9 Jul (Daniel 3)

Daniel 3

(v.1) The root of Nebby's pride may have been from a revolt in 596 B.C. so he made this image to require the people to decide who's side they're on. About 20 years have passed since Nebby had Daniel interpret his dream...time allows us to forget God and what we should hold onto.

(v.13) Jews were forbidden to bow before any image in Exo 20:4, Lev 26:1 and Deu 16:22

(v.15) I point out to my kids that Nebby liked Daniel and his three friends, so he gave them a second chance...they were favored in his eyes. Also, notice what Nebby says here:

And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?

Remember this for later in the chapter, for Nebby himself will answer his own question!

(v.18) This is key to the Christian faith...God can get us out of any situation...it just depends upon His purposes and His will, to determine whether we are spared or not. It's hard for all of us to understand sometimes, especially kids, when someone who is faithful is hurt or killed. We as parents need to focus on the goodness of God, and that He sees the big picture...someone may be touched eternally towards salvation by the misfortune of a faithful saint.

(v.25) I suggest you take time to explain a few key elements to this verse:

~ The fire only burned the ropes that bound them...God's eternal fire frees those who are His

~ Take a quick look at Rev 7 where God seals or protects the 144,000 Jews...remember that Daniel is a type of the Church, and he is absent (like the Rapture of the Church after Rev 3) and God will protect His elect during the Tribulation (like Daniel's three friends who are a type of Israel).

~ There was a fourth person there...Jesus Himself! Even Nebby sees that this "man" was like the Son of God...that's because He is!!!

(v.27) As in Rev 7 there are the faithful Jews who are sealed and protected from harm in order to fulfill God's purposes. Daniel's friends are symbolic of Israel in the last days...those that are sealed by God will be free to preach the Gospel and fear nothing.

One thing you can ask your kids, is where is Daniel at this time? He is never mentioned in this chapter.

If we understand the last days, then the model fits...Daniel represents the Church that has been raptured, while God seals the faithful Jews during the time of the Great Tribulation. God has removed His Church from the scene, and goes back to focus on the redemption of Israel.