Bible Study Course: Lesson 2 The Word of God: The Foundation of Knowledge
Daniel the Prophet
What prophet is mentioned directly by Jesus Christ in His Olivet Prophecy?
"'Therefore when you see the "abomination of desolation,"
spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place' (whoever reads,
let him understand) . . ." (Matthew 24:15; compare Mark 13:14).
Jesus Christ clearly refers to Daniel as a legitimate Hebrew prophet, although
the book of Daniel is not technically classified as a part of the Prophets,
but of the Writings—the third major section of the Old Testament.
What major prophet places Daniel in some select company?
"'Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in [a sinful
land], they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,' says the
Lord GOD" (Ezekiel 14:14; compare verse 20).
Clearly, Daniel's spiritual credentials are of the highest caliber. He was
considered an example of righteousness alongside Noah (a preacher of righteousness,
2 Peter 2:5) and the patriarch Job (one of the most righteous men who ever lived,
Job 1:1, 8).
What other gifts and qualities made Daniel so unusual?
"As for these four young men [including Daniel], God gave them
knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding
in all visions and dreams" (Daniel 1:17).
"Then he [the angel] said to me, 'Do not fear, Daniel, for from the
first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before
your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words"
(Daniel 10:12).
Humility before the great God is a vital key to spiritual success. Few have
ever understood this principle better than the prophet Daniel. Further, it is
an important key to unlocking the door to knowledge of God. Daniel himself said
in praising the God of heaven: "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge
to those who have understanding" (Daniel 2:21).
Daniel also had special understanding in "literature and wisdom"
(Daniel 1:17)—essential qualifications for writing his book. That Daniel wrote
the book bearinghis name is certain (Daniel 9:2; 10:2). Says The New Bible
Commentary: Revised: "The book of Daniel was a product of the exile
and was written by Daniel himself" (p. 688). In his book he often speaks
in the first person.
But, as Daniel 1:17 explains, God is the ultimate source of all this spiritual
knowledge, nderstanding and wisdom—not human beings. Prophets like Daniel have
distinguished themselves by becoming willing and humble instruments in His hands.
Are any of the "minor" prophets quoted by the apostles?
"As He says also in Hosea . . ." (Romans 9:25).
In another example, Acts 2:16-21, Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32 because the events
on that Day of Pentecost were a direct and dramatic fulfillment of a portion
of Joel's prophecy. After Christ's crucifixion, God's Spirit, on this particular
day, was spectacularly poured out just as Joel had prophesied. Peter proclaimed
that these events were a dramatic fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
What great sign given by Christ is based on what happened to one of
these 12 prophets?
"An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign
will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah
was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the
Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew
12:39-40). One third of the New Testament is composed of quotations from
and allusions to the Old. These two parts of Scripture are closely linked and
intertwined with each other. The apostles constantly used the Hebrew Bible in
their writings.
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