All the Difference

Daniel proves useful even to the conquering Medo-Persians. Once again, the political climate of factionalism sets Daniel up to be removed through the only avenue possible – his refusal of idolatry. He is unassailable via any other line of attack. Once again, God rescues Daniel though again, that is not the big idea in the story. The great point is that God is The Living God and is recognized as su...

The Babylonian Empire has run it's brilliant but unexpectedly short course. In the face of the Median invasion (with Persian partnership), the last king of Babylon chooses a show of bravado. When men feel weak or threatened, they often find false strength in alcohol and pugnacious sacrilege. Such wickedness offers a very short burst of pride, destined to be punctured – something Belshazzar illustr...

The Babylonian Empire has run it's brilliant but unexpectedly short course. In the face of the Median invasion (with Persian partnership), the last king of Babylon chooses a show of bravado. When men feel weak or threatened, they often find false strength in alcohol and pugnacious sacrilege. Such wickedness offers a very short burst of pride, destined to be punctured – something Belshazzar illustr...

Daniel finds himself once again an unenviable position. He can avoid a serious threat by lying. He chooses to tell the truth. Then Daniel could have spent the following 12 months using his considerable power to prepare for the disaster of a government coup, knowing that he was strongly associated with his name-giver, the Emperor. He seemingly did nothing and humbly trusted God's sovereign hand ins...

Daniel finds himself once again an unenviable position. He can avoid a serious threat by lying. He chooses to tell the truth. Then Daniel could have spent the following 12 months using his considerable power to prepare for the disaster of a government coup, knowing that he was strongly associated with his name-giver, the Emperor. He seemingly did nothing and humbly trusted God's sovereign hand ins...

Later in his expansive reign, Nebuchadnezzar faces a particularly crafty backlash from the priestly guild. They use the emperor's vanity as a means to show him they still can control the empire by manipulation. As a bonus, they stand to eliminate the 3 Jews who hold chief administrative power in the richest province. Hanaiah, Mishael, & Azariah are thrown from the frying pan of eastern politics in...

Later in his expansive reign, Nebuchadnezzar faces a particularly crafty backlash from the priestly guild. They use the emperor's vanity as a means to show him they still can control the empire by manipulation. As a bonus, they stand to eliminate the 3 Jews who hold chief administrative power in the richest province. Hanaiah, Mishael, & Azariah are thrown from the frying pan of eastern politics in...

Daniel and his partners face the most existential threat yet: extermination because Nebuchadnezzar is powerful enough to revolt against pagan priestly games. As Ezekiel might later declare, "There are wheels within wheels in this story." Politics is certainly evident, as the king and the priestly caste war. History is exposed in as broad a sweep as possible, stretching from the tumult of the 6th c...

Daniel and his partners face the most existential threat yet: extermination because Nebuchadnezzar is powerful enough to revolt against pagan priestly games. As Ezekiel might later declare, "There are wheels within wheels in this story." Politics is certainly evident, as the king and the priestly caste war. History is exposed in as broad a sweep as possible, stretching from the tumult of the 6th c...

Daniel leads the way in standing for scriptural health. His wisdom, determination, and tact are outstanding – especially in such a young person. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are blessed by God in manifold ways: kindness and compassion from the chief eunuch being possibly the most unexpected and surely welcome surprise. God also granted them uncanny knowledge and insight which allowed the...

Daniel leads the way in standing for scriptural health. His wisdom, determination, and tact are outstanding – especially in such a young person. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are blessed by God in manifold ways: kindness and compassion from the chief eunuch being possibly the most unexpected and surely welcome surprise. God also granted them uncanny knowledge and insight which allowed the...

Daniel and his compatriots are caught up in massive events, notably the unexpected disruption of world powers. The foolish and pallid relationship of their people to YHWH is only outdone by the wickedness of Babylon, their conquerors. In that environment, these God-fearers are found amazingly useful.

Daniel and his compatriots are caught up in massive events, notably the unexpected disruption of world powers. The foolish and pallid relationship of their people to YHWH is only outdone by the wickedness of Babylon, their conquerors. In that environment, these God-fearers are found amazingly useful.

Josiah reforms the worship of Israel, being particularly struck with the power of God's Word. His adherence to that word so impacted his culture that they were faithful all his days.

Josiah reforms the worship of Israel, being particularly struck with the power of God's Word. His adherence to that word so impacted his culture that they were faithful all his days.

Manasseh, the worst king of Judah, ends well. True, his sins had serious consequences in his lifetime and after; yet, at his repentance God accepted him and gave Manasseh a chance to live and reform in light of God's hesed.

Manasseh, the worst king of Judah, ends well. True, his sins had serious consequences in his lifetime and after; yet, at his repentance God accepted him and gave Manasseh a chance to live and reform in light of God's hesed.

Athaliah usurps power (lack of proper introduction in Chron. is proof that this is not an approved reign) and goes to any means to maintain it. Once her son whom she could control was gone, she killed any of her own family who might stand in her way to authority. There seems to be no hope for the fulfillment of God's promises (22:9), but God reminds the people that He is sovereign and works all fo...

Athaliah usurps power (lack of proper introduction in Chron. is proof that this is not an approved reign) and goes to any means to maintain it. Once her son whom she could control was gone, she killed any of her own family who might stand in her way to authority. There seems to be no hope for the fulfillment of God's promises (22:9), but God reminds the people that He is sovereign and works all fo...

Asa does not seek God later in his life. He relies on his own wisdom & lets pain turn him sour.

Asa does not seek God later in his life. He relies on his own wisdom & lets pain turn him sour.

Asa dazzles his time and later epochs with his youthful zeal for the Lord.

Asa dazzles his time and later epochs with his youthful zeal for the Lord.

The false teachers are insidious and dangerous, demanding a wise response from church leaders. By contrast, the Christians are to grow in purity.

The false teachers are insidious and dangerous, demanding a wise response from church leaders. By contrast, the Christians are to grow in purity.