Section 1. The Nations.

The Book of Daniel is set in the time when rebellious Israel had been defeated by the king of Babylon and his army. The rulership was taken from Israel and given to the Nations, but only for a certain time. God set Nebuchadnezzar as the first `king of kings, ` but revealed Himself as the ultimate power and authority.

Many of the people of Israel were taken captive and brought to Babylon, the centre of the Empire. Daniel and his three companions were among them. Daniel records some of the significant events in their lives under the various kings that ruled.

Daniel especially was given a high rank in the Babylonian court, but he never let the pagan morals or ways affect him, for he trusted and prayed to God continually. Thus, God gave Daniel favour in the sight of kings and enabled him to interpret dreams that God wanted known. Daniel also directed kings to turn from their prideful ways and humble themselves before God.

God revealed His wisdom through Daniel, His power over the elements as the three friends walked in the fiery furnace, His mercy to those who humbled themselves, and judgment upon the prideful.

Then Daniel himself was tested to the ultimate, whether to obey man`s laws or honour God. Daniel was exonerated and God`s ultimate power and authority was revealed to the king. He sent word throughout the great kingdom that all should honour and fear the God of Daniel.

The Great Time Frames of God are shown in pictorial form –

-         The Five Great Gentile Nations that would rule the world.

-         The four Federations leading up to the Final Gentile Government just before the Lord sets up His rulership through Israel.