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Babylon is Fallen Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 02/15/2020 Draft File: Daniel 5-6

Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 · • Much of Daniel is literal, however symbolic language is used such as Dan 1:20 (“ten times”), the beast’s

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Page 1: Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 · • Much of Daniel is literal, however symbolic language is used such as Dan 1:20 (“ten times”), the beast’s

BabylonisFallenBelshazzar’sFeastand

theLion’sDen

AStudyofDaniel5&6Presentedby:MarkLaRoseDate:02/15/2020DraftFile:Daniel5-6

Page 2: Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 · • Much of Daniel is literal, however symbolic language is used such as Dan 1:20 (“ten times”), the beast’s

RelationshipwithChrist•  TheMostImportantUnderstandingaboutourSalvation:– WebelieveeternallifeisagiftfromGodinChristJesusandwearejustifiedbyHisgraceandHisfaithwhopaidtheprice;death,forourtransgressions

Romans3:21-26;4:4-5,25;6:23;Ephesians2:4-10;Titus3:4-7(Is53;Eze36:25-27;John3:3-8,16;16:8;Rom5:6-10;8:1-4,14-17;1Cor15:3-4,20-22;2Cor5:14-15,19-21;Gal1:4;3:13-14,26;4:4-7;Phil2:6-11;Col1:13-14;Heb8:7-12;1Pet1:23;2Pet1:3-4;1John2:2;4:10)

•  God“senthisangeltoshowhisservants”thefuture(Rev22:6)“Donotdespiseprophecies.”1Thess5:20–  Purpose:TosharethevitalnecessityofacharactertransformingrelationshipwithChrist,namelytheGospelofHissacrificeforallwhocallHimLordandSavior(Ps1:1-2;Matt20:25-28;Luke19:17-20;John20:21;Rom12:2;2Cor3:17-18;Gal5:22-25;Eph5:19-21;6:12-18;Phil3:7-14;Col2:6;1Thess5:16-23;Heb10:25;2Pet2:9;3:18;1John4:4) 22/15/20

Page 3: Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 · • Much of Daniel is literal, however symbolic language is used such as Dan 1:20 (“ten times”), the beast’s

PrinciplesofBibleStudy•  Paul’scounseltoTimothy:

–  16AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness,17thatthemanofGodmaybecomplete,thoroughlyequippedforeverygoodwork.2Tim3:16-17(Ps119:105;Prov30:5-6;Is8:20;John17:17;1Thess2:13;Heb4:12)

–  forprophecynevercamebythewillofman,butholymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit.2Pet1:21

•  Bibleversions:–  Useversionswiththeclosesttranslationtotheoriginallanguage

•  RecommendcomparingNKJV(usedhere),NASB95,KJV,andESV

–  Concordancesources:www.abibleconcordance.com;www.blueletterbible.org

•  UseofExpositorystudymethods(versusThematicstudy)–  ThismethodexplorestheliteralmeaningofeachwordinScriptureandits

relationshiptootherwordsinitscontext(exegesis)

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PrinciplesofInterpretation•  It’simportanttobeconsistentbyusingthesameprinciples,pattern,and

understandingoftheBookofDanielforthepropheciesinRevelation(Num12:6;2Chron20:20;Joel2:28-29;Amos3:7;Acts2:14-21;Rev.12:17;19:10;22:8-9)

•  Everyworddeservescarefulconsideration

–  “Forpreceptmustbeuponprecept,preceptuponprecept,Lineuponline,lineuponline,Herealittle,therealittle.”Isaiah28:10,13

•  TheHistoricistmethodofinterpretationisusedforbothDanielandRevelation

•  SomeofDanielandmuchofRevelationissymbolic;identifiedbasedoncontent

–  Lookfordefinitionselsewherewithinthesetwobooksfirst,thentheBibleasawhole;theninhistory

!  ThevisionsofDaniel2,7,8,9,and10-12buildoneachotherprogressively,amplifyingandaddingimportantdetails;“repeatandenlarge”

!  Applicationofthe1propheticday=1yearrule(Numbers14:34,Ezekiel4:4-6)iskeytotheproperinterpretationoftimepropheciesinDanielandRevelation(Gen29:27;Lev25:1-7)

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RebellionorRedemption?

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DanieltheProphetMatt24:15•  Danielandhis3friendswereexiledin605BCwhentheLord

allowedNebuchadnezzartoruleoverJerusalemasforetoldbyJeremiah(Jer25;27:22)asrecordedin2Ki24:10-17(Is39:6-7;Jer29;Micah4:10)–  Ezraindicates(2Chr36:15-21)thatthe70yearBabylonianexilewas

directedbyGodbecauseHischosenpeopledidnotturnfromevilandfalseworship

•  MuchofDanielisliteral,howeversymboliclanguageisusedsuchasDan1:20(“tentimes”),thebeast’sdescriptions(Daniel7,8&11)referringtokingsandkingdoms,andbothliteralandspiritualapplicationsinDaniel11:40-45

•  ThebookofDanieliswritteninachiasm,adoublelistofrelateditemsinwhichtheorderofthesecondlistisoppositeofthefirstlist:–  Theouterchapters(Dan1:1-2:4aand8-12)werewritteninHebrew–  Theinnerchapters(Dan2:4b–Dan7:28)werewritteninAramaic

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ChronologicalOverviewTheBookofDaniel

•  Daniel1:anaccountofthefirstBabylonianexile(605BC)

•  Daniel2:Nebuchadnezzar’sdreamofthekingdoms(603BC)•  Daniel3:Nebuchadnezzarbuildstheimageofhisdreamtoworship

•  Daniel4:Nebuchadnezzar’sdreamofthegreattree–  Chapter4isaletterwrittenbyNebuchadnezzar

•  Daniel7:Daniel’sdreamofthekingdomsasbeasts(553BC)

•  Daniel8:Daniel’svisionwithfurtherkingdomdetails(551BC)•  Daniel5:anaccountofthefallofBelshazzarandBabylon(539BC)

•  Daniel6:Thelion’sdenandDariustheMede(539/8BC)

•  Daniel9:Gabrielfurtherexplains2300days/yrsinch.8(538BC)–  Includingthe70weeks(490yrs)“cutoff”ofthe2,300yearsuntilChrist’sministrybegan

•  Daniel10-12:GabrielprovidesspecificdetailsofthekingsandkingdomstocomethroughthesecondcomingofJesus(535BC)

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Daniel5

•  Daniel5Structure:–  Daniel5:1-4describesBelshazzar’sfeast–  Daniel5:5-12givestheaccountofahandwritingonthewall–  Daniel5:13-29describesDaniel’sinterpretationofthewriting–  Daniel5:30-31recordsBelshazzar’sdeathandthefallofBabylon

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Page 9: Belshazzar’s Feast and the Lion’s Den A Study of Daniel 5 & 6 · • Much of Daniel is literal, however symbolic language is used such as Dan 1:20 (“ten times”), the beast’s

Daniel5:1•  “Belshazzarthekingmadeagreatfeastforathousandofhis

lords,anddrankwineinthepresenceofthethousand.”–  Belshazzarco-reignedwithhisfather,Nabonidus(556-539BC),from

about553BC(Dan7:1;8:1)•  Babylonhadbeenundersiegefor2years,howeverthecityhadprovisionsfor20years

•  NabonidushadsurrenderedinSippar(50milesnorthofBabylon)2daysearlierandfled

–  Feastinganddrinking:Anattempttobolstermoralethroughtheappealofappetite•  Appetite,thefirstofJesus’threetemptations,mustbeovercome

–  Wine:Theemphasishereshowstherevelersweregettingdrunk;providingafalsesenseofsecurity•  Wineissymbolicoffalsedoctrine(Ps60:3;Prov31:4-7;Is28:7;Jer25:15-18;51:7;Zech

5:3-4;Col2:22-23;Matt24:49;Luke12:45;Rev14:8;18:3)

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Daniel5:2-4•  “2Whilehetastedthewine,Belshazzargavethecommandto

bringthegoldandsilvervesselswhichhisfatherNebuchadnezzarhadtakenfromthetemplewhichhadbeeninJerusalem,thatthekingandhislords,hiswives,andhisconcubinesmightdrinkfromthem.3ThentheybroughtthegoldvesselsthathadbeentakenfromthetempleofthehouseofGodwhichhadbeeninJerusalem;andthekingandhislords,hiswives,andhisconcubinesdrankfromthem.4Theydrankwine,andpraisedthegodsofgoldandsilver,bronzeandiron,woodandstone.”–  Goldandsilvervessels:KingBelshazzarusedthegoldandsilvergoblets

NebuchadnezzarremovedfromSolomon'stemplein597BCtogetdrunkwith1,000guests.(2Ki24:13;25:15;2Chr36:10;Ezra1:7-11;Jer52:19;Dan1:2)

–  TheuseofthetemplegobletsopenlymockedGod,whilepraisingidolsmadeof6elements;Satan’scounterfeitnumber(Dan5:23;Rev9:20)•  “IamtheLord,thatisMyname;AndMygloryIwillnotgivetoanother,NorMypraisetocarvedimages.”Is42:8 102/15/20

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Daniel5:5-6•  “5Inthesamehourthefingersofaman’shandappearedand

wroteoppositethelampstandontheplasterofthewalloftheking’spalace;andthekingsawthepartofthehandthatwrote.6

Thentheking’scountenancechanged,andhisthoughtstroubledhim,sothatthejointsofhishipswereloosenedandhiskneesknockedagainsteachother.”–  Thesourceofthecommonsaying;“thewritingonthewall”

–  GodhadforetoldofBabylon’sfallbecauseofitsiniquity:•  ByMedo-PersiaasshowntoIsaiah21:1-9("Elam"becamePersia)

•  AsagainpronouncedinJeremiah50:1-51:58

–  Kneesknocked:Theeffectofdivinityonthewicked(Eze7:17;21:7;Nah2:10)

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Daniel5:7-9•  “7Thekingcriedaloudtobringintheastrologers,theChaldeans,

andthesoothsayers.Thekingspoke,sayingtothewisemenofBabylon,“Whoeverreadsthiswriting,andtellsmeitsinterpretation,shallbeclothedwithpurpleandhaveachainofgoldaroundhisneck;andheshallbethethirdrulerinthekingdom.”8Nowalltheking’swisemencame,buttheycouldnotreadthewriting,ormakeknowntothekingitsinterpretation.9

ThenKingBelshazzarwasgreatlytroubled,hiscountenancewaschanged,andhislordswereastonished.–  Astrologers,Chaldeans,soothsayers:Gen41:8;Dan2:2,27;4:6-7;

5:11,15;Is47:13

–  Belshazzarwassecondinthekingdomtohisfather,sohecouldonlyofferthirdplace

–  Greatlytroubled:Thewickedareterrifiedbytheunknownandtheprospectofjudgment(Job18:11;Is21:2-4;Jer6:24;Dan2:1)

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Daniel5:10-12•  “10Thequeen,becauseofthewordsofthekingandhislords,

cametothebanquethall.Thequeenspoke,saying,“Oking,liveforever!Donotletyourthoughtstroubleyou,norletyourcountenancechange.11ThereisamaninyourkingdominwhomistheSpiritoftheHolyGod.Andinthedaysofyourfather,lightandunderstandingandwisdom,likethewisdomofthegods,werefoundinhim;andKingNebuchadnezzaryourfather—yourfathertheking—madehimchiefofthemagicians,astrologers,Chaldeans,andsoothsayers.12Inasmuchasanexcellentspirit,knowledge,understanding,interpretingdreams,solvingriddles,andexplainingenigmaswerefoundinthisDaniel,whomthekingnamedBelteshazzar,nowletDanielbecalled,andhewillgivetheinterpretation.”–  TheQueenmaylikelyhavebeenBelshazzar'smotheranddaughterof

Nebuchadnezzar.SheobviouslyknewDaniel.(Dan1:7;2:48;4:8-9;6:3)132/15/20

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Daniel5:13-16•  “13ThenDanielwasbroughtinbeforetheking.Thekingspoke,

andsaidtoDaniel,“AreyouthatDanielwhoisoneofthecaptivesfromJudah,whommyfatherthekingbroughtfromJudah?14Ihaveheardofyou,thattheSpiritofGodisinyou,andthatlightandunderstandingandexcellentwisdomarefoundinyou.15Nowthewisemen,theastrologers,havebeenbroughtinbeforeme,thattheyshouldreadthiswritingandmakeknowntomeitsinterpretation,buttheycouldnotgivetheinterpretationofthething.16AndIhaveheardofyou,thatyoucangiveinterpretationsandexplainenigmas.Nowifyoucanreadthewritingandmakeknowntomeitsinterpretation,youshallbeclothedwithpurpleandhaveachainofgoldaroundyourneck,andshallbethethirdrulerinthekingdom.”–  Danielwasexiledin605BC,makinghimabout84yearsoldin539BC

–  BelshazzaracknowledgeshisknowledgeofGod 142/15/20

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Daniel5:17-21•  “17ThenDanielanswered,andsaidbeforetheking,“Letyourgiftsbe

foryourself,andgiveyourrewardstoanother;yetIwillreadthewritingtotheking,andmakeknowntohimtheinterpretation.18Oking,theMostHighGodgaveNebuchadnezzaryourfatherakingdomandmajesty,gloryandhonor.19AndbecauseofthemajestythatHegavehim,allpeoples,nations,andlanguagestrembledandfearedbeforehim.Whomeverhewished,heexecuted;whomeverhewished,hekeptalive;whomeverhewished,hesetup;andwhomeverhewished,heputdown.20Butwhenhisheartwasliftedup,andhisspiritwashardenedinpride,hewasdeposedfromhiskinglythrone,andtheytookhisgloryfromhim.21Thenhewasdrivenfromthesonsofmen,hisheartwasmadelikethebeasts,andhisdwellingwaswiththewilddonkeys.Theyfedhimwithgrasslikeoxen,andhisbodywaswetwiththedewofheaven,tillheknewthattheMostHighGodrulesinthekingdomofmen,andappointsoveritwhomeverHechooses.–  Danielremindedthe1,000leadersGoddetermineswhorulesthenations

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Daniel5:22-24•  “22“Butyouhisson,Belshazzar,havenothumbledyourheart,

althoughyouknewallthis.23AndyouhaveliftedyourselfupagainsttheLordofheaven.TheyhavebroughtthevesselsofHishousebeforeyou,andyouandyourlords,yourwivesandyourconcubines,havedrunkwinefromthem.Andyouhavepraisedthegodsofsilverandgold,bronzeandiron,woodandstone,whichdonotseeorhearorknow;andtheGodwhoholdsyourbreathinHishandandownsallyourways,youhavenotglorified.24ThenthefingersofthehandweresentfromHim,andthiswritingwaswritten.”–  DanielprovidesthereasonsforBabylon’sfall

•  Priorknowledgeoftruth,butfailuretoadoptit•  PrideleadingtolackofglorifyingGod(Ex10:3;2Chr36:12)•  TheabominationofclaimingidolsaresuperiortotheLordofheaven(x6)

(Hab2:18-19)•  ProfaningGod’sholyvessels(Ex40:9;Num18:3;Is52:11)•  Multiplesexualrelations(Gen2:24;1Tim3:2)

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Daniel5:25-28•  “25“Andthisistheinscriptionthatwaswritten:MENE,MENE,

TEKEL,UPHARSIN.26Thisistheinterpretationofeachword.MENE:Godhasnumberedyourkingdom,andfinishedit;27

TEKEL:Youhavebeenweighedinthebalances,andfoundwanting;28PERES:Yourkingdomhasbeendivided,andgiventotheMedesandPersians.”–  Ariddleinvolvingunitsofweightappliedtomoney,usedfor“balances”

•  "Mene”:Tonumber-twicementioned,paralleltoBabylontwicefallen(Is21:9;Rev14:8;18:2),referencingitsliteralfallin539BCanditsfuture,spiritualfallduringthe6thplague(Rev16:12)

•  “Tekel”:Toweigh,tomeasure,tobringintojudgment(Job31:6;Ps62:9;Jer6:30;Rev11:1-2)

•  “Upharsin”[verbformof“peres”]:Todivide,topunish

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Daniel5:29-31•  “29ThenBelshazzargavethecommand,andtheyclothedDaniel

withpurpleandputachainofgoldaroundhisneck,andmadeaproclamationconcerninghimthatheshouldbethethirdrulerinthekingdom.30ThatverynightBelshazzar,kingoftheChaldeans,wasslain.31AndDariustheMedereceivedthekingdom,beingaboutsixty-twoyearsold.”–  BabylonfelltotheMedesandPersianson10/12/539BC

•  ThefallofliteralBabylonisimportanttoproperlyunderstandthefuturefallofspiritualBabylon(Is21:9;Dan7:11;Rev14:8;16:12;17:16;18:1-24)–  Isaiah(chapters41,46,47)andJeremiah(chapters50,51)predictanddescribethefallofliteralandspiritualBabylon»  Notethe"alliance"ofnationspredictedbyJeremiahin50:9referringtoMedo-PersiaaswellasapostateProtestants(Rev17:16)

•  ThisopeneduptheruleofMedo-Persia(thesilverchestandarmsoftheDan2statue),thebearwithoneraisedshoulder&3ribs(Babylon,Lydia,andEgyptconquered)ofDan7,andtheRamwith2horns(1larger)ofDan8

–  DariustheMedewassucceededbyhisnephew,Cyrusabout537BC,alsomarkingthe70yearsofexileasforetoldbyJeremiah(Dan9:1)

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Daniel6

•  Daniel6Structure:–  Daniel6:1-5Daniels’appointmentandtheplotagainsthim

–  Daniel6:6-9Darius’decreerestrictingprayer–  Daniel6:10-17Danielignoresman’slawandisthrownintotheLion’s

denforhisundivideddevotiontoGod

–  Daniel6:18-24Danielisdeliveredandthoseplottinghisdeathreceivedthepunishmentenvisionedforhim

–  Daniel6:25-28Darius’decreesthatthewholekingdomhonorandrespectGod

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JesusTypifiedinDaniel

Daniel: 1-Appetite 2-Stone destroys feet of the image 3-Bow down 4-Tree of Babylon 5-Cyrus drys up the Euphrates 6-Stone sealed the lion’s den 7-Jesus as High Priest 8-Jesus Cleansing the Sanctuary 9-Close of Probation 10-12-Michael stands to deliver

Jesus: Appetite Throw down yourself (foot dashed) Bow down Kingdom of heaven like a tree Jesus descended into the deep/dying Stone sealed Jesus’ tomb Jesus is our High Priest Sanctuary Cleansed since 1844 …soon …soon

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Daniel6:1-3•  “1ItpleasedDariustosetoverthekingdomonehundredand

twentysatraps,tobeoverthewholekingdom;2andoverthese,threegovernors,ofwhomDanielwasone,thatthesatrapsmightgiveaccounttothem,sothatthekingwouldsuffernoloss.3

ThenthisDanieldistinguishedhimselfabovethegovernorsandsatraps,becauseanexcellentspiritwasinhim;andthekinggavethoughttosettinghimoverthewholerealm.”–  DariustheMedehadledthearmythattookthecityofBabylonand

servedasvassalkingunderKingCyrus

–  Satraps:Governorsoverthe120provincesoftheempire(Est1:1)

–  DariustheMedeislikelyCyaxaresII:https://truthonlybible.com/tag/cyaxares-ii/

–  Excellentspirit:Awonderfulcharacterattribute(Dan5:12)

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Daniel6:4-5•  “4Sothegovernorsandsatrapssoughttofindsomecharge

againstDanielconcerningthekingdom;buttheycouldfindnochargeorfault,becausehewasfaithful;norwasthereanyerrororfaultfoundinhim.5Thenthesemensaid,“WeshallnotfindanychargeagainstthisDanielunlesswefinditagainsthimconcerningthelawofhisGod.”–  GovernorsandsatrapswereenviousofDaniel(about84yearsold)–  Faithful,noerrororfault:AcharacterattributeofGod’speopleatthe

timeoftheend•  “…walkbeforeme,andbethouperfect.”Gen17:1(Lev11:44;19:2;James1:4;1Pet

1:15-16)•  “Thereforeyoushallbeperfect,justasyourFatherinheavenisperfect.”

Matt5:48

•  “…thatyoumaystandperfectandcompleteinallthewillofGod.”Col4:12

–  LawofhisGod:Clearly,Danielhadawellknownreputationthatdifferentiatedhimfromthecommonreligiouspracticesthenpopular

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Daniel6:6-9•  “6Sothesegovernorsandsatrapsthrongedbeforetheking,and

saidthustohim:“KingDarius,liveforever!7Allthegovernorsofthekingdom,theadministratorsandsatraps,thecounselorsandadvisors,haveconsultedtogethertoestablisharoyalstatuteandtomakeafirmdecree,thatwhoeverpetitionsanygodormanforthirtydays,exceptyou,Oking,shallbecastintothedenoflions.8Now,Oking,establishthedecreeandsignthewriting,sothatitcannotbechanged,accordingtothelawoftheMedesandPersians,whichdoesnotalter.”9ThereforeKingDariussignedthewrittendecree.”–  StatuteandDecree:Wickedpeopleachievetheirdesiretocontrolvia

legislationandevilscheming(Est1:19;8:8;Ps59:3;62:4;64:2-6)•  Alludestothetimeoftheend:Legislationwillbepassedofareligiousnature,inoppositionofGod’slaw(TheTenCommandments),inordertoensnareGod’speople

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Daniel6:10-12•  “10NowwhenDanielknewthatthewritingwassigned,hewent

home.Andinhisupperroom,withhiswindowsopentowardJerusalem,hekneltdownonhiskneesthreetimesthatday,andprayedandgavethanksbeforehisGod,aswashiscustomsinceearlydays.11ThenthesemenassembledandfoundDanielprayingandmakingsupplicationbeforehisGod.12Andtheywentbeforetheking,andspokeconcerningtheking’sdecree:“Haveyounotsignedadecreethateverymanwhopetitionsanygodormanwithinthirtydays,exceptyou,Oking,shallbecastintothedenoflions?”Thekingansweredandsaid,“Thethingistrue,accordingtothelawoftheMedesandPersians,whichdoesnotalter.”–  KneelingthreetimeseachdayiskeytoacloserelationshipwithJesus

•  IsraelhadbeeninstructedtofaceJerusalemwhenseekingGod(1Ki8:29-30,35,42,44,46-48;Ps5:7;55:17;Jon2:4;Acts5:29)

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Daniel6:13-15•  “13Sotheyansweredandsaidbeforetheking,“ThatDaniel,who

isoneofthecaptivesfromJudah,doesnotshowdueregardforyou,Oking,orforthedecreethatyouhavesigned,butmakeshispetitionthreetimesaday.”14Andtheking,whenheheardthesewords,wasgreatlydispleasedwithhimself,andsethisheartonDanieltodeliverhim;andhelaboredtillthegoingdownofthesuntodeliverhim.15Thenthesemenapproachedtheking,andsaidtotheking,“Know,Oking,thatitisthelawoftheMedesandPersiansthatnodecreeorstatutewhichthekingestablishesmaybechanged.””–  Oneofthecaptives:StrongculturalbiasexisteddespiteDaniel’sservice

recordofthepast66years(Dan3:12;5:13;Est3:8)

–  Greatlydispleased:Wickedstrategiesareaccomplishedthroughcompromiseofintegrity(Mark6:26)

–  Constitutionalpowerwasusedtoenforceevil(Est8:8;Ps94:20-21)252/15/20

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Daniel6:16-17•  “16Sothekinggavethecommand,andtheybroughtDanieland

casthimintothedenoflions.Butthekingspoke,sayingtoDaniel,“YourGod,whomyouservecontinually,Hewilldeliveryou.”17Thenastonewasbroughtandlaidonthemouthoftheden,andthekingsealeditwithhisownsignetringandwiththesignetsofhislords,thatthepurposeconcerningDanielmightnotbechanged.”–  ServeGodcontinually:Thisiskeytosalvation;fordeliverance–  Stonesealed:AlludestoChristbeingsealedinthetomb(Lam3:53;Matt

27:66)

•  NeitherDariusnorthe“lords”trustedeachother

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Daniel6:18-23•  “18Nowthekingwenttohispalaceandspentthenightfasting;

andnomusicianswerebroughtbeforehim.Alsohissleepwentfromhim.19Thenthekingaroseveryearlyinthemorningandwentinhastetothedenoflions.20Andwhenhecametotheden,hecriedoutwithalamentingvoicetoDaniel.Thekingspoke,sayingtoDaniel,“Daniel,servantofthelivingGod,hasyourGod,whomyouservecontinually,beenabletodeliveryoufromthelions?”21ThenDanielsaidtotheking,“Oking,liveforever!22MyGodsentHisangelandshutthelions’mouths,sothattheyhavenothurtme,becauseIwasfoundinnocentbeforeHim;andalso,Oking,Ihavedonenowrongbeforeyou.”23Nowthekingwasexceedinglygladforhim,andcommandedthattheyshouldtakeDanielupoutoftheden.SoDanielwastakenupoutoftheden,andnoinjurywhateverwasfoundonhim,becausehebelievedinhisGod.”–  Lion’smouthsshut:ReferencedinHeb11:33(Ps81:11-13;Jer32:17;Luke1:37;

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Daniel6:24•  “24Andthekinggavethecommand,andtheybroughtthosemen

whohadaccusedDaniel,andtheycastthemintothedenoflions—them,theirchildren,andtheirwives;andthelionsoverpoweredthem,andbrokealltheirbonesinpiecesbeforetheyevercametothebottomoftheden.”–  ThisretributionisconsistentwiththelawofMoses(Deut19:18-19;Est7:10;

9:10)

•  Werethefamiliescomplicitwiththesinsofthefathers?AccordingtoGod,eachistobepunishedfortheirownsins.(Deut24:16;2Ki14:6;Eze18:20)

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Daniel6:25-28•  “25ThenKingDariuswrote:Toallpeoples,nations,andlanguages

thatdwellinalltheearth:Peacebemultipliedtoyou.26ImakeadecreethatineverydominionofmykingdommenmusttrembleandfearbeforetheGodofDaniel.ForHeisthelivingGod,Andsteadfastforever;Hiskingdomistheonewhichshallnotbedestroyed,AndHisdominionshallenduretotheend.27Hedeliversandrescues,AndHeworkssignsandwondersInheavenandonearth,WhohasdeliveredDanielfromthepowerofthelions.28SothisDanielprosperedinthereignofDariusandinthereignofCyrusthePersian.”–  Decree:InthiscaseaprophecyaboutthelivingGod(Ezra1:1-2;6:8-12;7:13;

Dan2:44;3:28-29;4:1,3,34;7:14,27;Hos1:10;Rom9:26)–  TheDaniel9visionandeventstookplaceduringthereignofDariusthe

Mede(Oct539BC-Nov538BC)(Dan9:1)

–  DariustheMede,wassupportedandprotectedbytheangelGabriel(Ezra1:1-2;Dan1:21;11:1) 292/15/20

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OurMissionastheRemnant

•  “WorshipGod!ForthetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”(Rev19:10)–  Theunderstandingofprophecyisacalltoaction;tosharethegospelof

everlastinglifethrougharelationshipwithJesus,proclaimingthe3angels’messageofRev14:6-12

•  “…obeyGod’scommandments”(Rev12:17)and“Worshiphimwhomadetheheavens,theearth,theseaandthespringsofwater.”(Rev14:7)

•  “…EveryonewhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,AndholdsfastMycovenant—EventhemIwillbringtoMyholymountain,AndmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer.(Is56:6-7)

•  “Beholy…blameless”(1Pet1:16-19;2Pet3:10-14)

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Hewhotestifiestothesethingssays,“SurelyIamcomingquickly.”Amen.Evenso,come,LordJesus!Revelation22:20

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AdditionalInformationIamindebtedtoTimRoosenbergwhohasstudiedDaniel11-12sincetheearly2000’sand

hasdedicatedhisministrytoprovidingpeoplewithknowledgeofthetimesthatwelivethroughseminarsandhiswebsite;http://www.islamandchristianity.org

IamalsoindebtedtotwoindividualswhomhavededicatedtheirlivesinastudyofRevelation17sincethelate1990’s.Theirwebsite,http://666man.net,providessignificantdepthonthemanyrelatedBiblepassagesandpropheciesthatcorrelatecompletelytothepropheciesofDaniel

Foranexcellentversebyversecommentarysee:http://www.bibleexplained.com

ForadeepperspectiveofhowRevelationrepresentsthespiritualfulfillmentofmuchoftheOldTestamentsee:LouisF.Were,TheCertaintyofthe3rdAngel’sMessage,1945

EllenGouldWhitewasaprolificauthorandanAmericanChristianpioneer.AlongwithotherSabbatarianAdventistleaderssuchasJosephBatesandherhusbandJamesWhite,sheformedwhatbecameknownastheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.TheSmithsonianmagazinenamedEllenG.Whiteamong100MostSignificantAmericansinanacknowledgementofherinfluenceonreligion.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_G._White

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5!  “InthehistoryofNebuchadnezzarandBelshazzar,Godspeakstothepeopleof

today.Thecondemnationthatwillfallupontheinhabitantsoftheearthinthisdaywillbebecauseoftheirrejectionoflight.Ourcondemnationinthejudgmentwillnotresultfromthefactthatwehavelivedinerror,butfromthefactthatwehaveneglectedHeaven-sentopportunitiesfordiscoveringtruth.Themeansofbecomingconversantwiththetrutharewithinthereachofall;but,liketheindulgent,selfishking,wegivemoreattentiontothethingsthatcharmtheear,andpleasetheeye,andgratifythepalate,thantothethingsthatenrichthemind,thedivinetreasuresoftruth.Itisthroughthetruththatwemayanswerthegreatquestion,“WhatmustIdotobesaved?””{BEchoSeptember17,1894,par.5}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5!  “OneverypageofGod’swordtheinjunctiontoobedienceisplainlywritten,

andyethowoftenHiscommandsarelightlyregardedorwhollysetaside!ThecommandfortheobservanceoftheholySabbathoftheLordisplacedintheverybosomofthedecalogue,andissoplainthatnoneneederrastoitsimport,andyetitistreatedwithasgreatprofanationaswerethesacredvesselsatthefeastofBelshazzar.ThecondemnationofthosewhotrampleuponGod’sholySabbathwillnotcomebecausetheyhaveconscientiouslyobservedthefirstdayoftheweek,butbecausetheyneglectedopportunitiesforsearchingtheScripturesandlearning,notwhatmanhassaid,notwhattheministerssay,notwhatthefathershavesaid,butwhatsaiththeinfiniteGod!WhatdayhasGodspecifiedasHisholyday?WhatdidHecommandmentohonourwhenHespokewithanaudiblevoicefromSinai?Thatvoiceistobeobeyedaboveeveryother;theedictsofkingsandnationsarevoidbeforeacommandofGod.TheLordofhostscommandsourobedience.”{BEchoSeptember17,1894,par.6}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:1!  “Admittedtoashareinkinglyauthorityandpoweratfifteenyearsofage,

Belshazzargloriedinhispower,andlifteduphisheartagainsttheGodofheaven.HedespisedtheOnewhoisaboveallrulers,theGeneralofallthearmiesofheaven.“Belshazzarthekingmadeagreatfeasttoathousandofhislords,anddrankwinebeforethethousand”(Daniel5:1).Theprofaneorgiesofroyalmirthwereattendedbymenofgeniusandeducation,bymastersofarchitecture.Onthisoccasiontherewasmusicandbanquetingandwinedrinking.Decoratedwomenwiththeirenchantmentswereamongtherevelers.Exaltedbywine,andblindedbydelusion,thekinghimselftooktheleadintheriotousblasphemy.Hisreasonwasgone,andhislowerimpulsesandpassionswereintheascendancy.Hiskingdomwasstrongandapparentlyinvincible,andhewouldshowthathethoughtnothingtoosacredforhishandstohandleandprofane.Toshowhiscontemptforsacredthings,hedesecratedtheholyvesselstakenfromthetempleoftheLordatitsdestruction.”—Letter51a,1897,pp.3-4.(ToDearFriends,July8,1897;SeeProphetsandKings,pp.523-4.){10MR307.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:1!  “ThroughthefollyandweaknessofBelshazzar,thegrandsonof

Nebuchadnezzar,proudBabylonwassoontofall.Admittedinhisyouthtoashareinkinglyauthority,BelshazzargloriedinhispowerandlifteduphisheartagainsttheGodofheaven.Manyhadbeenhisopportunitiestoknowthedivinewillandtounderstandhisresponsibilityofrenderingobediencethereto.Hehadknownofhisgrandfather’sbanishment,bythedecreeofGod,fromthesocietyofmen;andhewasfamiliarwithNebuchadnezzar’sconversionandmiraculousrestoration.ButBelshazzarallowedtheloveofpleasureandself-glorificationtoeffacethelessonsthatheshouldneverhaveforgotten.Hewastedtheopportunitiesgraciouslygrantedhim,andneglectedtousethemeanswithinhisreachforbecomingmorefullyacquaintedwithtruth.ThatwhichNebuchadnezzarhadfinallygainedatthecostofuntoldsufferingandhumiliation,Belshazzarpassedbywithindifference.”{PK522.2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:1!  “InthehistoryofNebuchadnezzarandBelshazzar,Godspeakstothepeopleof

today.Thecondemnationthatwillfallupontheinhabitantsoftheearthinthisdaywillbebecauseoftheirrejectionoflight.Ourcondemnationinthejudgmentwillnotresultfromthefactthatwehavelivedinerror,butfromthefactthatwehaveneglectedHeaven-sentopportunitiesfordiscoveringtruth.Themeansofbecomingconversantwiththetrutharewithinthereachofall;but,liketheindulgent,selfishking,wegivemoreattentiontothethingsthatcharmtheear,andpleasetheeye,andgratifythepalate,thantothethingsthatenrichthemind,thedivinetreasuresoftruth.Itisthroughthetruththatwemayanswerthegreatquestion,“WhatmustIdotobesaved?””{BEchoSeptember17,1894,par.5}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:5!  “LittledidBelshazzarthinkthattherewasaheavenlyWitnesstohisidolatrous

revelry;thatadivineWatcher,unrecognized,lookeduponthesceneofprofanation,heardthesacrilegiousmirth,beheldtheidolatry.ButsoontheuninvitedGuestmadeHispresencefelt.Whentherevelrywasatitsheightabloodlesshandcameforthandtraceduponthewallsofthepalacecharactersthatgleamedlikefire—wordswhich,thoughunknowntothevastthrong,wereaportentofdoomtothenowconscience-strickenkingandhisguests.”{PK524.1}

!  “Hushedwastheboisterousmirth,whilemenandwomen,seizedwithnamelessterror,watchedthehandslowlytracingthemysteriouscharacters.Beforethempassed,asinpanoramicview,thedeedsoftheirevillives;theyseemedtobearraignedbeforethejudgmentbaroftheeternalGod,whosepowertheyhadjustdefied.Wherebutafewmomentsbeforehadbeenhilarityandblasphemouswitticism,werepallidfacesandcriesoffear.WhenGodmakesmenfear,theycannothidetheintensityoftheirterror.”{PK524.2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:5!  “Itwasnotthehandofthepriestthatrentfromtoptobottomthegorgeous

veilthatdividedtheHolyfromtheMostHolyPlace.ItwasthehandofGod.WhenChristcriedout,“Itisfinished”[John19:30],theHolyWatcherthatwasanunseenguestatBelshazzar’sfeastpronouncedtheJewishnationtobeanationunchurched.ThesamehandthattracedonthewallthecharactersthatrecordedBelshazzar’sdoomandtheendoftheBabyloniankingdom,renttheveiloftheTemplefromtoptobottom,openinganewandlivingwayforall,highandlow,richandpoor,JewandGentile.FromhenceforthpeoplemightcometoGodwithoutpriestorruler.”{Ms101-1897.16}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:5!  “WhenBelshazzarhadhisgreatsacrilegiousfeast,therewaspresentinthe

splendidhallsawitnesswhichhedidnotdiscern.Therevelersweredrinkingtheirwine,andpartakingoftheirluxuriousfeast,andpraisingthegodsofsilverandgold,extollingtheirownwisdom,magnifyingtheirdeeds,anddishonoringGod,butrightoveragainstthewall,facingtheking,abloodlesshandwastracingtheterriblecharacterstestifyingofhistruecondition:“Thouartweighedinthebalances,andartfoundwanting.””{STDecember29,1887,par.5}

!  “TheLordisweighingcharacterinthesanctuarytoday,andthosewhoarecarelessandindifferent,rushingoninthepathsofiniquity,willnotstandthetest.Godhasendoweduswithreasoningpowers,andherequiresustousethemtohisglory.Hehasgivenusthisbody,whichhewishesustopreserveinperfecthealth,thatwemayrenderthebestservicetohiscause.Hehaspaidaninfinitepriceforourredemption,andyetmenandwomendependentfromdaytodayuponhismercies,forlife,forhealth,forfood,foralltheblessingstheyenjoy,refusetoobeyhislaws,refusetoaccepthisSonastheirExampleandSaviour.”{STDecember29,1887,par.6}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:5!  “WecannotwaituntiltheJudgmentbeforeweconsenttodenyselfandtolift

thecross.ItwillbetoolatethentoformcharactersforHeaven.Itishereandnowthatwemusttakesideswiththehumble,self-denyingRedeemer.Itisherewemustovercomeenvy,strife,selfishness,loveofmoney,andloveoftheworld.ItisherethatwemustentertheschoolofChristandlearnthepreciouslessonofmeeknessandlowlinessofmind;andhereitmustbeouraimandourearnestefforttobeloyaltotheGodofHeaven,byobeyingallhiscommandments.”{STDecember29,1887,par.9}

!  “OuronlysafetyisinconstantcommunionwithGod.Ourpetitionsshouldascendinfaiththathewillkeepusunspottedfromthecorruptionsoftheworld.DidnotJesustellusthatiniquitywouldaboundinthelastdays?Buthisgracewillbegrantedtousaccordingtoourday.ThosewhoareopentotheinfluenceoftheSpiritofGodwillreceivestrengthtowithstandtheevilsofthisdegenerateage.”{STDecember29,1887,par.10}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel5:29;6:1-28!  “Itwasnotlongbeforereversescame.BabylonwasbesiegedbyCyrus,

nephewofDariustheMede,andcommandinggeneralofthecombinedarmiesoftheMedesandPersians.Butwithintheseeminglyimpregnablefortress,withitsmassivewallsanditsgatesofbrass,protectedbytheriverEuphrates,andstockedwithprovisioninabundance,thevoluptuousmonarchfeltsafeandpassedhistimeinmirthandrevelry.”{PK523.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:1!  “‘Yearethelightoftheworld.’WhatanimpressionwasproduceduponDarius

bytheconductofDaniel!Daniellivedapureandholylife.Godwasfirstwithhim.WheneverrealChristianityreignsintheheart,itwillberevealedinthecharacter.Allwilltakeknowledgeofsuch,thattheyhavebeenwithJesus.TheundividedaffectionsmustbegiventoGod.”{TM443.1}

!  “AsGodcalledDanieltowitnessforHiminBabylon,soHecallsustobeHiswitnessesintheworldtoday.InthesmallestaswellasthelargestaffairsoflifeHedesiresustorevealtomentheprinciplesofHiskingdom.”{COL357.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:3!  “Thereisneedofeveryoneineveryschoolandineveryotherinstitutionbeing,

aswasDaniel,insuchcloseconnectionwiththeSourceofallwisdomthathewillbeenabledtoreachthehigheststandardineveryline.TheloveandfearofGodwasbeforeDaniel;andconsciousofhisamenabilitytoGod,hetrainedallhispowerstorespondasfaraspossibletothelovingcareoftheGreatTeacher.ThefourHebrewchildrenwouldnotallowselfishmotivesandloveofamusementstooccupythegoldenmomentsoflife.Theyworkedwithwillingheartandreadymind.ThisisnohigherstandardthaneveryChristianyouthmayreach.”{CT283.4}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:3!  “ThehistoryofJosephandDanielisanillustrationofwhatHewilldoforthose

whoyieldthemselvestoHimandwiththewholeheartseektoaccomplishHispurpose.Thegreatestwantoftheworldisthewantofmen—menwhowillnotbeboughtorsold,menwhointheirinmostsoulsaretrueandhonest,menwhodonotfeartocallsinbyitsrightname,menwhoseconscienceisastruetodutyastheneedletothepole,menwhowillstandfortherightthoughtheheavensfall.”{Ed57.2-3}

!  “TheLordhasaplacefortheverybestabilityHehasintrustedtomen.IntheworkofbuildingupHiskingdom,wemayemployeverycapacitygivenofGod,asfaithfullyandearnestlyasdidDanielinBabylon,whenhewasfoundfaithfultoeverydutytoman,andloyaltohisGod.”{FE305.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:3-4!  “ThecaseofDanielhasalessonforus.Itrevealsthefactthatabusinessmanis

notnecessarilyasharp,policyman.HecanbeinstructedbyGodateverystep.Daniel,whileprimeministerofthekingdomofBabylon,wasaprophetofGod,receivingthelightofheavenlyinspiration.Worldly,ambitiousstatesmenarerepresentedinthewordofGodasthegrassthatgrowethupandastheflowerofthegrassthatfadeth.YettheLorddesirestohaveinHisserviceintelligentmen,menqualifiedforvariouslinesofwork.Thereisneedofbusinessmenwhowillweavethegrandprinciplesoftruthintoalltheirtransactions.Andtheirtalentsshouldbeperfectedbymostthoroughstudyandtraining.Ifmeninanylineofworkneedtoimprovetheiropportunitiestobecomewiseandefficient,itisthosewhoareusingtheirabilityinbuildingupthekingdomofGodinourworld.OfDanielwelearnthatinallhisbusinesstransactions,whensubjectedtotheclosestscrutiny,notonefaultorerrorcouldbefound.Hewasasampleofwhateverybusinessmanmaybe.Hishistoryshowswhatmaybeaccomplishedbyonewhoconsecratesthestrengthofbrainandboneandmuscle,ofheartandlife,totheserviceofGod.”{COL350.5}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:4!  “FromthehistoryofDanielwemaylearnthatastrictcompliancewiththe

requirementsofGodwillproveablessing,notonlyinthefuture,immortallife,butalsointhepresentlife.Throughreligiousprinciples,menmaytriumphoverthetemptationsofSatanandthedevicesofwickedmen,eventhoughitcoststhemagreatsacrifice.WhatifDanielhadmadeacompromisewiththoseheathenrulers,andhaddeniedhisGod?Whatif,onfirstenteringthecourt,hehadyieldedtothepressureoftemptation,byeatinganddrinkingaswascustomaryamongtheBabylonians?Thatonewrongstepwouldprobablyhaveledtoothers,until,hisconnectionwithHeavenbeingsevered,hewouldhavebeenborneawaybythepoweroftemptation.ButwhileheclungtoGodwithunwavering,prayerfultrust,hecouldnotbeforsaken.Thedivineprotectionispledgedtothosewhothusseekit,andGodcannotforgethisword.”{STNovember4,1886,par.11}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:4!  “WhatalessonisherepresentedforallChristians.Thekeeneyesofjealousy

werefixeduponDanieldayafterday;theirwatchingsweresharpenedbyhatred;yetnotawordoractofhislifecouldtheymakeappearwrong.Andstillhemadenoclaimtosanctification,buthedidthatwhichwasinfinitelybetter—helivedalifeoffaithfulnessandconsecration.”{SL42.2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:4!  “Danielwascountedpeculiar,andeverymanwhomakesGodhiscounselor,

andwhoseekshiminsimplicityofheart,willbecountedpeculiarbytheworld.Butthisisthefaithweneed,thisistheexperiencethatwemusthave;forChristhasdiedtoredeemusfromalliniquityandtopurifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.Weshouldlivewithaneyesingletohisglory,andthenweshallbeabletogainthevictoryovertheworld.Wemustcomeoutfromtheworldandbeseparate,ifwewouldbethesonsofGod,theheirsofheaven.Ifwedothis,weshallenterinthroughthegatesintothecity,weshallhavearighttothetreeoflife,andweshallseetheKinginhisbeauty.”{STNovember4,1889,par.11}

–  Note:egwwritings.org{YINovember1,1900,par.1-22}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:10!  “Daniel,theHebrewcaptive,theprimeministerofaroyalrealm,encountered

greatobstaclestoalifeoffidelitytoGod.Butattheverybeginningofhiscareer,hedeterminedthatwhatevermightoppose,hewouldmakethelawofGodhisruleofaction.Ashemaintainedhissteadfastnessamidthelessertrialswhichhedailymetinthecourtofaheathenking,hisfaith,courage,andfirmnessgrewstronger;andwhentheroyaldecreewentforthforbiddinghimtooffersupplicationtohisGod,hewasable,withthedenoflionsopenbeforehim,tostandtruetoprincipleandtoGod.”{LP297.3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:10!  “TheChristiancanandwillfindtimetopray.Danielwasastatesman;heavy

responsibilitiesresteduponhim;yetthreetimesadayhesoughtGod,andtheLordgavehimtheHolySpirit.SotodaymenmayresorttothesacredpavilionoftheMostHighandfeeltheassuranceofHispromise,“Mypeopleshalldwellinapeaceablehabitation,andinsuredwellings,andinquietrestingplaces.”Isaiah32:18.AllwhoreallydesireitcanfindaplaceforcommunionwithGod,wherenoearcanhearbuttheoneopentothecriesofthehelpless,distressed,andneedy—theOnewhonoticeseventhefallofthelittlesparrow.Hesays,“Yeareofmorevaluethanmanysparrows.”Matthew10:31.”{CH423.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:11!  “Godmeansthattestingtruthshallbebroughttothefrontandbecomea

subjectofexaminationanddiscussion,evenifitisthroughthecontemptplaceduponit.Themindsofthepeoplemustbeagitated.Everycontroversy,everyreproach,everyslander,willbeGod’smeansofprovokinginquiryandawakeningmindsthatotherwisewouldslumber.{5T453.1}

!  SowhenthedecreewentforthforbiddingprayertoanyGodsavetheking.AsDaniel,accordingtohiscustom,madehissupplicationsthreetimesadaytotheGodofheaven,theattentionoftheprincesandrulerswascalledtohiscase.Hehadanopportunitytospeakforhimself,toshowwhoisthetrueGod,andtopresentthereasonwhyHealoneshouldreceiveworship,andthedutyofrenderingHimpraiseandhomage.AndthedeliveranceofDanielfromthedenoflionswasanotherevidencethattheBeingwhomheworshipedwasthetrueandlivingGod.”{5T453.3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:11!  “Daniel’shistoryisaremarkableone.Hecarriedouthisfaithandprinciples

againstgreatopposition.HewascondemnedtodeathbecausehewouldnotabateonejotofhisallegiancetoGodeveninthefaceoftheking’sdecree.Itmight,atthisday,becalledoverrighteousnesstogo,aswashiswont,threetimesadayandkneelbeforetheopenwindowforprayer…Hewasanoble,steadfastservantofGod.

!  NothingisgainedbycowardiceorbyfearingtoletitbeknownthatweareGod’scommandment-keepingpeople.Hidingourlight,asifashamedofourfaith,willresultonlyindisaster.Godwillleaveustoourownweakness.MaytheLordforbidthatweshouldrefusetoletourlightshineforthinanyplacetowhichHemaycallus.Ifweventuretogoforthofourselves,followingourownideas,ourownplans,andleaveJesusbehind,weneednotexpecttogainfortitude,courage,orspiritualstrength.Godhashadmoralheroes,andHehasthemnow,—thosewhoarenotashamedofbeingHispeculiarpeople.TheirwillsandplansareallsubordinatetothelawofGod.TheloveofJesushasledthemnottocounttheirlivesdearuntothemselves.TheirworkhasbeentocatchthelightfromthewordofGodandtoletitshineforthinclear,steadyraystotheworld.“FidelitytoGod”istheirmotto.”{5T527.1-2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:23!  “IftheLordgivesyouaspecialpositionintheworld,ashedidJosephand

Daniel,thenhewillsustainandkeepyouinthemidstoftemptation.Butyouwillneverbewhereyouwillfindtoomuchlight,inourworld.Thenhowperilousitistochoosetheassociationofthosewholovedarknessratherthanlight,andwillnotcometothelight,lesttheirdeedsshouldbereproved.”{RHJanuary16,1894,par.9}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:27!  “Jesusdoesnotdesirethosewhohavebeenpurchasedatsuchacostto

becomethesportoftheenemy’stemptations.Hedoesnotdesireustobeovercomeandperish.Hewhocurbedthelionsintheirden,andwalkedwithHisfaithfulwitnessesamidthefieryflames,isjustasreadytoworkinourbehalftosubdueeveryevilinournature.TodayHeisstandingatthealtarofmercy,presentingbeforeGodtheprayersofthosewhodesireHishelp.Heturnsnoweeping,contriteoneaway.FreelywillHepardonallwhocometoHimforforgivenessandrestoration.HedoesnottelltoanyallthatHemightreveal,butHebidseverytremblingsoultakecourage.Whosoeverwill,maytakeholdofGod’sstrength,andmakepeacewithHim,andHewillmakepeace.”{MH90.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsDaniel6:28!  “ThedeliveranceofDanielfromthedenoflionshadbeenusedofGodto

createafavorableimpressionuponthemindofCyrustheGreat.ThesterlingqualitiesofthemanofGodasastatesmanoffarseeingabilityledthePersianrulertoshowhimmarkedrespectandtohonorhisjudgment.Andnow,justatthetimeGodhadsaidHewouldcauseHistempleatJerusalemtoberebuilt,HemoveduponCyrusasHisagenttodiscernthepropheciesconcerninghimself,withwhichDanielwassofamiliar,andtogranttheJewishpeopletheirliberty.”{PK557.1}

!  “StudythehistoryofJosephandofDaniel.TheLorddidnotpreventtheplottingsofmenwhosoughttodothemharm;butHecausedallthesedevicestoworkforgoodtoHisservantswhoamidsttrialandconflictpreservedtheirfaithandloyalty.”{MH487.1}

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