Book of Daniel Summary
God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men
Daniel Chapter 1
Title: Daniel and his determination to be pure (1:1-21)
Key Verse: 1:11-13
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.
Key people: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Melzar
Key concept: Purity before God
Chapter summary: Daniel resolved to live a clean, Godly life
Daniel Chapter 2
Title: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
Key Verse: 2:28
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.
Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah
Key concept: God reveals secrets, faith in God, future kingdoms revealed
Chapter summary: In the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, we find a profound exploration of faith, revelation, prophecy, and the enduring sovereignty of God. The narrative unfolds with King Nebuchadnezzar’s unsettling dream, prompting a desperate quest for understanding, which only Daniel, by divine wisdom, can provide. This chapter presents the shifting sands of human kingdoms and the unshakeable rock of God’s dominion.
Daniel Chapter 3
Title: Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol
Key Verse: 3:17-18
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Key concept: Faith in God
Chapter summary: The chapter vividly recounts the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking their lives in a blazing furnace, and in turn, showcasing the power of God.
In summary, Daniel 3 showcases the power of faith, God’s miraculous intervention, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that our God is able to save us, no matter the circumstances.
Daniel Chapter 4
Title: Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride
Key Verse: 4:16-17
Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Key people: King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, God
Key concept: Man’s pride and God’s sovereignty
Chapter summary: Nebuchadnezzar in his pride and self confidence had come to believe that it was his own strength and ability that had gotten him his high position. He had to be humbled until he was willing to confess that he was nothing and God was all. Even today God cannot and will not use any person to the fullest until he is ready to make this same confession. Daniel concludes with some sound spiritual counsel by exhorting the king to renounce his sins. This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is genuine repentance (vv. 26-27).
Daniel Chapter 5
Title: The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon
Key Verse: 5:25-28
And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Key people: King Belshazzar, Daniel, God
Key concept: Man’s pride and God’s judgment
Chapter summary: Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty.
Daniel Chapter 6
Title: Daniel in the lion’s den
Key Verse: 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Key people: King Darius, presidents and princes , Daniel
Key concept: Unwavering faith in the midst of adversity
Chapter summary: Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice.
Daniel Chapter 7
Title: Vision of the Four Beasts
Key Verse: 7:13-14
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Key people: Prophet Daniel, Four Beasts, The Ancient of Days (God), The Son of Man (Messiah), The Saints, The Little Horn
Key concept: Four future kingdoms, trial of the Antichrist, God gives the kingdom to His Son
Chapter summary: Daniel 7, a riveting chapter of prophetic revelation, sees the Prophet Daniel envision a series of events in the spiritual realm. The chapter revolves around his dream of four distinct beasts arising from the sea and the subsequent divine judgment. Among the vivid imagery, this chapter contains one of the first clear depictions of the Messiah as “the Son of Man,” and the promise of the everlasting Kingdom of God given to the saints.
Daniel Chapter 8
Title: Vision of the Ram and the He Goat
Key Verse: 8:20-21
20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Key people: Daniel, Gabriel, The Ram (symbolizing the kings of Media and Persia), The Goat (symbolizing the king of Greece)
Key concept: Four future kingdoms, trial of the Antichrist, God gives the kingdom to His Son
Chapter summary: Chapter 8 of the book of Daniel presents a profound and detailed prophecy. In this chapter, Daniel recounts a vision he received about a ram and a goat, representing upcoming empires. These beasts foretell the rise and fall of future nations and set the scene for intense spiritual warfare. An angel interprets the visions for Daniel, revealing God’s sovereignty over history’s unfolding events.
Daniel Chapter 9
Title: Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks
Key Verse: 9:24-25
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Key people: Daniel, Gabriel – the angel, Darius – the king of Persia, Jeremiah – the prophet (mentioned), God
Key concept: Prayer, Seventy sevens
Chapter summary: Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
Daniel Chapter 10
Title: Daniel’s Vision by the Tigris
Key Verse: 10:11
And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
Key people: Daniel, Angelic Messenger (potentially Gabriel), Michael, the Archangel, The Kings of Persia, The Prince of Greece
Key concept: Spiritual warfare and divine revelation
Chapter summary: Daniel 10 takes us deep into the spiritual realm as it records the prophet Daniel’s intense spiritual encounter. As Daniel enters a period of mourning and fasting, he is met by a heavenly visitor who unveils prophetic visions of the future. This chapter is a powerful testament to the spiritual realities that exist beyond our human perception, underscoring the profound link between our physical and spiritual experiences.
Daniel Chapter 11
Title: Kings of the South and North Navigating Through the Intricate Prophetic Timeline: An Exploration of Daniel 11
Key Verse: 11:5
And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.
Key people: Daniel, Angelic messenger, Kings of the South and North (representative of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers), A contemptible person (generally understood as Antiochus IV Epiphanes), The prince of the covenant (interpreted as High Priest Onias III)
Key concept: Battles between the kings of the north-Selucids and the south-Ptolemies.
Chapter summary: Daniel 11, one of the most detailed and intricate chapters of prophetic scripture, outlines a series of future events relayed to Daniel by an angel. This chapter, rich in historical, political, and spiritual implications, delves into the rise and fall of empires, battles, and rulers, ultimately focusing on the enduring faith and resilience of those who remain true to God amidst turmoil.
Daniel Chapter 12
Title: The Great Unveiling: Divine Revelations and Eternal Promises
Key Verse: 12:1
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Key people: Daniel, Michael, The two beings (one on each side of the river), The man clothed in linen
Key concept: The Time of Distress, Resurrection and Judgement, The Sealed Prophecy, Duration of the End Times
Chapter summary: Daniel 12, the concluding chapter of the Book of Daniel, continues and finalizes the long range prophecy given to Daniel by an angel. In this captivating finale, Daniel receives revelations of the end times, including a period of unmatched distress, the promise of resurrection and judgment, and the sealing of these prophecies until the end time.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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