This is the third installment in the series I am teaching this fall on the “Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs”, which is a study on the Kings of Israel and Judah. In this portion of our study we are introduced to a young man who will eventually become the most renowned and most respected king of Israel – King David. The Scriptures do not provide any detail of his birth and early childhood years. We are introduced to him when he is a young lad and although we are not completely sure, he was probably just entering his teenage years at the time he faces Goliath the Philistine. This portion of our study focuses on David’s defeat of Goliath the giant and David’s early days in King Saul’s army. David quickly moves up the ranks and having already been anointed by Samuel as the next King of Israel, he will eventually win the hearts of the people and become their second king. David will work hard to unite all the tribes of Judah and Israel with a focus on following God wholeheartedly. David is far from a perfect man but he was regarded as a man after God’s own heart which means to me that his heart was in the right place. I am glad the Lord understands the heart of man and though our outward actions have consequences (some good and some bad) – the Lord knows the intent of our hearts and judges accordingly. David was no exception and being a man of faith in the Lord, his motives and actions were for the most part, guided by that faith.

Lesson 3 – King David (Student Copy)

Lesson 3 – King David (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 3 – King David Part I – PPT

This time in Israel’s history represents a shift in which they will no longer be recognized by their loose tribal affiliations with a Judge as their leader, but will experience a more centralized government that will have a king on the throne. By the time Samuel was born, the Israelites (as a whole) were extremely idolatrous and immoral and the need for a strong “spiritual leader” was more evident than ever. Samuel became that leader but the peoples desire for a king to rule continued to drive their demands to be like all the surrounding nations. In spite of Samuel’s warnings as to what this king would represent and how he would treat them….they wanted him anyway and God granted them their wish as He gave them Saul.

Lesson 2 – From Samuel to Saul (Student)

Lesson 2 – From Samuel to Saul (Teacher)

Lesson 2 – From Samuel to Saul (PPT)

I will be teaching this new series beginning this week (Thursday evening – September 19). This study “The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs” is my newest study that covers the period in the Old Testament known as the Kings. It covers approximately 440 years of Israel’s history and encompasses approximately 22 out of the 39 books of the Old Testament. It will last approximately 10 weeks. The first lesson provides the Biblical and historical background to the overall period of the Kings from the days of the Judges up to and including the final king of Judah before they were conquered by the Babylonians and taken into captivity.

Lesson 1 – Kings and Queens Overview (Student)

Lesson 1 – Kings and Queens Overview (Teacher)

Lesson A – Kings and Queens Overview PPT

Daniel 12 concludes the final vision that Daniel receives and makes reference to in Daniel 10:1; “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision”. In this chapter (Daniel 12) the focus is on the events surrounding the time of the end which matches up with the description of events by Jesus in Matthew 24:15-25 and those written by the Apostle John in the Book of The Revelation which we often refer to as the Tribulation. The rather short chapter of Daniel 12 (just 13 verses) does not have the same specific detail as we find in Daniel 11, but the fact remains that the Lord has a plan of blessing for the people of the Covenant and all who follow Him. The Lord also has a plan for those who remain in rebellion against Him and choose to ally themselves with Satan and his demons which Daniel briefly speaks about here. There may remain a few unanswered questions and items of concern for Daniel but one thing that he could be sure of was a future resurrection to righteousness and to receive that which he was promised. We too can be sure of a future hope that was provided through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross if we but trust and believe. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10)

I trust that you have enjoyed this study through the Book of Daniel and I would welcome and appreciate any thoughts or comments that you might have. I will be returning to the study that I had been working on titled “Kings and Queens – The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs” so be on the lookout for the completion of that study. God Bless you as you continue studying His Word.

Lesson 12 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part III – Daniel 12 (Student Copy)

Lesson 12 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part III – Daniel 12 (Teacher Copy)

Daniel 11 continues with an explanation of the vision that Daniel references in Daniel 10:1 in which he writes; “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision”. This vision which involved “great conflict” that impacted the lives of Daniel’s countrymen (the Jews) had serious consequences to the future of his people. The angel says to Daniel; “Now I have come to give you understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future” (Daniel 10:14). The information provided in Daniel 11 outline the future historical impact that the Persian and Greek Empire and its leaders have upon the people of the covenant (the Jews), and the detailed account which is future to Daniel will unfold in the later days just as it is described here. The recorded account here in Daniel 11 is so detailed that the skeptics claim that Daniel could not have written this and it had to have been authored by someone who actually lived through the events. I find this claim to be absurd and have no doubt that the vision that was given to Daniel along with its explanation was penned with the intent to show these as future prophetic events, some of which have yet to be fulfilled.

We are introduced to some significant character and world leaders such as Cyrus the king of Persia, Alexander the Great and Antiochus Epiphanes just to name a few. The text here also describes a number of significant battles and wars that are also supported by the historical record involving the Persian, Greek and Roman Empires. These various empires, more specifically the Greek Empire and its most despicable leader named Antiochus IV (AKA – Antiochus Epiphanes) will bring harm to and even persecute the people of the covenant until that divinely appointed time has run its course. This chapter also provides a glimpse toward the yet future events of the Great Tribulation described by Jesus in Matthew 24, Paul in II Thessalonians 2, and the Apostle John in The Revelation. This vision was very troubling to Daniel and rightfully so as it impacted his people the Jews and shows the ugly side of humanity as well as the evil influence of Satan and his demons. Although the chapter is full of persecution and oppression against the Jews, there is hope in Jesus Christ the Messiah who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This same Jesus will rule and reign in the final kingdom which is eternal and will never come to an end. All evil will one day be judged, and Satan and his evil powers will be banished to hell forever – on this you can be 100% sure!

Lesson 11 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part II – Daniel 11 (Student Copy)

Lesson 11 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part II – Daniel 11 (Teacher Copy)

Daniel 10 begins with these words; “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.” (Daniel 10:1).

This vision which is revealed in the last three chapters of Daniel (Chapters 10-12) contained an enormous amount of detail as to the great conflict that the people of Judah and Israel would face in their future. This vision which contained such detail about the future of the people of Judah and Israel was so concerning to Daniel that he mourned for 3 full weeks and during this time he abstained from the delicacies afforded to him because of his position in the government.

This final vision that Daniel shares in the remaining chapters of his book is one of epic importance to the people of God which no doubt weighed heavy on Daniel who is visited by an angel who many conclude is Gabriel. It is this angel who says to Daniel; “Now I have come to give you understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future” (Dan. 10:14. The visitation by this angel comes with an explanation of the battles that exist in the “spirit world” that go beyond our human comprehension and adds to Daniel’s concern and anguish, so much so that he becomes physically exhausted. The chapter concludes with Daniel being comforted by the angel and he then proceeds to describe the events to follow in chapter 11.

For more information feel free to contact me at mikesouthwick@gmail.com and if you are interested check out the tabs at the top of the home page (http://goodnewsbiblestudies.com) and click on Old Testament Studies for the full slide presentations and answers to the fill ins.

Lesson 10 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part I – Daniel 10 (Student Copy)

Lesson 10 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part I – Daniel 10 (Teacher Copy)

Daniel chapter 9 opens with a recognition by Daniel that the days of captivity for the people of Judah that was spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12) was coming to an end. The 70 year captivity by the Babylonians was the result of disobedience and sinful behavior by the people of Judah and that judgment had now run its course. The Persians conquered the Babylonians and Daniel understood that to mean that it was time for the people of Judah to repent of their sin and turn back to God and seek His blessing to restore them back to their home in Jerusalem. Daniel begins his prayer to the Lord by humbling himself, confessing his own sin and then begins to confess the sin of the people and acknowledges their disobedience to the Lord and His Law. He acknowledges the Lord as righteous and calls on Him to forgive the people and restore them to Himself. The answer to his prayer is delivered by the angel Gabriel who provides a detailed description of events that are intended to reveal what will transpire in the future for the people of Judah and Israel. The angel Gabriel declares that “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make and end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place” (Daniel 9:24). The full description of the vision details what will happen not just in the immediate future of the Jews but all the way forward toward  the time of the end known as the Tribulation which the Apostle John describes in greater detail in The Revelation. I will be continuing this series on Daniel at Valley View Church beginning after the New Year (2013) begins. For more information feel free to contact me at mikesouthwick@gmail.com and if you are interested check out the tabs at the top of the home page (http://goodnewsbiblestudies.com) and click on Old Testament Studies for the full slide presentations and answers to the fill ins.

Lesson 9 – Daniel’s Prayer – Looking Forward to the Future – Daniel 9 (Student Copy)

Lesson 9 – Daniel’s Prayer – Looking Forward to the Future – Daniel 9 (Teacher Copy)

Daniel chapter 8 focuses on the two empires of Persia and Greece. During the Persian control of the Middle East, the Israelites/Jews were permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their city, homes and temple. During the Greek dominion (particularly during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes) the city of Jerusalem and the temple were once again destroyed. The vision that Daniel records in chapter 8 actually took place during the reign of the Babylonian king Belshazzar making the events completely future or prophetic to Daniel at that time. We have the benefit of history and are able to see the fulfillment of much of these events during the course of historical Persian and Greek rule. There is a rather intriguing character (an insolent or brazen king) that Daniel sees in his vision who is probably fulfilled through the historical figure named Antiochus IV. This character actually has some unique and interesting parallels or foreshadowing to the “boastful one” that the Apostle John speaks of in Revelation 13 and who the Apostle Paul speaks of in II Thessalonians 2. Once again Daniel provides us with a clear understanding of God’s Prophetic Timetable and how that relates to you and I even today.

I will be continuing this series on Daniel at Valley View Church beginning after the New Year (2013) begins. For more information feel free to contact me at mikesouthwick@gmail.com and if you are interested check out the tabs at the top of the home page (http://goodnewsbiblestudies.com) and click on Old Testament Studies for the full slide presentations and answers to the fill ins.

Lesson 8 – The Vision of the Ram and the Goat – Daniel 8 (Student Copy)

Lesson 8 – The Vision of the Ram and the Goat – Daniel 8 (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 8 – The Vision of the Ram and the Goat – Daniel 8 (PPT)

Daniel begins chapter 7 by describing a new dream that he received during the reign of Belshazzar the king of Babylon. It is important to note that although chapter 6 records the fall of Babylon and the beginning of the Medo-Persian Empire, the dream that Daniel records for us in chapter 7 actually occurred prior to the events of chapter 6. The dream that Daniel describes in chapter 7 according to John Walvoord in his Commentary on Daniel, “is the most comprehensive and detailed prophesy of future events to be found anywhere in the Old Testament”.

Contained throughout this chapter is a record of future world events that occur in both the immediate future to Daniel as well as unfulfilled future events that will occur at the Time of the End which some refer to as the Tribulation. It will be during the Tribulation in which the one known as the son of destruction or the man of lawlessness (II Thessalonians 2:1-4) will be a fulfillment of this one that Daniel speaks of who will speak boastful, prideful and blasphemous against the Most High. This “little horn” as Daniel calls him will also set out to persecute and wage war against the saints of the Most High during the Time of Jacob’s Trouble as defined by Jeremiah the Prophet (Jeremiah 30:7), with the hopes of overthrowing the Lord Himself. This of course will not happen and judgment will come to all evil forces and the Lord will establish an eternal kingdom that will be ruled by Jesus Christ.

This dream that Daniel has is so compelling that it causes him great alarm and distress because much of what he sees impacts his brethren and those who will come after him. In the same way we should equally be concerned as the days that lie ahead appear to be moving in a direction where this final fulfillment of what Daniel describes will become a reality – are you ready?

One things is clear and that is that the Lord will triumph and evil will be destroyed and everyone will submit to the Lord one way or the other (Philippians 2:9-11). My prayer for you who read this is that you will choose to believe, trust and follow Jesus Christ who is the Only Way (John 14:6). I will be continuing this series on Daniel at Valley View Church beginning after the New Year (2013) begins. For more information feel free to contact me at mikesouthwick@gmail.com and if you are interested check out the tabs at the top of the home page (http://goodnewsbiblestudies.com) and click on Old Testament Studies for the full slide presentations and answers to the fill ins.

Lesson 7 – A Panorama of Future World History – Daniel 7 (Student Copy)

Lesson 7 – A Panorama of Future World History – Daniel 7 (Teacher)

Lesson 7 – A Panorama of Future World History – Daniel 7 (PPT)

The Medo-Persian Empire successfully conquers the Babylonians along with all its territories and during their 200 year + reign on earth they will also conquer and control the other kingdoms of Lydia and Egypt. This means they will continue to control and manage the Jews who still remained in Babylon. Sometime after the beginning of the reign of Cyrus, he will make a decree to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their city and their temple. Although Daniel will not write about this return to Jerusalem by the Jews (that will come later during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah), he will write about the beginning of this new Empire made up of the Medes and the Persians. As Daniel 6 begins, we quickly see that he is immediately placed in a position of trust and that was no doubt because of his consistent character of honesty and right living. Unfortunately, there will be those in the Medo-Persian Empire who will be jealous of Daniel’s success and he may well have been despised simply because he was Jewish. This will result in a number of government officials (satraps and commissioners) who will conspire together to encourage King Darius the Mede to make a decree that requires all of the subjects of the Empire to worship him and him alone.  Daniel of course will continue in his worship of the Lord and that violates the new decree by the king which causes Daniel to be thrown into the Lion’s den. The Lord miraculously intervenes and delivers Daniel from the lions and this results in Daniel influencing Darius so much that he too considers the God of Daniel to be the Most High God. It is thus easy to draw the conclusion that Daniel will also at a later time influence King Cyrus in such a positive way that at the time in which the Lord determined – King Cyrus will make a decree to allow the Jews to return to their home in Jerusalem.

This lesson “A Tribute to a Life of Faith” illustrates the consistent character of Daniel no matter what the outward circumstances may be and he chose not to violate his beliefs even if it meant putting his life at risk. We have much to learn from such a humble and dedicated man of God. For more information take a look at the complete lesson or feel free to contact me for the answers to the fill in blanks. I will be teaching this series in the fall at Valley View Church in Lincoln – contact me for more details – mikesouthwick@gmail.com

Lesson 6 – A Tribute to a Life of Faith – Daniel 6 (Student copy)

Lesson 6 – A Tribute to a Life of Faith – Daniel 6 (Teacher)

Lesson 6 – A Tribute to a Life of Faith – Daniel 6 (PPT)