What do the dreams in Daniel mean and what is the book of Daniel all about? Listen as we demystify Daniel with Old Testament expert Revd Dr Peter Hatton.

In this episode we discuss the dreams and visions in Daniel, looking at the significance of them being set in the context of the Babylonian exile. We also consider the prevalence of divination and astrology in the ancient world.

We explore the rise and fall of empires in the Old Testament and look at the tension between humans trying to gain control and God having ultimate power. We touch on how Daniel confronted evil with prayer and how we should emulate him, finding our ultimate hope in God and not in the leaders of this world.

Timestamps

• (00:00) - Introducing Revd Dr Peter Hatton
• (01:50) - The context for the dreams: Babylonian exile
• (02:00) - Divination in the ancient world
• (08:15) - Ancient Babylon
• (10:30) - Empire: the main theme of the dreams
• (11:50) - The British Empire
• (13:35) - The rise and fall of empires
• (16:29) - Historic events foreseen by Daniel
• (18:44) - All earthly powers fail but God does not
• (21:04) - Is God in control of history?
• (25:19) - Why does God allow suffering?
• (26:29) - Revelation within exile
• (29:14) - The wider spiritual battle
• (31:44) - Praying into spiritual battles
• (34:29) - What is an empire?
• (36:29) - Recessional: Kipling's poem

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