The Book of Daniel

An Outline

Bible books contents
Dating Author Historical background Chapter outline

1. Dating

This is another book of scripture that has suffered at the hands of the critics. Modern critical scholarship rejects the traditional dating of the 6th century BC and puts it c.168 BC. However there are many reasons why we should accept the traditional dating of the 6th century. One of the best discussions on this is be found in 'The Prophecy of Daniel' ( Edward Young; Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1975). We will not rehearse the arguments here, but just say that we accept the traditional dating and author of this book.

2. Author

Written by Daniel as seen from:

In Part two of the book Daniel is mentioned as the one who receives the revelation and he speaks in the 1st person. (eg. Dan.7:2)
Part one of the book prepares for the second, the latter developing what was in the former( eg. Dan.7 develops what was in Dan. 2)
The historical narratives uniformly have the purpose of revealing how God is glorified over the nations.
Jesus speaks explicitly of Daniel both directly and indirectly. Mtt.24:15,21,30;26:64; Lk.12:20

3. Historical background

Daniel was taken captive to Babylon in the first of the three invasions by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel being taken on the second one whilst Jerusalem was destroyed on the third occasion. Daniel was in the court of Nebuchadnezzar and played a prominent part there.

4. Chapter outline

Chapter	Outline	Comments
HISTORICAL SECTION
1	Refusing to be defiled with the kings meat	God overcoming the world's practices
2	Dream of Nebuchadnezzar; the image.	God overcoming the world's kingdoms
3	The Hebrew men and the fiery furnace.	God overcoming the world's demand for worship
4	Nebuchadnezzar made to eat as a beast	God overcoming the world's pride
5	Belshazzar's feast	God overcoming the world's impiety
6	Daniel and the Lion's Den	God overcoming the world's plans
PROPHETIC SECTION
7	The four beasts	Prophecy especially concerning the fourth empire
8	The ram and he goat	Prophecy concerning the Medio-Persian and Greek empires
9	Prophecy of the 70 weeks.	Prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah
10	Visions of God	Preparation for the next chapter
11	Various prophecies	Prophecies concerned with the 400 years from Malachi to Matthew
12	Conclusion	Prophecies sealed.

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