Table Of ContentLIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
A COHESIVE THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN LIVING:
PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF DANIEL
____________________
A Thesis Project Submitted to
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
____________________
By
Jeremy C. Shaffer
March 25, 2011
Copyright © 2011 Jeremy C. Shaffer
All Rights Reserved
LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET
_________________GRADE
_________________________________MENTOR
_________________________________READER
ABSTRACT
A COHESIVE THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN LIVING:
PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF DANIEL
Jeremy C. Shaffer
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2011
Mentor: Dr. Charlie Davidson
The propensity to force preconceived ideologies and theological systems upon the
interpretation of the book of Daniel is evident. The purpose of this project is to provide a
proper interpretation of Daniel 1-6 so that proper applications can be made for preaching
and teaching, trying to eliminate any preconceptions along the way that are forced upon
the text. A six-part theology of Christian living is developed from the preaching outlines
of each chapter, all connected to the book’s theme of sovereignty and thereby forming a
cohesive unit. Ultimately, a greater appreciation for the value of the Old Testament in
Christian living is at the core of this project.
Abstract length: 108 words
DEDICATION
To my wife Rebekah and my two children Grace and Luke, you are my pride and
joy this side of heaven. God only knows how much I love you and appreciate you. You
have encouraged me to stay on track even when I did not feel like it. You have been
there for me and I could not have done it without you.
To my parents, Charles and Linda Shaffer, who have raised me to be a servant of
Christ. I am a product of your hard work, example, and prayers.
To my editor, Lara Rodkey, who spent many hours reading, editing, and
critiquing. Your suggestions and proficiency have been invaluable. Thank you.
To those scholars and authors who believe that the book of Daniel is not just a
collection of prophecies and predictions. You have the depth and insight to make
theology relevant for Christian living. You challenge us to live in light of His coming!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................................... v
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 1
Proper Interpretation that Leads to Proper Application........................................... 1
Relevance of the Old Testament.................................................................. 2
Power of the Narrative................................................................................. 4
Problem of Familiar Stories......................................................................... 5
A Clearer Picture of Christ.......................................................................... 7
Scope....................................................................................................................... 8
Statement of Limitations............................................................................. 8
Theoretical Basis......................................................................................... 9
Methodology........................................................................................................... 9
Review of the Literature.......................................................................................... 10
Commentaries.............................................................................................. 10
Topical Studies............................................................................................ 12
Book of Daniel Chapters............................................................................. 12
2. PUTTING DANIEL IN HIS CONTEXT................................................................ 16
Historical Background............................................................................................. 16
Setting.......................................................................................................... 16
Authorship................................................................................................... 18
Date of Writing............................................................................................ 22
Social Setting............................................................................................... 25
Composition and Reception..................................................................................... 29
Literary Genre.............................................................................................. 29
Structure and Language............................................................................... 32
Canonicity.................................................................................................... 35
Daniel and the New Testament................................................................................ 39
Theology and Purpose of Daniel............................................................................. 40
3. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 1..................................................... 44
Interpretive Outline: The Exile and Early Days in Babylon................................... 44
The Exile of Judah Begins (1:1-2)............................................................... 44
i
Jewish Captives Enrolled in the University of Babylon (1:3-7).................. 46
Daniel and His Three Friends Avoid Defilement (1:8-16).......................... 48
God Blesses Daniel and His Three Friends (1:17-21)................................. 50
Preaching Outline: Responding with Poise in a Compromising Culture................ 52
Introduction................................................................................................. . 52
Proposition................................................................................................... 53
Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. . 53
Conclusion.................................................................................................. . 59
4. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 2..................................................... 61
Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s First Dream............................................. 61
Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream (2:1-4).............................................. 62
Nebuchadnezzar Tests the Wise Men (2:5-13)........................................... 63
Daniel’s Request for More Time (2:14-23)................................................. 66
Daniel Appears before the King (2:24-30).................................................. 67
Preaching Outline: Responding with Prayer When All Hope Seems Lost............. 69
Introduction................................................................................................. 69
Proposition................................................................................................... 69
Preaching Manuscript.................................................................................. 69
Conclusion................................................................................................... 76
5. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 3...................................................... 78
Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s Image of Gold.......................................... 78
The Image of Gold (3:1-7)........................................................................... 78
Chaldeans Accuse Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (3:8-12)....................... 82
Daniel’s Three Friends Refuse to Worship the Image (3:13-18)................. 84
The Fiery Furnace (3:19-27)........................................................................ 85
Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree (3:28-30)............................................................ 88
Preaching Outline: Responding with Perseverance When Your Faith is Tested..... 90
Introduction.................................................................................................. 90
Proposition................................................................................................... 90
Preaching Manuscript.................................................................................. 91
Conclusion................................................................................................... 97
6. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 4...................................................... 99
Interpretive Outline: Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream.......................................... 99
Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation (4:1-3)...................................................... 100
The Search for an Interpreter (4:4-9)........................................................... 101
Nebuchadnezzar Describes His Dream (4:10-18)........................................ 104
Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (4:19-27)................................ 108
The Interpretation of the Dream Is Fulfilled (4:28-33)................................ 113
The Restoration of Nebuchadnezzar (4:34-37)............................................ 115
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Preaching Outline: Responding with Praise When You’re Humbled..................... 118
Introduction................................................................................................. . 118
Proposition................................................................................................... 119
Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 119
Conclusion.................................................................................................. . 126
7. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 5...................................................... 128
Interpretive Outline: Belshazzar’s Banquet and Babylon’s Fall............................. 128
Belshazzar’s Banquet (5:1-4)...................................................................... 130
Handwriting on the Wall (5:5-9)................................................................. 133
The Advice of the Queen (5:10-17)............................................................ 136
Daniel Gives Belshazzar a History Lesson (5:18-23)................................. 140
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting on the Wall (5:24-29)........................... 142
Belshazzar’s Death and Babylon’s Fall (5:30-31)...................................... 144
Preaching Outline: Responding with Perspective in a Careless World.................. 146
Introduction................................................................................................. 146
Proposition.................................................................................................. 147
Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 147
Conclusion.................................................................................................. 156
8. THE NARRATIVE IN DANIEL CHAPTER 6..................................................... 158
Interpretive Outline: Daniel in the Lion’s Den....................................................... 158
Daniel Is Exalted by Darius (6:1-3)............................................................ 159
The Plot Against Daniel (6:4-9).................................................................. 161
The Accusation and Condemnation of Daniel (6:10-18)............................ 164
The Deliverance from the Lion’s Den (6:19-25)........................................ 166
The King’s Decree (6:25-28)...................................................................... 169
Preaching Outline: Responding with Peace in the Midst of Chaos........................ 171
Introduction................................................................................................. 171
Proposition.................................................................................................. 172
Preaching Manuscript................................................................................. 172
Conclusion.................................................................................................. 180
9. KEEPING YOUR COOL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED UP......................... 181
The Cohesive Principle: God Is In Control............................................................. 181
The Principle of Poise (Daniel 1)............................................................................ 182
The Principle of Prayer (Daniel 2).......................................................................... 182
The Principle of Perseverance (Daniel 3)................................................................ 183
The Principle of Praise (Daniel 4)........................................................................... 183
The Principle of Perspective (Daniel 5).................................................................. 184
The Principle of Peace (Daniel 6)........................................................................... 185
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CONCLUSION............................................................................................................ 186
APPENDIX: HISTORICAL ISSUES IN DANIEL 1-6............................................... 187
BIBLIOGRAPHY....................................................................................................... 211
VITA........................................................................................................................... 226
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figures
1. INTERLOCKED CHIASTIC STRUCTURE OF DANIEL................................... 35
2. HEBREW BIBLE BOOK ARRANGEMENT....................................................... 36
3. NEW TESTAMENT QUOTATIONS AND APPEALS TO DANIEL.................. 39
4. DESCRIPTION OF OFFICIALS IN DANIEL 3................................................... 82
5. CHIASTIC STRUCTURE IN DANIEL 5:13-16................................................... 139
6. CALENDAR SYSTEMS OF DANIEL AND JEREMIAH................................... 188
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