Sabbath, March 15 – Daniel 6, 7

1. What caused the envy of the satraps in the Persian kingdom? (Daniel 6:3)

2. How did Daniel react to the decree prohibiting prayer? (Daniel 6:10)

3. What do the beasts in the prophecy represent? (Daniel 7:17)

4. How does Daniel describe the scene of judgment? (Daniel 7:9, 10)

Chapter 6 begins with Darius’s ascension and Daniel’s promotion. However, just like in Chapter 3, this honor provokes the envy of his enemies. The satraps conspire against Daniel, using his unwavering faithfulness to God to manipulate the king into signing a decree prohibiting prayer to any god except the king.

Daniel responds with steadfast faith, continuing to pray as usual. He does not hide his faith or modify his practice to avoid danger. His prayer becomes a powerful testimony of trust in God. Although the decree was irreversible, Daniel was willing to face death rather than cease his prayers.

The punishment was the lions’ den, but God intervened. The distressed king fasted through the night and rushed to the den at dawn, hoping Daniel had survived. To his amazement, Daniel calmly replied, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths” (Daniel 6:22).

Daniel does not claim credit for his survival but gives glory to God. The king then orders his accusers to be thrown into the lions’ den and decrees that all people must fear and honor Daniel’s God.

This story teaches that faith must be unshakable. Daniel had no guarantee that God would save him, but he trusted Him completely. His consistent prayer life gave him the strength to face the trial.

Chapter 7 marks the beginning of the book’s second half, shifting from historical events to prophetic visions. Daniel’s vision parallels the statue in Chapter 2 but provides more details.

Daniel sees four beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing the great world empires:

1. The lion with eagle’s wings – Babylon, powerful and swift, but later weakened.
2. The bear raised on one side – Medo-Persia, with uneven power between the Medes and Persians.
3. The leopard with four wings and four heads – Greece, rapid in conquest and divided into four after Alexander the Great’s death.
4. A dreadful beast with ten horns – Rome, strong and destructive, from which arises a little horn with great power.
This little horn represents a political-religious power that opposes God and persecutes His saints. It speaks arrogantly and attempts to change times and laws.

In contrast to the beasts, Daniel sees the throne of God: “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated… The court was seated, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9,10)

The judgment is not a fearful event for God’s people but a promise of justice. As human kingdoms collapse, God establishes His eternal kingdom.

The vision culminates with the arrival of “One like the Son of Man,” who is given dominion and everlasting glory. This is Christ, who will reign over all nations.

Lessons for today:

1. Daniel’s faithfulness challenges us to stand firm in our beliefs despite opposition.
2. Daniel’s prophecies remind us that God controls history.
3. The heavenly judgment is good news: God will bring justice and establish His eternal kingdom.
4. Christ, the Son of Man, is our sure hope and the King of the kingdom that will never pass away.
5. Daniel’s message calls us to trust in God during trials and to live with the certainty that His kingdom is near.