Perhaps this was an early visit by Christ Himself or maybe an angelic companion God sent is protect the three faithful men. Whatever his identity, the fourth person’s appearance was different. The king described him as someone who “looks like a divine being,”
Continue reading WHO WAS THE FOURTH PERSON IN KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S FURNACE?
From a historical perspective, it seems that Daniel came of age at exactly the wrong time in Israel. He was born just in time to see his once-great nation fall to the Babylonians. As punishment for their centuries unfaithfulness and disobedience. God allowed his people to be defeated by their enemies. Daniel, along with other young, strong, and capable people in Israel, was carried away into captivity in Babylon.
Continue reading MAN OF THE BIBLE (DANIEL “UNSHAKABLE FAITH”)
Daniel realized that the law against prayer was really against him. Babylon had captured his homeland but not his soul. To compromise by yielding to a statute forbidding prayer would be to deny the very basis of his life, to deny God’s mercy and care for him.
Continue reading WHY DID DANIEL IGNORE THE LAW CRIMINALIZING PRAYER?
Today intentional abstention from food and drink for a given period of time is more likely associated with preparation for a medical test or in conjunction with a weight-loss plan than with spiritual development. But in the Bible, the physical act of fasting was employed in order to enrich an awareness of mortal vulnerability and to sharpen awareness of the Lord’s ability to provide.
Continue reading EVERYDAY LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES (FAST PT 1 OF 3)
When the Babylonian army captured and plundered the city of Jerusalem, King Nebuchadnezzar seized the golden utensils, spices, jewels, and other valuable items that
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (LOOTING OF THE TEMPLE)
This verse is a guideline, not a rule without exception. Peter and John paid no heed to governments edicts in Acts 4. The Old Testament’s preeminent statesman, Daniel, refused to comply with government strictures on prayer (Daniel 6). When civil law clearly contravenes divine command, biblical precedent calls for appropriate civil disobedience.
Continue reading WHY SUBMIT TO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY WHEN SO MUCH OF IT IS CORRUPT AND MORALLY WRONG?
The words astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators refers to people who studied the stars and the movement of the moon in order to foretell the future. This practice was especially popular among the ancient Babylonians.
Continue reading NO HELP FROM STARGAZERS
The Jewish people thought of seven as a sacred number. It is used often in the Bible to show fullness, completion, and perfection (Gen 2:2-3; Dan 9:25).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (THE NUMBER SEVEN)
WHAT DREAMS WERE INTERPRETED? Not every dream was thought to be from God. Not every dream was significant. Some could be wishful thinking (Psa 126:1; Isa 29:7-8). In times of need and especially when a person sought a word from God, dreams could be significant.
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (DREAMS PT2)
This phrase from the Song of Deborah (read Judges 5:10) pictures Sisera’s mother wondering why her son had not returned from a battle with the Israelites. But Sisera would not return; he had been killed by a woman named Jael, who drove a tent peg through his head while he was sleep (Judges 4:21).
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS & CURIOSITIES (A CRY FROM A WINDOW)