In the Book of Daniel, we see the remarkable journey of a young man who, through God's sovereignty, rises from a position of obscurity to great influence in Babylon. At the end of Daniel 1, God grants Daniel wisdom, influence, and health due to his faithful decision to remain undefiled by Babylonian culture and food. Yet, in the transition to chapter 2, these gifts are immediately threatened or disregarded as Daniel, still a young man of 18 or 19, holds little sway among the seasoned advisors of King Nebuchadnezzar, referred to as magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers. When Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream, Daniel is not even consulted initially and remains unaware of the crisis until an order is issued to execute all the wise men, including himself, thus putting his life and God-given blessings at risk. Despite this dire situation, God's sovereignty shines through as Daniel, under threat of death, responds with wisdom and faith. God places Daniel in a foremost position of leadership in Babylon, demonstrating His control over history and every detail of human affairs. This sovereignty is the primary theme of the entire Book of Daniel, evident in how God fulfills His promises to Daniel despite the looming threat of extermination. Nebuchadnezzar's dream, given by God, serves as a prophetic revelation of future events, further underscoring God's authority over the course of history. The Book of Daniel also reflects God's concern for diverse peoples through its linguistic structure, with chapters 2 through 7 written in Aramaic, the language of Babylon, making it accessible to that audience, while chapters 8 through 12, concerning the future of the Israelite people, are in Hebrew. This dual-language use supports the authenticity of the book, as only someone like Daniel, fluent in both languages from his time in the Babylonian court, would compose it in such a manner. Daniel's response to the crisis is marked by prayer and faith, as he leads his friends in seeking God's insight. With remarkable confidence in God's will, Daniel requests an audience with the king to reveal the dream and its interpretation even before God discloses it to him. That night, after fervent prayer with his companions, God reveals the dream to Daniel, who then interprets it for Nebuchadnezzar, giving full glory to God and taking no credit for himself. Daniel's prayer upon receiving the revelation praises God's wisdom and power, acknowledging that these attributes are imparted to mankind by God, and it reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty that permeates the narrative.

The Book of Daniel, particularly in chapters 7 and 8, presents prophecies received by Daniel through visions, with interpretations inspired by God. These visions focus on four successive world empires, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Chaldean-Babylonian Empire, followed by Cyrus' Medo-Persian Empire, Alexander the Great's Greco-Macedonian Empire divided among four generals after his death, and a fourth empire of Roman origin, extending through history to modern times. The visions in chapters 7 and 8 parallel the vision of a great statue in Daniel 2, each emphasizing Gentile world powers leading to a culmination where a divine kingdom, established by the Lord of heaven, replaces the fourth empire. In Daniel 2, this divine kingdom is depicted as a stone, representing Jesus Christ, cut without human hands from a mountain, which destroys the preceding kingdoms and grows to fill the earth. In Daniel 7, the Ancient of Days is shown seated in judgment, destroying the final enemy, after which the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion, glory, and an everlasting Kingdom. Daniel 7:18 further states that the saints of the Most High will receive and possess this Kingdom forever. Daniel's visions, spanning from the sixth century BC to beyond the second coming of Jesus Christ, are conveyed through vivid imagery rather than mere lists of facts or dates. Chapter 7, originally written in Aramaic, marks the beginning of a trans-historical section of the book, distinct from the historical accounts of the first six chapters detailing Daniel's service under kings like Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius. Chapters 7 to 12 record visions that transcend specific time periods, revealing God's control over history and the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom. In Daniel 7, four beasts emerge from the Great Sea, symbolizing turbulent nations and representing four kingdoms characterized by strength, cruelty, and treachery, lacking godliness. The first beast, a lion, corresponds to the Babylonian Empire; the second, a bear, represents the Medo-Persian Empire with conquests over three regions; the third, a leopard, signifies the swift rise and division of Alexander's Greek Empire into four parts; and the fourth, a terrifying, unique beast with iron teeth and ten horns, represents a Roman-like power with enduring influence. A little horn emerges among the ten horns, uprooting three and displaying human-like traits with boastful speech, indicating a significant individual ruler. The vision in Daniel 7 parallels Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statue in Daniel 2 but offers God's perspective, portraying worldly kingdoms as beastly and corrupt, in contrast to human admiration of their glory. It reveals God's sovereignty over history, the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ over worldly nations, and the future reign of the saints with Him. In the vision's climax, the Ancient of Days presides over judgment, stripping the beasts of authority, while the Son of Man, identified as Jesus Christ, is granted everlasting authority, glory, and sovereign power over all peoples and nations.

The Book of Daniel vividly illustrates the power of God's protective and saving promises through the trials faced by Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Their stories underscore the theme of God's supreme authority over history and human rulers. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a statue with a gold head representing his Babylonian kingdom, succeeded by lesser but stronger kingdoms, ultimately overthrown by the eternal Kingdom of God. Displeased by this vision, Nebuchadnezzar constructs a massive golden statue in Daniel 3, defying God's decree by asserting his kingdom's permanence. He demands worship of this statue, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refuse, standing firm in their conviction to obey God over the king. Their refusal leads to a confrontation where they are thrown into a fiery furnace, yet they emerge unharmed, accompanied by a fourth figure, demonstrating God's presence and protection in their trial. In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar's pride is further challenged through another vision of a great tree, representing himself, which is cut down due to his arrogance. Daniel interprets this as a warning that the king will lose his sanity for seven years until he acknowledges the sovereignty of the Most High God. This prophecy comes to pass as Nebuchadnezzar, after boasting of his achievements, is driven to live among beasts until his reason returns, leading him to confess the supremacy of God. Throughout these accounts, the Book of Daniel emphasizes that God rules over all, humbling the proud and upholding those who remain faithful to Him, regardless of earthly opposition or consequences.

The Book of Daniel reveals the meaning of history with unparalleled clarity, demonstrating how to live for God in ungodly times. It portrays Daniel as a godly man in the secular society of Babylon, a situation akin to believers today navigating a world that often disregards God. Babylon, in Daniel's era, typifies kingdoms that reject God, mirroring much of the modern world. Daniel and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, faced immense pressure to conform, allowed to practice their faith only if it remained private, much like contemporary challenges where religion is sidelined from public spheres. Despite the apparent triumph of worldly powers, as exemplified by Nebuchadnezzar's belief in his own supremacy, God revealed to Daniel that He controls history. His purposes unfold even through the captivity of His people, and He will ultimately establish an eternal Kingdom. The central theme of Daniel is the sovereignty of the living God, whose Kingdom endures forever and whose dominion is unending. This message remains profoundly relevant for those living in secular, materialistic times. Daniel's life offers a powerful example of triumph without compromise in a hostile environment. He refused to bow to worldly idols, faced hatred and plots, yet excelled in public life to God's glory through trust in Him. His friends, summoned before Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden statue, displayed unwavering faith, providing a model of character for facing similar trials today. Historically, Daniel and his companions were taken to Babylon during Nebuchadnezzar's first invasion of Judah in 605 BC, trained for service while their sacred temple articles were placed in a pagan treasure house, symbolizing a perceived victory of heathen gods. Yet, the narrative underscores that God was sovereign over Jerusalem's fall, using it as punishment for sin, and repeatedly demonstrated His power through miracles in Daniel's life and those of his friends. These events, from their health on a simple diet to deliverances from fiery furnaces and lions' dens, affirm God's control over human affairs and His ability to protect His faithful. The Book of Daniel contrasts two societies: Babylon, representing the earthly city driven by self-love, and Jerusalem, symbolizing God's city rooted in love for Him. This struggle between worldly and divine ways, evident in Nebuchadnezzar's pride and eventual humbling, remains relevant as a contemporary lesson in resisting secular humanism. Daniel and his friends, though less visible than worldly powers, made a lasting difference through their faithfulness, showing that personal holiness and devotion to God are crucial for impacting the world positively.

The Book of Daniel contains significant prophecies, particularly in chapters 11 and 12, which form the longest prophecy recorded. Chapter 10 serves as the prelude, while chapter 12 completes this extensive revelation. The first thirty-five verses of Daniel 11 cover historical events before the time of Christ, detailing intricate relationships among forgotten historical figures and emphasizing that God rules over human history, knowing the end from the beginning. These prophecies expand on earlier visions given to Daniel, answering his prayer for deeper understanding of God's plans for Israel. In the Hebrew organization of the Old Testament, the Book of Daniel is placed among the writings, not the prophets, as Daniel is referred to as a seer or wise man rather than a prophet by title. His role as a statesman in a secular court, rather than a mediator between God and the nation, aligns with this classification in the third division of the Hebrew Canon, known as the Kethubhim or writings. Daniel 11 chronicles the rise of kings from Persia and Greece, detailing conflicts between the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria, as well as the persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Specific historical fulfillments include the reign of Xerxes, the division of Alexander the Great's empire into four parts without descendants inheriting, and precise events such as the political marriage of Bernice, daughter of Ptolemy II, to Antiochus Theos of Syria. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is highlighted for his deceitful rise and desecration of the temple, marking the abomination of desolation. Chapter 12 promises salvation for God's people out of tribulation, their resurrection, and provides a timeframe for the great tribulation. It describes characteristics of the last days, urging the righteous to live faithfully amidst persecution. The prophecy includes unfulfilled portions concerning future events, such as the actions of the King of the South and the King of the North, leading to the Great Tribulation. Specific time periods like the 1,290 and 1,335 days are mentioned, indicating precise durations predetermined by God, culminating in the return of Christ. The overarching theme of the Book of Daniel underscores the sovereignty of God, who condemns rebellious powers and delivers His faithful people. Despite surrounding wickedness, God's people are encouraged to stand firm, live righteously, and reflect His glory, trusting in His promises and ultimate plan for their inheritance at the end of days.

The Book of Daniel presents a profound exploration of God's sovereign control over world history, offering comfort to both the Jewish nation and the future church of God amidst the destruction by the Babylonians. In chapters 8 through 12, Daniel reverts to Hebrew to survey the future of the Jewish nation under Gentile dominion, focusing on prophecies concerning the end times. Chapter 8 narrows to a vision of a ram and a goat, representing the Medo-Persian and Greco-Macedonian empires, respectively, with Israel under their rule. The ram, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, emerged in 539 BC with two horns indicating the dominance of the Persian element, while the goat, representing the Greco-Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great, appeared in 331 BC, marked by swift conquests and a great horn symbolizing Alexander himself. This horn was broken upon Alexander's sudden death in 323 BC, leading to the division of his empire into four parts by 301 BC among his generals: Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus, and Cassander. The vision in chapter 8 elaborates on earlier prophecies, corresponding to the second and third parts of Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the statue in chapter 2 and the bear and leopard of chapter 7, providing additional details about these middle portions of history. A significant shift to Hebrew from Aramaic in chapter 8 underscores a focus on the Jewish people, distinguishing it from the Aramaic sections of chapters 2 through 7, which addressed Gentile world empires. A little horn arises from one of the four divisions of Alexander's empire after 301 BC, symbolizing a future ruler in the latter days who will stand against the Prince of Princes at His second coming. This prophecy includes the cessation of daily sacrifices and the desecration of the sanctuary for a period described as twenty-three hundred evenings and mornings, equating to eleven hundred and fifty days, with a dual fulfillment anticipated in the latter days beyond the historical actions of Antiochus Epiphanes from 167-164 BC. In chapter 9, Daniel, troubled by the vision of chapter 8, turns to study Scripture and prayer, seeking mercy for Jerusalem as the seventy years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah near their end. The angel Gabriel appears, revealing a further period of seventy sevens for God's people, providing a chronological framework for future events. Daniel's prayer in this chapter is a model of confession and intercession, acknowledging the sins of his people and pleading for God's mercy, identifying himself with their guilt. The first half of the Book of Daniel offers narratives of Daniel and his friends in pagan Babylon, demonstrating God's protection in a hostile environment, while the second half focuses on prophetic visions, emphasizing practical lessons within symbolic elements that are not all equally difficult to interpret.

In the Book of Daniel, the sovereignty of God is a central theme, demonstrating that the Most High rules over kings and provides protection for His faithful servants. Through the first four chapters, it is evident that nothing can happen unless God allows it, and even when He permits trials, He grants strength to endure them. Chapters 5 and 6 continue to emphasize God's supreme authority, the importance of faithful prayer, and the strength of convictions based on truth. In Chapter 5, the narrative unfolds during a period of political instability in Babylon following the death of Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled for 43 years. His successors, including his son Evil-Merodach, son-in-law Neriglissar, grandson Labashi-Marduk, son-in-law Nabonidus, and finally Belshazzar, who co-ruled with Nabonidus, faced a waning empire. By the time Belshazzar became co-ruler, Babylon was in chaos, threatened by the advancing armies of Media and Persia. Despite the looming danger, Belshazzar held a riotous feast for a thousand officials, desecrating sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple by using them to drink wine and toast to Babylonian gods. During this feast, a disembodied hand appeared, writing on the wall, terrifying Belshazzar and his nobles. Unable to interpret the ominous message, they summoned Daniel, now an elderly man, who declared it as a judgment against Belshazzar's kingdom. That very night, in 533 BC, Darius the Mede overthrew Babylon, and Belshazzar was killed, marking a significant judgment from God. In Chapter 6, Daniel's unwavering dedication to God is highlighted as he faces a grave threat. Promoted to a high position, Daniel's faithfulness incites jealousy among his peers, who conspire against him by convincing King Darius to issue a decree forbidding petitions to any god or man except the king for thirty days, under penalty of being cast into a den of lions. Despite the edict, Daniel continues his custom of praying three times daily with his windows open, showing no compromise in his convictions. His enemies report him, and though Darius is reluctant, the unchangeable law of the Medes and Persians forces him to condemn Daniel to the lions' den. God protects Daniel by shutting the lions' mouths, ensuring his safety through the night. The next morning, Darius finds Daniel unharmed and, in awe of God's power, decrees honor to Daniel's God. The conspirators, however, are thrown into the den and killed by the lions, demonstrating God's justice. Throughout these accounts, Daniel exemplifies steadfast faith and conviction, standing alone against a hostile culture yet remaining secure in the knowledge of God's power and protection. The narratives underscore that God's will prevails, whether through miraculous deliverance or through judgment on the wicked, affirming His ultimate authority over all.

In the Book of Daniel, particularly in Chapter 9, Daniel addresses God as the great and awesome God, emphasizing His fearsome and reverent nature. Daniel recognizes God as deeply involved in human history, overseeing the affairs of individuals and nations, yet also as a transcendent Being whose Holiness and Majesty remain untouched by worldly events. His throne remains secure amidst earthly turmoil, surrounded by heavens, angels, and archangels. Daniel's prayer in Chapter 9 seeks mercy for Jerusalem, reflecting his concern for the fulfillment of God's promises as the 70 years of desolation near their end. In response, the archangel Gabriel is sent to impart skill and understanding, revealing the prophecy of seventy weeks. This prophecy outlines a chronological framework of seventy weeks of years, totaling 490 years, from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to significant future events. The prophecy divides into seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and one final week, with key events occurring after sixty-nine weeks, amounting to 483 years from the decree in 457 BC to 27 AD, marking a pivotal moment in history. The Book of Daniel also highlights the connection between faith and intelligence, urging thoughtful consideration of God's revelations. Gabriel instructs Daniel to understand the vision, emphasizing wisdom as a divine gift. The prophecy's six goals in Daniel 9:24 address the resolution of sin and the establishment of righteousness, pointing to a future age characterized by divine justice and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes. In Chapters 10 through 12, forming the longest unit in the book, Daniel receives a detailed vision prefaced by fasting and self-discipline. Chapter 10 reveals spiritual warfare, as Daniel, mourning for his people's future trials, encounters a glorious angelic being, likely Gabriel, delayed by a powerful opposing force for three weeks until assisted by the archangel Michael. This struggle underscores God's protection over His people, even amidst unseen battles. Chapter 11 presents the longest prophecy, detailing future conflicts, while Chapter 12 serves as a postscript, reinforcing God's control over history and His ultimate triumph. Daniel's experiences, from prayerful intercession to receiving divine visions, demonstrate God's meticulous plan in history. Despite opposition from spiritual forces, God's messengers prevail, assuring Daniel and strengthening his resolve, affirming that God remains sovereign over all events, both earthly and heavenly.