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

Rooted:
Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.

The Romans Course
Find out more about The Romans Course, a ten-session programme that will help you discover your place in God’s story as you explore the Letter to the Romans with your small group or as a whole church.

The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.

Socials:

Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Disclaimer:

This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.

#Empires #DreamsAndVisions #BiblicalEmpires #AncientEmpires #Exile #DanielAndTheLionsDen #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalWriting #Babylon #BibleKings #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

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What do we learn from the story of Daniel and the lions' den?

In this episode we're joined by special guest, George Lapshynov from Theos Think Tank. George is a researcher and wrote some of the devotionals for the Daniel Edition of the Rooted Journal. We discuss the story of Daniel and the lions' den and explore what it tells us about living counter-culturally in a society where we may not feel at home. We look at the themes of compromise, the consequences of sin, and how God has ultimate power and control over this situation. The story highlights the importance of serving God continually and not compromising in our faith, even in the face of pressure. We finish with a reflection on how a focus on continually serving God can help to guard against temptations to compromise.

Timestamps

• (00:00) - What we're looking at today
• (01:00) - Introduction to George Lapshynov
• (02:30) - The lions' den summarised
• (03:20) - What is this story all about? Who are the satraps?
• (10:00) - How Daniel and the Jews lived in Babylon
• (15:03) - How do we live in society as Christians?
• (23:24) - God's ultimate power and sovereignty
• (28:04) - The consequences of sin
• (33:14) - Darius praises God
• (34:29) - Focusing on serving God instead of temptations to compromise

Rooted:
Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.

The Romans Course
Find out more about The Romans Course, a ten-session programme that will help you discover your place in God’s story as you explore the Letter to the Romans with your small group or as a whole church.

The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.

Socials:

Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Disclaimer:

This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.

#LionsDen #DanielAndTheLionsDen #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalWriting #Babylon #BibleKings #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast