Archives for 2024

Good morning,   

Today we continue our study in the book of Daniel. This week we look at Chapter 2.

Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

Daniel and friends pray for God’s wisdom (14-18)

¹⁴ Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:¹⁵ He answered and said to Arioch, the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.¹⁶ Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.  ¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:¹⁸ That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

The task the King asked the Chaldeans to do was impossible. However, Daniel and his friends knew nothing was impossible for God. So they prayed for God’s wisdom. God answered and gave Daniel the dream and the interpretation. He not only saved his own life, but the lives of the Chaldeans, also.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,   

Today we continue our study in the book of Daniel. This week we look at Chapter 2.

Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

The dream of King Nebuchadnezzar (1-6)

And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.² Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.³ And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.⁴ Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriac, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.⁵ The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.⁶ But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

Chaldean’s fail to tell and interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (7-13)

⁷ They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.⁸ The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.⁹ But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.¹¹ And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.¹² For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.¹³ And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Daniel Chapter 1

 Daniel and his determination to be pure (1:1-21)

Daniel refuses to eat the king’s meat (8-17)

⁸ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.⁹ Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.¹⁰ And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.¹¹ Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,¹² Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.¹³ Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.¹⁴ So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.¹⁵ And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.¹⁶ Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.¹⁷ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel before the king (1:18-21)

¹⁸ Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.¹⁹ And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.²⁰ And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.²¹ And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

What we learned:

Daniel resolved to live a clean, Godly life; and from what we can read in Scriptures, he appears for the most part to have achieved this. 

Daniel lived in Babylon throughout the seventy years of Babylonian captivity and into the reign of Cyrus the Persian who built the Medo-Persian Empire. He was active in the reigns of several kings: (1) Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned 604-561 _B.C. and began the; (2) Belshazzar, who was a grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and probably reigned as viceroy under Nabonidus; (3) Darius, the Mede, who took the kingdom the night of Belshazzar’s great feast; and (4) Cyrus, the Medo-Persian, who fully established the Medo-Persian Empire, the second of the world empires following Nebuchadnezzar. It seems Daniel died in the first year of King Cyrus, and he may have helped inspire the decision of Cyrus to have the Temple rebuilt (cf. 2 Chr. 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1-4) (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 911)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Daniel Chapter 1

 Daniel and his determination to be pure (1:1-21)

Daniel carried into Babylonian Captivity (1:1-7)

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.² And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.³ And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;⁴ Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.⁵ And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.⁶ Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:⁷ Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,   

Today we begin a study on the book of Daniel. This week is the introduction to the book and Chapter 1.

Blue Letter Bible-Executable Outline-Study Resources

Introduction to Daniel

One of the more fascinating books of the Bible is the book of Daniel…

• The first six chapters contain accounts of faith that inspire both young and old
• The last six chapters are filled with apocalyptic visions that challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars

It is a book that has often been attacked and abused…

• Attacked by liberals and skeptics who deny its inspiration
• Abused by many who have taken its visions out of context to support all kinds of wild theories concerning the second coming of Christ

But when properly read and understood, the book of Daniel can…

• Inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to God
• Strengthen our faith in the inspiration of the Bible

DANIEL AND HIS TIMES

The name “Daniel” means “God is my judge” which provides a hint of one of the key themes in this book: God will judge the nations of men. Daniel was a person of deep and abiding faith…

• As a youth, he purposed not to defile himself – Dan 1:8
• When old, he persisted in serving God despite threats against his life – Dan 6:10

God blessed Daniel because of his faith…

• He rose to great heights in the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia – Dan 2:48; 6:1-3
• He served as a statesman, a counselor to kings, and a prophet of God

Daniel was contemporary with two other great prophets: Jeremiah and Ezekiel…

• Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.)
• Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 B.C.)
• Daniel prophesied in the capital of Babylon (605-586 B.C.)

Nothing is known of his personal life outside of the book. He descended from one of Judah’s prominent families, if not from royal blood (Dan 1:3). At an early age (likely in his teens) Daniel along with others was taken from his family to be trained in the courts of Babylon (Dan 1:3-4). Whether he ever married is uncertain.

Some key dates and events will help appreciate the times in which Daniel lived…

• 612 B.C. – Fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria Assyria had ruled the world since the days of Tiglath-Pileser (845 B.C.). Nabopolassar came to the throne in Babylon and rebelled against the Assyrians in 625 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, was the general who led the Babylonian army against Nineveh, defeating it in 612 B.C.
• 605 B.C. – Battle of Carchemish, establishing Babylonian domination Pharaoh-Necho of Egypt came to fight the Babylonians at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, chasing them south through Judah. At Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father’s death; he returned to assume the throne in Babylon. The first group of Jewish captives were taken, along with Daniel and his friends (Dan 1:1-4).
• 597 B.C. – A second remnant taken to Babylon Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah) followed the reign of his father, Jehoiakim. He lasted just three months, when Nebuchadnezzar took him and 10,000 Jews to Babylon (2Ki 24:8-16). This second group of captives included Ezekiel (Eze 1:1-3).
• 586 B.C. – Fall of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed Zedekiah was installed as king in Jerusalem, but was weak and vacillating. Eleven years later, Jerusalem was totally devastated by Babylonian forces (2Ki 25:1-10). A third group was taken into Babylonian captivity, but Jeremiah was among those who stayed behind (2Ki 25:11-12,22; Jer 39:11-14; 40:1-6).
• 536 B.C. – Babylon falls, and the first remnant returns to Jerusalem Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the first remnant back under the leadership of Zerubbabel (Ezr 1:1-5; 2:1-2). The foundation of the temple was soon started, but the temple was not completed until 516 B.C. (Ezr 3:8-13; 6:14-16).
• 457 B.C. – A second remnant returns to Jerusalem Ezra the priest returns with this group (Ezr 7:1-8:36). He leads a much-needed revival (Ezr 9:1-10:44).
• 444 B.C. – A third remnant returns to Jerusalem This group is led by Nehemiah (Neh 1:1-2:20). Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt (Neh 3:1-7:73). Together with Ezra, they restore much of the religion (Neh 8:1-13:31).

Daniel lived through much of these times (605-534 B.C.). He was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon (Dan 1:1-4). He continued there over the entire 70 years of captivity (Dan 1:21; 10:1; cf. Dan 9:1-2; Jer 25:11; 29:10). Daniel was certainly a remarkable man. His greatness was recognized by his contemporary, Ezekiel (Eze 14:14,20; 28:3).

THEME

From a number of passages (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21) we can deduce the main theme of the book of Daniel:

God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men

In this book, we see the rule of God is…

• Manifested in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus, kings of the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians
• Foretold to occur in the days of the Persians, Greeks, and Romans

In this book, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested…

• With the establishment of God’s kingdom – Dan 2:44
• With the vindication of the cause of His saints – Dan 7:27

OUTLINE

Here is a brief outline of the book of Daniel…

1. God’s Providence In History – Dan 1:1-6:28
   1. Daniel and his determination to be pure – Dan 1:1-21
   2. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s promotion – Dan 2:1-49
   3. Faith in the face of fire by Daniel’s friends – Dan 3:1-30
   4. Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and temporary insanity – Dan 4:1-37
   5. The writing on the wall and fall of Belshazzar – Dan 5:1-31
   6. Darius and his den of lions – Dan 6:1-28
2. God’s Purpose In History – Dan 7:1-12:13
   1. Daniel’s dream of the four beasts – Dan 7:1-28
   2. Daniel’s dream of the ram and the goat – Dan 8:1-27
   3. Daniel’s prayer, and the vision of the seventy weeks – Dan 9:1-27
   4. Daniel’s vision of the time of the end – Dan 10:1-12:13

CONCLUSION

As with all Scripture, the book of Daniel is profitable for our study (2Ti 3:16-17). From Daniel and his friends, we will learn the power of faith and commitment. By studying this book, we can better understand our Lord’s references to it (cf. Mk 13:14-151; Mt 24:15-16).

Despite some of its more difficult and challenging passages, we can benefit from them as well, as long as we interpret them…

• In the context of the book itself
• Consistent with all else the Bible may say on the subject
• With the humility and openness that is incumbent upon all who would study and teach God’s word (cf. 2Ti 2:24-25)

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. During what periods of Israel’s history did Daniel live and prophesy?
   • The Babylonian captivity, and at the beginning of its restoration (605-534 B.C.)
2. What two prophets were contemporary with Daniel?
   • Jeremiah and Ezekiel
3. What is suggested as the theme of Daniel? (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21)
   • God rules in the kingdoms of men
4. What are the two main sections of the book?
   • God’s providence in history (Dan 1:1-6:28)
   • God’s purpose in history (Dan 7:1-12:13)

---

    1. Edited by BLB [An error was made in the original document incorrectly quoting Mk 1:14-15]

Daniel Chapter 1

 Daniel and his determination to be pure (1:1-21)

Daniel carried into Babylonian Captivity (1:1-7)

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.² And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.³ And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;⁴ Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.⁵ And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.⁶ Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:⁷ Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel refuses to eat the king’s meat (8-17)

⁸ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.⁹ Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.¹⁰ And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.¹¹ Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,¹² Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.¹³ Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.¹⁴ So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.¹⁵ And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.¹⁶ Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.¹⁷ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel before the king (1:18-21)

¹⁸ Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.¹⁹ And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.²⁰ And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.²¹ And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

What we learned:

Daniel resolved to live a clean, Godly life; and from what we can read in Scriptures, he appears for the most part to have achieved this. 

Daniel lived in Babylon throughout the seventy years of Babylonian captivity and into the reign of Cyrus the Persian who built the Medo-Persian Empire. He was active in the reigns of several kings: (1) Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned 604-561 _B.C. and began the; (2) Belshazzar, who was a grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and probably reigned as viceroy under Nabonidus; (3) Darius, the Mede, who took the kingdom the night of Belshazzar’s great feast; and (4) Cyrus, the Medo-Persian, who fully established the Medo-Persian Empire, the second of the world empires following Nebuchadnezzar. It seems Daniel died in the first year of King Cyrus, and he may have helped inspire the decision of Cyrus to have the Temple rebuilt (cf. 2 Chr. 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1-4) (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 911)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

THEME

From a number of passages (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21) we can deduce the main theme of the book of Daniel:

God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men

In this book, we see the rule of God is…

• Manifested in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus, kings of the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians
• Foretold to occur in the days of the Persians, Greeks, and Romans

In this book, we learn that the rule of God would be especially manifested…

• With the establishment of God’s kingdom – Dan 2:44
• With the vindication of the cause of His saints – Dan 7:27

OUTLINE

Here is a brief outline of the book of Daniel…

1. God’s Providence In History – Dan 1:1-6:28
   1. Daniel and his determination to be pure – Dan 1:1-21
   2. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s promotion – Dan 2:1-49
   3. Faith in the face of fire by Daniel’s friends – Dan 3:1-30
   4. Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and temporary insanity – Dan 4:1-37
   5. The writing on the wall and fall of Belshazzar – Dan 5:1-31
   6. Darius and his den of lions – Dan 6:1-28
2. God’s Purpose In History – Dan 7:1-12:13
   1. Daniel’s dream of the four beasts – Dan 7:1-28
   2. Daniel’s dream of the ram and the goat – Dan 8:1-27
   3. Daniel’s prayer, and the vision of the seventy weeks – Dan 9:1-27
   4. Daniel’s vision of the time of the end – Dan 10:1-12:13

CONCLUSION

As with all Scripture, the book of Daniel is profitable for our study (2Ti 3:16-17). From Daniel and his friends, we will learn the power of faith and commitment. By studying this book, we can better understand our Lord’s references to it (cf. Mk 13:14-151; Mt 24:15-16).

Despite some of its more difficult and challenging passages, we can benefit from them as well, as long as we interpret them…

• In the context of the book itself
• Consistent with all else the Bible may say on the subject
• With the humility and openness that is incumbent upon all who would study and teach God’s word (cf. 2Ti 2:24-25)

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. During what periods of Israel’s history did Daniel live and prophesy?
   • The Babylonian captivity, and at the beginning of its restoration (605-534 B.C.)
2. What two prophets were contemporary with Daniel?
   • Jeremiah and Ezekiel
3. What is suggested as the theme of Daniel? (Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21)
   • God rules in the kingdoms of men
4. What are the two main sections of the book?
   • God’s providence in history (Dan 1:1-6:28)
   • God’s purpose in history (Dan 7:1-12:13)

---

    1. Edited by BLB [An error was made in the original document incorrectly quoting Mk 1:14-15]

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,   

Today we begin a study on the book of Daniel. This week is the introduction to the book and Chapter 1.

Blue Letter Bible-Executable Outline-Study Resources

Introduction to Daniel

One of the more fascinating books of the Bible is the book of Daniel…

• The first six chapters contain accounts of faith that inspire both young and old
• The last six chapters are filled with apocalyptic visions that challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars

It is a book that has often been attacked and abused…

• Attacked by liberals and skeptics who deny its inspiration
• Abused by many who have taken its visions out of context to support all kinds of wild theories concerning the second coming of Christ

But when properly read and understood, the book of Daniel can…

• Inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to God
• Strengthen our faith in the inspiration of the Bible

DANIEL AND HIS TIMES

The name “Daniel” means “God is my judge” which provides a hint of one of the key themes in this book: God will judge the nations of men. Daniel was a person of deep and abiding faith…

• As a youth, he purposed not to defile himself – Dan 1:8
• When old, he persisted in serving God despite threats against his life – Dan 6:10

God blessed Daniel because of his faith…

• He rose to great heights in the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia – Dan 2:48; 6:1-3
• He served as a statesman, a counselor to kings, and a prophet of God

Daniel was contemporary with two other great prophets: Jeremiah and Ezekiel…

• Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.)
• Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 B.C.)
• Daniel prophesied in the capital of Babylon (605-586 B.C.)

Nothing is known of his personal life outside of the book. He descended from one of Judah’s prominent families, if not from royal blood (Dan 1:3). At an early age (likely in his teens) Daniel along with others was taken from his family to be trained in the courts of Babylon (Dan 1:3-4). Whether he ever married is uncertain.

Some key dates and events will help appreciate the times in which Daniel lived…

• 612 B.C. – Fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria Assyria had ruled the world since the days of Tiglath-Pileser (845 B.C.). Nabopolassar came to the throne in Babylon and rebelled against the Assyrians in 625 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, was the general who led the Babylonian army against Nineveh, defeating it in 612 B.C.
• 605 B.C. – Battle of Carchemish, establishing Babylonian domination Pharaoh-Necho of Egypt came to fight the Babylonians at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, chasing them south through Judah. At Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father’s death; he returned to assume the throne in Babylon. The first group of Jewish captives were taken, along with Daniel and his friends (Dan 1:1-4).
• 597 B.C. – A second remnant taken to Babylon Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah) followed the reign of his father, Jehoiakim. He lasted just three months, when Nebuchadnezzar took him and 10,000 Jews to Babylon (2Ki 24:8-16). This second group of captives included Ezekiel (Eze 1:1-3).
• 586 B.C. – Fall of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed Zedekiah was installed as king in Jerusalem, but was weak and vacillating. Eleven years later, Jerusalem was totally devastated by Babylonian forces (2Ki 25:1-10). A third group was taken into Babylonian captivity, but Jeremiah was among those who stayed behind (2Ki 25:11-12,22; Jer 39:11-14; 40:1-6).
• 536 B.C. – Babylon falls, and the first remnant returns to Jerusalem Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the first remnant back under the leadership of Zerubbabel (Ezr 1:1-5; 2:1-2). The foundation of the temple was soon started, but the temple was not completed until 516 B.C. (Ezr 3:8-13; 6:14-16).
• 457 B.C. – A second remnant returns to Jerusalem Ezra the priest returns with this group (Ezr 7:1-8:36). He leads a much-needed revival (Ezr 9:1-10:44).
• 444 B.C. – A third remnant returns to Jerusalem This group is led by Nehemiah (Neh 1:1-2:20). Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt (Neh 3:1-7:73). Together with Ezra, they restore much of the religion (Neh 8:1-13:31).

Daniel lived through much of these times (605-534 B.C.). He was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon (Dan 1:1-4). He continued there over the entire 70 years of captivity (Dan 1:21; 10:1; cf. Dan 9:1-2; Jer 25:11; 29:10). Daniel was certainly a remarkable man. His greatness was recognized by his contemporary, Ezekiel (Eze 14:14,20; 28:3).

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 22 April 2024. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Consequence of Passover: Pharaoh Lets Israel Go (12:31-36)

³¹ And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.³² Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.³³ And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.³⁴ And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.³⁵ And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:³⁶ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

The blood protected the children of Israel. Christ’s blood on the cross bought our salvation.  Each had to take a step of faith.  Israel had to obey God, sacrifice a perfect lamb, and put the blood on the lintel and doorpost. We must by faith, repenting of our sin, put our trust in God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Israel lived and God freed them from their bondage in Egypt and eventually allowed them to enter into the Promised Land He promised Abraham. We live and will be eternally with the Lord here on earth and in heaven.

CONCLUSION:

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 22 April 2024. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Fulfillment of Passover (12:21-30)

Kill the Passover (12:21)

²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

Strike the Lintel and Two Side Posts with Blood (12:22-23)

²² And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.²³ For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Passover to be on Observed Forever as Testimony to God’s Power and Provision (12:24-28)

²⁴ And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.²⁵ And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.²⁶ And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?²⁷ That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.²⁸ And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Death of the First born (12:29-30)

²⁹ And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.³⁰ And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 22 April 2024. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Preparation for Passover (12:1-20)

New Year (12:1-2)

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,² This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Characteristics of the Lamb (12:3-5)

³ Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:⁴ And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Killing the Lamb (12:6)

⁶ And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Blood of the Lamb (12:7)

⁷ And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Eating the Lamb (12:8-11)

⁸ And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.⁹ Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.¹⁰ And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.¹¹ And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.

Passover by God (12:12-13)

¹² For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.¹³ And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Feast of Unleavened Bread (12:14-20)

¹⁴ And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.¹⁵ Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.¹⁶ And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.¹⁷ And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.¹⁹ Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.²⁰ Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Fulfillment of Passover (12:21-30)

Kill the Passover (12:21)

²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

Strike the Lintel and Two Side Posts with Blood (12:22-23)

²² And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.²³ For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Passover to be on Observed Forever as Testimony to God’s Power and Provision (12:24-28)

²⁴ And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.²⁵ And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.²⁶ And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?²⁷ That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.²⁸ And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Death of the First born (12:29-30)

²⁹ And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.³⁰ And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Consequence of Passover: Pharaoh Lets Israel Go (12:31-36)

³¹ And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.³² Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.³³ And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.³⁴ And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.³⁵ And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:³⁶ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

The blood protected the children of Israel. Christ’s blood on the cross bought our salvation.  Each had to take a step of faith.  Israel had to obey God, sacrifice a perfect lamb, and put the blood on the lintel and doorpost. We must by faith, repenting of our sin, put our trust in God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Israel lived and God freed them from their bondage in Egypt and eventually allowed them to enter into the Promised Land He promised Abraham. We live and will be eternally with the Lord here on earth and in heaven.

CONCLUSION:

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com