The second and third chapters present a single story told in two parts. First, Nebuchadnezzar dreams of an enormous image composed of several materials, which Daniel interprets, demonstrating the sovereignty of God over history. Second, the king attempts to implement his dream by erecting a great golden image in the “plain of Dura.”
Continue reading “The King’s Dream”
Upon his arrival in Babylon, Daniel is confronted with a predicament. If he consumes the food and drink of the king, it might impinge on his ritual impurity. While he might wish to avoid eating “unclean” meats, more likely, his concern is that consuming the “king’s delicacies” means participation in the idolatrous rituals of the Babylonian court.
Continue reading “Food Offered to Idols”
The Tower of Babel incident is echoed in Daniel when the new ruler of “Shinar” gathers all nations to pay homage to his great image in the “Plain of Dura.” His empire was not a new political entity, but the latest incarnation of Satan’s effort to control humanity, a plan that has been underway since human civilization began.
Continue reading “Empires Rise and Fall”
The book of Daniel calls Babylon the “land of Shinar,” a verbal link to the Tower of Babel and the founding of the original city that became Babylon. That incident is echoed again in the third chapter when Nebuchadnezzar gathers all nations and peoples to pay homage to the great golden image that he “set up.”
Continue reading “The Land of Shinar”
God gave the kingdom of Judah into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, but He also equipped Daniel and his companions for service in the court of Babylon.
In its opening paragraph, the book of Daniel labels Babylon the “land of Shinar,” a verbal link to the “tower of Babel” incident. The Neo-Babylonian Empire has an ancient pedigree, and like his ancient forbears, Nebuchadnezzar determined to unite all men under one language and one government so all men might render homage to his great golden image.
Continue reading “God Grants Sovereignty”
Insights into Bible Prophecy 