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CONTEXT OF A SPECIAL DREAM GIVEN TO DANIEL

Text: Daniel 7
21 January 2013

CONTEXT OF A SPECIAL DREAM GIVEN TO DANIEL

1. In the reign of King Belshazzar Daniel 7:1

2. Reign of King Belshazzar Daniel 5

a) He had not humbled himself before God Daniel 5:22

i) He had seen how God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar

ii) He had not learned humility

b) He had lifted himself up against the Lord Daniel 5:23

i) He had committed sacrilege

ii) He had taken the sacred cups of the Temple of Solomon and used them for his drinking parties Daniel 5:23

c) He had praised idols instead of the Creator-God Daniel 5:23

d) He had been found wanting by God Daniel 5:27

e) His kingdom would be given to the Medes and Persians Daniel 5:28

CONTEXTS ARE IMPORTANT

1. Prophecies are stated in specific historical circumstances

2. Prophecies can then be verified when they are fulfilled

3. Some prophecies may be fulfilled in the not-so-distant future

a) The loss of the Babylonian kingdom in the hands of King Belshazzar

b) The rise of the Medes and Persians as the new world empire

4. Contexts affirm the following:-

a) The validity of the prophetic ministry

b) The importance of the prophet and his prophetic word

c) The power of God

i) Source

ii) Comprehension

iii) Fulfilment

THE DREAM GIVEN TO DANIEL Daniel 7:1

1. Given in the first year of the reign of King Belshazzar

2. Dream and Vision

a) They are often interchangeable terms

b) They are sometimes stated together for emphasis and impact

3. Daniel’s approach to comprehension of his dreams and visions

a) They are written down

b) The main facts are stated

c) They are to be studied

d) Prayer to God for understanding is assumed