How does the Book of Daniel present a spiritual message? What is the main purpose of this message?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Daniel
Pay attention to this snippet from the above linked reference:
the prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Children from the deuterocanonical parts of Daniel are widely used in Orthodox and Catholic prayer.
The various episodes in the first half of the book are used by Christians as moral stories, and are often believed to foreshadow events in the gospels.
The apocalyptic section is important to Christians for the image of the "Son of Man" (Dan. 7:13). According to the gospels, Jesus used this title as his preferred name for himself. The connection with Daniel's vision (as opposed to the usage in the Book of Ezekiel) is made explicit in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark (Matt 26:64; Mk 14:62). Christians see this as a direct claim by Jesus that he is the Messiah.
Traditional Christians have embraced the prophecies of Daniel, as they believe they were clearly advised by their Messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to be watchful for their fulfillment in the "End Times" of this world. In the Olivet discourse (Mark 13:14, Matthew 24:15) Jesus himself is quoted as applying Daniel's prophecy of a desolating sacrilege to a future event — sometimes taken to be the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem,[18][19], but taken literally, it refers to the final tribulation immediately preceding Judgement Day. Some consider the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks to be particularly compelling due to what they interpret to be prophetic accuracy.
According to some modern-day scholars, Daniel 12:2 is the earliest clear reference in the Old Testament to the resurrection of the dead (Hartman and Di Lella, 1990, p. 419), with many of "your countrymen" awakening from death, some to eternal life and some to eternal disgrace. The notion of resurrection was to be elaborated in the New Testament and Christian doctrine.>
The Book of Daniel, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, presents a spiritual message through a combination of historical narrative, prophecy, and visions. To discern this message, it is important to understand the context and themes of the book.
To discover the spiritual message in the Book of Daniel, here are some steps you can follow:
1. Study the historical context: The events in the Book of Daniel occur during the Babylonian captivity, a period when the Israelites were exiled to Babylon. Understanding this context can provide insights into the challenges faced by the Israelites and the relevance of the spiritual message to their circumstances.
2. Analyze the main characters: The Book of Daniel primarily revolves around the character of Daniel himself, a faithful servant of God, and his interactions with various rulers and empires. Daniel's unwavering faith and commitment to God serve as an example to the audience, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience in one's spiritual journey.
3. Examine the prophecies and visions: The Book of Daniel contains several prophecies and visions that offer glimpses into future events. These include the rise and fall of empires, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom. Understanding these prophetic elements can provide insight into the spiritual message of hope, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.
4. Identify major themes: The Book of Daniel addresses various themes, including faithfulness in the face of adversity, God's sovereignty over human affairs, the importance of prayer, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. These themes collectively contribute to the spiritual message of hope, trust, and perseverance in one's relationship with God.
The main purpose of the spiritual message in the Book of Daniel is to offer encouragement to the Israelites during their exile and provide them with hope for the future. It emphasizes the assurance that, despite their present circumstances, God is in control and will ultimately bring forth His kingdom of righteousness and justice.
By analyzing the historical context, character motivations, prophecies, and major themes present in the Book of Daniel, one can uncover its spiritual message and gain insights into its relevance for believers today.