Read through the visions in the second half of the book of Daniel (Daniel 7-12). Is there anything here that seems key to the survival of the Jewish people? How would having the book of Daniel have helped the Jewish people go through difficult times, e.g., the time of Antiochus Epiphanes?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Apocalyptic Visions of Daniel (Extra Credit)
Read through the visions in the second half of the book of Daniel (Daniel 7-12). Is there anything here that seems key to the survival of the Jewish people? How would having the book of Daniel have helped the Jewish people go through difficult times, e.g., the time of Antiochus Epiphanes?
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Amazingly, understanding the book of Daniel is more difficult then understanding the book of Isaiah. I'm not sure having the book of Daniel available to the Israelites during their persecution would have helped. Then again it does talk about the rulers not lasting forever and God placing time limits on the rule of the wicked. I always thought Daniel was about the end times, like the book of Revelations is. Chapter 12:8 says it best, "Although I heard, I did not understand..." That's how I feel about the book of Daniel.
The Book of Daniel would have helped the Jewish people immensely. The apocalyptic part of Daniel consists of three visions and one lengthened prophetic communication, mainly having to do with the destiny of Israel.
The overall message of these visions and this prophetic message is that the Jewish people will eventually come out of exile and there captures will have justice brought upon them. The simple fact in knowing a persons destiny would have been of great service to the people of Israel. Knowing a clear set path you may act accordingly to that fate.
However, the counter argument to that would be if the people of Israel knew there fate they could have engaged in many different vices, because they were assured eventual freedom.
The Jewish people will survive as long as they repent and return to the Lord. God is giving the Jewish people a chance to do so. God will not forsake his people. The book of Daniel would help the Jewish people get through difficult times. Justice would be served to the kings that oppressed them like Antiochus Epiphanes.
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