Historical/geographical situation of the author

• Deported from Judah to Babylon in 605 BC
• Promoted to political stature by Nebuchadnezzar
• Remained in dual prophetic/political office for a period of more than 60 years
• Witnessed the transition of world powers from Babylonian Empire to Medo-Persian Empire
  
  

Structure of the Book

Chapters 1-6

Primarily narrative, relating events in Daniel’s life, showing his role in the two empires; prophecy that appears in this section is in the form of visions whose interpretation is provided; contains well-known stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego

Chapters 7-12

Primarily prophetic, describing Daniel’s visions concerning the future; contains less self-interpretation

Prophetic Highlights

The Metallic Image (chp 2; cf. chp 7)

• Gold head: Babylonia
• Silver chest and arms: Medo-Persia
• Bronze belly and thighs: Greece
• Iron legs: Rome
• Feet of iron and clay: Successor to Rome

The Seventy Weeks (chp 9)

• Came in context of prayer concerning the end of the seventy-year exile (cf. Jer 25.11)
• God revealed that he would again work in function of seventy units of time, this time “weeks” (i.e., sevens--seven-year periods)
• Upon conclusion of the seventy weeks, everlasting righteousness would be ushered in with the coming of Messiah’s kingdom
• Period would begin with the command to rebuild Jerusalem (ca. 445 BC)
• Predicts death of the Messiah and seven years of tribulation
  
  

Life Lessons

• It is possible to remain pure in the face of opposition (1.8; cf. chps 3, 6).
• God is sovereign in the affairs of men (2.20-21; 4.34-35).
• God is the source of all truth (2.27-28, 47).
• God will one day install his kingdom on earth (2.44).
  
  

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