Introduction to Daniel

Then the land will enjoy its sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you are in the country of your enemies; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it.

Leviticus 26:34-35


READING: Daniel 1 Leviticus 26 2 Chronicles 36 Read Daniel Chapter One and review the books of the Old Testament which provide context to this book. Answer the following questions: What books of the Old Testament immediately preceed the events of the Book of Daniel? What books of the Old Testament contextually follow the Book of Daniel? Reviewing the historical books and the prophets, who were the Judean kings that interacted with Nebuchadnezzar? Summarize the events of this interaction. Read 2 Chronicles 36. Estimate how long has it has been since Israel last practiced the Sabbath year? Who was on the throne at that time? Judging by the references in Leviticus 26, 2 Chronicles 36, and Jeremiah 25, Israel's pattern of sabbath observance seems central to the captivity Daniel finds himself in. Research the background for sabbath observance, then summarize the instructions they had been given. What does the New Testament teach us regarding sabbath? Is the sabbath relevant to us in the age of the Church?