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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 People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:1-12

Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal. Elijah tried to make Elisha stay behind instead of accompanying him to Bethel, but Elisha insisted on going. He also insisted on going to Jericho and the Jordan. 50 prophets stood at a distance while Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the Jordan River with it. It divided so they could cross on dry ground.

Elijah asked Elisha if there was anything he wanted before he was taken to heaven. He asked to inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said if he sees him when he is taken, he will have it. A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out and then saw him no more. He took his own clothes and tore them in grief.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

3) Close. Elisha did not want to let Elijah go.

4) Elisha asked Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit, probably meaning to be as wise as he was.

5) A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It’s a cool way to get to heaven. It’s very unique, so it makes me wonder just how important Elijah must have been to not have to suffer death like we all have to.

6a) God cares for all of His people, providing their every need.

b) He always provides. Always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

I love this scene. So encouraging and inspiring. I love the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, too. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Commentators believe that Elijah is testing Elisha’s devotion as he moves from place to place as his death nears.

Elisha could have asked for wealth, but instead he wanted the Spirit of God. The double portion refers to the what the first born son receives Deuteronomy 21:17. Itshows Elisha’s commitment to continue Elijah’s work.

Elijah had the strength of Israel with him. We’ll see these same words uttered at Elisha’s death (2 Kings 13:14)

Fun Fact: Only 2 men in the entire Bible, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah, avoided death to get to heaven.

The company of prophets were most likely prophets in training.

Elijah’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan is reminiscent of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites fled Egypt.

Elijah to Elisha foreshadows John the Baptist to Jesus. One preceeded the other and followd with reconciliation and healing. God is preparing His people for His Son.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:1-6

Jesus is still speaking his sermon on the mount. Do not judge others, and you won’t be judged. Quit being a hypocrite and judging others for it. Do not give your valuables to others who may trample them and tear you to pieces.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

3a) Just that — Don’t judge others and think you are better than them when you are not.

b) Discernment by definition is “the ability to judge well” or in Biblical thinking “perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.” God helps you arrive at the best decision. Romans says that discernment is knowing the right thing to do and doing it. You will be able to know God’s will and be able to do it, too. Philippians says discernment is knowing what is best in order to do good and avoid sin. Hebrews says God blesses wise discernment.

c) Galatians says that believers should help those who have been caught in sin with a spirit of forgiveness. If you know about God, you must share it with others. Ephesians reminds us to be gentle, humble, and patient with others in love. Christians are to support one another, forgive each other, and help each other to be better discerners and walkers in God’s word.

4) You must be merciful because you yourself have faults, too, and are in need of mercy. James reminds us to speak and act as though you will be judged.

5) I judge others when they do behavior I think is not right. I have to remember that I probably do the same things, am a sinner, and I’m in need of mercy, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

I love being reminded about how wrong judging is and to not do it. It’s such a human thing to do, to think better of yourself than others, but in God’s eyes, we are all the same. We need to look at others as such, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

You will be judged the same way you judge others. That being said, approving of others’ behavior is not the same as judging. This verse does not say you have to approve, only not to judge and/or treat others differently because of what they do, say, or believe.

Can you judge others’ behavior? Yes. But you must do so in the same manner that you want to be judged. Since a lot of people judge others by different standards than they judge themselves, it is often best not to judge at all.

Jesus uses an example to drive home his point. A plank is much larger than a speck. We are often blind to our own faults, but can see the smallest faults in others. In short, we are hypocrites. First, fix your own faults before you worry about others’.

Still, Jesus said we must use discernment to not give precious things to those who will not appreciate them. Or, do not give unbelievers holy things.

Bible scholars say that pearls are precious items. Do not give them to those who don’t want to receive them.

In sum, don’t give all of your precious strength and valuables to those whom God has not prepared to accept him. Look for those who are ready to receive Christ.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 11:10-32:

The line of Shem is followed here. The account of Terah from the line of Shem who was Abram’s (later Abraham’s) father. Lot was Abram’s nephew. Abram married Sarai (later Sarah) and she was barren (had no children).

Terah, Abram, Sarai, and Lot left Ur for Canaan but settled in Haran where Terah died.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

3) “he became the father”, “lived and had other sons and daughters.” They went about their lives.

4) Nothing really. These lists are quite boring.

5) Personal Question. My answer: the fact that my ancestors were born, lived, had kids, and died.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

Admittedly, I got nothing here, so I’m praying you did. When we did Genesis last, BSF skipped verses 11-26 and did not ask about them.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

We see Abraham here for the first time. He is featured more than 312 times in the Bible with 272 verses dedicated to him. Wish that were me. Admittedly, Abraham if the father of nations. It takes a lot to explain that and I’d say that makes him pretty important, indeed. We’ll be studying him and his line for the rest of the year.

Too many of us try to live up to Abraham’s faith. In truth, we do; our stories just aren’t recorded in the Bible. Abraham was called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7); (Isaiah 41:8). ( James 2:23 ) We can all be God’s friend. We are all great in God’s eyes.

FUN FACT: Sarai Abram’s wife means ” controversial.” Abraham ” means ” Father.”

What we don’t see here is that Abram is called while still in Ur Acts 7:2-4. This is important. Abram leaves Babylon to go to Ur at God’s calling. However, he brings other family members (not God’s calling), and he makes pitstop in Haran (part way there). Terah means “delay” and Haran means “barren,” which was Abram’s life in Haran.

While many fault Abraham for stopping, the important part is that he started. This is all we have to do: start. One step at a time in God’s will.