Encounter the Bible

Daniel is one of the most unique books of the Bible.  It easily breaks into two sections.  Chapters 1-6 include the stories of Daniel and his friends serving in the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar.  From the lion's den to the fiery furnace to dream interpretations, God is clearly the main character, putting his power on display in front of Nebuchadnezzar and so many others.  While the first 6 chapters were originally written mostly in Aramaic, the final six chapters were originally written in mostly Hebrew and are very different in style, content, and message.  The final six chapters contain 4 apocalyptic visions, giving a picture of things that are yet to come.  Many of the images in Daniel 7-12 appear again in Revelation, also apocalyptic visions.  Interestingly, the Jewish scriptures place Daniel in the "writings" (historical literature) while the Christian Bible places Daniel in the prophets. Take comfort in knowing that the God who took care of Dani...

As we read in Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel this week, note that these people and events are post-exile.  God’s people have endured the hardships of exile, and some have returned to Jerusalem while others have not yet returned and others are still being taken away.  Nehemiah was called by God to work with those who had returned to Jerusalem, focused on rebuilding the wall.  Esther was taken away from her people to the palace of the king; little did she know that it would be “for such as time as this,” as God called her, along with her cousin, Mordecai, to preserve God’s people from total annihilation.  Daniel, along with his friends, were taken away as exiles because of their education and their potential as leaders.  It’s through Daniel and his friends that King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Daniel’s God as the true God.   While we focus on the people (Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel), notice who is the main actor in your readings.   It might be someone who isn...