Jan 1

 Daniel 7- 9

Chapter 7

this is one of the first prophetic chapters. As I read it, I feel like its talking about the end times, and that the last kingdom, the last beast that is being referenced, that one will come out in my time, and will be the last beast that will give me trouble and headache. it seems like the type of beast that will be purposely created to challenge us christians in our belief and trust in God. 

Chapter 8

the thing that caught my eye is the date. King Belshazzar period. this is during the period where Daniel was in the middle of the Babylonian rule. this one amuse me even more, it is the part where God revealed to Daniel the downfall of the Babylonian rule, and then the downfall of the Persian rule which is much after his time, followed by the downfall of the greek rule. But what had me curious..... the relevance of revealing the Babylonian rule's downfall to Daniel I can understand, because he is involved in it. But the Persians down fall and greek downfall? why does God reveal it to him? it is centuries after his time. And due to the revelation, Daniel fall sick, and was even troubled by it. But I got a feeling, this is the kinda things that Daniel loves knowing. especially because he is recognized as a sage, or a "spiritual knowledge knower in his time. so God revealed this kind of information to him, not just for him to tell everyone, but probably for pleasure.

Another part I found interesting, he got Gabriel to explain it to him instead of Jesus. Usually explaining visions and words up to this point I have found to be the work of Christ. but this time round, it was the messenger who was tasked with this role. 

Chapter 9

this part to me is also puzzling. not the part of confession and asking for revival, that part is consistent. but the part that is about why Daniel felt that God's hand of judgment is on Israel. it is the period where Medes and Persia conquered Babylon, so I would think this is the period there should be joy? also this is the period where the people of Israel, the exiles get to go back to Israel. somewhere around this period. so curious I feel.

Chapter 10

Dec 29

 Daniel 6 - 

reflection.

This is another one of those "exploits  of Daniel" parts of the bible that is most commonly quoted when people want to say "do something radical for God. I used to listen to it avidly, but now... I feel like it is under studied. there haven't been enough development or breaking down what could be found behind these scriptures.

As I read it, I see a political manipulation that we would generally see everyday. Some bunch of people felt jealous because their room for growth and space is being invaded, then they decided to oust the person that is hindering them, namely Daniel, and the way they plot is meant to dethrone him. But interestingly the plot hinges on making Daniel fail to obey God, or treat God... as God? 

So the true challenge I believe is more than just "are you scared to pray to God when persecution starts." Because how Daniel got caught.... is by praying 3 times a day, meaning, he is not even hiding, not even reducing his volume. Which I think is interesting. Daniel's a smart man, so when he heard of what happened, I am quite sure he would have had contingency plans, but he didn't use any of it, so I felt like there is something else that he is trying to do, but can't deduce what.