Daniel 2:1-23

Today’s Passage: Daniel 2:1-23

(See the Intro to Daniel here)

 1 One night during the second year of his reign,^[a] Nebuchadnezzar had such disturbing dreams that he couldn’t sleep. 2 He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers,^[b] and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, 3 he said, “I have had a dream that deeply troubles me, and I must know what it means.” 4 Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic,^[c] “Long live the king! Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.”

 5 But the king said to the astrologers, “I am serious about this. If you don’t tell me what my dream was and what it means, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be turned into heaps of rubble! 6 But if you tell me what I dreamed and what the dream means, I will give you many wonderful gifts and honors. Just tell me the dream and what it means!”

 7 They said again, “Please, Your Majesty. Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.”

 8 The king replied, “I know what you are doing! You’re stalling for time because you know I am serious when I say, 9 ‘If you don’t tell me the dream, you are doomed.’ So you have conspired to tell me lies, hoping I will change my mind. But tell me the dream, and then I’ll know that you can tell me what it means.”

 10 The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! 11The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.”

 12 The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. 13 And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends.

 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. 15 He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. 16 Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.

 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said,

   “Praise the name of God forever and ever,
      for he has all wisdom and power.
 21 He controls the course of world events;
      he removes kings and sets up other kings.
   He gives wisdom to the wise
      and knowledge to the scholars.
 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things
      and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
      though he is surrounded by light.
 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
      for you have given me wisdom and strength.
   You have told me what we asked of you
      and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

Background/Insight:

• It was common for a king to surround himself with wise men.  However they serve at his discretion.
• Because the word for dream is plural in this section it is most likely that the king had been having a recurring dream and it was troubling him.  
• It is obvious that he took the dream very seriously because of his demand that his wise men prove they could rightly interpret the dream by knowing what it was without him telling them.  
• Daniel is again incredibly cool under pressure.  Faced with death and no answer he is able to stall for time and to seek God.   
• Note that Daniel employed other men to pray with him and that God answered his prayer.  Daniel then gave all praise, honor and glory to God.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. If faced with your death, would you be as trusting in God?
• What things have you sought God for?  Have you asked others to come along side and pray with you?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Where is God leading you?    

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Daniel 1:1-21

Today’s Passage: Daniel 1:1-21

(See the Intro to Daniel here)

 1 During the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah,^[a] King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God. So Nebuchadnezzar took them back to the land of Babylonia^[b]and placed them in the treasure-house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.^[c]” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service.

 6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names:

   Daniel was called Belteshazzar.
   Hananiah was called Shadrach.
   Mishael was called Meshach.
   Azariah was called Abednego.

 8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.”

 11 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days.

 15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.

 17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.

 18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

 21 Daniel remained in the royal service until the first year of the reign of King Cyrus.^[d]

Background/Insight:

• The book begins with Daniel’s captivity and bold statements of faith.
• Nebuchadnezzar’s name means “Nabu has protected my inheritance”.
• Nebuchadnezzar’s besieging of Jerusalem took place around 605 B.C. 
• The book of Jeremiah recounts Jeremiah’s warnings to the king of Jerusalem of an impending Babylonian invasion.  They were commanded by God through Jeremiah to not resist.  Thus they were taken into captivity.  
• The famous passage in Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you…” were prophetic of what God desired for his people.  They were spoken before they went into the 70 years of captivity. 

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Would you be as bold as Daniel in such a situation?
• What does this passage tell us about God and his plan for Israel even in captivity?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to invest in you His wisdom and courage.  

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Intro to the book of Daniel

To date we have studied through one of the Pauline letters (Galatians) and an Old Testament book of wisdom (Ecclesiastes).  For our next book we will delve into the world of the prophets with the book of Daniel.

The book bears the title Daniel both because he is the main character in the book and because it was written by him.  

What we know of Daniel is that he was known for his righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14,20) and his wisdom (Ezekiel 28:3).  We also learn right away in the book that he was of noble birth (Daniel 1:3,6).  He was physically attractive and mentally sharp (Daniel 1:4).  He was taken captive as a young man by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king.  

The book of Daniel is categorized as Apocalyptic literature.  Meaning that 1) an individuals visions are recorded 2) many signs and symbols are used  3) revelation is given as to God’s future plans.  4) A prose style of writing was employed.

Other Apocalyptic literature in the Bible include Revelation, Ezekiel and Zechariah.  

To note throughout the book is Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God.  His trust in God even when all things seem to be going against him, and the prophetic words about God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:8-13

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:8-13

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

 8 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.” 9 Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.^[a]

 11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd^[b] drives the sheep.

 12 But, my child,^[c] let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.

 13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

Background/Insight:

• Having demonstrating the limitations of human efforts and human wisdom, Solomon revisits the theme with which he opened the book, “everything is meaningless.”  
• As Solomon begins making his closing statements his focus is turned from the meaningless of man’s pursuits to the fullness of trusting God and the eternal perspective.
• This is the end of Solomon’s book and where he gives his final perspective.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. What are some “cattle-prod” words that have helped you?
• What does Solomon say is of ultimate importance in the end?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

 1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” 2Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. 3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

 4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

 5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

 6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 7 For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Background/Insight:

• The words, “Remember your creator” mean to be faithful to him, to serve him responsibly, and remember that because he created people, everyone owes their life to him.  
• The repeated calling God, “your creator” emphasizes him as the author of life who gives and takes it away.   

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Do you remember “your Creator”?  
• What are some of the common lures that distract you from the creator?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

 7 Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. 8 When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.

 9 Young people,^[d] it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

Background/Insight:

• These are words of perspective. Enjoy and treasure each day.  Take the good and the bad.  
• Even is Solomon’s day youth came with a sense of arrogance and superiority.   

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Do you find that you have a perspective like this?  
• Why do you think that American culture is so fascinated with youth and so fearful of death?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

1 Send your grain across the seas,
      and in time, profits will flow back to you.^[a]
 2 But divide your investments among many places,^[b]
      for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. 3 When clouds are heavy, the rains come down.
      Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.

 4 Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
      If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

 5 Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb,^[c] so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.

 6 Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.

Background/Insight:

• The proverb in verses one and two seem especially applicable to today’s roller-coaster of a market. 
• Diligence in the face of unexpectedness and trust in God’s greater wisdom are the thrust of verses 4-6.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Think about how little of our future and our stuff is out of our control.  Why do you think we work so hard to pretend that it is?
• What does this passage say about the greatness of our God and our relationship with Him?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 10:5-20

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:5-20

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

 5 There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake 6 when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth. 7 I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes—and princes walking like servants! 8 When you dig a well,
      you might fall in.
   When you demolish an old wall,
      you could be bitten by a snake.
 9 When you work in a quarry,
      stones might fall and crush you.
   When you chop wood,
      there is danger with each stroke of your ax.

 10 Using a dull ax requires great strength,
      so sharpen the blade.
   That’s the value of wisdom;
      it helps you succeed.

 11 If a snake bites before you charm it,
      what’s the use of being a snake charmer?

 12 Wise words bring approval,
      but fools are destroyed by their own words.

 13 Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions,
      so their conclusions will be wicked madness;
    14 they chatter on and on.

   No one really knows what is going to happen;
      no one can predict the future.

 15 Fools are so exhausted by a little work
      that they can’t even find their way home.

 16 What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant,^[a]
      the land whose leaders feast in the morning.
 17 Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader
      and whose leaders feast at the proper time
      to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.

 18 Laziness leads to a sagging roof;
      idleness leads to a leaky house.

 19 A party gives laughter,
      wine gives happiness,
      and money gives everything!

 20 Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts.
      And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom.
   For a little bird might deliver your message
      and tell them what you said.

Background/Insight:

• This is a continuation of the proverbial saying Solomon started at the end of chapter 9.  
• Verses 10 and 11 build off of each other.  A wise man knows to sharpen his ax. But even the greatest wisdom does little if it is not applied first, like the snake charmer.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Where have you seen and experienced wisdom like this?  Where have you witnessed foolishness like this?
• Do you find yourself saying things in private that you would never say to anyone in public.  What can we learn from these proverbs in that area of life?  
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

 1 As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink,
      so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.

 2 A wise person chooses the right road;
      a fool takes the wrong one.

 3 You can identify fools
      just by the way they walk down the street!

 4 If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit!
      A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.

Background/Insight:

• This is a continuation of the proverbial saying Solomon started at the end of chapter 9.  
• I chose to separate it in the Pipeline because of the chapter break and to add emphasis to a truth that affects all of us.  A little sin can over-run a lot of good.  
• In verse 4 Solomon adds some new perspective.  Just as a little sin can overshadow wisdom.  Consistent wisdom can overcome great sin.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Have you seen something that should have been good, go sour because of someone’s mistakes? 
• When those things happen to you, what is your typical response?  What does verse 4 say to the way that we should respond?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

(See the Intro to Ecclesiastes here)

13 Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. 14 There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. 15 A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him. 16 So even though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor. What they say will not be appreciated for long. 17 Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person
      than the shouts of a foolish king.
 18 Better to have wisdom than weapons of war,
      but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

Background/Insight:

• Solomon’s observation in this section could be boiled down to this truth: Though wisdom deserves attention, it’s value can be nullified by even a little sin.  
• The Hebrew words for “outweigh” and “honor” are both words used for weight and value.  The emphasis here is on how such a little amount of sin can outweigh a great deal of wisdom.  

For your thought/discussion:

• Read through and reflect on the text again. Have you ever witnessed an act of wisdom avert a tragedy?  Or a word of wisdom that silenced a growing fight?  
• Have you ever seen the opposite, where one little folly/sin has destroyed in a minute what great wisdom had built over time?  What does this tell us about the nature of people and sin?
• Spend some time in confession and prayer.  Ask God to give you his perspective on this life.

Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.