INTRODUCTION

Daniel wrote it around 530 B.C. during the Babylonian captivity in 560-536 B.C. Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were taken by the Babylonians after they subdued Jerusalem and the unfaithful King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:3624:2)

Chapter 1-6 is a narrative history, the next from chapters 7-12 contain the visions of Daniel about the future.

They proved wiser even without compromise in the midst of a strongly polytheistic religious culture mattersincluding dietary regulations and worship practices (Daniel 1:816; 6:612). Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzars dream of a multi-metallic image symbolizing the sequence of four kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to enforce universal idolatry by erecting an image and expected all to bow. The three Hebrews who refused to do so were cast into the furnace (Chapter 3). Nebuchadnezzars pride brought to his madness (Chapter 4). His son, Belshazzar was also filled with pride and his refusal to repent was assassinated and kingdom destroyed as Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall (Chapter 5) Daniel was cast into the lions den for praying to the God of heaven, (Chapter 6).

The second part of the book comprises of Daniel's visions. Each of these are interpreted independently as they may not be in sequence of time. Some had happened. Other are yet to take place. His first vision was the four beasts (lion, leopard with wings, bear, a beast with horn) symbolizing the four kings. Destroyed the son of man and then came the ancient of days to destroy the beast. (Chapter 7).

His second vision was the ram (representing Medo-Persian Empire) and he goat (Greek Empire) which was destroyed by God for their attack of Gods people (Chapter 8). In consulting God, he understands that seventy weeks concerning the nation Israel for captivity should have been over but because of their continued rebellion, it would last seven times longer (Chapter 9).

His third vision similar to Persia and Grecia, historical little horn; eschatological little horn and little horn of the latter days, (Chapters 1012) Chapter 11 Preview of Israel in latter days; Great Tribulation; resurrections; rewards; final word about the end times, Chapter 12 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, My lord, what will be the outcome of these events? He said, Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time (12:8-9).

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