Chapter 6 - Salvation!

How faithful my God is! I was taken by the guards and thrown into the den of lions for my disobedience of the law, and here I am, writing this message! God kept the mouths of the lions shut the whole night, and he brought me out safe this morning.

The king threw the men who had him sign the law against praying to anyone but him into the den, and the lions overpowered them. The king then ordered that everyone is to honor my God. After this, I have no excuse to not trust God in ANY difficult situation I encounter in my life hereafter. I will now not think twice when deciding between obeying man's law and God's law. I hope the rest of my people will be wise and do the same. For Persia may rule the earth, but God is still in control!

Chapter 6 - Jealousy Revealed

There is great elation among my people since the king will allow some to return to our city of Jerusalem! Many will stay since they don't even remember the glory of our holy city and are well acquainted in this land. As for myself, I believe God will use me in bigger ways if I remain here. Also, I don't believe I could withstand the long journey.

It has been a short time under the new ruler, but already those placed under my authority are trying to undermine me. The king placed two men and myself over 120 satraps who were to govern the kingdom. Several of these have been trying to find faults in my actions in order that they may remove me from office.

They tricked the king into signing into law a decree that restricts anyone from praying to anyone except the king for thirty days. i then had a choice: I could obey the new law and disobey God's command from the Law of Moses, or I could ignore the Medo-Persian law and suffer the temporal consequences. After all these years, one thing I have learned is to never limit God and His ability to rescue his people from difficult circumstances. With that in mind, I continued my routine of praying three times a day. I did not try to hide my time of prayer, for if I was going to be secret about my devotion to God, how could I call myself one of His people?

While I was praying this morning asking God for strength in this matter, I heard men in my house whispering -- some of the satraps no doubt. They left my house and started heading towards the palace. It is unfortunate that my good relationship with this new king could be my downfall. It is against the law for even the king to go against a decree he signed, so even the most powerful man on earth can't rescue me from this situation. I must rely on the power of God to save me. But if He doesn't, then I will praise Him anyway.

Chapter 10-12 - Vision of Man, Kings, and the End

I should not be surprised by these visions by now, although this most recent was fairly disturbing. I was standing on the Tigris River when a shining man with a powerful voice told me of his battles and strengthened me. He was fighting the prince of Persia, and a prince of Greece will come also.

He spoke of battles between kings of the north and the south. One king from the north will persecute my people, and will desecrate the temple. He will exalt himself above God, and he will have great power. But God will eventually bring him to his end.

Then I was told that Michael, who protects my people, will arise. My people will go through a time of great distress, but when it is finished, everyone will proceed to either everlasting life or everlasting contempt. I was then told to seal up these words.

The man then explained how long it would be before these things would occur, but I did not understand. The man encouraged me not to be concerned with what I had seen, and all will be understood when the time comes. As for me, I am to continue living my life until God brings it to an end, then I will receive my reward.

I am greatly frustrated at not being able to understand all that was in this vision and by knowing the distress my people will go through. But I will take the advice of the man by not being concerned about it. I know that God is in control, and He will bring justice to my people's enemies and reward those who have served Him. Therefore, I will praise Him evermore!

Chapter 9 - An Interrupted Prayer

I was praying to the Lord, and spending time in the book of the prophet Jeremiah, when it was made known to me that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy ears. I then confessed the sins of my people to God and asked for forgiveness.

Then Gabriel, the one who had come to me before, gave me another message of the future. He said there would be seventy 'sevens' to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring an everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. He also said there will be seventy 'sevens' and sixty two 'sevens' from the issuing of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One comes. Then the Anointed One will have nothing and there will be a covenant with many for one 'seven.' There will be an end to sacrifice, and an abomination that causes desolation until the end comes.

I was thankful for God's revelation of Jeremiah's words to me, but now I am lost as to what all I have now seen means. But there is one thing I am sure of: all suffering that is decreed for my people will not last forever. God has a plan to save us from our enemies, and His plans never fail, for He is in complete control.

Chapter 5 - A Divine Message

It has now been more than 65 years since my people were torn from our land and brought to the pagan city of Babylon. I have served under the Babylonian kings in high positions, most recently under King Nabonidus and his son Belshazzar. Whoever has been king has embarked on military expeditions, but last night the fight was brought to Babylon.

Belshazzar was having a feast which involved much drunkeness. What made this party detestable was that the court was using the holy goblets and other items from the temple of our God in Jerusalem. According to the story I heard, a hand appeared and wrote something on the wall of the dining hall: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin." Belshazzar had me brought before him to interpret the meaning of this writing since none of his other "wise" men were able to do so. He offered me gifts and an even higher position in his kingdom for the interpretation, but I declined the gifts. After all, what is wealth and power to me at my old age?

Before giving Belshazzar the meaning, I warned him how the Most High had taken the kingdom away from his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar for time, and it was only after he acknowledged God's sovereignty that the authority was returned. The writing must have been a message because of Belshazzar's disgrace of God's name through the use of the temple items. The message meant that God would bring Belshazzar's reign to an end because he had not met God's standard. The kingdom would be divided to the Medes and Persians.

Though I resisted, the king gave me the gifts he promised. That would be his final command, as he was slain that night by the army of the Medes and Persians. The army took the city of Babylon, and Darius the Mede was proclaimed king over the land. This new nation was the chest of silver from Nebuchadnezzar's dream those many years ago.

The kingdom of Babylon finally received its just punishment. Permanent judgment was not carried out against Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps because he turned from his wicked ways on each occasion. But apparently Belshazzar didn't learn from his grandfather. This is again confirmation of God's power over all kingdoms and rulers of the earth. I'm eager to see how I can serve God under this new ruler who seems to be more kind than others in his position.

Chapter 8 - My Vision

It has been two years since the dream I had of the four beasts, and here I have had another vision concerning the future. Once again I will shorten it for the sake of space. I had the following dream several nights ago.

I was in Susa (in Elam) beside the Ulai Canal, and there I saw a ram with two horns that became great. Then a goat from the west came and shattered the horns of the west. It had a large horn that was broken off and replaced with four horns. One of them became great and proclaimed itself the Prince of the host, trampled the starry host, and the sanctuary brought low. A voice said this would all be carried out for 2300 evenings and mornings.

Then one named Gabriel told me the meaning of this vision. The ram represents Medo-Persia, and the goat represents Greece. The ruler from the four horns will be wicked and destroy the holy people, but he will be destroyed. Then Gabriel told me to seal this up, for it is in regards to the distant future. After the vision, I was distraught and ill in bed for several days, which is why I have not recorded it until now.

Have not the Hebrews suffered enough during the exile in this wretched land? Here it seems as if God will allow more devastation to take hold of us! Although, it appears that God will limit the persecution since it will not last forever. So I can find joy in this knowledge and praise God for not forsaking His people, for He is, always has been, and always will be in control.

Chapter 7 - A Dream of My Own

I have gotten so used to interpreting the dreams of those around me that I was surprised when I had a dream of my own that I didn't understand. For the sake of time and space, I will condense what I remember.

Out of the great sea came four successive beasts: a lion with the wings of an eagle, a bear, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and another terrifying beast. The lion's wings were torn and it was made to be like a man. The bear had three ribs in its mouth and it was told to eat. The fourth beast was different from the others -- it had ten horns, one of which uprooted three others and was boastful. Then the Ancient of Days sat down and began His judgment, and the fourth beast was destroyed. Finally, a Son of Man was given authority, and all worshiped Him.

Then I asked what the dream meant. The four beasts were four kingdoms that would rise up, but then be destroyed. God's kingdom would last forever. The fourth kingdom will be different, taking the whole earth. One king will subdue three other kings and oppress the saints. But his authority will be taken and God's kingdom will take its place.

I was deeply troubled by this and had a difficulty getting back to sleep. I write this now, but I have not spoken about it to anyone. Regardless of being troubled, I am comforted in the fact that ultimate authority exists in heaven and God will eventually subdue all evil earthly kingdoms.

Chapter 4 - The Return of the King

I was thankful to see the king who had been absent these seven years to finally walk through the doors of the palace (and on two feet, at that!). It appears he came to realize the truth that God has the power to take away anyone's power, even that of the most powerful man on earth. The king told me that he gave glory to God, and his mind was restored.

Although my people and I have learned to cope with our exile in Babylon, we long to return to our homeland, particularly Jerusalem. This fall from power by the Babylonian king is confirmation to my people (along with the other events that have happened to my three best friends and I) that God is still watching over us, and He will permanently dismantle the current government in time.

Chapter 4 - The Dream Fulfilled

God acts slowly but surely. The first part of the dream which I interpreted for the king one year ago just came to fruition this morning. The king ran off from his palace, and those who were present said he was walking on his hands and feet. They also said they heard a voice that said the king's authority had been taken from him, and he would be driven from his people for seven years.

The king indeed had built a magnificent city with all its wonders -- the walls, the temples, the mountain-garden, and all the streets. But it was God who allowed him to do so, since it is only through His will that the king came to power. I do admit, though, that were I in the king's position, I would be tempted to give myself the credit for establishing such a great nation. I can only hope that the rest of the king's dream comes to pass, and he recognizes that God is sovereign over all.

Chapter 4 - The King's Dream 2.0

Once again this same king of Babylon had a strange dream, given to him by God, no doubt. He asked me to interpret the dream after none of his "wise" men were able to do so. At this point, my ancestry from the tribe of Joseph is starting to make sense! The king's dream included the following: a large tree grew in the middle of the land, but a voice from heaven said to have it cut down. The voice said that the stump would be wet with dew, and live among and act like an animal for seven years. This was to take place so that everyone would know that God is sovereign over everyone.

Well I wasn't opposed to what I knew this dream meant, and it was encouraging for me, but I wasn't happy to explain it to the king. I told the king what God had revealed to me: the tree was the king, because he was indeed very great -- his kingdom stretches across the vastness of the world. But the king would be driven from his kingdom and become like an animal and eat grass. Seven years will go by until the king announces that God is sovereign over everything. The remaining stump is the kingdom, and it will be restored to the king once he proclaims the authority of God.

I told the king to turn from his pride and renounce his sins so that he would remain in control of his kingdom. His kingdom was very great -- unlike any other in history -- but that does not give him reason to proclaim his greatness over that that of God. I am troubled by all this and can only hope that the king turns from his ways.

Chapter 3 - A Miraculous Escape

I was not part of the next big challenge that involved interaction between my people and the Babylonian king. It just so happens that I was assigned to gather some information from citizens from the city when the following events took place. It was upon my arrival back at the capital that my three best friends told me what happened to them.

All provincials officials were summoned to the plain of Dura where the king had been building a very large statue. All officials present were ordered to bow down and worship the statue at the sound of music! This obviously goes against God's command in the Law of Moses that says "You shall have no other gods before me." Clearly this statue would take the place of God were my friends to bow down to it. The punishment for anyone who didn't obey the kings command was being thrown into the flaming furnace in the palace!

I have to be honest when I say that I don't envy my friends and the position they were in. How difficult it would be to choose between my life and honoring God! But my friends are strong, and they chose to honor God by not bowing down. This made the king furious, but once again sent a message to the rest of our people in the land of Babylon that my friends still believed God was in control. My friends made the right decision.

I can't imagine how afraid I would have been just before the king had me thrown into the furnace. The flames were so hot that the guard who threw my friends in burned up! But when the king looked into the furnace, he realized that the same thing had not happened to the three who stood up for God! And what is more, a fourth was present in the furnace with them! I don't know if the fourth was God Himself or just one of His angels, but it was evidence that we as Hebrews should never compromise our faith in God, even if it means certain death.

When the three came out of the furnace -- I imagine an amazing sight -- no part of their bodies or clothes had been burned. God had completely protected them. Once again the king gave honor to our God, and he ordered everyone in the kingdom to do the same. What is more, he elevated the three to even higher positions in the Babylonian government.

I was not a player of this story, but I surely took away a lesson from it: we should not compromise our faith, even in the face of death. We may not be rewarded with the protection of our lives as my three friends were, but it nonetheless is a testimony to our faith in the sovereignty of our God. And without our faith in this wretched land, we have nothing.

Chapter 2 - The Dream Reveled!

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever! You have made known to us the dream of the king!

After praying all day yesterday, I barely slept last night, but I am wide awake because of the vision I saw last night. The vision was that of the king's dream, and it was very astonishing. I am now preparing to visit the king and tell him the interpretation God gave me.

Chapter 2 - Interpretation and New Position

Yesterday involved was the most energy-draining day I have experienced. I nervously approached the king and explained the dream he had to him.

The dream was about a statue made from several different materials. The head was of gold, the chest and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of bronze, the legs of iron, and its feet were iron and clay mixed. A divine rock came and struck the statue to pieces, and the rock filled the whole earth. (A royal artist painted a picture of the king's description of the statue, shown at the right).

The head of gold is the current kingdom of Babylon. The chest, belly, legs, and feet are all successive kingdoms that will defeat the one previous to each respective kingdom. The feet represent a kingdom that will be divided and will be partly weak and partly strong. The rock that crushes the statue is the kingdom set up by God that will never pass away and will rule the whole earth.

This interpretation was not carried out by my power at all, but completely through the power of God. I was awe-struck that God had revealed to the king through me these events that had yet to take place. I was even more surprised when, after giving the king the interpretation, he bowed down before me and began to affirm my God as supreme. I told him not to give me any honor, but to give all credit to my God.

Because of this interpretation, the king put me in a high position of leadership over the kingdom (ruler over Babylon and all wise men). I wasn't going to leave my friends out in the cold, so I requested that they be made administrators over the province of Babylon. My new job called for me to remain in the court in the city.

If there ever were a time I should praise God and thank Him, now would be it. I am reminded of the patriarch Joseph, how he was placed in a position of leadership which allowed him to save the eleven other fathers of the tribes of Israel. I can only hope God has placed me in this position to do something of equal importance. I also thank God that this enemy that rules over us will not do so forever. On the other hand, the people that comes after this kingdom may govern my people in a worse way. If only I were to live until the day of the rock that smashes the statue in the king's dream!

Chapter 2 - A Day of Tension

I was going about my normal duties this morning when Commander Arioch, the man in charge of the king's guard, entered my office with soldiers with the intent of putting me to death. My mind raced as I thought this was the end of my journey. But before I was taken, I opened my mouth to speak words that were not my own. I asked Arioch the purpose for the king's desire to kill me, and he said that every wise man was to receive the same fate because of a select few who weren't able to interpret a dream the king had the night before. I was not going to let the inability of a few "wise" men be the death of me, so I asked the king for some time to allow God to explain the dream to me.

What was I thinking?! For all I knew, God's plan for me was to be a martyr for Him! So I prayed constantly on my way back home and told the matter to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. I told them to pray that God would explain the dream to one of us so that our lives would be spared. I don't know how I will be able to sleep tonight, but I hope God will somehow give me wisdom in this situation.

Chapter 1 - End of Training

It has now been three years since the journey to Babylon for my people. My three friends mentioned before -- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah -- and I have entered into the king's service as his counselors. The king comes to us more than any other wise man in the kingdom. This is only because God has given us enormous wisdom and understanding of matters -- none of our intellect is by our own power or effort.

Were it not for the wisdom given to us, I would have thought that God did not care for my people anymore. I was sure that He would smite them for their unconscionable deportation of my brethren to their unholy land by this point in time. It seems that He has plans different than the desires of my people and I. I just hope that the position my friends and I are in is a part of those plans.

Chapter 1 - Arrival in Babylon

My father always said I was special, and that I would serve God in a high capacity in the kingdom of Israel. He was right about me serving, but it doesn't appear that I will be serving God in the way my father imagined.

I, along with all of my Hebrew brothers and sisters, just arrived a week ago in the despicable pagan city of Babylon. The journey was exhausting; it was the toughest physical activity I have ever encountered. The city is magnificent, as can be seen by the picture of the Ishtar Gate, but it is also corrupt.

Upon arrival, three of my closest friends and I were told that we would be trained for three years to be in the king's service. The Babylonians began calling us by names that were in honor of their false gods -- mine was Belteshazzar. I didn't like the idea of this, but I could not control what the blasphemers called me. I could, however, control other aspects of our unfortunate situation.

My friends and I decided to not be completely consumed by the Babylonian culture, so we asked the man in charge of us to not force us to eat the food sacrificed to idols. Because I developed a good relationship with this man, by the grace of God, in such a short period of time, he allowed my friends and I to challenge our instructed diet. We would eat nothing but vegetables for ten days, and be compared to the appearance of those who eat the royal food. I believed God wanted us to take a stand in this dark land, and our diet was as good of an area as any to start.

As sure as the sun rises every day, my friends and I were healthier, stronger, and had more energy than any of the men who ate the royal food. The official in charge of us took away the royal food and instructed everyone to eat vegetables.

This is the first of many victories for Yahweh that will be seen in this pagan land. There was a sense of hopelessness among all my Hebrew brethren, until now. This has been the first sliver of hope for us that God is still in control.