Introduction to Daniel

The following is the first paragraph of an Introduction to Daniel written in 2006 by Michael Maloney. (At least I think he wrote it. I discovered his name in tiny letters at the bottom of the home page).

For the rest of the introduction, which goes into Daniel as literature, as a “moral paradigm,” and as prophecy, go to http://home.earthlink.net/~ironmen/intro.htm. The introduction is very well-written and, as far as I can tell, keeps Daniel’s prophecies in the context of their history and intent.

The Book of Daniel is one of the most colorful and interesting books found among the Old Testament writings. Its history covers the greater portion of Daniel’s life from the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim in 605 B.C., through the ups and downs of the Neo-Babylonian era, and into the rise of Persia during the reign of Cyrus II.

Daniel is thrown into the darkest pit of God’s judgment against the chosen people as they become a vassal of the Babylonian Empire.

Consider how Daniel must have suffered witnessing the withdrawal of God’s presence from the temple in Jerusalem when it was destroyed in 587 B.C.

As Christians we think of God’s presence inside of each of us by His Holy Spirit. To the Jews of ancient Israel, God’s presence was in His holy temple—the temple in Jerusalem. The same temple that God allowed the Babylonians to destroy.

Is it not almost incomprehensible—the apparent triumph of evil over the true God? Yet, in the face of this terrible evil, Daniel determines all the more to remain faithful.