Daniel 7:1 – The challenge to study God's Word diligently

The genre of the first six chapters of Daniel is essential narrative. Many would readily study them because the content is straightforward and matter-of-fact. However, the following six chapters, Daniel 7-12, present a unique challenge. They are predictive prophecies or apocalyptic material, which demands more investigation and rigorous thought. This challenge, though daunting, is an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of God's message. With the help of God and much prayer, we shall embark on this journey of discovery in the second set of six chapters.

Daniel 7 chronicles a dream and visions of Daniel. The first verse indicates when it took place. It was in the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign. As we have discovered earlier, Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus or Nebuchadnezzar III.

In Daniel 4, we are told that God judged him (Nebuchadnezzar III) for his pride. He became incapacitated and behaved like a wild animal living in the field for seven years. He became an odd-looking beast with feathers of an eagle, claws like birds, and eating grass like cattle. This was when Belshazzar, his son, was made his co-regent. In the first year of Belshazzar's co-regency with his father, Daniel saw the vision, which we shall discuss as we progress.

This verse powerfully reminds us that God is the ultimate controller of history. It reassures us that He orders the affairs of man, and we are privileged to have His word to guide us. This understanding should instill confidence and trust in His plan, motivating us to study His Word more.

The more we delve into His Word, the more we will appreciate His message. The more we understand His message, the more we love and seek Him. Like the Berean believers in Acts 17, we must diligently investigate God's Word.