Daniel 7:2-3 – God's movements in world events.

Remarkably, the Book of Daniel unfolds in two distinct languages. It commences in Hebrew but transitions to Aramaic from chapters 2-7, only to revert to its original tongue again. While the exact reason for this linguistic shift remains a mystery, it's worth noting that Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Gentile world, where Israel was sent for discipline, adding a unique layer to the narrative. 

At its heart, the Book of Daniel is a testament to God's sovereignty. It unfolds in three distinct sections, with the first division from Daniel 1:1-21 setting the historical stage. Here, we are inspired by the rise of Daniel and his three friends, who were handpicked to serve in the courts of Babylon. Their faith and obedience in adversity are a powerful example of God's sovereignty in action.

 

Next came the Aramaic section from Daniel 2 to 7. Here, God demonstrated His sovereignty over Gentile nations, where Israel was sent to be disciplined. Then, we have the closing section from Daniel 8 to 12 in Hebrew, which describes Israel's ultimate rescue after suffering discipline.     

 

In Daniel 2-7, we see coordination of themes. The key theme in chapters 2 and 7 is Gentile nations and the rise of Messiah's Kingdom. The key message in chapters 3 and 6 is God's deliverance due to unwavering faith. Chapter 3 describes the deliverance from the fiery furnace, and chapter 6 describes the deliverance from the lions' den. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the humbling of two Gentile kings, Nabonidus and Belshazzar, who displayed pride and arrogance. 

 

Daniel 2 and 7 are similar in theme; the message becomes clear when we coordinate them. The message first comes through a dream to Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2 before it comes through Daniel's dream in chapter 7. The former message is sent through a colossal image of mixed material. The latter message is from the four beasts hailed from the chaotic sea. 

 

God's winds from heaven are still stirring to execute His plan. All worldly kingdoms and powers are temporary. They come to the scene to fulfill God's purpose of progressively bringing about His ultimate plan. 

 

God is an engineering movement in the world. He is the sovereign power behind all worldly powers. Earthly kings and kingdoms are here temporarily to accomplish God’s plan and purpose. Only Messiah's Kingdom is enduring. We who belong to Messiah's Kingdom must gently grasp our positions and possessions. Be a good citizen of our earthly country, but never lose sight of our ultimate citizenship in the Kingdom of our Messiah.