• Darius conquered Babylon and became King and reorganized the government.

• Darius had 120 officials over the kingdom that had different districts.  There were 3 governors over these officials and Daniel was one of the governors.  The governors were to take and state the public accounts that the King would not loss any finance. 

• Darius quickly realized that there was something extraordinary about Daniel and may have heard that he was divinely inspired.  Daniel’s impeccable character was recognized by the King and he was promoted again and placed over the officials and governors.  Daniel was very old and still very able in business.

Note:    Daniel was a great man in the conquered kingdom – He could have been imprisoned or banished – a native of a foreign kingdom – could have been despised as a stranger and captive

• The officials and governors were jealous because of his position over them and plotted against Daniel to destroy him.  Spies were sent out by Daniel’s enemies to observe him and discover a way to destroy him.  They recognized his commitment to God and saw this as a weakness that could be used against him for entrapment.  The cause of this envy was Daniel’s good.  (Remember the better person you are the worse you’ll be thought of by your rivals.  The enemy seeks to ruin you.  He comes to steal, kill and destroy.)

• They appealed to the vanity and pride of the King to entrap Daniel.  Encouraging him to make a decree that no one would seek any god or person except the King for thirty days.  If they did they would be thrown into the lions den.

Note:  Your place of strength can also be your place of vulnerability

• The officials and governors knew of Daniel’s habits and commitment to God.  After the King’s decree, Daniel went home to pray even though it was prohibited politically.  His commitment to righteousness was more important.  There was no law requiring him to change his religion nor was it required for the position he held. 

• Daniel’s enemies went to visit with him during his time of devotions under the pretense of handling business.  His praying was observed by the leaders who went to the King to expose Daniel and have him destroyed.

• Daniel’s accusers when to the King and presented him as a captive that did not respect his laws or customs or serve and worship his gods.  When the King received the report he realized that the leaders were not seeking to honor him but to spite Daniel.  He was concerned about Daniel because he knew Daniel was a man of God and that the decree could not be changed.  (God can provide and advocate for you.)  The King wanted to find a way to deliver Daniel but because of his decree and partitioning of the leaders, had Daniel thrown into the lion’s den.  King Darius spoke to Daniel and acknowledging that his God would deliver him.  (The King encourages Daniel.)

• That night the King’s routine was changed, he listened to no music, he could not sleep and he fasted.  In the morning, he hurried to the den of the lions and found Daniel safe, unharmed and untouched by the lions.  Daniel’s report to the King was that his God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, he was found innocent by his God and he had done nothing wrong toward the King.

• The King had Daniel’s accusers, their children and wives thrown into the lions’ den where they were devoured.  King Darius honored God with a decree in his kingdom, acknowledging Him as the living God of signs and wonders and whose kingdom will never be destroyed.  Daniel prospered under Kings Darius and Cyrus the Persian.   

Note:

• Live your life so no charge can be found against you.
• Always practice righteousness
• To live a blameless life, maintain a clear conscience

© 2010, SGOMI's Faith Food. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

The name Belshazzar means “Bel Protect the King”.  He was the eldest son of Nebuchadnezzar the king.  For a period of 10 years, he functioned as king in Babylon. 

• He had a feast for 1000 of his friends (his lords, wives, and concubines) where he drank wine with them.  (This was a riotous, idolatrous, sacrilegious feast) His father had taken gold and silver vessels from the house of God in Jerusalem.   While Belshazzar and his friends praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone they drank wine from these vessels that had been sanctified by God.

• Belshazzar saw a pen in a hand write on the wall; but, there was no one attached to the hand.  This hand was near a lampstand where everyone could see it.  This frightened him causing him to be shaken and disturbed.  Belshazzar was in a state of panic, facial color changing and knees knocking.  He was troubled by his thoughts, had guilt conscience and knew that this was not good. 

• He sent for the astrologers, Chaldeans and soothsayers to read and interpret the writing promising them fine clothing, possessions and the power of being the third in command.  He was noticeably disturbed because they could not read or understand the writing.  The caused the king more confusion.  The queen heard this and came to the banquet to encourage the king.  She shared with him about the repetition of Daniel and suggested he call for him to help with this situation.

• Belshazzar calls for Daniel and speaks of his repetition and what he will receive for interpreting the writing.  Daniel expresses that he has no interest in the reward and shared with him what happen to his father, King Nebuchadnezzar.  Belshazar knew what took place with the King, and he still did not humble himself or acknowledge God as Lord over all Earth and Babylon.

NOTE: Belshazzar had learned nothing from his father’s experience with God. 

He had not humbled his heart.  He was more offensive to God than Nebuchadnezzar.

He profaned the consecrated articles of God’s house (vs. 23).

• Daniel interprets the words (vs. 26-28).  MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.  Mene: God has numbered your Kingdom, and finished it – Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting – Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

• The interpretation informed the king that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.  The interpretation puzzled him and he was found deficient by God. His pride and irreverence to God created his downfall.

• Belshazzar gave the command and proclamation and Daniel received the gifts and promotion (clothed in purple, gold chain, made third ruler in the kingdom). 

• Belshazzar was slain that night and Darius the Mede became the ruler of the kingdom.

NOTE:

1. What God sanctified is not to be profaned. (1Sam. 24:10)
2. Considering holy things common is dangerous.
3. God will judge, measure and reward our conduct.
4. God sees, hears and knows everything.
5. We are to glorify God, devote ourselves to Him and give ourselves to His service.
6. God does not give judgment until He has evaluated our case.

© 2010, SGOMI's Faith Food. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

• In the first verses of this chapter we find Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the providence of God to the people. He had reigned many years, had seen much and experienced a great deal but now he admires God’s signs and wonders. In verse 3 he confesses “How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.”

Vs. 1-3 A declaration directed to all people, etc.
A salutation – Peace be multiplied to you
Spoken by the King, in his own words
vs. 2 true God

NOTE: We should give glory to God not only by praising him for his mercy, but by confessing our sin and accepting punishment

Shows the guidance and care of God (signs, wonders)
King brought to the place he admired God
God’s kingdom everlasting – generation to generation (not like his)

The King tells of the warning he received and then tells of the judgment of God because of his pride

• At this point in time, Nebuchadnezzar had lately conquered Egypt, this completed his victories, ended his wars and this was about the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth year of his reign. It was during this period he had this dream that caused him to fear, become uneasy and troubled.

• Nebuchadnezzar had seen God do some miraculous things. However, he was still full of pride and he had not submitted to God, so God deals with his pride through a dream. He remembers this dream and again the magicians, astrologers, the Chaldeans and soothsayers are called by the King. The King was disappointed again because they could not interpret the dream.

• The King believes that God gives Daniel the ability to understand dreams and he comes in after the others. Nebuchadnezzar compliments him highly, acknowledges his abilities and recognizes him as the master of the magicians.

• The King shares the second dream with Daniel. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that he saw a very tall tree grow, get stronger, and reach to the heavens. This tree was seen by all on earth, it had lovely leaves, abundant fruit, and had food for all. Beast dwelt under it and birds lived in it.

NOTE: vs. 23 Root preserved – Tree bound – shows mercy of God and future plan (Job 14:7-9)

• Interpretation: This was the King that grew and became strong. The stately flourishing tree represented the King who reigned in Babylon; his dignity was represented by the height of the tree that was exceedingly great. This tree was pleasant to the eye and also contained food. The leaves represented the pomp and splendor of his court. The tree was for protection, shelter and provision.

• The King saw watchers (angels on special appointment from the Lord) coming down from heaven, saying chop the tree down and leave the stump and roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze in tender grass wet with dew. His heart would be changed from a man’s and be given the heart of a beast. He was to graze with the beast in the field until seven times passed over him. This decree of the watchers was so the living would know the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He will and will set over it the lowest of men.

• Interpretation: The dream troubled Daniel by the dream and the thought that he had to share the meaning to the King. He was concerned to the point that his hope was the dream pertained to Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies. He was encouraged by the King to share the interpretation. The King would be removed from the throne, driven from men, deprived of his reasoning, be given the heart of a beast, and driven out to live with the beast of the field and eat grass. He would live out in all types of weather, be wet with dew, seven times would pass over him until he knew the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses. After the King realized that Heaven rules he would be restored to his kingdom.

• Daniel humbly, respectfully and tenderly advised the King to turn from sin to righteousness and from iniquity by showing mercy to the poor in hope that he might continue to be blessed.

• Nebuchadnezzar was given a period of time to turn from his sinful ways and it appears he did not. One year later the King was in the palace boosting of his power when he heard a voice from heaven speak to him in regards to his dream and immediately the dream came to past. He loses his honor as king and his honor as a man. His reasoning, understanding and memory are lost. He was driven out, he ate grass, and dew fell on him until his hair grew like eagle’s feathers and his nails like birds claws. (Nails grow about one and a half inches a year and a one inch nail starts to look clawish.)

• After seven years, Nebuchadnezzar looked to God for mercy. His understanding was restored and he glorifies God and humbles himself. He acknowledged God’s dominion, kingdom, strength and will. The King’s reasoning returned, his honor and kingdom was restored and the Lord blessed him.

NOTE: King – humble acknowledgement and adoration of God as Lord of All

• Nebuchadnezzar was now old and reigned about two years after his restoration and died in his forty-fifth year.

NOTE: Those that walk in pride, God is able to humble.

© 2010, SGOMI's Faith Food. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

In the previous chapter, the king, after receiving the dream and the understanding of it, he acknowledged that the God of Israel is a God of gods and a Lord of kings. The good impression he had was quickly lost. Yet now, in defiance of the express law of that God, he sets ua an image to be worshipped.

Now, does the king see himself in competition with God?

• The king had a great statue of gold made and placed in Dura, a plain in Babylon. It is not clear whether the statue was an image of Nebuchadnezzar, the leading ruler at that time or Bel, the chief idol or demon god. It was an image gigantic in size (height, sixty cubits and width six cubits – about 90 feet tall). Babylon was full of idols and this was another one to be worshipped.

• A dedication service was held and all of the officials and people summoned to attend the dedication. People came from long distances for the dedication of the image. They were given the proclamation that all people present were to fall down and worship the image when the musical instruments (horn, flute, harp, lyre, psaltery) sounded in symphony with other music. Those who did not fall down and worship were to be thrown in to a burning fiery furnace.

• Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were present at the assembly. They defy the King’s order to worship the image. They were accused and brought before the king. Their accusers could have been certain Chaldeans, some of the magicians or astrologers or those that envied them.

Accusers appeal to the King. Reminding him of the new law he had just put in place. That all persons, without exceptions of nations or language, should fall down and worship. Telling him of the 3 Hebrews – to provoke the king and reminding him of their position these criminals held in the kingdom – it was an insufferable piece of insolence for them to disobey the command of the king – their high position would make the disobedience even more scandalous – suggesting that the act was done in contempt of him and his authority

NOTE: Be careful of envy! It can cause you to manipulate people and situations. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16)

When brought before the King, examined, and offered the opportunity to prove their accusers wrong and fall down and worship the image before the King, they chose not to worship.
Were they asked to command their God. Were they asked to renounce his worship?
What affect do you think this had upon the King?
How many of you have been in a place of authority and had a similar experience?
What feelings and emotions did you experience?
How did you overcome the situation?
Were they given a chance to redeem themselves?

• They responded to the King’s inquiry that there was no need to sound the music because they would not worship the image, they believed the God they serve would deliver them from the furnace and the hand of the king. Not only did they refuse to worship the image but they would not serve the King’s gods. They trusted and depended on the living God.

Were they slow to answer the King. Did they have to come together and deliberate on their decision?

• The favor once extended to them was turned into extreme anger to the point that the king ordered the furnace to be turned up until it was seven times hotter. Soldiers tied them up in their cloths and threw them into the furnace, losing their lives in the process because of the flame.

NOTE: The Chaldeans worshipped the fire as a sort of image of the sun. Their fire god could not save them from the fire.

• The furnace was probably a kiln used for melting and refining metal. One ancient furnace was found in Nippur which is about 50 miles south of Babylon. It was shaped like a railroad tunnel with a wall sealing one end. Ancient kilns could top 1800 degrees. Today a typical cremation chamber heats to 1400 – 1800 degrees.

• Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego fell down bound in the furnace but they rose up loosed and walking in the fire unhurt. The king saw a fourth man in the furnace that looked like the Son of God.

NOTE: God’s restraining of the fire brought contempt upon the King and their God.

• Nebuchadnezzar praises God. He calls the Hebrews out of the furnace and examines them. He acknowledges them as servants of the Most High God. The fire freed the Hebrews from the cords that bound them; however, they had no damage from the fire. Their hair was not singed, no discoloration in their clothing, no smell of smoke, no scorched places or blisters. The satraps, administrators, governors, and king’s counselors gathered and witnessed the condition of the Hebrews.

• Nebuchadnezzar recognizes that the God of Israel is able and ready to protect his worshippers and that no other god and deliver like this. Bel could not deliver his worshippers from being burnt at the mouth of the furnace but God could deliver his out of the furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar gives glory to God as a protector.
He gives him glory for his power.
He recognizes the stability and firmness in their commitment.

• Because of their deliverance and commitment to their god, the king made another decree. If anyone spoke anything negative about the God of Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-Nego they would to cut in pieces and their possessions burned.

NOTE: God knows how to shut the mouths and tie the tongues of our enemies.

• The king promoted the three Hebrews. (The blessing of God brings favor of man.)

Lessons Learned
1. Refuse to run and do evil with the multitude.
2. Chose suffering over sin and don’t do evil looking for good to come.
3. Don’t permit the images created by satan to intimidate and seduce you into surrendering to the spirit of the world. Do not compromise.
4. Godly living requires faith during adversity. You must stand fast, believe and trust God.
5. When you are in the will of God and walking in the purpose of God and not compromising, there is victory and promotion in the land of your captivity.

© 2010, SGOMI's Faith Food. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International

• In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he had a night mare that caused insomnia. The King had forgotten the dream that left such an impression on him that it had to hold significance. He was so bothered by the dream that he commanded the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and the Chaldeans be brought to him to tell him the dream and interpret it. The King refused to tell them the dream and threaten to kill them and destroy their property if they did not tell him and interpret it.

NOTE: All the riches, possessions and delightful things one has can not provide peace. Peace comes from God.

• The Chaldeans admitted that no man on earth could honor his request and that no authority, king, lord or ruler had ever asked magicians, astrologer or Chaldeans anything on this order. He acknowledged that it would take a god to honor this request. The King became angry and furious and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be killed. The degree went out the wise men were being killed. Daniel and his companions were also to be killed.

• The King’s Captain of the guards, Arioch was sent to kill the wise men. It was through wisdom and the appreciate words Daniel spoke with Arioch to gain understanding of what was happening. Daniel went to the King asking for time to seek the Lord for the dream and interpretation.

NOTE: Daniel, this man of prayer, had power with God and man, was calm and spoke with the appropriate tone and attitude.

• Daniel went home and told Hananiah, Michael and Azariah so they could pray that God would show mercy concerning the secret and their lives spared.

• The dream was revealed to Daniel and he blessed and worshiped the Lord. He went to Arioch before going to the King asking him not to kill the wise but to take him before the King with the interpretation.

NOTE: We must demonstrate value in the people of God and their prayers and be specific when we pray. In times of trouble and fear we must seek God’s mercy. Pray in faith, with assurance, giving thanks knowing God will answer. We God answers, share with those who stood with you so they can celebrate with you.

The Dream – Daniel 2:29 – 45

Note: Daniel first acknowledges that the God in heaven reveals dreams that wise men, astrologers, magicians and soothsayers cannot declare. God has answered to show mercy.

• Nebuchadnezzar was a worshiper of images and it was a great image he saw in his dream. It stood before him erect as a living man. The image was considered terrible, the features of the face, the posture of the body and he different metals. He admired kingdoms and their value.

• The King’s dream was about the future (prophetic significance). (verse 28 – latter days refers to the future from Nebuchadnezzar through the remainder of human history) The image represented kingdoms that would successively rule and influence the affairs of the Jewish people.

• Dream & Symbols: Daniel 2:31-35
1. Head: fine gold (richest/wealth & most durable metal)
2. Chest & Arms: silver (next to goal in worth)
3. Belly and thighs: bronze (lesser value)
4. Legs: iron
5. Feet: iron & clay
6. Stone cut out without hands
7. Stone stroke feet and broke them in pieces
8. Iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold crushed together and blow away in the wind without a trace left
9. The stone became a great mountain and filled the earth

• Interpretation: Daniel 36-45
1. Head: King (kingdom, power, strength, glory, ruler of people and things) – Chaldean monarchy
2. Next kingdom will be inferior (Medes and Persians – not as rich, powerful or victorious)
3. Third kingdom of bronze rule over all the earth (Grecian monarchy – inferior in wealth)
4. Fourth kingdom strong as iron but will break in pieces and crush all the others (Roman monarchy)
5. Feet & toes of iron and clay represent a divided kingdom (other kingdoms some strong others weak/fragile)
6. Stone (Jesus Christ) cut out without hands: God’s sovereign power (kingdom of Jesus Christ – God among men – no successor He reigns forever)
7. The kingdoms will not be able to stick together
8. God will establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed, left to others, it will destroy and consume all kingdoms and stand forever.

Daniel & Friends Promoted

• King Nebuchadnezzar worshipped and acknowledged the God of Daniel as the God of gods, Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets.
• Daniel’s Promotion:
1. Came with many great gifts
2. Ruler: Over province of Babylon
3. Chief Administrator: Over all the wise men of Babylon
• From Daniel’s petition to the King, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were given the responsibility of the affairs of the province of Babylon

© 2010, SGOMI's Faith Food. All rights reserved. A part of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries International