ЁЯМИ “Kings in the Book of Daniel" ЁЯМ┐
ЁЯСС Kings in the Book of Daniel
A Study of Power, Pride, and God's Sovereignty
King Nebuchadnezzar II
Empire: Babylon (605–562 BC)
Son of Nabopolassar; greatest king of Babylon. Conquered Judah in 605 BC and took captives including Daniel.
Theological Lessons
- Pride brings downfall; humility restores honor.
- God rules over kings and kingdoms.
- God honors those who stand firm (Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego).
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Promoted Daniel after dream interpretation (Dan 2:46–49); acknowledged God's power (Dan 3:28–29; 4:34–37). |
| Bad | Worshipped idols; built golden statue; boasted of his power (Dan 3:1–6; 4:30). |
| Punishment | Lived like an animal for 7 years (Dan 4:33). |
| Dreams/Vision | Statue of metals (Dan 2); Great Tree (Dan 4). |
| Outcome | Repented and praised the Most High God. |
King Belshazzar
Empire: Babylon (co-regent under Nabonidus, 553–539 BC)
Grandson of Nebuchadnezzar II; last Babylonian ruler before Persian conquest.
Theological Lessons
- God's holiness cannot be mocked.
- Spiritual pride blinds people to divine warnings.
- "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" reminds us that all kingdoms are temporary.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Honored Daniel (Dan 5:29). |
| Bad | Desecrated temple vessels; praised idols (Dan 5:2–4, 23). |
| Punishment | Killed the same night Babylon fell (Dan 5:30). |
| Vision/Event | Writing on the wall (Dan 5:5–28). |
| Outcome | Judgment and fall of Babylon. |
King Darius the Mede
Empire: Medo-Persian (c. 539–530 BC)
Possibly "Gubaru" or "Cyaxares II," governor under Cyrus; ruled Babylon after conquest.
Theological Lessons
- Integrity and faithfulness in prayer bring divine protection.
- God vindicates the innocent before rulers.
- Even pagan kings recognize God's power through faithful servants.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Elevated Daniel; respected his faith (Dan 6:1–3, 14–20). |
| Bad | Signed deceitful decree forbidding prayer (Dan 6:7–9). |
| Punishment | None — he repented and honored God. |
| Vision/Event | Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:16–23). |
| Outcome | Issued decree honoring the God of Daniel (Dan 6:25–27). |
King Cyrus the Great
Empire: Persia (559–530 BC)
Founder of the Persian Empire; known for tolerance and restoration policies. Fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy (Isa 44:28; 45:1).
Theological Lessons
- God uses even Gentile rulers to fulfill His divine plan.
- Deliverance often comes through unexpected people.
- God's promises never fail.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Allowed Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1–4; Dan 10:1). |
| Bad | None mentioned. |
| Punishment | None. |
| Vision/Event | Not recorded. |
| Outcome | Instrument in God's redemptive plan. |
Timeline of Kings (Daniel's Lifetime)
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II (Babylon)
553 BC
Belshazzar (co-ruler with Nabonidus)
539 BC
Darius the Mede (Medo-Persian)
538 BC
Cyrus the Great (Persian)
(Daniel served under all four reigns — roughly 70 years of ministry.)
Map Context
Babylonian Empire
Capital: Babylon (modern-day Iraq).
Conquered Jerusalem; took exiles.
Medo-Persian Empire
Dual rule of Media & Persia.
Conquered Babylon in 539 BC.
Cyrus allowed exiles to return home.
Daniel's story takes place in Babylon, within the royal courts of both Babylon and Persia.
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