Melissa Renner introduces the book of Daniel and what Women’s Bible Study will look like this semester.

Daniel: The Author

  • Daniel’s name means “God is My Judge” or “God is Judge.”
  • Daniel is credited with writing the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:2; 10:2; 12:4).
  • Christ identified Daniel as a prophet (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).
  • Daniel was a contemporary of the prophet Ezekiel, who commended Daniel for his righteous character and exemplary wisdom (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3). Daniel was taken to Babylon in the first siege of Jerusalem in 605 BC, whereas Ezekiel was taken to Babylon (with 10,000 other captives) in the second siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC.
  • Daniel lived a long life—85 years or more—from being taken prisoner to Babylon in the first siege of Jerusalem in 605 BC as a teenager, to living into the reign of Cyrus c. 536 BC. Daniel lived to see the Babylonian Empire’s dominion, as well as its dramatic fall to the Medo-Persian Empire (539 BC).

Daniel: The Book

  • Daniel is uniquely written in two languages:
    Passage Language Focus
    Daniel 1:1–2:4b Written in Hebrew, describing the beginning of Israel’s exile to Babylon. Present Exile of Israel
    Daniel 2:4b–7:28 Written in Aramaic, the official international diplomatic Gentile language throughout the Near East of that era. Destiny of Gentile Nations
    Daniel 8:1–12:13 Written in Hebrew, describing the future prophetic history of Israel (the Four World Empires, First and Second Coming of Christ, future Millennial Kingdom). Future Destiny of Israel
  • Daniel spans the “Times of the Gentiles” which began in 605 BC with the 70-year exile of Judah in Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar and will conclude with the coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah in glory (Luke 21:24).
  • Daniel 1–6 emphasizes Daniel’s character and God’s presence, in a historical narrative format.
  • Daniel 7–12 chronicles Daniel’s prophecies/visions.
    • Daniel 7–8 was received previously during the reign of Babylonian King Belshazzar.
    • Daniel 9–12 was received during the reigns of Medo-Persian Kings Darius and Cyrus.

Study Guide Available

For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.