The final section of this book gives us the longest and most detailed prophecy found in Daniel. Verses 1-35 give us a history from the time of Daniel through the terrible reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, who we were introduced to in chapter 8. This ruler, though not the final antichrist, served as sort of an antichrist archetype. In verse 36, there’s a shift that seems to point to the time of the final antichrist. The culmination of this vision arrives promptly in chapter 12 with some good news, and inspiring practical applications. Just a few of the truths we can draw from this epic prophecy in our day and age: God is in control, suffering is temporary, the resurrection is coming and we have a glorious mission until King Jesus returns to make all things new.

Chapter 10 serves as the intro to the final vision we will see next week in chapters 11-12. The main take-away from this chapter is the seriousness of spiritual warfare. We simply cannot fathom the ferocious invisible war raging all around us. And yet, through prayer and the power of the Holy

Spirit, we have all that we need to stand firm in our faith in the face of an insidious enemy. This chapter teaches us that like Daniel, we are loved, we are heard, and we can trust God to answer in His timing in some pretty amazing ways. Though many hardships and trials await us in this life, the ultimate victory is our in Jesus who has already defeated our enemy through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and miraculous resurrection. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Chapter 9 teaches us many valuable lessons on the subject of prayer. We see that God delights to answer the sincere prayer of His children. Daniel 9 also teaches us that we should pray knowing that we are deeply loved by the Father. We even see a helpful model of prayer we can apply: pray promises, pray persistently, pray the biblical pattern (ACTS–adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) and plead God’s mercy. The chapter closes with arguably the most difficult text in the entire Bible to interpret. Volumes have been written about decoding these final verses, but regardless of how one interprets these mysteries, the overarching point is gloriously clear: God is moving time & history to an appointed end with King Jesus defeating evil and establishing a new Kingdom of light, love and justice that will never dim.

Many of the dreams and visions in Daniel have centered around 4 kingdoms: Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. In chapter 8, Daniel telescopes in on the 2nd and 3rd kingdoms–Persia (represented by a ram) and Greece (represented by a goat). We’re also introduced to a new “little horn” that represents Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greek king who intensely persecuted God’s people around 175 BC. Although not the final antichrist, he serves as a foreshadowing of antichrist. We must remember that this chapter (strange as it may seem) was written by Daniel to God’s exiled people to encourage them. The big take-away of this chapter is that difficulties are inevitable, but God is invincible. This should lead God’s people to stand strong in Babylon, be prepared for suffering, and to sleep like babies in the midst of it all because we know the story ends with King Jesus winning once and for all.

The first half of Daniel is historical narrative, while the back half is apocalyptic prophecy. This might be sort of like switching the channel from a historical documentary to a sci-fi thriller! While the last 6 chapters of Daniel are difficult to interpret in places, there are clear themes that are easily applied in a hopeful & encouraging way for God’s people. In this chapter, we open into a wild scene that parallels Nebuchanezzar’s dream in chapter 2. Four wild beasts representing Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. We get a curious image of a small horn representing evil personified–the Antichrist. In the midst of this horrifying vision, we get a reminder that the Ancient of Days is still in control of history, and that the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, will one day defeat all the world’s kings and kingdoms to establish his eternal kingdom once and for all. In the final analysis, our life may be marked with suffering, but our destination is secure. In the end, we win because Jesus wins!

The 6th chapter of Daniel contains one of the most well-known stories in the entire Bible. This chapter also happens to be chock-full of practical applications to our modern day life. Things like persisting in prayer when crisis strikes, or the value of working hard at our jobs, or letting our faith be personal but not private. All of those applications are great, but the big-idea of the chapter is this: Christian, learn to walk faithfully with the God who rescues, even when the cost is great. Most Christians in Daniel’s day and in our day alike, tend to either assimilate into culture or isolate from culture. Neither is helpful. We must be in culture, working for the good of our cities, while living out the ethics of another kingdom. Salt and light. Different but delightful. Strange but powerful. In all of this, we remember that Jesus is the greater Daniel, who was also thrown into a den of death to face the lions of sin, death and hell. Who also walked out of that tomb to give us the ability to live an abundant life on earth that simply extends into eternity. What a Savior!

The 6th chapter of Daniel contains one of the most well-known stories in the entire Bible. This chapter also happens to be chock-full of practical applications to our modern day life. Things like persisting in prayer when crisis strikes, or the value of working hard at our jobs, or letting our faith be personal but not private. All of those applications are great, but the big-idea of the chapter is this: Christian, learn to walk faithfully with the God who rescues, even when the cost is great. Most Christians in Daniel’s day and in our day alike, tend to either assimilate into culture or isolate from culture. Neither is helpful. We must be in culture, working for the good of our cities, while living out the ethics of another kingdom. Salt and light. Different but delightful. Strange but powerful. In all of this, we remember that Jesus is the greater Daniel, who was also thrown into a den of death to face the lions of sin, death and hell. Who also walked out of that tomb to give us the ability to live an abundant life on earth that simply extends into eternity. What a Savior!

Chapter 5 gives us yet another window into the dangers of the subtle pride & arrogance that lurks in every human heart. This text teaches us that when God speaks, we should listen. Although God may not write a message for you on a wall, He’s written you a book called the Bible. This chapter also teaches us that God’s justice & judgment are very real. This should compel us to number our days, and live wisely & winsomely in light of the coming judgment day of Christ. The good news of the gospel is that those who are in Christ will be vindicated on the day of judgment because King Jesus has already paid the penalty for their sin & rebellion against God. Jesus is the true & better King and there is no meaningful life outside of Him!

Daniel 4 gives us the final glimpse we ever get of king Nebuchadnezzar, and the legendary king goes out with a bang! This chapter is essentially Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony. We see the poison of pride, the God who loves us enough to humble us, and the life transformation that’s available to those who look to God. We also see the importance of being a courageous witness (like Daniel) in our own Babylon. Ultimately, the story of this earthly king points us to a heavenly King who willingly humbled himself to lift His people out of sin, death & hell so that we could shine as lights in the darkness of this world.

Daniel 3 contains one of the most well known stories in the entire Bible. It’s also a story rooted in deep truths that are stunningly applicable for Christians living in secular places like Asheville in ‘22. We need to be reminded that the world will pressure believers to fold on their godly convictions. Which means that the people of Jesus desperately need Biblical convictions with deep enough roots to produce courage. Daniel 3 also reminds us that God may not always deliver us from the flames, but He will always walk with us through the flames. He is sovereign, good, and merciful!