Daniel-The Meaning of the Vision Scared Me

By Mary Vee
Daniel 8

From Daniel's Journal

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My name is Daniel.

Last time I wrote you about a vision I had in which the horn of a goat killed a ram.

While I watched the vision and tried to understand the meaning, a man stood close to me. 

I heard a man's voice calling from the canal where the animals fought, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision."

I was terrified when I realized the one coming to speak to me was an angel serving God. I fell to the ground and lay flat. 

"Son of man," he said to me, "this vision is about the end times."

While he spoke to me, I was in a deep sleep. My face to the ground. The angel touched me and raised me until I stood.

He said, "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the end times. The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will grow out from his nation but will not have the same power.

"A master of lies with a stern face will arise when rebels have become completely wicked. This king will become very strong, but not by his own power. 

"He will cause astounding destruction and will succeed in whatever he does. 
"He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 
"He will cause lies to prosper and he will consider himself superior. 

"When the people feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed. But not by human power.

"The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given to you is true. Seal up the vision for it concerns a time in the future."

I was exhausted and lay sick for several days. Then I was able to get up and do the king's business. 

The vision scared me. It was beyond my understanding even after hearing the meaning from the angel.

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1. Who had the vision?
2. Who told Gabriel to give Daniel the meaning of the vision?
3. What was the vision about?
4. After the angel finished speaking, what happened to Daniel?

Daniel- The Vision About Evil Days to Come

By Mary Vee
Daniel 8

From Daniel's Journal

This is a citadel in Jerusalem
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My name is Daniel.

Recently I had a vision about four beasts. Four horrible beasts. The sight upset me so much I couldn't think. Even after I was told the meaning of the vision. I kept the whole thing a secret.

Two years later, during the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, another vision came to me. This vision took me to the citadel of Susa. A citadel is a fortress on a high ground overlooking a village and Susa is a city southeast of where I have been a slave in Babylon.

In my vision, I stood by the Ulai Canal. Above me a ram with two horns also stood by the canal. Its horns were really long. And, oddly enough, one of the horns was longer than the other. 

The ram charged to the north, south, and west. No animal could stand against him. This ram did as he pleased and became great.

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The vision amazed me. As I thought about what the ram did, a goat with a horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth. The goat never touched the ground. He flew towards the ram and charged with a rage.

The goat attacked, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless and couldn't stand up against the goat's attack. The goat knocked the ram to the ground and trampled on him. No one even tried to rescue the ram.

The goat was like a super power, but at the end of this battle, his horn had broken. Four horns grew up in place of the one. They were facing the four winds of heaven.

A small horn grew out of one of the horns. It grew in power to the south and east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it touched the host of the heavens. The horn threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 

The horn said it was as great as the Prince of the host. It took away the daily sacrifices intended for the Prince and the place of the Prince's sanctuary was brought low.

Because of the rebellion, many of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given to the horn. It was successful in everything it did and truth was thrown to the ground.

I heard a holy one speaking, and a second holy one said, "How long will it take for all of these things to happen?"

The holy one said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary will be rebuilt.

The next time I write you, I will tell what this vision meant, according to God.

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1. Who had the vision?
2. What animal came first?
3. What was most amazing and scary about the first animal?
4. What animal came second?
5. What did the second animal do to the first one?
6. What power did the newest horn want?
7. So many terrible things will happen, according to this vision to Daniel. How long will it be before it happens?

Daniel-The Meaning of the Scary Beast Vision

By Mary Vee
Daniel 7

From Daniel's Journal

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My name is Daniel.

Recently I had a vision about four beasts. Four horrible beasts. The sight upset me so much I couldn't think. I asked one of those standing near me, "What is the true meaning of all of this?"

He said, "The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever--yes, for ever and ever."

I still didn't understand. I asked a few more questions. "Please, tell me the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and, I must confess, the most terrifying. The iron teeth and bronze claws--the beast that crushed and ate its victims. The one who trampled under its foot whatever was left.  

"And, please tell me about the ten horns on its head. Also about the one that spoke. The one that looked larger than the others and had eyes and a mouth that spoke. I saw it start a war against the saints. It was winning until the Ancient of Days came and gave judgement in favor of the saints of the Most High. Those saints then possessed the kingdom."

He said, "The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 

"The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will arise, different from the earlier ones. He will conquer three kings. He will speak against the Most High and will hurt his saints. He will try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for three and a half years.

"But the court will sit, and this evil one's power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. The power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom. All rulers will worship and obey him.

So this was the end of the vision and its meaning. I was so upset by my thoughts. My face turned pale, but I kept the whole thing a secret.
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1. Who had the vision?
2. Daniel mostly wanted to know about the which beast?
3. What was the fourth beast?
4. What were the ten horns?
5. After Daniel heard the meaning of the vision what did he do?

Daniel-Four Beasts Came Up From the Sea

By Mary Vee
Daniel 7

From Daniel's Journal

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My name is Daniel. I have worked in the palace of many Babylonian kings most of my life. This may sound like a wonderful job, but in truth, I am a slave. I am commanded to go here and there and ordered to do whatever the current king wants. 

I was very young when the Babylonians marched to my city of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, how I long to see you again. Sigh. 

I am much older now. And I am tired. Nebuchadnezzar has died. After him, these men followed as kings: Evil-Merodach, Neriglissar, Labashi-Marduk, Nabonidus, and now, Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus.

I'm not sure why, but each king has allowed me to continue working in the palace. I am asked to interpret dreams, explain events, and give advice. I only say words God tells me to say.

In the first year of Belshazzar's rule, I had a dream and visions passed through my mind as I lay on my bed. I wrote down the most important parts. These, I will share with you.

In my vision at night I looked, and there right in front of me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off then it stood on two feet like a man. The heart of a man was given to it.

The second beast looked like a bear. It stood up on one of its sides. In its mouth were three ribs between its teeth. Someone said, "Get up and eat your fill."

The third beast looked like a leopard. It had four wings on its back. Wings like a bird. This beast had four heads and was given the authority to rule.

The fourth beast was terrifying and frightening. So very powerful. It had large iron teeth and ten horns. It crushed and ate its victims and crushed underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the other beasts.

The horns interest me. A little horn appeared. It had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke. It said, 

"Thrones were set in place.
The Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow.
The hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands took care of his needs.
Ten thousand times ten thousands stood before him.
The court was seated.
And the books were opened."

I kept watching until the fourth beast was destroyed and thrown into the fire. The other beasts had their power taken away but were allowed to live for a period of time.

In my vision I saw one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He walked to the Ancient of Days and was given power, glory, and authority. All peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away. His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

This was my vision. Next time I will tell you the meaning God gave me.

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1. Who is the current king of Babylon?
2. Where is Daniel living and what is his job?
3. Describe the first beast.
4. Describe the second beast.
5. Describe the third beast.
6. Describe the fourth beast.
7. What happened to the beasts?
8. Who do you think is the one who came with the clouds of heaven?

Nebuchadnezzar-The Dream I Didn't Want To Come True

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose one of their brightest young men to serve me in my court. He calls himself Daniel, but I call him Belteshazzar

I had a scary dream. I asked Belteshazzar to tell me the meaning. He basically said God would punish me if I didn't ask forgiveness for my sins.

I figure I'm basically a good person. My great empire has done well so I must be doing a good job. Belteshazzar hasn't been wrong before. Maybe he misunderstood.

A year has past and nothing has happened to me. I guess I'm doing all right.

One morning I woke to a sweet scent in the air. I walked to the roof and breathed in the air. In the distance, I could see my empire. Everything looked good. Everything looked right. I said, "Isn't this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"

The words were still on my lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar--Your royal authority has been taken from you. 

"You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle. Seven years will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."

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Immediately, I was driven away from my people into the wild. I don't remember much of what happened during the seven years except I am told I ate grass like cattle. The dew of heaven drenched my body until I grew hair like the feathers of an eagle. My nails grew like the claws of a bird.

At the end of the time, I, Nebuchadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. I didn't pay attention to my looks, I immediately praised the Most High. I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Here is what I said:

"His dominion is an eternal dominion.
His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"

I didn't know what to expect from my royal advisors, but was really happy when they came looking for me. My honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

It is difficult to describe how I feel. I've been through quite a huge ordeal. One thing I do know, God is the one in charge, not me.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar had a scary ____________
2. In one year's time did Nebuchadnezzar change?
3. What happened at the end of the one year?
4. What happened seven years later?
5. Who did Nebuchadnezzar said he would praise?

Daniel-The Kings Frightening Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Daniel. I am a slave to the king of Babylon. My work is here in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace.

I am called upon whenever the king's advisors cannot answer his questions. He knows I will pray and ask God for what to say. He even encourages me to do so because then he will hear the right answer.

The answers, though are not necessarily something that will benefit the king. At least King Nebuchadnezzar is mostly interested in hearing the truth over what pleases him. Not all kings are this way.

Last time, Nebuchadnezzar told you about a dream he had. The dream came last night, and it scared him terribly. Scroll down to the last post to read the dream.

After he finished telling me the dream he said, "Belteshazzar," that is the name he calls me, even though my given name is Daniel. "Belteshazzar tell me what the dream means. Not one of the wise men in m kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."

I was thoroughly confused at the time. I prayed and God told me the meaning of the dream. My thoughts and the meaning of the dream terrified me. I couldn't speak, the meaning was so terrible.

King Nebechadnezzar finally said after I'd been quiet for such a long time, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you. Tell me what you know."

I took a deep breath and answered him. "My lord, if only the dream was meant for your enemies and its meaning for your adversaries! The tree you saw grew large and strong with its top touching the sky. It was visible to the whole earth with beautiful leaves and lots of fruit providing food for man and animal. It also gave shelter to the beasts of the field in addition to nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air. You, O king, are that tree!

"You have become great and strong. Your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky. Your kingdom extends to distant parts of the earth.

"You saw a messenger, a holy one from heaven who said, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump which is bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Leave the roots in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live like the wild animals for seven years.'"

I bowed my head. "This is the meaning of your dream, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against you, my lord. You will be driven away from people and live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven years will pass before you will acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and can give them to whom He wishes.

"The command to leave the stump and roots means your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Please, O king, accept my advice. Turn away from your sins by doing what is right. Turn from your wickedness by being kind to those who suffer. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.


Come back next time to read what King Nebuchadnezzar decided to do.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________
2. Why did Nebuchadnezzar call for Daniel's help with the dream?
3. What was the meaning of the dream, according to what God told Daniel?
4. What advice did Daniel give to King Nebuchadnezzar?

Daniel Tells Nebuchadnezzar His Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 2

From Daniel's Journal

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Arioch, the commander of the king's guard escorted me down the corridor. The last time we marched through to the king's chambers my friends and I were quizzed by king Nebuchadnezzar. I shook in the king's presence, knowing his power and cruel ways.

But this time-not so much.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that frightened him. He wanted his wise men to not only interpret it for him, but also tell him what the dream was. Of course these men couldn't. They worshipped idols.

God could. 

The guards said my friends and I would be killed with the others. That's when we prayed and asked God for help. God told me the meaning of the dream and now, here I am, on my way to the king's chambers to answer his questions. I have no fear in me. None at all. God has not only given me the answer, but also a sense of calm.

Arioch stopped at the king's door and said, "I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell you what the dream meant."

King Nebuchadnezzar sat forward and rested his head on his hand. "Can you tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?"

I shook my head. "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown you what will happen in the days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:

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"As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me not because I have a greater wisdom that other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and understand what it meant.

"Before you stood a large statue--an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. 

"While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken to pieces at the same time and became like powder. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.

Come back next time to see what the dream meant.
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1. Why did Daniel ask to go before the king?
2. What did Nebuchadnezzar ask Daniel?
3. What did Daniel answer?
4. What appeared in the dream?
5. What destroy most of the object?
6. Where did the rock turn into?
7. How did Daniel know what Nebuchadnezzar dreamed?

Daniel-The Life or Death Prayer

By Mary Vee
Daniel 2

From Daniel's Journal

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I didn't waste any time hurrying back to my quarters to tell my three friends the news.

"Daniel, you're back! What did the king say?"

I closed the door and spoke softly. "He had a dream that scared him. He wants it interpreted but he won't tell anyone what it was about. Since none of the wise men could tell him what the dream wass, he assumes they cannot give him the correct interpretation and has sentenced all of them, including us to death."

I was very proud of my friends for not crying out in panic. "I need all of us to pray. Pray from the deepest places of our heart that God will provide the answer to spare our lives. It's the only chance we have to survive this."

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego agreed. They went to their room promising to neither eat nor sleep until God provided an answer.

I did the same. I went to the window facing the east and dropped to my knees, asking God for mercy. To spare our lives by telling me what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed.  

I have no idea how much time went by before the answer came to me in a vision. A true and blessed gift from God. I praised and thanked God right away.

"Praise be to the name of God of ever and ever,
Wisdom and power are His...
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers.
You have given me wisdom and power.
You have made known to me what we asked of you.
You have made known to us the dream of the king."

I got up and ran to the door. "I must speak with the commander of the army, Arioch."

The guards at my door escorted me to Arioch. "He says he needs to speak to you."

"Well, what is it, Daniel?"

"Don't execute any of the wise men. My God has shown me the king's dream and the interpretation. Take me to the king so I can interpret it for him."

I must admit, the surprised look on his face was great to see. I thanked God again and followed him to the king's chambers.

Come back next time to see what happened.
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1. What did Daniel ask his friends to do?
2. When they left, what did Daniel do?
3. Why?
4. What did God do?
5. What did Daniel right after he knew the answer?
6. Where did Daniel want to go, right away?
7. What did he want to do there?

Dreams

By Mary Vee
Genesis 37:5-11

A chill breeze whipped through Joseph's tent. He shivered and yanked his blanket to his chin. I wish I could sleep. He yawned and rolled onto his side.

A few seconds later Joseph flopped over on his other side. I just know Simeon and Levi are going to pound me tomorrow for telling on them. Maybe they'll take off and leave me the work. That would be better than getting beat up.

Joseph squirmed again. At some point, he wasn't sure when, he found himself standing in a field binding sheaves with his brothers. Each one bundled his own sheaves then left the bundle lying on the ground. Joseph stepped back from his bundle. He reached down to gather more sheaves to bundle when something strange caught his eye.

He turned and watched his brothers bundled sheaves stand up on their own. His bundle stood as well. Joseph dropped the sheaves he gathered and blinked. He rubbed his eyes and then saw His brother's bundled sheaves bowed before his bundle.

Joseph shook his head and opened his eyes. He sat up in bed and took a deep breath. "Whoa. That was a weird dream." He opened the tent flap and gazed at the black sky dotted with stars. Still night out. Good. I can get some decent sleep

He closed the tent flap and crawled back into bed. Before Joseph knew it, morning came. He sauntered to the breakfast table. His brothers ignored him.

Jacob looked up. "Didn't you sleep well?"

"Actually, I had a weird dream. I dreamt we were binding sheaves in the field. My sheaf stood, as did all of yours. Then your sheaves bowed to mine."

His brothers faces became red. Simeon pounded his fist on the table. "Are you saying you're going to reign over us like some kind of king?" The brothers slammed their food on the table, got up, and stomped away.

That night Joseph had trouble getting to sleep again. He rolled around in his bed, yanked his blankets, and tried everything he knew to help him sleep. At some time, he found himself standing outside. The sun, moon, and eleven stars shone brightly in the sky. How weird. I've never seen stars, the sun and the moon at one time in the night sky. As he stood watching the sun, moon, and the eleven stars bowed to him. He took a step back and tripped. Before he landed on the ground he opened his eyes and realized it was a dream.

When Joseph sat at the breakfast table, Dan and Gad snickered and pointed at him. His other brothers joined in with their own mocking.

Jacob set his food down. "Didn't sleep well again, Son?"

"Ummm. I had another unusual dream. I dreamed the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed to me."

Jacob huffed. "You mean to say your mother, your brothers, and I will bow to the earth before you?"

Joseph kept quiet. His brothers turned to each other. "Why does he dream these dreams. Why is he the special one. Aren't we older? Shouldn't we have special dreams?"

Jacob stroked his beard. He didn't stop his sons from stomping away from the table. "Maybe you better not go with your brothers to care for the sheep today. You can help around here."

Joseph swallowed. "Thank you, Father."

No one seemed to know what to do about Joseph's dreams. His brothers were angry and jealous, his father was unsure, and Joseph didn't really know what to do either. When someone near you does something special do you get jealous? If they win an award or write the best story does that bother you? How does God want us to act when someone else does something better than us?