Tag: bsf notes and questions

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

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

Summary of Daniel 11:2-20

Daniel’s vision continues. He sees three more kings rise up and fall and then a 4th king who will rise up and fall, but his kingdom will be broken up four ways.

The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom. They will become allies. 

A king from the south will arise. He will attack the forces of the king of the North. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat.

Then the king of the South will march out and fight against the king of the North.

Many will rise against the king of the South. Then the king of the North will come and will make an alliance with the king of the South. Then the king of the North will be destroyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

6) It seems to be the same foes fighting against each other and ultimately getting nowhere. No one is completely winning and is only retaining power for a time.
The most compelling aspect of Daniel 11:2-20 is how its cryptic language maps almost perfectly onto the specific, often obscure, history of the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. This is also why this passage is challenging. It describes the Syrian Wars between the Ptolemaic (South) and Seleucid (North) dynasties, which lasted over 150 years, which, unless you’re a history buff of this time period, you have no clue about. The prophecy reads like a confusing list of wars, treaties, and betrayals until historical accounts are placed side-by-side with the text. Understanding Daniel 11 requires a deep dive into secular history between the Old and New Testaments.
7a) All earthly kingdoms rise and then fall, but God’s remains firm always and forever.
b) I put my trust in God’s kingdom that is forever. Anything of man is simply transitory.
8a) All of Biblical prophecy is God-breathed, so I have 100% faith in its validity.
This prophecy was given to reassure God’s people, who were caught and oppressed between these warring kingdoms. The message is that God is sovereign over the chaos of world history, controlling every assassination and marriage alliance, and that He cares deeply about the fate of his covenant people (Israel).
b) I try to understand it. I pray about it. But, ultimately, I don’t worry about it. I give it to God to handle!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

Not exactly an easy passage to understand but one that shows that all earthly kingdoms come and go.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

This is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible, and one of the most accurate to prove right.

The fourth king was the Persian king Xerxes. We talk about these empires (and they are in the Bible) because they were the enemies of Israel and frequently attacked them and tried to destroy them. But, we all know no one can stand against God.

We know that Alexander the Great died young with no heirs, so his empire was divided four ways amongst his most powerful generals. Alexander the Great spared Jerusalem on his travels because of the prophecy of Daniel and a vision he had of the high priest. Only 2 of these kingdoms are talked about in the rest of the prophecy because they were the ones who constantly attacked Israel.

The Seleucids are identified with the Kings of the North, and the Ptolemies were the Kings of the South. Remember, the Ptolemies ruled Egypt from which Cleopatra was a descendant. The fighting between the two kingdoms lasted 130 years, and the stronger one always held Israel.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:2-20 is a remarkably precise and detailed prophecy that outlines the course of history from the Persian Empire through the rise of Alexander the Great and the subsequent, centuries-long conflict between his two most powerful successor dynasties.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • From Persia to Greece: The prophecy begins by foretelling the rise of a mighty Greek king (Alexander the Great) who will conquer the Persian Empire. It accurately predicts that at the height of his power, his kingdom will be broken and divided into four parts, not among his own descendants.
  • The King of the South vs. The King of the North: The vision then focuses intensely on the ongoing wars between two of these successor kingdoms: the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt (“the King of the South”) and the Seleucid dynasty in Syria (“the King of the North”).
  • A Detailed History in Advance: The passage details their specific battles, failed marriage alliances, betrayals, and shifting fortunes with such accuracy that it reads like a historical record. This demonstrates God’s complete foreknowledge and sovereignty over the intricate plans of human kings.
  • Israel Caught in the Middle: The focus remains on these two powers because the “Beautiful Land” (Israel) was located directly between them. God’s people suffered greatly as this superpower rivalry played out across their land for generations, setting the stage for the evil king who is introduced next.

In conclusion, this passage serves as a powerful testament to God’s omniscience and control over the flow of history. It reveals that the complex political and military struggles of human empires are not random but are foreknown by God and serve His ultimate purpose—in this case, setting the historical stage for the rise of the great antagonist who will directly attack His people.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

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

Summary of Daniel 10:1-11:1

Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel fell into a deep sleep. He was touched by the man. Daniel was overwhelmed by the vision and felt weak. The man touched Daniel and gave him strength. The man will return to fight against the Prince of Persia and the prince of Greece will come.

After Daniel fasts for three weeks, he is overwhelmed by a vision of a glorious divine being. An angel strengthens him, explaining his 21-day delay was due to a spiritual battle against the demonic “prince of Persia.”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

3a) Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (around 536 BC), and it concerned a great war. The verse places the aged, faithful prophet at the end of his life, still earnestly seeking God, and at the precipice of receiving his final, longest, and most detailed prophecy about future conflict.

b) Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel had no strength left and he fell into a deep sleep.

c) A hand then touched him and told him he was highly esteemed. He told Daniel not to be afraid, and he would explain to him what he saw. He was encouraged and strengthened with words and with touch.

4a) Prayer is necessary when you are overwhelmed, weak, and just need God’s presence. God will come and offer you His strength and courage to carry on. These verses teach that prayer is necessary because it immediately dispatches a response from heaven. Its power is revealed as Daniel’s persistent prayer on earth is directly linked to the outcome of an unseen spiritual battle. It shows that a delay in receiving an answer doesn’t mean God hasn’t heard.

b) The purpose of the encounter was for God to tell Daniel that soon he will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when he goes, the prince of Greece will come; but first, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. The angel’s purpose was twofold: primarily, to reveal the detailed prophecy of future events written in the “Book of Truth.” Secondarily, he explained the unseen spiritual warfare behind history by describing his angelic battles against the demonic “princes” of Persia and Greece who influence these earthly kingdoms.

5) I learn that God hears prayers the moment they are offered. It reveals, however, that the delivery of His answer can be delayed by unseen spiritual warfare. It shows that our persistent prayers are significant in a cosmic conflict where God dispatches mighty angels to ensure His message prevails.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

I love when God appears to humans and reveals great things. Such wisdom here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

We will read about Daniel’s vision he received in 536 BC under King Cyrus, in the last three chapters of his book.

Fasting can bring clarity.

The exiles are beginning to return to Jerusalem during Cyrus’ reign.

No one is sure the exact reason for Daniel’s mourning. It could have been the opposition to building the temple or that so few had returned to Jerusalem so far.

The man could either be Jesus since the description mirrors what John described Revelation 1:12-16. It could be the angel, Michael Daniel 10:13.

Daniel could not stand before the man.

Daniel again is called “highly esteemed” (Daniel 9:23)

The man appeared because of Daniel’s prayer. This is a profound testament to the power of prayer. God also responded the moment of the prayer.

The prince of Persia was a type of angel and it was evil since it opposed God. This was a high-ranking angel  (Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:15). This angel delayed the answer to Daniel’s prayer by 3 weeks.

The delay probably helped Daniel to keep being persistent in prayer.

An angel touched Daniel to strengthen him.

The angel must fight the prince of Persia and Greece before Daniel’s prayer could be answered.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Michael appears in the Bible.

Fun Fact: The Bible does not mention this book of Truth except for here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 10:1-11:1 serves as a profound prelude to Daniel’s final vision, pulling back the curtain to reveal the reality of cosmic spiritual warfare behind earthly events.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Spiritual Warfare Revealed: The most striking revelation is the angel’s 21-day delay. He explains he was engaged in a battle with a demonic “prince of the Persian kingdom” and that the “prince of Greece” is yet to come. This shows that earthly empires have corresponding spiritual powers that actively oppose God’s purposes.
  • The Power of Persistent Prayer: The angel states that God heard Daniel “since the first day” he began his three-week fast. This directly links Daniel’s prayer on earth to the spiritual battle in the heavens, demonstrating that the humble, persistent prayer of the faithful is a powerful and crucial element in this conflict.
  • The Overwhelming Nature of the Divine: The vision of the glorious divine being is so overwhelming that it physically incapacitates Daniel, leaving him weak and speechless. He must be supernaturally strengthened multiple times just to receive the message, emphasizing the immense gap between the human and the divine.
  • The Role of Michael the Archangel: The angel mentions Michael as “your prince” and a “chief prince” who came to his aid. This identifies Michael as the specific angelic guardian of Israel, reinforcing the idea of a structured spiritual realm where God deploys His mighty angels to protect His people.

In conclusion, this passage is a crucial introduction that frames the detailed prophecy to follow. It teaches that human history is intertwined with a fierce spiritual battle, and it powerfully affirms that the persistent, humble prayer of the faithful on earth directly impacts that struggle in the heavens, preparing the way for God’s truth to be revealed.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

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

Summary of Daniel 9:24-27

“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed” for Daniel’s people and Jerusalem to “finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.”

The timeline begins “from the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes,” which will be “seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’”

After that period, the “Anointed One will be put to death.” Then, the “people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.”

This ruler “will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’” but in the middle of it, he will “put an end to sacrifice and offering” and set up an “abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

SUMMARY IN LAY TERMS:

The prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” in Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel. It summarizes God’s redemptive plan for Israel.

The prophecy decrees a 490-year period to accomplish six goals, including atoning for sin and bringing in everlasting righteousness.

This timeline is broken down as follows:

  • It begins with a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
  • After a period of 69 “sevens” (483 years), the “Anointed One,” the Messiah, will appear.
  • Following this, the Messiah will be “cut off” (killed), and Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The final 70th “seven” (a future seven-year period) will feature a ruler who makes a covenant but breaks it halfway through, stopping sacrifices and setting up an “abomination that causes desolation” before facing his own judgment.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

11a) To restore and rebuild Jerusalem refers to God’s people returning from exile back to the Promised Land. The people will prosper, be fruitful, and be blessed.

b) The Anointed One will be put to death refers to Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross.

c) An abomination that causes desolation refers to the End Times. A future world leader, often identified as the Antichrist, will enter a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, stop all worship of God, and set himself up to be worshipped. This act of ultimate blasphemy would be the final “abomination that causes desolation.”

12) That there will be a restoration of God’s people, Jesus will die for his people and overcome sin, there will be a period of desolation, and then Jesus will return one day to set his kingdom up on earth forever.

13) That one day Jesus will rule here on earth and end all suffering. God’s sovereignty is absolute. Suffering is limited. Believers can live with integrity, courage, and purpose now, knowing that their faithfulness in this life is a meaningful witness that has eternal significance.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

There is a lot here, and there are numerous interpretations of what the times mean. I’m put the interpretation that most Bible scholars agree on.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

Most Bible scholars agree that this refers to seventy sets of seven years, or weeks of years. In Hebrew, the weeks refers to units of sevens. This prophecy is for the Jews and Jerusalem.

7 is the number of completion in the Bible.

According to the prophecy in Daniel 9:24, six specific things will be accomplished by the end of the decreed seventy “sevens”:

  1. To finish transgression – end man’s rebellion against God
  2. To put an end to sin – end sin altogether
  3. To atone for wickedness – Jesus’s death on the cross
  4. To bring in everlasting righteousness – usher in a new order brought by the Messiah
  5. To seal up vision and prophecy – to usher in the reign of Jesus
  6. To anoint the most holy place – the holy temple will be anointed and blessed

The starting point for the 70 weeks was to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

There are 4 possible scenarios in the Bible when this could have begun:

  1. Cyrus made a decree giving Ezra and the Babylonian captives the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 B.C. (Ezra 1:1-4 and 5:13-17).
  2. Darius made a decree giving Ezra the right to rebuild the temple in 517 B.C. (Ezra 6:6-12).
  3. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Ezra permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:11-26).
  4. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Nehemiah permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the walls in 445 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Note the 1st three were to rebuild the temple. Only the last was to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

THEN, 483 years (which would be 69 units of seven years) would pass from the time of the command recorded in Nehemiah 2:1-8 until the appearance of the Messiah.

Hence, the 70 weeks break down as:

  • Seven weeks – 49 years, until the city and its walls are rebuilt.
  • 69 weeks (7 plus 62), 483 years from the decree, until the Messiah appears.
  • The last 70th week to complete the prophecy.

After this period, the Messiah will be cut off, which can mean execution in the Bible (Genesis 9:11 and Exodus 31:14). Then Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed again  (A.D. 70). Jesus will make a covenant with his people to rule forever.

We will study Ezra where we see the return of God’s people to Jerusalem. In Nehemiah, we’ll see the troubles God’s people faced when trying to rebuild the temple and their city.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline, known as the Prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” (or Weeks), which outlines God’s redemptive plan for Israel, centered on the coming of the Messiah.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Overall Plan: The prophecy decrees a 490-year period (“seventy ‘sevens'”) to accomplish six ultimate goals, including atoning for wickedness and bringing in everlasting righteousness.
  • The First 69 “Sevens” (483 years): This period begins with a command to rebuild Jerusalem and culminates in the arrival of the “Anointed One” (the Messiah). The prophecy then states that after this, the Anointed One will be “put to death,” and the city and Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The Final 70th “Seven” (a future 7-year period): This final week is described as a time when a future ruler will make a covenant, only to break it midway through. He will stop Temple sacrifices and set up an “abomination that causes desolation,” an act of supreme sacrilege, before facing his own decreed judgment.

In conclusion, this dense prophecy is incredibly significant because it provides a framework for God’s redemptive history. It not only predicts the timing of the Messiah’s arrival but also foretells His sacrificial death. It looks ahead to a future time of great tribulation while offering the ultimate certainty that God’s plan will culminate in the final defeat of evil and the establishment of everlasting righteousness.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

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

Summary of Daniel 9:20-23

Gabriel appeared to Daniel while he was praying for Israel. He said that as soon as Daniel began to pray a word went out.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

8a) Gabriel. He’s an angel used as a messenger by God. Gabriel is God’s chosen herald, a celestial diplomat sent from the very presence of God to deliver crucial, world-altering messages that reveal the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan for salvation. He announces the birth of John the Baptist and appears to Mary to tell her she will give birth to the Messiah.

b) He came because Daniel was praying, and he came to give Daniel understanding and insight.

9a) Daniel was given this message because he was praying and because he was highly esteemed.

b) Faith, trust in God. Daniel’s life displayed profound humility, always giving God glory. His unwavering integrity and courage were rooted in a disciplined, daily prayer life. He was a model of trustworthiness and excellence in his work, blessed with a divine wisdom that consistently proved superior to that of the world’s wisest men.

10) It’s so encouraging because God does answer prayers. Prayers can change the trajectory of your life and the lives of others. Prayer is powerful. This passage shows how God hears and responds the very moment a humble prayer begins. It reveals His personal affection for the faithful, calling Daniel “highly esteemed.” It also demonstrates that God’s answers often exceed our requests, providing deeper insight and a grander vision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

I love this. We should all be praying all the time because God offers us answers to our prayers and understanding. God is so, so good.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

God can answer prayers immediately like he does here.

The “holy hill” is Mount Zion.

Fun Fact: This is one of the few places in the Bible where we are told that angels do indeed fly.

It’s important to note that understanding comes more in prayer than anything else.

When we seek God constantly, we often receive more than we ask for.

Daniel and John were greatly loved.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:20-23 describes the immediate and dramatic divine response to Daniel’s heartfelt prayer, setting the stage for one of the most important prophecies in the Bible.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • An Immediate Answer to Prayer: The angel Gabriel arrives while Daniel is still speaking. Gabriel reveals that the command for him to come was given the very moment Daniel began his humble prayer. This demonstrates a God who is intimately attentive and eager to respond to the sincere cries of His people.
  • A Personal Affirmation: Daniel is told by the angel, “You are highly esteemed” (or “greatly loved”). This is a profound personal assurance from heaven. It reveals that while Daniel was identifying with the corporate sin of his nation, God saw and valued his individual righteousness and devotion.
  • The Nature of the Divine Answer: The answer to Daniel’s prayer about the 70-year exile is not a simple “yes.” Instead, Gabriel comes to give “insight and understanding” into a much grander, more complex vision. This shows that God’s plans often far exceed the scope of human requests.

In conclusion, these verses serve as a powerful introduction to the Seventy Weeks prophecy that follows. They reveal that God’s profound revelations are often given in response to humble, Scripture-fed prayer. The passage assures the reader that God not only hears and responds swiftly but also holds a deep, personal love for those who earnestly seek Him, preparing them to receive a message far greater than they could have anticipated.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

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

Summary of Daniel 9:4-19

Daniel prays and confesses to God that He is great, that they, the people of the Lord, are sinners and have not listened to Him and His commands, and that they are covered in shame. But God is merciful and forgiving. He asks God to hear his requests and to not delay out of His great mercy.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

5a) God is great, awesome, He keeps His covenant of love. He is righteous, merciful, and forgiving. He is just and executes judgment.
b) The people have been wicked and have rebelled; they have turned away from your commands and laws. They have not listened to your servants, the prophets. The people were unfaithful to God. They have sinned and rebelled against God. They have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave. The result of the people’s sins against God was judgment and exile to Babylon.
6a) Daniel asks God to turn away His anger and wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. He asks God to hear his prayers and look with favor upon His people. He asks God to forgive and act quickly.
Daniel recalls that God brought his people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and made for yourself a name that endures to this day. The people’s sins and the iniquities of their ancestors have made Jerusalem and the people an object of scorn to all. But God is merciful.
b) God is holy and in control of everything. We are sinners and rely on His infinite mercy and compassion to forgive us and help us to be more like Jesus. We all need God’s mercy every day, and coming to God humbly is the only way to approach Him.
7a)  Humanity’s sin justly requires judgment and separation. Because humans cannot bridge this gap, the only hope for restoration comes not from human merit, but from an appeal to God’s own mercy. Humans cannot bridge this gap on our own. God has addressed the issue of man’s sin by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins forever. It is through Jesus that we all come to God.
b) It definitely makes me more humble, reverent, and full of awe. I know that God is the One and Only. We can approach God in confidence, trust, and hope.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

Such a great example of prayer and faith, what that looks like, and how we can improve our prayer life, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

Daniel started his prayer by recognizing God’s goodness and greatness. He understood God.

Everyone falls short of God. Israel had failed God, not the other way around. Sinners never deserve God’s mercy.

Daniel did not complain, he confessed.

Daniel proclaimed God’s goodness, confessed our sins, and then asked God for His mercy, forgiveness, and restoration. This would accomplish God’s work and give Him glory.

We pray in Jesus’ righteousness, not our own, when we pray in the name of Jesus.

Daniel trusted and depended on God. Daniel prayed fervently for God to act; so should we.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:4-19 is the prophet’s profound prayer of intercession on behalf of his exiled people, serving as a timeless model of corporate confession and humility.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Corporate Confession: Daniel, a righteous man, completely identifies with the sins of his nation. He consistently uses “we” (“we have sinned,” “we have rebelled”), taking on the full weight of Israel’s guilt rather than separating himself from it. This demonstrates the heart of a true intercessor.
  • Affirmation of God’s Justice: The prayer does not question God’s actions. Instead, Daniel affirms that the exile and desolation were the just and righteous fulfillment of the curses promised in the Law of Moses for disobedience. He agrees with God that the punishment was deserved.
  • Appeal Based on God’s Character, Not Human Merit: This is the central argument of the prayer. Daniel’s plea for mercy is based entirely on who God is, not on any worthiness of the people. He appeals to God’s reputation (“your Name”), His history as a deliverer (the Exodus), and His “great mercy,” explicitly stating, “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous.”

In conclusion, Daniel’s prayer is a masterful demonstration of how to approach a holy God. It moves from a complete and honest confession of sin to a bold appeal for restoration. This appeal is not based on any deserving quality in the people, but solely on the mercy and covenant faithfulness of God, for the ultimate purpose of glorifying His own name.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

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

Summary of Daniel 9:1-3

When Darius, son of Xerxes, was ruling, Daniel knew that the desolation of Jerusalem and exile of the Israelites would last 70 years. He appealed to the Lord during this time.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

3a) Daniel was a chosen prophet of the Lord. The Lord gave him visions. The Lord could interpret others’ dreams. He was a high-ranking official in the king’s household. He was well educated. He had a heart for the people and the Lord. God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

b) He had seen what God could do. He knew God answered prayers. He knew the power of faithfulness and prayer. He knew God in heaven reveals mysteries. He knew God could do anything, was omnipotent, and in charge of the world. In sum, he knew God.
4a) He keeps bringing me back to daily Bible study despite my busy life. It grounds me, gives me faith, courage, and hope that everything in this world will work out for the good of all, and I don’t have to worry because God has got it. It makes daily living a bit easier.
b) God listens, God answers. God will work all things for good for those who trust in Him.
c) It definitely inspires me by giving me an example of what a life centered in Christ looks like and the results of such a life.  I’m inspired to pray more, lean on God more, and live out God’s purposes for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

Love how Daniel is never afraid to go to the Lord with his requests, needs, and with his heart. And, he’s praying for others, too. Daniel is most definitely a faithful servant of the Lord.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

This was about when Daniel was 80 years old, so it would have been around 538 BC.

Daniel studied the scriptures and built his life on the word of God. He prayed God’s promises.

Effective prayer is from knowing and praying God’s Word and our present circumstances.

Daniel knew the 70-year timeframe from Scripture: Jeremiah 25:11-13 and Jeremiah 29:10

Daniel asked for what God had promised. This is powerful prayer.

God answers prayers, and we can hasten the Second Coming by praying for it: 2 Peter 3:12, (Revelation 22:20)

Fasting allows us to prioritize God’s plans.

Sackcloth was made from animal hair.

Ashes are a symbol of ruin in the Bible.

Daniel is praying for the 70 years to begin sooner rather than later. So to start in 605 B.C. when Jerusalem was attacked and Daniel and others were taken captive to Babylon.

Remember, the exile took place in waves:

  • 597 B.C. – Jerusalem was attacked, and treasure was taken from the temple.
  • 587 B.C. – Jerusalem falls, and the nation was exiled.

Daniel approached God with determination. He knew God answered prayers and his prayer was in alignment with God’s will. He asked God to fulfill His promises.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:1-3 sets the stage for a profound prophecy by highlighting the interplay between Scripture, understanding, and prayer.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Catalyst is Scripture: In his old age, Daniel is diligently studying the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. This reveals that the foundation for this event is not a new vision, but a deep engagement with God’s pre-existing written Word.
  • Understanding God’s Timetable: From his study, Daniel understands that the prophesied 70-year exile for Jerusalem is nearing its end. He discerns that God’s plan for judgment and restoration operates on a specific timeline.
  • Prayer as the Response to Promise: Daniel’s realization does not lead to passive waiting. Instead, the promise of restoration drives him to his knees. This reveals a crucial principle: God’s promises are meant to be the basis and motivation for fervent prayer, not a substitute for it.
  • A Posture of Humility: Daniel approaches God not with demands, but in fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This demonstrates that he understands the exile was due to sin, and any restoration would be an act of God’s mercy, which must be sought with a humble and repentant heart.

In essence, these verses reveal a powerful model for faith. They teach that understanding God’s promises in Scripture is not a call to passive waiting, but a catalyst for active, humble, and fervent prayer, through which believers participate in the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

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

Summary of Daniel 8:15-27

Gabriel, an angel and a frequent messenger in the Bible, was instructed by Jesus to explain the vision. He explains the vision is about the End Times.

The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

 Another king will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.   He will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel was worn out and exhausted from what he saw. Then he went about the king’s business.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

12a) Media and Persia and Greece
b) Earthly kingdoms will fade away.
c) God will destroy the kingdoms forever. This gives me hope that despite all the evil surrounding us that God will prevail.
13) God is trustworthy. God is sovereign. God is in control. God uses today’s evil systems to work His plan and His good.
14) I pray that God has got them. That they have peace in God and in their troubles. That they have the strength to persevere in their faith for him. That they use Daniel’s example of how to cope with persecution. That they survive.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

I love how God leads us and doesn’t totally leave us in the dark. This helps us to better follow Him when we have some understanding of what He is saying.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

Ulai is a river in Persia. Here is a map of Susa and the Ulai Canal.

Courtesy of https://crossroadsbible.net/2019/10/23/daniel-in-the-city-of-susa/

Though this prophecy was fulfilled with the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, this also refers to the End Times and the Antichrist.

Sealing of the vision refers to the fact that this is prophecy and would take place far in the future.

Daniel was most likely overwhelmed because he just couldn’t understand how God could allow such a travesty and evil to happen. Yet, he still had a job to do, and he did it.

Note the term “son of man” here refers to Daniel, a literal son of a man. You see this in Ezekiel, too (Ezekiel 2:1, 3; 3:1, 10; 4:16; 6:2; 7:2; 11:2)

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 8:15-27 is the angel Gabriel’s direct interpretation of the preceding vision, revealing a specific and terrifying period of future persecution against God’s people.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Empires Identified: Gabriel explicitly confirms the identities of the beasts. The two-horned ram is the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat is the Greek Empire. The goat’s first great horn is its first king, Alexander the Great, whose empire is then divided into four kingdoms.
  • A Profile of the Antagonist: The interpretation focuses on the “little horn,” identifying him as a cunning, cruel, and blasphemous king (historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes) who will rise from one of the Greek kingdoms. He will persecute the “holy people” and halt the daily sacrifices in the Temple.
  • A Supernatural Conflict: The interpretation frames this as a spiritual battle. The king becomes powerful “not by his own power” and is ultimately destroyed “but not by human power.” This reveals that the conflict is a direct confrontation between a supernaturally empowered tyrant and the “Prince of princes” (God).
  • A Sobering Prophecy: The vision is so disturbing in its detail of future suffering that Daniel is left physically ill. It is a sobering look at a coming tribulation for the faithful, but it carries the ultimate hope that the persecutor’s reign is limited and his destruction is guaranteed by God Himself.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

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

Summary of Daniel 8:1-14

Daniel describes another vision he has. He saw a ram with two long horns. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. The ram charged toward the west, north, and south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great.

Then a goat with a horn between its eyes appeared. It charged the ram, attacked it, and shattered its horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. The goat became very great, but at the height of its power, the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power.  It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.  It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

A holy one asked how long till the vision is fulfilled. It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

9) Here, Daniel describes another vision he has. He saw a ram with two long horns. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. The ram charged toward the west, north, and south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great. Then a goat with a horn between its eyes appeared. It charged the ram, attacked it, and shattered its horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. The goat became very great, but at the height of its power, the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power.  It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.  It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

In Daniel 7, he saw:

Daniel had a dream/vision of beasts that came up from the sea.

  1. The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. Its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.
  2. The second beast looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’
  3. The third beast looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
  4. The fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

Another horn appeared and uprooted other horns. The horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke.

Daniel then saw God (the Ancient of Days) on his throne. A river flowed before him he was attended by thousands.

The beast was then slain. The other beasts were stripped of authority.

Then Daniel saw Jesus (the Son of Man).  He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.

The difference:

The vision in Daniel 7 is a broad overview of four monstrous gentile empires (including Babylon and Rome) rising from the chaotic sea, spanning all of history until the Son of Man’s final judgment.

Daniel 8 is more focused. It uses specific sacrificial animals (a ram and a goat) to detail only the Medo-Persian and Greek empires. Its climax is not the end of the world, but the specific persecution of Israel and the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple.

10) These verses depict a shift from earthly chaos to the ultimate authority of the heavenly court. The “Ancient of Days” (God the Father) takes His seat as the eternal and righteous Judge. The symbols of fire, the white throne, and the opened books signify that a time of final, divine judgment has come. The most arrogant and blasphemous earthly power (the fourth beast) is judged and utterly destroyed, demonstrating God’s absolute sovereignty over all human history.

11) Suffering is temporary and temporal while we are here on Earth. God is in control, and one day, we won’t suffer at all.

This truth raises profound and difficult questions. Hearts might cry out, “If God is good and in control, why must His people suffer at all?” Minds might grapple with the purpose, asking, “Why allow this pain if the end is already determined?” This leads to the most pressing question for those in the midst of trial: “How can I endure until the promised limit is reached?” It forces a struggle between trusting God’s sovereignty and the painful reality of suffering.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

Amazing how Daniel had visions and shared them with all Christians to come, to give us hope that suffering is not forever, and God does win in the end.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

Map of Susa:

Courtesy Wikipedia

The ram represents the Meso-Persian Empire, which is the empire that conquered Babylon. A ram was a symbol of Persia.

The different sizes of the horns represent the different empires. Persia was larger than the Medes and emerged after the Medes.

The male goat is Greece (Daniel 8:21-22).

The Greeks rose from the west suddenly under Alexander the Great. Their enemy was the Persians, whom they often fought and eventually defeated. Alexander died, and his kingdom was divided 4 ways.

Because of Alexander the Great, who spread Greek culture and language everywhere he went, the New Testament was written in Greek.

The little horn was Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled over Syria and Israel’s land under the Seleucid dynasty.

Horns symbolize military power.

We see “the Glorious Land” used for Israel in the Bible  Ezekiel 20:6 , Ezekiel 25:9, Daniel 11:16 and 11:41, and in Psalm 48:2.

Antiochus Epiphanes fulfills exactly what these Scriptures say about him.

The host and stars are symbols used in the Old Testament for angels, kings, and leaders, or God’s people (Genesis 15:5, 22:17, 26:4), (Exodus 12:41)

The holy one speaking could be Jesus.

The 2,300 is most likely days. This is prophecy fulfilled as it conclusively happened.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 8:1-14 presents a symbolic vision detailing the transition of power from the Medo-Persian Empire to the Greek Empire, and the subsequent rise of a tyrannical king who persecutes God’s people.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Ram and the Goat: The powerful two-horned ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire. It is violently conquered by a swift, one-horned goat from the west, which symbolizes the Greek Empire under the meteoric conquests of its first king, Alexander the Great (the “prominent horn”).
  • The Broken Horn and the Four Horns: The prominent horn breaking off at the height of its power represents Alexander the Great’s sudden death. The four horns that rise in its place symbolize the four successor kingdoms that his generals carved out of his vast empire.
  • The “Little Horn”: A small but arrogant horn emerges from one of the four kingdoms. This figure represents the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. His defining actions are blasphemous arrogance against heaven and a direct assault on the Jewish religion, specifically by stopping the daily sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple and desecrating the sanctuary.
  • The Promise of Restoration: The vision concludes by revealing that this period of desecration is limited. A heavenly voice declares that after 2,300 “evenings and mornings” (a set period of time), the sanctuary will be reconsecrated, offering a firm promise of hope and eventual restoration beyond the intense suffering.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

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

Summary of Daniel 7:15-28

Daniel was troubled by his previous dreams (Daniel 7:1-14) and asked for an interpretation.

The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever.

The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time.

But his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

6) Daniel was troubled before because the beasts were terrifying, and he was scared. Daniel knew that dreams had meanings since he could interpret dreams with God’s help. So, he did not know what horror his dream meant. Afterward, he was scared as wars and destruction were described. Lack of understanding causes fear.
7a) The fourth beast was not a beast of known animals like the other beasts. Daniel says the fourth beast had iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It had ten horns on its head, and the horn that looked more imposing than the others had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
b) Knowing that God was in control. His faith in God. And, knowing that God would prevail and His kingdom would be everlasting.
8 ) I can get through anything with God’s strength. I live knowing this is not my home and everything is just temporary. I am not afraid because I know God has got it. And, I feel I live more and worship more, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

I love how God always wins in the end. It’s good to know that despite the hardships, a happy ending is near!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

Daniel’s vision was most likely more than what he told us. So, you can imagine his fear just from what we know!

Succinctly, the passage means that four kings are conquered by God, and their kingdoms are given to God’s people. You’ll note that this is very similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s vision in Daniel 2. There, we saw four empires rise and fall to God.

God shows us here how he sees the empires — as animals.

Note Jesus is more often a lamb, not a wild beast with no conscience.

Many people wonder how this will end since the Roman Empire (the 4th kingdom) is long gone. Bible scholars believe there will be a “New Rome” at the End Times.

Most believe that the 10 kings mentioned are not literal since they don’t exist yet.

The notable horn is the Antichrist.

The little horn will have limited power and shall only rule for 3.5 years (time and times and half a time). This phrase is used in Revelation (11:2-3, 12:6 and 13:5) to refer to half of the last seven-year period of man’s rule on this earth.

Jesus establishes his kingdom immediately after the end of the fourth kingdom. This causes problems for Bible scholars. Therefore, this is either symbolic or hasn’t happened yet.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 7:15-28 provides the divine interpretation of the vision, focusing on the suffering God’s people will endure under the final beastly kingdom and guaranteeing their ultimate, triumphant vindication.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The “Little Horn” as the Final Enemy: The interpretation centers on the terrifying fourth beast and its “little horn.” This figure is revealed to be a future, arrogant ruler who will blaspheme God (“speak against the Most High”) and actively persecute His “holy people.”
  • A Limited Period of Suffering: The angel explains that the faithful will be handed over to this power for a specific, symbolic period (“a time, times and half a time”). This is a crucial assurance that while the persecution will be severe, it is finite and measured by God, not an uncontrolled or endless tragedy.
  • The Certainty of Judgment: The vision makes it clear that the heavenly court will ultimately sit in judgment. The “little horn’s” power will be definitively taken away and permanently destroyed. This reveals that all earthly persecutors are subject to God’s final and just verdict.
  • The Ultimate Victory of the Saints: The climax of the interpretation is the promise that after the judgment, all sovereignty, power, and greatness will be given to the “holy people of the Most High.” Their suffering is temporary, but their inheritance is an everlasting kingdom.

In essence, this passage is a sober warning of coming persecution, but it is ultimately a message of profound hope, assuring the faithful that their suffering is limited and their ultimate vindication and eternal reign are certain.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

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

Summary of Daniel 7:1-14

Daniel had a dream/vision of beasts that came up from the sea.

  1. The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. Its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.
  2. The second beast looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’
  3. The third beast looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
  4. The fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

Another horn appeared and uprooted other horns. The horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke.

Daniel then saw God (the Ancient of Days) on his throne. A river flowed before him he was attended by thousands.

The beast was then slain. The other beasts were stripped of authority.

Then Daniel saw Jesus (the Son of Man).  He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

3a)
Four winds of heaven: 4 angels hold back the 4 winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land, sea, or tree.
Great sea: The great sea is depicted as roaring.
Lion, eagle: An eagle represents power. A lion represents strength.
Bear: A symbol of consequences for sin.
Leopard:  A leopard is stealthy.
Iron teeth, 10 horns: Horns enact justice. A horn symbolizes strength, and here the Lord gives strength.
Natural Elements
  • Four Winds of Heaven
    • Qualities: The winds are described as powerful forces “churning up” the great sea. They represent a chaotic, foundational disturbance that brings about great change.
    • Significance: In Scripture, winds often symbolize the powerful, invisible acts of God, sometimes in judgment or to bring about His sovereign will upon the earth (Jeremiah 49:36). Here, they signify that the turmoil of human history, from which empires rise, is ultimately stirred by a divine, heavenly power.
  • Great Sea
    • Qualities: The sea is vast, dark, chaotic, and tempestuous. It is the source from which the monstrous beasts emerge.
    • Significance: The sea is a common biblical metaphor for the abyss, chaos, and the tumultuous Gentile (non-Jewish) nations of the world in their restless and ungodly state (Isaiah 17:12, Revelation 17:15). That the beasts arise from the sea signifies that these earthly empires are of human, chaotic, and profane origin, not from heaven.

The Four Beasts

  • Lion with Eagle’s Wings (First Beast)
    • Qualities: A combination of the king of beasts and the king of birds, representing supreme strength, speed, and majesty. The vision includes its wings being plucked off and it being given a human heart.
    • Significance: This beast is historically interpreted as the Babylonian Empire. The lion was a prominent symbol of Babylon. The combination with an eagle represents its initial power and swift conquests. The removal of its wings and the giving of a human heart is widely seen as a reference to King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling in Daniel 4, where his beast-like pride was replaced with humility.
  • Bear (Second Beast)
    • Qualities: A lumbering, powerful, and ferocious beast, raised up on one side with three ribs in its mouth. It is commanded to “devour much flesh.”
    • Significance: This represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear’s brute strength reflects the empire’s massive armies. Being “raised up on one side” symbolizes the unequal partnership between the Medes and the Persians, with the Persians being the more dominant power. The three ribs signify three major conquests made by the empire (such as Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt).
  • Leopard (Third Beast)
    • Qualities: A leopard with four wings on its back and four heads. It is characterized by extreme speed and agility.
    • Significance: This symbolizes the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. A leopard is already swift, but the four wings represent the unprecedented speed of Alexander’s conquests. The four heads signify the division of his empire among his four leading generals after his sudden death.
  • Iron Teeth and 10 Horns (Fourth Beast)
    • Qualities: An unnamed, terrifying beast, different from all the others. It is described by its actions: crushing, devouring, and trampling with its large iron teeth. It has ten horns, representing power and rulers.
    • Significance: The iron directly connects this beast to the legs of iron in Daniel 2, representing the Roman Empire. Its actions depict a new level of ruthless, all-consuming military and political power that would dominate its predecessors. The ten horns are generally understood to represent the rulers or divisions of power that would come from this empire.
b) These images offer hope, awe, and assurance of where believers will go at the end of time. We don’t have to fear human inventions or rulers; God is in charge now and forever and justice is assured!
4a) God is the Ancient of Days. It represents heaven and, more specifically, the Last Days. Fire is power, and all are attending him. The Book of Life is open.

What the Symbols Represent

The symbols surrounding the Ancient of Days are imagery of a divine, heavenly courtroom convened for ultimate judgment:

  • White Clothing and Hair: The clothing “white as snow” and hair “like pure wool” represent God’s absolute purity, holiness, and righteousness. White is the color of perfection, signifying that the Judge of all history is without any stain of sin or injustice. The white hair also symbolizes infinite wisdom.
  • The Flaming Throne and Blazing Wheels: The throne of fire symbolizes God’s awesome power and his unapproachable holiness. Fire in the Bible often represents both purification and judgment. The blazing wheels, reminiscent of the vision in Ezekiel 1, signify God’s omnipresence—His judgment is not static but can reach anywhere.
  • The River of Fire: Flowing from the throne, this river represents the unstoppable and all-consuming power of God’s justice. It is the active force of His judgment, purging and destroying all that is unholy before Him.
  • The Heavenly Host: The “thousands upon thousands” who attend Him are the angelic court. Their immense number signifies the majesty, glory, and power of the divine King and Judge.
  • The Seated Court and Opened Books: This is the imagery of a formal legal proceeding. The “court was seated” indicates that the time for judgment has officially begun. The “books were opened” signifies a divine accounting of all deeds. It reveals that the actions of all earthly rulers and kingdoms have been recorded and will be judged according to God’s perfect, righteous standard.
b) Jesus is “one like a son of man.”
c) It’s God and Jesus, so Father and Son. Both are rulers of everything. Jesus will be the final judge of all of humanity.
The Ancient of Days (God the Father) is the eternal Sovereign who sits in judgment. The “one like a son of man” (Jesus Christ) is the divine heir. Their relationship is one of the ultimate authority, bestowing all power upon the rightful ruler, who receives his everlasting kingdom from the Father.

For believers, the vision provides hope and assurance that earthly oppression is temporary and their righteous King will be vindicated. For all others, it is a sober warning that all human kingdoms are fleeting and will ultimately be judged and subjected to the Son of Man’s eternal, universal rule.

5) I find comfort and security in Jesus, as well as hope. Others see Jesus as a threat, responding with defiance, indifference, or fear of final accountability.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

This lesson was most definitely full! The symbolism and the vision are great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

This is the beginning of Daniel’s visions that are recorded (they are in Daniel 7-12). The life of Daniel is in Daniel 1-6.

Fun Fact: Halfway through Daniel, he goes from a third-person account of his court stories to a first-person account of his prophecies.

Fun Fact: Daniel wrote his book in both Hebrew and Aramaic (2:4-7:28). Bible scholars believe that when Daniel wrote in Hebrew, he was addressing a Jewish audience.

This vision is before the Babylonians were conquered by the Medo-Persian Empire and after Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.

The Great Sea is most likely the Mediterranean Sea here.

Seas are dangerous since most ancient people could not swim. Seas are also seen as Gentile nations in the Bible (Psalm 74:13, Psalm 89:9, Isaiah 57:20).

The winds could be either God’s power ( Psalm 35:5, Psalm 48:7, Psalm 107:25 Isaiah 27:8 and Isaiah 41:16) or Satan’s forces (Revelation 7:1).

Lions and eagles are at the top of their respective food chains.

Lions are strong, majestic, and fast.

Bears are slower but stronger.

A leopard makes sudden, surprise attacks.

The fourth beast is indescribable but the most powerful.

Horns represent power.

Daniel tells us that they represent four kingdoms (Daniel 7:17).

  1. Lion and eagle — Babylon. Also, they can represent Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 49:19-22)
  2. Bear — Medo-Persian Empire. The three ribs could represent Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia (the lands they conquered)
  3. Leopard — Greek Empire. When Alexander the Great died, his empire was divided into 4 parts (hence, the 4 heads) and 4 rulers (Casander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy)
  4. Indescribable Beast — Roman Empire

God knows the future.

The Ancient of Days is God the Father, as symbolized by His white hair and garments. Angels and humans surrounded him. It represents eternity.

Fun Fact: The term “Ancient of Days” is only used in the book of Daniel.

Fire often represents judgment. God is also seen in fire (Exodus 3:2; 19:18, Ezekiel 1:4-5). Therefore, it can represent holiness, too.

Appearing on clouds symbolizes divine authority.

Sea often represents chaos, threats, and strife.

There are several books in the Bible, but most likely this is the Book of Life since it’s also foreshadowing the End Times.

The Son of Man (Jesus) comes to establish dominion on earth.

The boastful words of the horn are from the Antichrist (Revelation 13:5-6). Jesus will crush the Antichrist.

Fun Fact: The Son of Man was used by Jesus to describe himself over 80 times in the Gospels.

The Little Horn includes the things the Lord hates (haughty eyes and a lying tongue). Proverbs 6:16-19

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 7:1-14 is an apocalyptic vision that reveals God’s sovereign control over history, contrasting the brutal nature of human empires with the glory of His eternal kingdom.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Four Beasts: The four monstrous beasts rising from the chaotic sea (lion, bear, leopard, and a terrifying fourth beast) represent a succession of violent and predatory earthly kingdoms (traditionally identified as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome). The final “little horn” symbolizes the peak of arrogant, blasphemous human power that persecutes the faithful.
  • The Ancient of Days: The vision then shifts to the heavenly court, where the “Ancient of Days” (God the Father) sits as the ultimate and eternal Judge. This scene reveals that while empires create chaos on earth, God remains enthroned in absolute authority, and a time of final judgment is set when all earthly powers will be held accountable.
  • The “One Like a Son of Man”: The climax of the vision is the appearance of a divine figure who comes “with the clouds of heaven.” Unlike the beasts from the chaotic sea, he has a human appearance and a heavenly origin. This messianic figure does not seize power but is presented before the Ancient of Days.
  • The Everlasting Kingdom: The Son of Man is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. This reveals God’s ultimate plan: to judge the violent human kingdoms and replace them with the eternal, universal, and righteous reign of His chosen messianic King.

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