Community on Columbia

Daniel relates a troubling vision from God of four beasts rising up out of the sea, representing the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Alexander the Great and Rome. The fourth beast, Rome, is the most ferocious. It has ten horns, and a final “little horn” arises to persecute and “wear down” God’s people. But the central vision of the chapter is the image of the Ancient of Days and “One like the Son of Man” who achieve the final victory over little horn and the beasts.

Notes on Daniel 7:1-28

A new king Darius rules in Babylon, and he appoints Daniel to high office. The other court officials are jealous and concoct a scheme to get rid of Daniel. They convince the king to decree that no one pray to any god but Darius for 30 days. Daniel prays to God as usual, and pays the penalty. He is thrown into a den of lions. But the next day the king discovers him still alive. The “Angel of the Lord” had stopped the lions mouths. The king declares Daniel’s God supreme, and throws the conspirators themselves into the lions’ den, where they are devoured.

Notes on Daniel 6:1-28

A new king, Belshazzar, rules Babylon, and he throws a lavish drinking party using sacred vessels looted from the Jewish Temple. God responds with a message written on the wall – MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN! Daniel interprets it as, “God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Notes on Daniel 5:1-31

Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, which the prophet Daniel deciphers. Because of his pride, the king will spend seven years of insanity, living like a wild beast. The dream comes true, and after the king regains his sanity, he praises God as supreme ruler on the earth and in heaven.

Notes on Daniel 4

In January, millions of people make resolutions hoping to change their habits or accomplish something they desire in the coming year. But the scriptures have stern warnings about leaning on our own “resolve” instead of bringing desires and concerns to God in prayer.

Notes on New Year’s Resolutions

This week we’ll look at Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-2:23 and more aspects of the Hanukkah/Christmas season. When and why did Christmas become recognized as the day of Christ’s birth? What was the Star of Bethlehem, who were the Magi, and why were shepherds part of Christ’s birth announcement?

Notes on “When was Jesus Born?”

Notes on the Shepherds at the Birth of Christ

Notes on the Star of Bethlehem