Daniel deals with the period of world history that is referred to in the Scriptures as: "THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES."
fundamentalbaptistbooks.com/p...
(Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled.
Deuteronomy 32:8-9 When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam; he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
From these Scriptures we learn that when the Most High divided the earth among the nations, He had in view the children of Israel, His chosen people.
It was through Israel as the center of the nations, that God governed the earth; for it is stated in First Chronicles 29:23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered and all Israel obeyed him. Here we see that the throne of Israel was "The throne of the LORD.”
Through the failure of the kings and the people of Israel, there came a time when God ceased to govern the earth from Zion as the Centre.
Nevertheless we know from Psalms 2:6-9 [ Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possessions. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. ] that, in the day to come God is again going to govern the whole earth from Zion through Christ the King.
Daniel deals with this period of world history between these two events- the setting aside of Israel in government, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom from Zion in the midst of restored Israel.
During this time the government of the world passes from Israel to the Gentiles. The nation of Israel ceases to be the head of the nations, and is brought into subjection to the Gentiles. For this reason, this period is called: "The Time of the Gentiles"
Two questions that come to mind:
(1) How will the Gentiles use the power of government that has been committed to their responsibility?
(2) What will be the history of God's ancient people during the time of the Gentiles? The answer to these questions is the subject of the Book of Daniel.
During "the times of the Gentiles," God's government is no longer an open and direct government from an earthly center, but takes a hidden form of government from Heaven.
This is the reason that four times God is referred to as the God of Heaven, once as the King of Heaven, and once as the LORD of Heaven.
However, God is over all and working behind the scenes. He commits the outward government of the world to the Gentiles.
Daniel gives us a prophetic outline of this time, showing the rise and fall of four great successive Gentiles powers, and how they break down completely in exercise of government.
Also, it is revealed to Daniel that the attitude of the Gentile powers toward God's ancient people will be one of persecution and opposition.
Finally, Daniel foretells that the Gentiles, having completely broken down in government, they will be judged and set aside by the introduction of the reign of Christ and the restoration of Israel.
The preservation of the Remnant - Chapter 1
The portrait of the Representatives (Gentiles) Chapters 2-7
The Prophecy of the Restoration Israel with their King)- Chapters 8-12
The Prophecy and the reason for the captivity:
Isaiah 39:5-7 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of Hosts: Behold the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Jeremiah 25:8-12
OUTLINE FOR DANIEL CHAPTER ONE
The Deportation of Judah -Chapter 1:1-2
The Design of Nebuchadnezzar chapter 1:3-7
The Determination of Daniel Chapter 1:8-16
The Development of Daniel Chapter 1:17-21
APPLICATION:
Daniel's decision in Jerusalem was the determining factor in his actions in Babylon. He determined in Jerusalem
he would:
Keep his Feet in the Way of God.
Keep his Faith in the Word of God.
Keep his Face in the Will of God.
Keep his Fear in the Wisdom of God.
You can order a copy here:
Fundamental Baptist Books
fundamentalbaptistbooks.com/p...
14 май 2024
