1 Chronicles 13

And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.  Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. vv.9-10

Read chapter 13
Seem rather harsh to strike someone because they tried to help, especially if it seems like an accident since it was animals that stumbled and caused the ark to almost fall.  Yet let's make sure we're getting the entire picture here.  The account is David bringing the ark of the covenant to the City of David for it had been in another land had been neglected and not sought diligently by the leaders.  As David is becoming king in Jerusalem he wants to set right God's religion and knowing the blessings and ordinances of the ark that Saul so neglected in his kingship.  This decision to bring the ark to Jerusalem was pleased by God, yet David and others seemed to have forgotten or were careless the commands for moving the ark.  We know from Numbers 4:15 that it was the priests who were to carry the ark when they traveled through the wilderness.  So it was still ought to be that the priest would carry the ark, not oxen or just any man.  It may seem easier to have animals carry such a heavy intricate thing, but we read from 1 Chronicles 15:26 that God would help the Levites who bore the ark.  David and the other leaders realized they were quick to do a work that would please God but they did not consult Him about the proper order (1 Chronicles 15:13).  Now today we as believers don't have these ordinances we must follow, yet how too we are quick to do something that may be a good thing but don't pray about how to go about it that ultimately makes a good task a weary task?  Just as David knew the blessing of having the ark near so we ought to seek having God and His word near and let us value it as the treasure it is and not neglect it as Saul and the people did for a time of taking matters in their own hands.

1 Chronicles 12

Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war,  armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, Saul’s brethren. vv.1-2

Read chapter 12
A dual reign is going on at this point in history over Israel.  David is king at Hebron and Saul is king at Jerusalem.  Men from every tribe of Israel that supported David left their land to become part of David's army.  These weren't just uneducated, poor or deceived men that were looking for acceptance or provisions, these were mighty men that went against the norm knowing God's decision of David becoming king.  There are even men from the tribe of Benjamin who were Saul's family that turned from Saul to follow David.  These men are ambidextrous in hurling stones and shooting arrows, which is a very good trait in war.
We don't read of this account in Samuel, yet God saw fit and honorable to give record of the men's names who joined the king appointed by God even when he was in exile.  Do you follow a leader because he or she's the most popular or do you follow them because for another reason?  If so, what?  Are you willing to follow a godly leader even if that means living away from your home or in hardships for a time (David was king in Hebron for seven years)?  What qualities can you give to a leader to comfort, strengthen and assist him or her?

1 Chronicles 11

So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. v.18

Read chapter 11
I don't know about you, but I got a little frustrated with David reading verses fifteen through nineteen.  We read in this chapter of David's mighty men.  These were amazing warrior men  not only for David but for the Lord as they were faithful to both to live and die for them.  In this chapter we have one account where three of the men go risk their lives to bring David water and then David dumps it on the floor instead of drinking it.  Gah I would be so frustrated if I were one of those men after probably almost killing myself for something that was pointless.  But then I took a breath and read it again (well probably five more times) and realized a few things I was making up in my mind over what was written.  For one, David didn't just dump the water out, but he "poured it out to the Lord."  This pouring out of the water was an offering.  David thought himself unworthy of such a sacrifice these men made for them and decided it was for the Lord to receive.  It was an act of worship to pour the water out unto the Lord.  This also showed David's strength of his own appetite that he would not let rule him.  To have rule over your own spirit is no easy thing.  "It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself" Matthew Henry.  Third, David sees the water as the blood of these men (verse 19).  He realized they risked their lives for him and is giving those lives to the Lord.  David's strength came not in his might men, but in the Lord who made him victorious.  Yet these mighty men are worthy of being mentioned of their devotion of risking their lives no matter the task for the Lord.  These might men are listed at the beginning of the account of David in Chronicles instead of at then end of David's account in 2nd Samuel, showing moral first over chronology.  How would you respond if you were one of David's men who risked your life for a drink that was poured out unto the Lord?  What is a similar task done today unto the Lord by others that doesn't make sense for the risk involved?  How can you see it as an act of worship to the Lord or as an honor to those that risked their lives?

1 Chronicles 10

So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.  But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. vv.13-14

Read chapter 10
Now we jump to a chapter on the death of King Saul after nine chapters of genealogies.  In 1st Samuel we read of Saul's death that mirrors this account in 1st Chronicles of this tragic end of his life, yet we read a few more details here that we don't get in 1st Samuel.  The bloody picture of the death of Saul's sons and himself is described in both books in the battle against the Philistines, how Saul killed himself in battle so he wouldn't be abused or tortured alive and how the Philistines took his head and body (which had been cut apart) and placed in their god's temple until some of the Israelites got his body and his sons' and buried and mourned them.  Yet what we don't read of in 1st Samuel is why Saul died, not just how.  Remember the books of Chronicles is from God's point of view where the books of Samuel are from man's point of view.  The event of Saul's death, which man can see, is recorded in 1st Samuel, whereas the cause, which God can see, is recorded in 1st Chronicles.   So Saul died for his unfaithfulness not keeping the word of the Lord and because he consulted a medium.  Because of prior sin God killed him.  Now it's easy to try to take this for us today, but we MUST NOT.  Because of Jesus dying on our behalf our sins are forgiven us.  We may face consequences from our sin that we put on ourselves but not God punishing us.  Psalm 103 says, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities."  God made Saul king and God made Saul dead, He can give and take away.  What we can apply to ourselves from this is that the hidden sins of people will one day find them out, knowing that God sees even if man does not.  What comes to mind of a sin that no one sees in your life that you know God sees?  How can you repent that your consequence may be different than what you deserve?

1 Chronicles 9

So all Israel was recorded by genealogies, and indeed, they were inscribed in the book of the kings of Israel. But Judah was carried away captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.  And the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and the Nethinim. vv.1-2

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These first two verses of the chapter can seem kind of confusing.  The first verse sums up all the genealogies of the previous chapters of the tribes of Israel and the second verse describes those that returned after their captivity.  So the names in this chapter are some of those that survived captivity and returned to Jerusalem.  The first inhabitants to return to their land from exile are Israelites, who here refer to the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh as we see described in detail later in the chapter, as well as priests, Levities and Nethinim (Levities with special tasks in serving in the Tabernacle).  First Chronicles was obviously written after the captivity to record these names given here even though the book  is chronologically before the captivity.  Yet like I mentioned back in chapter six with the genealogy of Levi, it was very important for priests and Levites to prove their genealogy for there specific tasks, even more-so after the captivity when documents would have been destroyed or lost possibly.  How far back can you trace your genealogy?  Do you have a record kept?  What big events dramatically effected your genealogy (i.e. moving to a new country, wars, marriage of different races or cultures)?

1 Chronicles 8

These are the sons of Ehud, who were the heads of the fathers’ houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and who forced them to move to Manahath:  Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera who forced them to move. He begot Uzza and Ahihud. vv.6-7

Read chapter 8
Now we read of the genealogy of Benjamin.  This chapter is almost purely names with very few comments on the men in this tribe.  Yet that does not mean they weren't faithful men to the Lord.  The tribe of Benjamin was a faithful tribe and from whom came Israel's first king, Saul.  Yet also just because you may not know the story of someone doesn't make them any less of a child of God - both what we read in scripture through lists of names and also today in our own lives of people we don't know their story.  
Now we do read of the sons of Ehud being forced to move to Manahath.  They were living in Gera which was a small city in the land of Benjamin and were forced to move possibly because they were growing too big.  They may have been forced by other's pressure or possibly pressure from their fathers or possibly to seek betterment for their family.  Back then moving wasn't a common thing as we see today of families moving at least a couple times in their life time.  It can be hard when you are forced to move whether from your own pressure for betterment or force from others for betterment of the town.  Yet the family of Ehud still grew and flourished as we see their genealogy and continued part of Israel as a set apart people.  So we must remember when we move, God is still with us and will bless even if it's not how we expect.  When have you moved that has felt forced in some way or another that has turned out for the better?  Are you in a time of moving that is hard?  If so, what will you do not turn to bitterness but to betterment?

1 Chronicles 7

Now their brethren among all the families of Issachar were mighty men of valor, listed by their genealogies, eighty-seven thousand in all. v.5

Read chapter 7
Here we have the rest of the tribes of Israel's genealogy.  If you're counting you'll notice from chapters four through seven there are only eleven tribes mentioned.  We know there were twelve sons of Jacob from whom came the twelve tribes of Israel, so who's missing?  Well there are actually two missing: Dan and Zebulan.  This would make thirteen tribes in total but if you remember Ephraim and Mannaseh are the sons of Joseph, grandsons of Jacob (Israel), still two separate tribes but from one son.  Also the tribe of Levi didn't inherit land because they were priests and were scattered throughout the lands of all the tribes so are not always counted as one of the tribes.  So back to Dan and Zebulun being left out.  I have not yet a clue to why Zebulun doesn't appear in these chapters as he does in all the other occurrences of the twelve tribes.  Yet not so with the tribe of Dan seeing cut out as well in Revelation 7.  The tribe of Dan was an idolatress tribe that was the first to turn to idolatry and continued until the captivity of Assyria.  Dan was the first tribe taken into captivity but interestingly enough in Ezekiel 48 of the future kingdom, Dan is the first tribe mentioned in the division of the land.  One may be cut off their family for a time, but those that were sealed with a promise will one day be reunited.  If that is us, let us not wait till the kingdom to reunite with our biological or adopted families or foremost our Father God, but aim to resolve now.    

1 Chronicles 6

The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. v.1

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This chapter gives the genealogy of the tribe of Levi.  The tribe of Levi was a special tribe that had special jobs set apart of the rest of Israel.  Levites are people from this tribe of Levi and if you think Levite you usually associate the name as a priest.  Now yes the tribe of Levi were priest but not all Levites were high priest.  The high priests were in the line of Aaron (Moses' brother) who was the grandson of Kohath the son of Levi.  So from Levi we get our priests and high priests.  Another special task given to the tribe of Levi were the singers and musicians appointed by David for service at the tabernacle.  From all three sons of Levi (Gershon, Kohath and Merari) came those appointed to ministry with music.  Now out of all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi had to preserver it's genealogy the most due to these special privileges that not just anyone could be; they had to prover their genealogy because their privilege depended on their family ties.  This was a special honor for the tribe of Levi.  This may have made other non-Levites jealous, they may have made some Levites not want to be a priest or musician, but this was the will the Lord had for the tribe of Levi.  So maybe in our family or job, we may wish to have someone else's job or family or someone may wish to have our job or our family, but the Lord has you placed specifically for His will.  Who do you wish you could be instead of who you are?  Crazy to realize that others are jealous of you whether you realize it or not, so how can you not take for granted the life you were given?

1 Chronicles 5

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright;  yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s—  vv.1-2

Read chapter 5
Next starts the genealogy of the other tribes of Israel starting with Reuben the oldest son, the first born.  The oldest son who was to receive the birthright which denotes special privileges and advantages than his brothers as well as a double portion of the father's inheritance.  Yet Reuben forfeited his birthright because he defiled his father's bed by sleeping with his fathers concubine.  The birthright was then given to Joseph yet even then that wasn't the tribe Jesus came through.  The messiah, this ruler mentioned here, came through the tribe of Judah, this was not according to having a birthright or not but due to more than what deck of card life dealt you.  A higher privilege was given than having the birthright and that was given by God for His own reasons.  Gill's Exposition on it says, 

"the tribe of Judah prevailed above the rest in number, in valour, and courage, and in dignity; wherefore the genealogy is not reckoned according to birthright, but dignity and dominion."

Middlechild syndrome didn't stop Judah from having a dignity and power of his own that God ultimately blessed by using his line from whom came the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  
Are you a middle child?  If so how does this give you hope?  If you're not a middle child, how have you taken advantage (for good or bad) of being the oldest or youngest or only child in your family?

1 Chronicles 4

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. vv.9-10

Read chapter 4
A little glimpse of detail in this chapter of genealogy list.  Seems rather abrupt to have a two verse story in the midst of names, but it's just like being in a desert and finding a little oasis.  We read of this man named Jabez whose name was given to him by his mom because he caused her much pain in his birth, so his name literally means "He will cause pain."  What an unfortunate name right?  Yet look at his integrity.  In scripture he is characterized by being more honorable than his brothers- a pretty sweet way to be described by God I'd say.  But he also desires to not live up to the name people call him since it is a demoralizing name.  Sure he caused his mother pain (I don't know what birth doesnt cause the mother pain), but this doesnt mean he will always cause his mother pain or others for that matter.  Like Jacob whose name means deceiver ultimately was the one deceived and no longer was know as the deceiver but given a new name, Israel, and know for the fatter of the twelve tribes of Israel that make up all the Jews and God's set apart nation.  So Jabez prays to the Lord that he may not cause pain and God granted his request. My name isn't Jabez, but I often pray that I may not cause anyone pain due to my sinful nature.  Our name today may not mean something harsh, but what character trait name do others give you (or you give yourself) that you want to be free from?  

1 Chronicles 3

 And these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon—four by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel. v.5

Read chapter 3
Ready to dig apart another genealogy?!?!  Chapter three follows the genealogy of David.  Nine sons and one sister are named with a note in there that his sons by his concubines were not counted in this genealogy.  Crazy how many kids people had back then and that even David, a man after God's heart, had concubines.  Well that's not what I want to dig in to this time in this chapter, what I do want to is focus on two of his sons: Nathan and Solomon.  Now we all know or have heard of Solomon.  Through Solomon was the kingly line of David as we see in the following verses in this chapter and also in Matthew 1 of the genealogy from Abraham to Jesus Christ following the kingship lineage.  But what's the story with Solomon's brother Nathan?  Well if you look at the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Luke chapter three you'll find out.  In Luke 3:31 we see that it is not Solomon in the genealogy but Nathan and his descendants after him that lead to Jesus.  How can that be?  Is that a contradiction in scripture?  Well if one compares the genealogies in Luke and Matthew you'll find out that they don't contradict but actually complement each other.  The genealogy in Luke is Christ's physical lineage through his mother, Mary.  Whereas the genealogy in Matthew is Christ's kingly lineage through his "adopted" father Joseph.  Bam!  What amazing perfection of the scripture that lead us to Christ.  The split of the genealogies started at two sons of David, one son may have been more popular and mighty but the other not forgotten by God and received a blessing to get to be a part of the line of the Christ.  
Jesus is not going to come through the genealogy of you or your brothers or sisters, but perhaps like Solomon and Nathan there is a vast difference in the ways your lives look, yet take heart the Lord will guide and bless you both as you seek the One and Only God.

1 Chronicles 2

Jesse begot Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third,  Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,  Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh. vv.13-15

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We continue with the genealogies starting with the names of Israel's (Jacob) twelve sons, who become the twelve tribes of Israel, all the way through to David.  Notice that this chapter gives the genealogy of Judah who was fourth born to Israel, not starting with the firstborn, Rueben, that we will read later as well as the rest of the sons.  This is because the line of Judah is where the Christ was to and did come through as the successor of David; Judah was therefore the chief line of Israel.  Like chapter one, this chapter is a long lists of names, yet again there are details that give keys to more locked treasures in scripture.  Here in verses thirteen through fifteen we read about David's family.  David is mentioned to be the seventh born to his father Jesse.  Yet if you remember David's calling to be proclaimed king when Samuel came to his house in 1 Samuel 16, David is the eighth son.  So there seems to be a possible contradiction here in 1st Chronicles as he is said to be the seventh.  Yet there are a few reasons to explain this possible difference.  One son could be of a concubine and therefore not counted in the genealogy or perhaps one was a grandson of Jesse which in Hebrew is the same word for son.  Seems similar to a lot of families today with so many divorces and mixed families when someone tries to explain their half-brothers and sisters or the step brothers and sisters or their adopted sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc.  It's confusing! But one explains family according to what they are trying to portray and here in 1 Chronicles the author is portraying the genealogy to Jesus Christ.  Do you have a family that can be confusing to explain relations to everyone with?

1 Chronicles 1

Now the sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine, were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan were Sheba and Dedan. v.32

Read chapter 1
Why does the book of Chronicles sound like a daunting task to read for most people?  I mean one of the most read books today by all ages is The Chronicles of Narnia and I know people that have read the series multiple times too.  Maybe it's because the first chapter doesn't grab you to want to keep reading more of what's next as it is a list of genealogies.   The word chronicles means words of the days or a historical account of events arranged in order of time usually without analysis or interpretation (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  1st and 2nd Chronicles follow the same time line as the books of 1st and 2nd Kings, but we will notice slight differences as we read, yet these slight differences are huge keys to unlocking more truths in scripture.  The books of the Chronicles are histories from the Divine standpoint whereas the books of the kings seem more from the human standpoint.  This first chapter of First Chronicles is a list of genealogy from the first man Adam through the sons of Edom (Israel's brother).  It's easy (or hard) to read the names very quickly and pass over any details or differences than what you may have read before in the book of Genesis where all these men listed appear.  So stop for a minute and look at verse thirty-two.  Keturah is called Abraham's concubine.  We know from Genesis 25:1 that Keturah was Abraham's second wife after his first wife Sarah died.  God allows widows to marry again as death breaks the contract of marriage, so why would He call her a concubine instead of wife here?  Perhaps it's in reference to focus on the genealogy of the the promise that was through his son Isaac who was the son of Sarah as we will see the book of First Chronicles follow the kingdom of Judah (instead of the Northern tribe) because Christ was proclaimed as the successor of David.  Makes you wonder about your own life in wanting to see not just our human point of view on our life and our history, but what's the Divine standpoint...

Daniel 12

“At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever." vv.1-3

Read chapter 12
The last chapter of the book of Daniel ends with the end of the kingdom revolt or tribulation.  At the end of chapter eleven we read how the antichrist's end will come and no one will help him.  The one who takes rule for a time will come to an end which is said to last a time, times and half a time in verse seven (possibly meaning 3 1/2 years: time (1) + times (2) + half a time (.5) = 3.5).  Michael, the angel, stands up to help God's people after this time of trouble. Michael isn't the one that stops the tribulation as that will be God but he aids God's people.  At this time there is a second resurrection (first one was at the start of the kingdom), some of those whom died during this tribulation time.  Notice it says those that sleep in the dust, not those who are in heaven, will awake.  These that are resurrected from this state of death are raised to either everlasting life or everlasting contempt.  So it's not just the righteous that are raised but both those who choose to follow and not follow Jesus Christ.  It doesn't say some to everlasting burning and torture, but contempt meaning aversion or abhorrence.  This is their feeling of abhorrence will continue forever.  Those that rise to everlasting life will shine bright like a star forever, they'll be "clothed with glory and immortality forever" (Benson's Commentary).  This is all still just being told to Daniel what is still to come and he is to seal these prophesies up until that time.  More detail of this end of the tribulation can be compared with Revelation 18-20.  Save yourself from future shame that lasts forever and turn to Jesus Christ now, that may seem shameful to this world now but the time is short compared to eternity.

Daniel 11

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. v.32-33

Read chapter 11
We have another chapter of the still future times that many would call the tribulation.  Comparison of this chapter in Daniel with chapters Revelation will show similarities and both giving certain details of that time to come.   Many people have read or seen the books and movies of the Left Behind series to get their "Christian" view of what the tribulation will be like, yet it's not entire accurate to scripture (one should never take their theology from a movie).  One big thing in the movie and what so many believe is that all the Christians disappear and are not on earth during the tribulation.  This isn't exactly what happens.  We see here that there are still followers of Christ, people who understand the times and instruct many of what must come to pass, they carry out great exploits but also are being martyred.  We also know that many of the believers in Judea at the time disapear, but not into heaven rather they flee to the mountains during this time as in Matthew 25:15-16 says, "'Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place'(whoever reads, let him understand), 'then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.'" 
It sometime feels like we're in tribulation times right now seeing how governments all over the world are wicked like what we read in this chapter, yet this tribulation is still a ways off as it will come after the premileenial kingdom we read about in the previous chapter.  Yet we can still choose to respond in either turning against the covenant we have with Jesus due to flattery of our leaders or being strong in God and His understanding in how to live in wicked times till He returns.  Which will you choose or have you already chosen?

Daniel 10

 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.  And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. vv.10-11

Read chapter 10
Daniel sees a man described so uniquely that we may have a hard time discerning what this man looked like.  Seeing this man by the river causes Daniel to lose all his strength and  in a bowing position as we see him described trembling on his knees and palms.  Others that were around him didn't see the vision but a great terror fell on them and they fled.  This appears similar to Saul's conversion if you remember in Acts 9:3-9.  It's a wonder who this man is, some commentators say it is the angle Gabriel, but Daniel had already seen him in chapter eight and didn't respond this way.  Others say it is the preincarnate Jesus.  Compare some other verses in scripture that describe His appearance: Isaiah 1:26-28 

And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.  Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

Revelation 1:13-15 

"and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;" 

The man speaks to Daniel and first thing He says is that Daniel is "greatly beloved," Oh how I can't wait to hear this words from Jesus' lips to me, I surely would become like Daniel and become weak in the knees.  He commands Daniel to standup and understand the words He's about to speak to him.  Daniel didn't let overwhelmingness stop himself to responding to this one.  Remember Daniel is in his 80s now and he's still learning and understand the Lord's words and this is why the Lord has come "for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words" (v.12), "He became a product of his prayer" as Beth Moore puts it.  Next time you pray envision what it might be like with the man Jesus Christ right in front of you.  How would you feel hearing Him call you "greatly beloved"?  In what ways are you feeling overwhelmed by God and how will you respond?

Daniel 9

“Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of] sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy. 

“Know therefore and understand,

That from the going forth of the command

To restore and build Jerusalem

Until Messiah the Prince,

There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;

The street shall be built again, and the wall,

Even in troublesome times. vv.24-25

Read chapter 9

You ready for some math?!!?  There are a handful of numbers in this chapter determining length of periods of time of these prophesies of Daniel.  Verses 24 and 25 give time for the premileenial kingdom as described here as an end of sins and bringing in everlasting righteousness, to restore and build Jerusalem.  This time is said to be 70 weeks.  We know from Leviticus 25:9 that a "week" is a year, "‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years."  So this time is said to be 490 years then.  Following in verse 26 we know that this time of perfect peace ends for a short time, thus this isn't talking about the new heaven and new earth time.  This premileenial kingdom has not yet started as there is still sin and the Anointed One is not ruling.  Crazy to think that there will be a time of peace on earth for so long- almost 500 years of God governing the world that it is without a doubt to every human on earth that Jesus is the One and Only God yet some will still choose to go against Him. When you pray the Lord's prayer, do you now have a deeper view of what ask for when you say "Your Kingdom come"? 

Daniel 8

And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” v.16

Read chapter 8
Gabriel, one of the two names of angles we have reordered in scripture appears here to explain the vision to Daniel.  We don't know much of Gabriel as he only appears in the book of Daniel and Luke and is only seen giving messages.  (Notice the angle Gabriel has  a man's voice, no mention of wings or being Daniel's guardian angle.)  This is sill future as Gabriel tells him as the "times of the end" (v.17).  This is explained of a time after there's peace in all the earth and a rebellion happens and one will rise up in the rebellion to destroy the might men and holy people only then to be taken out not by human power.  6.3 years is how long this rebellion seems to be according to the 2,300 days mentioned in verse fourteen.  All this end time stuff is exhausting for Daniel as it seems to be for most people today about reading future horror stuff.  This even makes Daniel like ill for several days.  Yet does knowing future rebellion and its outcome cause you to live to be one to endure or to not care?  We have some glimpses written down for us, let's not be ignorant but aware of the times.  What message do you wish an angle was giving to you right now?

Daniel 7

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed." vv.13-14

Read chapter 7
The second half of the book of Daniel (chapters seven through twelve) are a lot more like the book of Revelation than historical accounts like the first chapter.  There are a lot of comparisons between these books that help give further detail to these revelations.  Now these are chapters to just skip over because they are hard to understand or yet to come.  People always want to know what's the future like, well here's a scene for us to ponder.  This chapter is a dream of Daniel's of four beasts and the four beast represent four kingdoms that will come in to power but then be taken over by each succeeding one.  I believe this is still yet to come and will happen in the Kingdom before the thousand year reign of Christ.  We see Christ here verse nine with the description of His physical characteristics that are described similar to Jesus in Revelation 1:14.  The title Ancient of Days is unique to the book of Daniel occurring only in this chapter three times.  The title means elderly man, "meaning he who is most ancient as to days" (Barnes' Notes on the Bible).  The Ancient of Days is seated to judge.  I think of our Supreme Court right now and how many ancient men and women are on there (I believe three are in their 80s currently).  Our Supreme Court are the ones that set the laws basically and can change our culture just by decisions made by them.  Luckily when the Ancient of Days is seated on the judgment seat He will make perfect decisions and set the culture of the world to peace, truth and righteousness.  What can we learn from this passage?  All earthly kingdoms and powers have a time limit, but the Ancient of Days does not and we await His rule.  How have governments disappointed you and what do you look forward to in God's rulings?  

Daniel 6

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. v.4

Read chapter 6
Another well known chapter of Daniel in the lion's den.  You may have realized he wasn't in the fiery furnace with his three buddies in chapter 3, but the enemy didn't forget him and was still pursuing to destroy Daniel and his faith.  Daniel by this point in chapter six is now in his 80s, can you imagine throwing an 80 year old man into a den of lions?  He's been a captive in Babylon for 66 years by the time the Persian empire takes over.  Yet he seems just as strong in his faith as ever.  In his lifetime he had seen and experienced some crazy and amazing things and it didn't stop even in his old age.  Just think, if Daniel and his friends would have eaten the choice foods instead of just vegetables in chapter one when they were only teenagers, how that small compromise would have led to bigger compromises and for them to blend into society than experience the faith of God.  Well in this chapter Daniel's "co-workers" don't seem to like him and seek to destroy him by tricking the king to make a decree that would ultimately find Daniel guilty.  They had to make something up because he had no fault or negligence in him.  It was his faith in God that brought this hate and how true this still is today that if you don't compromise your faith in God you're hated by the world.  Well God showed up and not only saved Daniel from the mouth of the lion but also a decree was made by the king that all people in all the earth should fear the God of Daniel, quite a reversal from the decree at the beginning of the chapter that Daniel's coworkers made up.
What are small things in your life either now or when you were younger that you compromised and have seen the ripple effects?  How can you change that?   How hard is it when your co-workers are not for you but against you and how can you create relationships without compromising your faith?  Are you willing to give up relationships if you can't do both? 

Daniel 5

In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. v.5

Read chapter 5
Seems like some horror movie.  Belshezzar and his friends are drinking in the palace with holy vessels of gold and silver they took out of the treasury that were plundered from Jerusalem and then all of the sudden a disembodied hand appears and writes a message on the wall.  The passage doesn't say anything about if the writing was with ink or paint but for some reason I always picture it was written with blood (must be from a movie to add to the scary scene).  This chapter happens about 24 years after the last chapter, it's evident that King Nebuchadnezzar has died and his son (or possibly grandson as some commentaries note) is this king Belshezzar.  He appears to know all about his father's turning to the Holy God of Israel when Daniel calls him out, but didn't care or follow in his footsteps though his guilty conscious knows this message written must be bad news.  Matthew Henry notes, "God's written word is enough to put the proudest, boldest sinner in a fright."  God gave a message to a nonbeliever that would then call on Daniel, a believer and follower of the True God, to interpret the message.  So today, God is in the midst of unbelievers seeing or experiencing things they can't explain, yet how wonderful it is when a believer can point those signs to God for them.  It's up to them to choose to believe or not.  How mindful are you of God's character and works?  How have you compromised?

Daniel 4

That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. v.33

Read chapter 4
This chapter is a testimony of Nebuchadnezzar.  Now I don't know about you, but if you've ever heard someone's testimony, it's pretty powerful.  Here the king of Babylon is sharing this intimate and humbling transformation, can you even imagine our president saying something like this telling all the world about Jesus Christ?  Basically a testimony is explaining what they were like before they met the Lord, how they met the Lord and who they are today because of it.  It's not always an easy thing to admit or share, and I'm sure Nebuchadnezzar sharing his foolishness of becoming like a ox was an embarrassing thing, yet often sharing your foolishness gives greater testimony to God's greatness and power.  Now we may wonder did he really become an ox.  Many scholars have dug in to analyzing this.  One disease is called lycanthropy where one actually thinks they're an animal.  Whether this was reason behind it or not is not the point.  The point was that he has become a new man because he believes in the Only God.  "We're never more impressed with Babylon's king than when he's least impressed with himself" (Beth Moore).  In the first couple chapters of Daniel we see the king respecting and giving honor to the God of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, but he never truly believed and loved God till we see here in chapter four.  Is your belief in God right now similar to Nebuchadnezzar before or after experience becoming like an ox?  What foolishness in your testimony gives greater testimony to God and not yourself?  Do you share that with others?

Daniel 3

And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. v.27

Read chapter 3
One of the most well known stories in scripture by little kids is this chapter of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace.  It's a sweet story to read as you get older too and see more of the details.   One of the craziest details that has stood out to me is that they don't even smell like smoke!  One thing I can't stand is smelling like a bonfire after I've left the bonfire.  I wasn't even in the actual fire and smoke embeds in every inch of me, my hair, clothes, skin.  Yet I love the metaphor we can take here: to be delivered from Christ   from hardship doesn't leave a lingering smell of that evil.  Bible teacher Beth Moore declares in her Daniel study, "The way to avoid getting burned is to bathe in God's presence" (p.47)  Notice too who's all in this scene, it's not the whole city, but all the "VIPs" of the king.  How much easier is it to people please and do what the elite want or do than when it's a nobody pressuring you?  Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego weren't seeking position and gain from the world, they sought God and ultimately were saved because of it, not only from the immediate fiery flames but from eternal fire as well.  This is the last we read of these three men and what an example and honor they were of men for God. 
We've all faced fiery situations and have come out of them somehow either from it, through it and by it.  What are some examples of each of these ways and how your faith has been built, refined and perfected?

Daniel 2

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. vv.17-18

Read chapter 2
Wise move on Nebuchadnezzar's part in this chapter.  He wanted his dream to be interpreted, but instead of the astrologers, wise men, magicians  to interpret after they heard the dream the king said they must tell him what the dream was; he must have known they were charlatans and was putting them to the test.  But oh how great the true God is that knows all things, our every thought and dream even.  This wasn't just any dream either but a prophetic dream from God to a gentile king.  
Now Daniel, Hannah, Mishael, and Azariah are about to be killed because, as we remember from chapter one they were placed as wise men and all wise men were being killed until someone could tell and interpret the king.  They were placed as wise men because God gave them His wisdom the superseded everyone else, yet now it seems like God put them in a life-threatening situation because of this- kind of ironic isn't it?  They probably never felt so dependent on God as this situation.  If we're never at risk and always in our safe bubble, makes you wonder if we're living by faith and full trust and reliance on God.  How sweet it was too for Daniel not to be alone in this, but after he heard the news of what the king was commanding he went to his friends to pray together.  Oh how I hope every believer out there has someone to run to and pray with at any given moment.
Have or are you being called to a place of danger or discomfort that you learn to trust and lean on Christ more?  Do you have a prayer partner?  If so, what's that like?  If not, how can you seek one out?

Daniel 1

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. v.8

Read chapter 1
The book of Daniel takes place during Israel's captivity.  They were taken over 900 miles from their home under the Babylonian Empire.  Daniel and other boys (most likely teenagers) were taken for a special purpose that the king of Babylon would train them to serve him.  Oh how easily do we know teenagers are influnenced.  But Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had a different mindset.  "They became culturally relevant without becoming spiritually irrelevant.  Against all odds, they retained a God-centered worldview so that ultimately the world could view their God" (Beth Moore). Their names were changed, they had to learn a new language and study the Babylonian culture, all of which they did, but the one thing they refused to do was eat the delacies.  Seems weird but this food was sacrificed to idol and was forbidden the the Jewish law.  Daniel would do whatever he was commanded to do except partake in anything that would show worship to anything other than the True God.  They didn't just change to whatever culture they became a part of they remained steadfast to their God and not changing from one moment to the next just to "fit-in."  This showed integrity and was a challenge to practice day to day for them as they lived in the kings palace.  God gave them wisdom in all matters that set them apart and above all others that ultimately put them in a place of influence for God.
How has being a part of a new culture impacted you?  Has it made you partake in something that isn't of God?  Do you have integrity for Christ?