The book of Daniel is divided into two clear divisions: chapters 1-6 and 7-12. The first half concentrates on the stories of Daniel and his three friends and how they remain loyal to God even as those among the early exiles to Babylon during the reign of king Johoiakim of Judah. God delivered the king of Judah into the hand of king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the latter carried off some articles from the temple of God along with some exiles (which include Daniel and his three friends). The second half is a series of apocalyptic visions about the rise and fall of succeeding empires with a subsequent focus on a series of Antichrist figures, with an elaboration on Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) of the Seleucid rulers and a final focus on God’s judgement on the Antichrist, the enemy of God, and the inauguration of God’s final glorious kingdom in the future.
It is important to recognise that this book highlights the sovereignty of God over His people Israel, over kingdoms, empires and kings and also over the history of mankind. Although the king of Judah was subdued by the king of Babylon, it was God who gave His people over to Babylon and to exile because His people had disobeyed Him and indulged in idolatry and false worship. His people and the surrounding nations might have concluded that the God of Israel was no match for the gods of the Babylonians; God demonstrated that He was still the sovereign God when He manifested His power and glory in the lives of Daniel and his three friends, covering the reigns of Babylon and Medo-Persia during the lifetime of Daniel, and Greece and subsequently Rome in the visions, dreams and prophecies revealed to Daniel and king Nebuchadnezzar. Also, God worked in such a way that Nebuchadnezzar himself had to acknowledge the greatness of the God of Israel; king Belshazzar was humbled before God when the writings appeared on the wall when he and his household drank wine from the goblets taken from the temple in Jerusalem; king Darius saw the miraculous way God delivered Daniel from the lions and declared that the God of Daniel is the living God who endures for ever. The visions and prophecies given to Daniel point to the future triumph of God over His enemies, even those who are formidable and supported by the evil one, and this culminates in the resurrection of the dead, with those who are with God to everlasting life and those who rebel against Him to everlasting contempt.
God’s manifestations of His sovereignty in the lives of Daniel and his three friends and also His rulership over kings and empires caused such a great impact that Israel, after 70 years in exile, when she returned to Jerusalem, no longer resorted to idolatry as before. Even the return was allowed by the decree of king Cyrus, and the name of king Cyrus was mentioned by prophet Isaiah years before. The Lord Jesus Himself referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” in Daniel chapter 7 and Daniel was himself noted by his contemporary prophet Ezekiel as one who could be coupled with godly men like Noah and Job.
What is obviously clear in Daniel is the declaration that God almighty is sovereign over His people and over human kings, rulers and human history although circumstances may not appear to be so. The greatest of man and kings have to ‘bow down’ before the king of kings; no man or supernatural being can dislodge God from His throne. Although God’s working may be ‘hidden’ and not seen in an obvious manner, He is still in control and He wields His power over all to fulfil His glorious purpose. Although Daniel and his three friends were outstanding godly individuals, the book is primarily about the great almighty God who works in various circumstances, various peoples, various individuals to bring about His great plan and to manifest HIs glory and honour to all, even to those in the heavenly realm. That is not to belittle the exemplary lives of Daniel and his three friends but their faithfulness and godliness must be seen in the light of God’s favour and working in their lives. The exile of God’s people must also be seen in the loving discipline of God on His people and it demonstrates not only His love but also His holiness and His wrath against sin and rebellion.
Kings and rulers are placed in power and allowed to rule and to conquer with His permission and according to His great overall purpose; those who think they can usurp His power would come to a grievous end.
The book of Daniel helps us to see these same principles in our own current contexts. The people of God might be persecuted and ‘laid low’ by rulers and despots; yet His people must not lose sight of His sovereignty and His sitting still on the throne in heaven. Men may do their worst against God and His people and think, in their pride and arrogance, that they are in control but they would have to ‘bow down’ before the throne of the almighty in God’s own time and according to His plan and purpose. Ungodly men may feel that they have the upper hand against God’s people but they must realise sooner or later that it is God who allows them, for the moment, to be in such a position. Before long, they would face His judgement and His wrath whilst His people would be vindicated. Circumstances may appear desperately discouraging and depressing; but this book should help us to hold our heads high and to continue to affirm God’s goodness and sovereignty over all situations in our lives and in the lives of His people. Like Habakkuk, we can still declare: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour”.