Introduction In chapter eight, Daniel presents another vision. Just as in his first vision, animals represent empires. In the previous chapter, God provided an overview of world history, particularly focusing on the end times and the Antichrist's evil deeds. However, God's people also needed to be forewarned about a crisis that would arise less than... Continue Reading →
Introduction Chapter Summary Chapter seven provides another instance where God communicates His plans for the future through a dream or vision. Instead of Daniel being summoned by another to interpret a king's dream, he seeks help in understanding the meaning of a terrifying vision of his own. These twenty-eight verses of apocalyptic literature are some... Continue Reading →
Introduction Chapter Summary The story of Daniel in the lions’ den, found in this chapter, is well-known. It took place soon after Babylon fell to the Persians, around 539–537 B.C. By then, some Jewish captives had returned to Palestine under Zerubbabel's leadership, and Daniel was over 80 years old. An Error in the Scriptures? Cyrus... Continue Reading →
Introduction A New King on the Throne Nebuchadnezzar had died, and Belshazzar was now ruling Babylon. Until the late 19th century, the only record of Belshazzar was found in the Book of Daniel and related works. Other sources identified Nabonidus as the last king of Babylon, leading some scholars to believe Belshazzar was a fictional... Continue Reading →