DANIEL - CHAPTER SIX

    I.      INTRODUCTION

A.   This chapter concludes the strictly historical section of the book.

B.   As the whereabouts of Daniel has been questioned in Chapter three, so the same question is posed regarding his three friends in this chapter.

1.    They may have not been living at this time.

2.    Daniel is estimated to be about 83 years old at this time.

C.   Daniel represents his people, Israel; and his deliverance from the lions is a picture of the deliverance of the faithful Jewish remnant which will go through the Tribulation.

D.   This chapter introduces us to the second world empire of the times of the Gentiles.

1.    Medo-Persia (Cf. 2:32, 39; 5:28-31; 7:5; 8:20; 9:1; 11:1)

2.    Represented in Nebuchadnezzar’s image as the “chest and arms of silver.” (2:32)

C.   Under the rulership of Darius

a.    The son of Ahasuerus (see the book of Esther)

b.    Most probably reigned contemporaneously with Cyrus (Cf. 6:28)

   II.      THE EXHALTATION (vs. 1-3)

A.   The organization of Darius’ kingdom (vs. 1, 2)

B.   The overseership of Daniel (vs. 2, 3)

C.   The occurrence of the organization (v. 2)

  III.      THE ENTRAPMENT (vs. 4, 5)

A.   Blatant envy (v. 4)

B.   Blameless life (v. 4)

C.   Biased intrigue (v. 5)

IV.       THE EDICT (vs. 6-9)

A.   The proposal (vs. 6, 7)

B.   The prospect (v. 7)

C.   The permanence (v. 8)

   V.      THE ENGAGEMENT (v. 10)

A.   The problem he faced

B.   The prayer he prayed (Cf. Chs. 2, 6, 9)

C.   The practice he maintained

  VI.      THE ENTOMBMENT (vs. 11-20)

A.   The affront (v. 11)

B.   The acknowledgment (v. 12)

C.   The accusation (v. 13)

D.   The annoyance (v. 14)

E.   The activity (v. 14)

F.    The acquiescence (vs. 15-16)

G.   The anguish (vs. 18-20)

 VII.      THE EMANCIPATION (vs. 21-24)

A.   The rescue (v. 22)

B.   The reliance (v. 23)

C.   The retaliation (vs. 24)

VIII.     THE ENACTMENT (vs. 25-27)

A.   The residents (v. 25)

B.   The requirement (v. 26)

C.   The recognition (v. 27)

 IX.       THE ENLARGEMENT (v. 28)

  X.       THE EXPECTATION (the prophetic outlook)

A.   The promotion of the Jews

1.    Exalted by Darius, a type of the man of sin (Cf. Revelation 13:1-10)

2.    The Jews to be exalted by the Beast at the first half of the Tribulation

3.    Restored politically to their land (cf. Ezra 1:1)

4.    Given a place of world prominence - Daniel was made one of the three top officials of the Persian Empire

5.    Allowed to pursue their religion without harm, as all the Jews were until the time of Darius’ decree.

B.   The perception of the Jews (vs. 4-9)

1.    After a period of peace, as in Daniel’s day, the Beast:

a.    Breaks all covenants with Israel (9:27)

b.    Establishes a religion with himself at the head (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4)

c.    Seeks to force Israel to worship him (6:7-9; cf. Revelation 13:6-8; Matthew 24:15)

2.    Their perception of their treatment under the temporary protection of the false messiah will be greatly distorted.

C.   The persecution of the Jews (vs. 16, 17)

1.    Daniel - type of the faithful, believing remnant during the Tribulation (cf. Revelation 7:4-8)

2.    A type of the 144, 000

3.    They will be sealed and commissioned to bear testimony to the Lord

4.    Daniel - a type of persecuted Israel (Cf. Revelation 12:13-17; by Satan Revelation 12:6-9)

D.   The preservation of the Jews (Daniel 6:22)

1.    Preservation of Israel from the Tribulation (Revelation 12:13-17)

2.    She flees to the wilderness where God has a place specially prepared.

  XI.      CONCLUSION

           As God stood with Daniel of old and as He will stand with Israel in the future, so He stands with us now to preserve our testimonies during times of trial.

                                                                             End of Chapter 6