Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 10 records Daniel mourning and fasting for three weeks when a radiant heavenly figure appears by the Tigris River. Daniel collapses at the sight, and an angel strengthens him, explaining that his arrival was delayed by the “prince of Persia” until Michael came to help. The messenger tells Daniel he has come to reveal future conflicts involving Persia and Greece. The chapter exposes the unseen spiritual warfare behind earthly kingdoms and prepares Daniel for the vision that follows in chapters 11–12.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 9 presents Daniel’s prayer of confession for Israel’s sins and his plea for restoration. In response, Gabriel reveals the prophecy of the “seventy weeks,” outlining God’s timetable for Israel’s future: the coming of the Messiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the Messiah being “cut off,” the destruction of the city, and events leading to the final culmination of God’s plan.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 8 records Daniel’s vision of a ram with two horns (symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire) and a goat with a prominent horn (representing Greece and its first king, Alexander the Great). The goat’s great horn is broken, and four arise in its place—referring to the division of Alexander’s empire. From one of these comes a “little horn”—a fierce, blasphemous ruler (fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes and foreshadowing the Antichrist)—who desecrates the sanctuary and persecutes God’s people until divine judgment brings his downfall and the sanctuary is restored.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
In Daniel chapter 7, Daniel sees four beasts rise from the sea: lion with eagle wings, bear with three ribs, four-headed leopard, and a terrifying ten-horned beast with iron teeth. A little horn uproots three, speaks boastfully. The Ancient of Days judges on a fiery throne; books open, beast slain. The Son of Man receives everlasting dominion; saints inherit the kingdom. The vision foretells empires and end-time victory for God’s people.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
In Daniel chapter 6, Daniel remains faithful to God despite a royal decree forbidding prayer. His rivals conspire against him, and he is cast into a den of lions. God miraculously delivers him, demonstrating divine protection and justice. King Darius acknowledges God’s power, and Daniel’s faith is vindicated.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
In Daniel chapter 5, King Belshazzar holds a lavish feast using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, mocking God. A hand appears and writes mysterious words on the wall: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. Daniel interprets the writing as God’s judgment—Belshazzar’s reign has been weighed, found wanting, and will end. That very night, Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling divine prophecy.
