Prequel

Historical Context

The book of Daniel is divided into two main parts: historical narratives and prophetic visions. The historical narratives describe the experiences of the prophet Daniel and his three companions during their time as captives in Babylon, while the prophetic visions contain symbolic interpretations of future events.

The book was written by the prophet Daniel during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. This estimate builds on the book's own words that Daniel was a contemporary of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.

In 609 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar made Judah a vassal state. However, 3 years later, king Jehoiakim of Judah rebelled against him. 

"In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him." 2 Kings 24:1

This rebellion caused Nebuchadnezzar to attack Judah. and took the first exiles back to Babylon including Daniel and his friends. This happened in 597 BCE.  

In 586 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar returned again to Jerusalem, laid siege to the city, and destroyed the Temple, which was the center of Jewish worship. He then took many more Jews into exile in Babylon, effectively ending the Kingdom of Judah.

Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, conquered Babylon in 539 BCE. The fall of Babylon marked the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Persian Empire, which became one of the largest and most powerful empires.

Witness to a Key Prophecy

Jeremiah prophesied that the Jews will be exiled by the Babylonians for 70 years: "This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt," declares the Lord, "and will make it desolate forever." (Jeremiah 25:11-12)

The historical dates proved that this prophecy was correct, 70 years from 609 BCE to 539 BCE. Furthermore, Cyrus himself was prophesied by Isaiah more than a hundred years before he was born, and that Cyrus will free them and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple: 

"who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’” (Isaiah 44:28)

Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and to rebuild the temple in 538 BCE. (See Ezra 1:1-4.) The rebuilding of the Temple was a slow process, and it took several years to lay the foundation and complete the construction. Despite opposition from their neighbors and setbacks along the way, the Jews persevered, and the Second Temple was eventually completed and dedicated in 516 BCE.

The Temple(s) of the Lord always act as a chapter marker for Israel. From the destruction of the first temple (586 BCE) till the completion of the second temple (516) is also 70 Years. Is this merely a coincidence or a deliberate work of God to prove that He is in control?

When Daniel was exiled, it was estimated that he was in his late teens or early twenties. He lived through the life of many kings. He served as a court advisor and interpreter of dreams under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Great.  Daniel saw the fulfillment of a key prophecy for Judah, from exile to release. 

Daniel died after the first year of King Cyrus (Daniel 1:21), and was estimated he lived till about 80 years old.

Main Themes

One of the main themes in the book of Daniel is the faithful obedience to God in the face of a hostile and pagan culture. Daniel serves as a model of faithfulness and devotion, demonstrating that it is possible to remain true to one's beliefs even when surrounded by temptation and opposition.

Another key aspect of Daniel's character is his wisdom and understanding. He could interpret dreams and provide wise counsel to the kings. This aspect of his character serves as a reminder that wisdom and understanding come from God and that those who seek after these qualities will be blessed with them.

In addition to his faith and wisdom, Daniel is also known for his integrity and courage. Despite being faced with difficult and dangerous situations, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to doing what was right, even when it meant putting himself at risk. This aspect of his character serves as an inspiration to the exiles, for the Jews have never worshipped any idols since then until the present age.

Daniel is also an inspiration today for Christians, who are also in exile on Earth, and for all who seek to live a life of faith, courage and honor.

Framework of Book of Daniel

https://www.preceptaustin.org/daniel_10_commentary

Lessons Learned

1. Be in the world, but not of the world. 

2. God didn't "send " them to exile. He only need to withdraw his hands from protecting them, and let the evil nature of men takes it's place. God is always protecting us all the time. Without his protection we will all be persecuted by the world and by the devil.