Daniel was Written Especially for Us

Daniel 12:4 – The book of Daniel was written especially for those living in the last days. This means that Daniel is in a very real sense “our” book! This verse predicts that in the time of the end many would “run to and fro” in their Bibles studying Daniel’s prophecies, and knowledge concerning them would increase.

This prediction began to be fulfilled around the year 1800, as many Bible students around the world began to study Daniel’s prophecies. Independent of one another, men such as William Miller, Edward Irving, Henry Drummond, Joseph Wolff and Manuel de Lacunza studied Daniel’s prophecy of the 2300 days (Daniel 8:14) and came to very similar conclusions. Their study resulted in the rise of the Great Advent Movement in the early 1800’s, which eventually led to the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The book of Daniel is a part of our heritage!

Daniel 12:8,9 – Daniel himself did not understand many of the things that God revealed to him, especially the portions of his book dealing with the last days. God intended it specifically for those living in the last days, and assured Daniel that his book would be understand at that time (1 Peter 1:10-12).

Daniel 12:10 - Notice, however, that even in the last days only the “wise” would understand Daniel’s book. Who are these wise ones? They are Christ’s followers who are Spirit filled and obedient to His commandments (Matthew 25:1-13, Acts 5:32).

Matthew 24:3,14-16 – Jesus Himself endorsed the study of Daniel. When answering the questions of His disciples about the sign of His coming and the end of the world, He connected two very important ideas:

1) The gospel would be preached to the entire world and then the end would come.

2) When we see the danger coming forewarned by Daniel, we are to do something to escape.

This statement by Jesus contains several important points:

· Daniel was a prophet who wrote an inspired book

· It’s predictions regarding the end time will be fulfilled

· His book is to be read and understood

· It contains instruction for those living in the last days (SOP 1)

· Those who read and understand Daniel’s book have something to do if they are to escape the end-time dangers that will face them

In this statement, Jesus is assuring us that a study of the book of Daniel will prepare us for His Second Coming. Daniel is the only book that Jesus mentioned specifically by name and urged us to study. This is the highest possible recommendation.

We are living in the very time about which Jesus spoke. We can see the signs He gave pointing to His Second Coming being fulfilled all around us. So let us study the book of Daniel with open eyes and ears, seeking to understand.

Contents of the Book of Daniel

The central theme of Daniel: Who is in control of human history? The book of Daniel answers this question by making it unmistakably clear that the God of heaven sits on the throne of the universe. He sets up kings and removes kings. He guides history to its intended end in spite of opposition by human rulers.

Daniel is divided into two sections:

1) The first half of the book (Chapters 1-6) contains stories.

2) The second half of the book (Chapters 7-12) contains prophecies.

There is some overlap within these two sections. Although the first section is primarily stories, it also includes several prophecies. And, although the second section is primarily prophecies, it also includes several stories.

Daniel’s stories describe the experiences of those living in Babylon. Their stories illustrate the experiences through which God’s last-day remnant will pass. These stories reveal character traits that we must have in order to survive the world’s final crisis, as well as traits that we must avoid.

Daniel’s prophecies are outlines of world history, with particular emphasis on the time of the end. They culminate with the final judgment and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. The message of Daniel’s prophecies is clear. God is in control of the rise and fall of kingdoms and the destiny of mankind. (SOP 2)

The book of Daniel has been called the apocalypse of the Old Testament. It is the counterpart of the book of Revelation; these two books go together hand in hand. The book of Revelation expands and completes what is revealed in Daniel.

Our Objectives in Studying the Book of Daniel

1 We will study the character qualities of the people in Daniel’s stories. We will identify the character traits that determined whether these people were finally saved or lost. In so doing, we will discover the ideals that the Lord considers important for us to develop in these last days (1 Corinthians 10:11,12). (SOP 3)

2 As we look at Daniel’s prophecies, we will sense the nearness of their final fulfillment. We will develop an urgency to be ready, and to warn others. As the world continues to unravel around us, we can remain confident that God is still in control, our future destiny is secure with Him (John 14:29).

3 We will keep in mind the goal of all Bible study (John 5:39). Jesus appears frequently in Daniel, and His love and care for His people is evident throughout the book.

Spirit of Prophecy Quotations

1 “The light that Daniel received from God was given especially for these last days.” – Testimonies to Ministers, page 113.

2 “Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men, and lay human glory in the dust.” – Testimonies to Ministers, page 112.

3 “When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart.” – Testimonies to Ministers, page 114.