) (Some have written that maybe the extra time is to clean up all of the bodies of those destroyed at the Battle of Armageddon and/or time is given for Jesus to judge the nations. Again I do not know and all that I can conclude is that others are guessing, they don’t know either. It is okay just to say, I don’t know but I believe it as He has written it!).

 

            C. Rest

 

Daniel is told that his days are drawing to a close. Daniel would die and not see the virtual fulfillment of all that he was shown. The phrase “stand in thy lot” means that although he will not personally see the fulfillment of his vision, he would stand in the resurrection and he will get his due reward. The phrase “at the end of the days” means that Daniel will enter the kingdom of Christ at the end.

My friend I hope you are ready to meet Jesus. All of these events will unfold, just as the Lord has said. The only thing that will matter is what did you do with the message that Jesus loves you and died for your sins? Did you receive Him ? Is He your Savior ?

 

            Oh friend, if you are not saved, be saved today. Call on him today (Romans 10:13,6,7)

 

 

                        I am thankful you gave me an opportunity to share the Word of God with you, my friend

                        Darrin

                        Pastor Darrin Waldroup