Tag: bsf answers questions lesson 5

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 4: Romans 3:25-26

September 23, 2026September 10, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:25-26

God presented Jesus as the sacrifice of atonement for all those who believe in him. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 4: Romans 3:25-26

9a) Unlike ineffective animal sacrifices, Jesus is the perfect, once-for-all offering. His blood permanently removes sin and fully satisfies God’s righteous justice forever. Essentially, Jesus’s blood replaces animals’ blood.

b) Christ’s declaration, “It is finished” (Hebrews 2:17), proves His sacrifice fully absorbed God’s wrath. He is our propitiation, guaranteeing divine justice is completely and eternally satisfied.

10) It reveals His absolute divinity, perfect sinlessness, and staggering love. He is both the righteous Judge and the self-sacrificing Savior who perfectly rescues humanity.

11) By living each day for Jesus and trying to be like Jesus in all that I do. Living a transformed life to the best of my ability and sharing the Gospel every chance I get!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 4: Romans 3:25-26

Again, love, love, LOVE this! God is so, so good. How can anyone doubt Him when everything fits together perfectly, according to His plan.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 4: Romans 3:25-26

Propitiation was used by the ancient Greeks in reference to appeasing the gods with sacrifices.

Propitiation is used in the Old Testament when referring to the mercy seat, or the lid covering the Ark of the Covenant. Remember, blood was sprinkled here to atone for the Israelites’ sins.

The Old Testament sacrifices served to cover the people, so they could be in God’s presence. Jesus’ sacrifice paid for our sins once and for all.

God is just and by having sin be paid for and this justified us, made us righteous in His sight.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Ultimate Atonement (Propitiation): God presented Christ as a propitiation by His blood. This term directly invokes the Old Testament Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest sprinkled blood to cover sin and turn away divine wrath. Jesus serves as the final fulfillment of this, permanently absorbing the righteous anger of God against human rebellion.
The Instrument of Faith: The immense power of this sacrifice is not universally applied by default; it is received exclusively through faith. The saving benefits of Christ’s shed blood only cover those who actively trust in His finished work.
Vindicating Divine Restraint: Paul addresses a crucial historical problem: how could God simply “pass over” the grievous sins of Old Testament figures without executing immediate judgment? The cross proves God was not ignoring their evil. He was exercising divine forbearance, holding those sins in suspense until Jesus paid the penalty for them entirely.
Just and Justifier: This is the theological climax of Paul’s argument. At the cross, God demonstrates He is perfectly “just” by ensuring that every sin is punished to the absolute fullest extent of the law. Simultaneously, He acts as the “justifier” by freely declaring the believing sinner righteous, having borne the penalty Himself.

CONCLUSION

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 3: Romans 3:23-24

September 22, 2026September 9, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:23-24

All sin and fall short of God’s glory, but all are justified by His grace through the blood/redemption of Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 3: Romans 3:23-24

6) An archer continually missing the perfect bullseye, a shattered mirror failing to reflect pure light, or someone attempting to leap across a bottomless canyon. Basically, any hopeless or impossible situation.

7a) Being justified is God’s legal declaration that a sinner is perfectly righteous and fully accepted, wiping their record clean entirely based on Christ’s sacrifice.

b) Through belief in the saving blood/sacrifice of Jesus on the cross by God’s grace and mercy alone. Justification is accomplished entirely by God’s free grace through the redemption in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death fully pays the penalty for our sin.

The Suffering Substitute (Isaiah 53:10-11): Christ willingly bears our iniquities, perfectly satisfying God’s wrath to legally justify the many.

The Great Exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21): God treats the sinless Christ as sin so that believers instantly become the righteousness of God.

Faith Over Works (Galatians 2:16 & Philippians 3:9): This righteous standing is an unearned gift, received entirely through faith in Christ and completely bypassing human law-keeping.

Humble Reliance (Luke 18:14): God justifies the desperate, repentant sinner who begs for mercy, wholly rejecting the pride of self-righteous moralists.

The Final Verdict (Romans 8:1): Because Christ fully absorbed the penalty, those united to Him face absolutely zero future condemnation.

c) It makes me more humble and grateful. In general, it destroys pride and erases shame, freeing people to live with profound gratitude, absolute peace, and joyful security anchored entirely in Christ’s finished work.

8a)

Hosea 3:1-2: Just as Hosea buys back his unfaithful wife, God pays the literal ransom for a spiritually wayward people.

Ephesians 1:7-8: Our redemption and total forgiveness are secured exclusively through Christ’s blood, flowing entirely from God’s lavish, unearned grace.

Titus 2:11-14: Jesus ransomed us from wickedness to completely purify us, claiming us as His treasured possession, eager to do good.

1 Peter 1:18-19: We were rescued from empty lives not with perishable money, but purchased with the infinite value of Christ’s flawless blood.

b) It means we don’t have to earn salvation. The good news of God’s grace in justification and redemption means our eternal standing relies entirely on Christ’s finished work rather than our failed performance. Everyone!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 3: Romans 3:23-24

Love, love, LOVE God’s grace, provision, and love for us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 3: Romans 3:23-24

Remember, grace is unmerited favor.

Redemption is the buying back of something with a cost. God pays the cost for us.

Redemption has been used to mean the freely of slaves, too, who are bought for a price.

Jesus redeemed us; he bought us; therefore, we are his!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Paul pairs the ultimate statement of human equality in failure with the ultimate statement of divine generosity, contrasting our complete inability to reach God with His gracious reach down to us.

The great equalizer (v. 23): “All have sinned” serves as the definitive summary of everything Paul has argued so far. Whether a moralist, a religious elite, or a pagan, every human being shares the exact same starting point of spiritual rebellion.
The continuous deficit (v. 23): To “fall short of the glory of God” is an ongoing condition. God’s glory is His absolute, radiant perfection. Like an archer continually missing the target, our best efforts simply cannot bridge the infinite gap between our flawed nature and His holy standard.
The stunning verdict (v. 24): To be “justified” is a profound legal declaration. God, acting as the righteous Judge, does not just pardon the guilty; He legally declares them fully righteous and completely acceptable in His sight, wiping the record entirely clean.
The unmerited favor (v. 24): This justification is given “freely by his grace.” The word freely implies it is completely without cause in the recipient. There is absolutely nothing in us that earned this verdict; it flows entirely from God’s unprompted, radical generosity.
The cost of freedom (v. 24): While it is free to us, it was incredibly costly to God. “Redemption” is marketplace language used for buying a slave’s freedom. We were held hostage by the dominating power of sin, and Jesus Christ paid the ultimate ransom price with His own life to purchase our release.

CONCLUSION

The profound beauty of these two verses lies in their stark, immediate contrast. Verse 23 levels the playing field of humanity by destroying all religious pride and moral boasting, proving we are all equally bankrupt. Yet, without pausing for a breath, verse 24 delivers the breathtaking remedy. God does not demand we climb up to His impossible standard; instead, He freely declares us righteous by paying our ransom Himself. This completely shatters the transactional view of religion, establishing a relationship built entirely on the staggering love of a God who purchases the freedom of His own enemies.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 2: Romans 3:21-22

September 21, 2026September 11, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:21-22

Righteousness is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 2: Romans 3:21-22

3a) Righteousness is the absolute moral perfection and right standing before God, reflecting His holy character and freely granted to believers through faith in Christ. Righteousness comes from God and is received through faith in Jesus.

b) People try to earn righteousness in many ways, including self-reliance, strict rule-following, and moral effort, rather than humbly receiving it as a free gift.

4) Genesis reveals Abraham received righteousness through faith, not works. Jeremiah and Ezekiel foretell God internally transforming hearts and freely forgiving sins, proving salvation depends on grace, not external rule-keeping.

5) That God is infinitely merciful, kind, loving, and full of grace. God is profoundly loving, gracious, and impartial, deeply desiring a restored family relationship by freely offering salvation to everyone through simple, heartfelt trust. It encourages me knowing that no matter how often I fail, I am still saved. What Good News!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 2: Romans 3:21-22

Such a gift! This gift should be appreciated by all, and it’s hard to even put this gratitude into words.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 5, Day 2: Romans 3:21-22

“But now” signifies a New Covenant. This is the turning point in the book of Romans.

“Apart from the law” is apart from anything we could ever do. God’s salvation/righteousness is a gift, unearned, undeserved, but available to all.

Gift THROUGH faith.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Paul introduces the most monumental pivot in his letter: God has provided a way to be declared righteous that has absolutely nothing to do with keeping religious rules. This marks the transition from the crushing weight of human failure to the profound freedom of divine grace.

The radical shift (“But now”): After proving that the entire world is trapped under sin and condemned by the law, Paul announces a dramatic rescue. The phrase “but now” divides human history, shifting the focus from our moral bankruptcy to God’s definitive intervention.
Apart from the law: God’s righteousness is no longer tied to human performance or strict obedience to a moral code. Trying to earn a right standing with God through good works is entirely bypassed in favor of something completely new.
Endorsed by the Old Testament: Though this feels like a radical departure from Jewish tradition, Paul clarifies that the “Law and the Prophets testify” to it. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, the covenant with Abraham, and the prophetic promises were always pointing forward to this exact moment of grace.
The instrument of faith: This perfect righteousness cannot be earned, inherited, or bought; it is exclusively given through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith acts as the empty hands receiving a gift that was entirely paid for by the sacrifice of someone else.
The great equalizer: Because this standing is based entirely on Christ’s performance rather than ours, it is available to “all who believe.” Just as everyone is equally condemned by sin, everyone has equal access to salvation, completely erasing any spiritual or ethnic distinction between Jew and Gentile.

By entirely removing human merit from the equation, God democratizes salvation. Your background, religious pedigree, or past moral failures are suddenly completely irrelevant. The only requirement to stand perfectly righteous before a holy God is an absolute reliance on the finished work of Jesus Christ, making the ground at the foot of the cross perfectly level for every human being.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

September 25, 2025September 2, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 6:19-28

God saved Daniel from the lions. King Darius then punished the men who had tricked him and falsely accused Daniel by throwing them and their families into the lions’ den. King Darius then issued a decree that the people must fear and revere God.

Daniel prospered during Darius’ and Cyrus’ reigns.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

14a) God protected both Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because they were faithful to Him. In both, jealous officials trap faithful Hebrews with a law demanding state-enforced idolatry. The heroes demonstrate uncompromising faith, choosing obedience to God despite a death sentence. God then performs a miraculous deliverance, proving His supreme power over earthly threats. This forces the pagan king to publicly praise God and issue an empire-wide decree, leading to the vindication and promotion of the faithful servants.

b) This encourages me to always trust God in all of my circumstances. God is present in all of my trials, and I need to lean on Him. God can vindicate. Faithfulness is rewarded. God’s in control of all of humanity.

c) In my bankruptcy years ago, my job, His will for my life, what He wants to do next for me.

15a) Jesus was without blame, faithful, and sent to death because of jealous humans. Both were not able to be rescued because of rulers who felt trapped by their power. Jesus was plotted against. But, Jesus came out victorious thanks to God and God’s plans. Jesus died and was raised from the dead. Daniel could have died, but, was saved from death.

b) Darius was overjoyed that Daniel had survived. He then issued a decree that the people must fear and revere God.

16a) God and his faith in God. Daniel had extraordinary daily faith that ultimately rewarded him.

b) Many ways. I know no matter how hard things get, God has got me! I can live with integrity and honor, and my faithfulness to God will get me through each day and even change the world!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

I love this story. Such a classic story of how faith prevails above all else and how God is in charge of everything (as always). We can always trust God in our lives, even if we cannot fully understand His ways.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

Daniel did not break the king’s laws.

Daniel’s example of faith is mentioned in Hebrews 11:33 as one of the premier examples of a faithful life.

The tradition of the Persians was to eradicate the whole family as punishment.

No one wants to be tricked, so the punishment of the satraps was more than just, especially for those times.

Darius most likely would have punished the men if Daniel had died, too.

The fact that the men were eaten but Daniel was not proves that there was divine intervention. And, Daniel’s survival was taken by the Persians to mean he was innocent of the charges against him.

Darius then declares God’s greatness. This is a similar pattern we see in the Book of Daniel:

God’s people stand firm with God
God honors and protects them
The faithfulness of God’s people is a testimony of God’s work
This shows the ungodly the greatness of God.

God always provides a witness to His presence and power.

Some believe that Darius was Cyrus since he is mentioned here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 6:19-28 describes the miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den, the just punishment of his accusers, and the subsequent glorification of God throughout the Persian empire.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Miraculous Deliverance: Daniel’s survival is an unambiguous demonstration of God’s absolute power over nature and death. An angel is sent to shut the mouths of the lions, and the text explicitly states Daniel was unharmed “because he had trusted in his God.” The miracle is a direct response to and a vindication of Daniel’s unwavering faith.
The Reversal of Justice: The story shows a profound and just reversal. The conspirators who used the law to trap an innocent man are subjected to the very fate they intended for Daniel. The speed and ferocity of the lions with the accusers serve to highlight the supernatural nature of Daniel’s rescue, proving that divine justice prevails.
The King’s Proclamation: The climax is not just Daniel’s safety, but King Darius’s resulting decree. The miracle compels the powerful pagan king to issue a global proclamation, commanding all his subjects to “fear and reverence the God of Daniel.” He testifies that Daniel’s God is the living, eternal, and sovereign God who rescues and saves.

In essence, this passage reveals that God powerfully vindicates the radical trust of His faithful servants, turns the evil plots of the wicked back upon themselves, and uses these events to reveal His supreme power and glory to the nations.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18

September 24, 2025September 1, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 6:1-18

Daniel was gaining position within King Darius’ empire, making the satraps jealous. They determined to find charges against him. They tricked the king into issuing a decree that anyone worshipping anyone else but him should be thrown into the lions’ den. So, Daniel was caught worshipping God, and the King had to throw him into the lions’ den.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18

11a) The fact that Daniel could interpret dreams. The fact he was loyal and not corrupt. And, he was good at his job. His character was above others’.

b) God blesses those who do His work above all else. Excellence trumps culture. Character is super important.

12a) They were jealous of him and wanted to be the king’s favorite. They wanted the power and influence with the king that Daniel had.

b) All mankind is fallen and sinful. They do evil unto others for their own personal gain. Only God can save us from ourselves. Their actions reveal a heart that is fundamentally self-serving, views excellence as a threat, uses deception as a tool, and is willing to corrupt systems of law and religion to achieve its own envious and power-hungry goals.

13) Daniel still prayed to God despite the edict. His life would not change, nor would his devotion to God. He knew God would save him if it was God’s will.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18

Such a powerful example of mankind’s nature at its worst and how to respond in a Godly way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18

History records do not record Darius’ name. However, experts believe this was another name for a different ruler.

Daniel was not sinless, but he operated with integrity to the point that the satraps could find nothing he had ever done wrong.

The satraps used Darius’ pride to trick him. The edict could not be changed because the people believed the king spoke to the gods, and the gods were never wrong.

Darius knew it was his fault he was tricked, and he felt guilty over it since he couldn’t sleep. He probably liked Daniel and honestly did not want him harmed.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 6:1-18 sets the stage for a dramatic test of faith by showcasing how political jealousy can weaponize the law to target religious integrity.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Conspiracy of Jealousy: Daniel’s exceptional competence and trustworthiness as an administrator provoke the envy of his rivals. Unable to find any fault in his professional life, they conspire to use his unwavering religious devotion as a weapon against him.
The Idolatrous Law: The decree forbidding prayer to any god or man except King Darius for 30 days is a trap. It forces a direct conflict between civic obedience and divine worship, demanding an allegiance to the state that is due only to God.
Daniel’s Uncompromising Faithfulness: Knowing the decree is law, Daniel does not change his lifelong habit. He continues to pray openly toward Jerusalem, demonstrating that his devotion to God is a consistent, non-negotiable part of his life, not a reaction to the crisis. His act is one of faithful consistency, not political defiance.
The Powerless King: The story highlights the irony of King Darius, the most powerful man in the empire, being trapped by his own irrevocable law. He is greatly distressed and tries to save Daniel but is rendered helpless by his own prideful decree.

In essence, this passage establishes a clear conflict between the integrity of a faithful man and the jealousy of a corrupt system. It pits the unchangeable law of the Medes and Persians against Daniel’s unwavering commitment to the higher law of his God, setting the stage for a divine intervention.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 3: Daniel 5:13-31

September 23, 2025September 1, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 5:13-31

So, King Belshazzar called Daniel before him to interpret the writing on the wall. Daniel turned down all rewards and interpreted the message. He told him that his father was given greatness but was prideful, so he was humbled. He did not learn from his father’s experience, so God is sending him a punishment.

The inscription was: mene, mene, tekel, parsin, which meant that God has numbered his days of reign. His kingdom will be given to the Medes and the Persians. That very night, King Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at age 62.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 3: Daniel 5:13-31

7) God. God is in control of everything, everyone, and every destiny.

8 ) Daniel did not need anything; he had everything he needed in God. Plus, he may not have wanted to take from a pagan king. It also showed that he spoke the truth, not influenced by rewards. Daniel interpreted because he may have seen it as his duty to do so, and it would glorify God when the truth came to pass.

9) The rule was the same. They were both arrogant and prideful and forced to acknowledge God in heaven. But the main difference was that King Nebuchadnezzar respected God. His sin was pride, whereas Belshazzar committed blasphemy against God. God corrected Nebuchadnezzar; he punished Belshazzar.

10) Empires don’t stand; God does. Nothing is for certain. Anything can happen. Circumstances can change literally overnight. In today’s world, the same. Anything can change, so our job is to pray and let God handle it all.

What’s striking is the suddenness of Babylon’s fall. The empire collapsed in a single night, not from weakness, but at the very height of its arrogant and blasphemous feast. Its end was a swift, direct fulfillment of God’s prophetic judgment, proving human power is an illusion before divine justice.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 3: Daniel 5:13-31

Great lesson on how God determines outcomes. He also holds those who should know better (aka Belshazzar) to a higher standard.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 3: Daniel 5:13-31

Daniel knew that Belshazzar should have known not to mess with God, based on his father, King Nebuchadnezzar’s, experience. He was without excuse.

Each of the words on the wall stood for a short sentence.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 5:13-31 describes the solemn delivery of a divine, final judgment against a blasphemous king and its immediate, violent fulfillment.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

Daniel’s Rebuke of Willful Pride: Before interpreting the words, Daniel boldly rebukes King Belshazzar. He highlights that the king’s sin was far worse than Nebuchadnezzar’s, because he knew the story of his predecessor’s humbling yet chose to act with even greater, defiant arrogance. This establishes the theme of accountability for known truth.
The Divine Verdict: The words on the wall—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN—are interpreted as a final legal verdict from the court of heaven:
- MENE: God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.
- TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales of justice and found morally and spiritually deficient.
- PARSIN: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
The Swift and Irreversible Judgment: Unlike the warning dream given to Nebuchadnezzar, this message contains no offer of repentance. It is a final sentence. The prophecy’s fulfillment “that very night” with Belshazzar’s death reveals the terrifying swiftness and finality of God’s judgment when a line of defiant blasphemy is crossed.

In essence, the passage demonstrates that God is a righteous judge who holds leaders accountable. While He can be patient, His judgment against those who know the truth and willfully mock Him can be sudden, absolute, and historically precise.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

September 22, 2025October 3, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 5:1-12

King Belshazzar of Babylon gave a royal banquet. Here, he drank from the gold goblets that Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had taken from the temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly, writing appeared on the wall. The King was scared and wanted to know what it would mean, promising the interpreter to be promoted to the 3rd highest ruler in the kingdom.

The queen or queen mother told him to call for Daniel, who was the chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners in his father’s time. He could interpret it.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

3) King Belshazzar of Babylon was King Nebuchadnezzar’s son. He was a pagan, but revered his gods and wanted to celebrate them. He is an arrogant, indulgent king whose spiritual life is defined by active blasphemy. He deliberately defiles God’s sacred vessels to worship lifeless idols, showing contempt for true divinity. His instant terror at the supernatural writing reveals his proud bravado was a fragile facade, spiritually bankrupt before true power.

4) Suddenly, the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace.

5a) She showed him respect and then told him not to be afraid, for Daniel could interpret dreams as he did under King Nebuchadnezzar. She told her husband to call him to explain the riddle.

b) She began with respect. She offered a solution based on past successes. She was calm and cool-headed.

6) King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God in Heaven was above all other gods and should be respected. He should have learned that God humbles the proud. Therefore, King Belshazzar should not have defiled the gold goblets from the temple. He should expect judgment.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

It’s funny to me how all these pagan kings still worshipped the pagan gods after our Lord in Heaven proved to them their falsehood.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 2: Daniel 5:1-12

Nebuchadnezzar ruled for 43 years. His son, Belshazzar, became king after several other failed kingships. The secular record does not have a ruler named Belshazzar. Therefore, Bible scholars believe that Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last recorded ruler of Babylon from 556-539 BC. Nabonidus ruled from afar, so some believe Belshazzar to be the ruler in Babylon at this time. The term “father” was common for “ancestor” or “predecessor.”

King Belshazzar committed sacrilege against God. He was trying to bolster his people since they were under attack.

When the writing on the wall appeared, King Belshazzar was terrified. He probably knew he had committed sacrilege and would now pay the price.

In addition, King Belshazzar saw the very hand of God. That, in itself, is terrifying. God’s actions in Scripture are often symbolized by His hand (Psalm 37:24; 95:4; Isaiah 5:25)

King Belshazzar was technically 2nd in command since he was a stand-in for the real king at the time.

The woman could have been the King’s mother. She knew Daniel had “the spirit of the holy gods,” which was often used by Nebuchadnezzar to describe Daniel (Daniel 4:8-9, 18).

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 5:1-12 sets a scene of peak arrogance and blasphemy, which is met by a terrifying divine intervention, once again proving the bankruptcy of worldly wisdom.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Blasphemous Feast: King Belshazzar’s drunken decision to use the sacred vessels from God’s Temple in Jerusalem to praise his own lifeless idols is a deliberate act of contempt. It represents a new level of hubris, actively mocking the God of Israel, unlike Nebuchadnezzar, whose sin was primarily self-glorifying pride.
The Writing on the Wall: The sudden appearance of a disembodied hand writing a cryptic message is God’s immediate and terrifying response. This supernatural judgment intrudes directly into the pagan feast, shattering the king’s arrogance and filling him with mortal fear.
The Failure of Worldly Wisdom: For the third time in the book, the most brilliant minds of Babylon are rendered completely powerless before a divine revelation. They cannot read or interpret the message, reinforcing the theme that human wisdom and religion have no access to the secrets of God.
The Remembrance of God’s Prophet: The queen mother’s recollection of Daniel serves as the turning point. It highlights that God’s true servant is only sought out as a last resort, when all human systems have failed, setting the stage for Daniel to once again speak with divine authority.

In essence, this passage illustrates that there is a line of blasphemy that, when crossed, invites immediate and terrifying judgment. It is a prelude that silences all other voices to make way for the one true word from God.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

September 24, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:18-23

Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira. Jesus knows their deeds, their love, faith, service, and perseverance. Yet, they tolerate Jezebel, a woman calling herself a prophet. She is misleading them into sin. He will make her suffer and those who commit adultery with her suffer. Jesus will strike her children dead. Then all will know he is Jesus and he will repay each of them according to their deeds.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

6) Jesus knows their deeds, their love, faith, service, and perseverance.

7a) The people are enticed into sexual sin and eating food sacrificed to idols.

b) Jezebel was a foreigner who married Ahab King of Judah. She tempted him and the Israelites into serving and worshipping Baal, as well as setting up altars for Baal and setting up Asherah poles. Jezebel was condemned by the Lord to be eaten by dogs as punishment for her sins. She was tossed out a window and eaten by dogs. She was a deceiver. She was pure evil, wicked, and defiant to God. She had the prophets of God killed and she falsely executed at least one man.

c) If the false teacher did not repent, her children will be struck down.

8 ) Jesus is compassionate as much as he is the bearer of justice. He offers everyone a chance to repent. If they don’t, they face judgment.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

I’m beginning to love this pattern of the churches! Jesus commends and then warns. I feel like this is Jesus in our lives. He loves us for all the good we do and then warns us of the bad we do and redirects us to the good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

Thyatira was a small city in Asia at the time. Still, being a Roman colony, it was heavily engaged in idol worship.

Jesus is the Son of God with penetrating eyes of judgment Revelation 1:14. Remember, brass is pure (Revelation 1:15 )

All of those whom Jesus addressed would have known the reference to Jezebel from the Old Testament. She was evil and injected Baal worship into the culture of Israel.

The woman whom Jesus referred to as Jezebel was pretending to be a prophetess. She was leading them into sexual sin and idolatry.

You can read about Jezebel HERE

She did not repent even though Jesus gave her plenty of time to do so.

Thus, Jesus would make her suffer and kill her children.