Tag: Dreams and Visions

Vision and Prophecies – Daniel 10–11

Read the Passage: Daniel 10-11

The Glorious Man (10:1–9)

This chapter begins in “the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia” (Dan. 10:1), which was 536 BC. Chronologically, this is three years after the prayer and prophesy recorded in Dan. 9. Two years had passed since Cyrus’ decree to let Israel return to Palestine (cf. Ezra 1:1). As Ezra 1–6 and Neh. 7:4–73 reports, Zerubbabel had already led a group of roughly 50,000 Israelites back to the Promised Land. Here in Dan. 10:1–3 we learn that Daniel had not returned with the exiles. Continue reading Vision and Prophecies – Daniel 10–11

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream – Daniel 4

Read the Passage: Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (4:1–18)

Given Nebuchadnezzar’s contact with Daniel and his friends, as well as his confessions (cf. Dan. 2:47; 3:29), one might think the king was on the verge of salvation. Yet, contact with believers alone does not convert. Nebuchadnezzar had been convicted, but not converted. He had been charmed, but not changed. However, the king’s retrospective confession in Dan. 4:1–3, 8 signals that a change had occurred, which he describes in this chapter. Continue reading Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream – Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s First Dream – Daniel 2

Read the Passage: Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (2:1–13)

Chapter 2 contains a narrative “in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign” (Dan. 2:1). Since chapter 1 occurred in the first year of his reign, and Nebuchadnezzar had appointed Daniel to a three year enculturation program (cf. Dan. 1:5), this chapter is likely anachronistic and contains events that transpired before the end of events in chapter 1. The narrative tells us of a dream of Nebuchadnezzar. Continue reading Nebuchadnezzar’s First Dream – Daniel 2