![]() God is coming to overthrow the corrupt and arrogant pagan kingdoms where God’s people are living in exile. This structure makes the big picture of Daniel clear. Vision of the future overthrow of pagan kingdoms and their replacement by God’s rule (chapters 7-12) Sufferings, yet rewards, for faithful witnesses to God in the meantime (chapter 6)Ī. Humbling/overthrow of the pagan king (chapter 5)ī. Humbling/overthrow of the pagan king (chapter 4)Ĭ. Sufferings, yet rewards, for faithful witnesses to God in the meantime (chapter 3)Ĭ. Vision of the future overthrow of pagan kingdoms and their replacement by God’s rule (chapter 2)ī. In Daniel, chapter one is an introduction, and then the nested parallels begin:Ī. Part 2 of each theme is more difficult, but referring back to the corresponding Part 1 makes it easier to make sense of the more difficult passages. In Daniel, the Part 1 of each theme is relatively straightforward. This structure is common in many books of the Bible. For example, Theme A in Daniel consists of a vision in Part 1 and a parallel vision in Part 2, while Theme B has sufferings in part 1 and more sufferings in part 2. To help the reader keep track of which theme is which, the writer highlights parallel elements in both Parts of each theme. This structure consists of multiple themes, introduced in the order ABC…, then revisited in reverse order, forming a structure like this: That framework is a nested parallelism structure (in technical terms, a “chiasm”). In any case, Daniel, like Revelation - the other book-length apocalypse in the Bible - provides much valuable material relevant to work.Īs it happens, the Book of Daniel offers a ready-made framework for unpacking its meaning in the workplace. The apocalyptic genre is notoriously difficult to interpret, yet this material does contribute a few points to our understanding of work. At the halfway point (chapter 7), the book becomes unmistakably apocalyptic, portending the rise and fall of future kings and kingdoms, using imagery of bizarre events and creatures. But the narrative becomes increasingly strange as dreams, visions and prophecies come into the picture. ![]() He must speak up to difficult bosses, make moral choices, and deal with competitive colleagues. It begins straightforwardly enough, with Daniel and his companions facing pressure to assimilate to the pleasures and vices of the Babylonian royal court. The Big Picture of the Book of Daniel Back to Table of Contents Back to Table of Contents The story of how he navigates these treacherous waters is both guidebook and case study for today’s workplace Christians. Instead he embarks on a promising career while remaining publicly devoted to God. Should he withdraw from the corrupt and profane Babylonian government and seek a life pleasing to God in an enclave among other Jews? Should he relegate his faith to a private, personal sphere, perhaps praying to God in his closet, while living the life of Babylonian power and influence indistinguishably from those around him? Daniel chooses neither. Yet circumstances bring him to a position of high opportunity in the service of the Babylonian king. Exiled from Jerusalem when God’s people are conquered by the Babylonian empire, he must live out his life in an environment very hostile to the Most High God. Daniel, the central character of the Book of Daniel, faces the question under extreme circumstances, providing and example that may be helpful in twenty-first-century workplaces. Is it possible to thrive at work while following God? People in all kinds of workplaces face this question daily, and many find the answer so difficult they are tempted to give up. Renewing Our Vision for Impacting the Workplace With the Gospel (Video) Introduction to Daniel Back to Table of Contents Back to Table of Contents Learning From the Psalms How to Pray Through Your Work.Beyond Rank and Power: What Philemon Tells Us About Leadership.Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel at Work.10 Key Points About Work in the Bible Every Christian Should Know.Daniel and Work | Bible Commentary | Theology of Work Bootstrap
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