Daniel:
Esteemed by God
By Marilynn E. Hood
If you’ve always thought the book of Daniel was too complex to understand, here’s the good news: You don’t have to understand everything in order to benefit from its many timeless and beautiful messages. Remember, even Daniel himself did not understand everything that was revealed to him!
What we can understand are the examples for living that Daniel and his friends left for us to discover. They surrendered their lives to God and found a measure of peace, even when their very lives were threatened.
You, too, can enjoy that same measure of peace today. When your world shifts and starts to cave in on you, remember the unwavering faith of these men of old. Resolve to serve Him, no matter what may happen. After all, the same God who cared for them so long ago still cares for you today!
Answers to Thoughts to Ponder
Syllabus for Daniel
Bible & Inspirational Resources
Links to Websites Referenced
Does God care when things go wrong in our lives?
Daniel and his friends may have asked themselves that question as they faced captivity, unfair politics, and even death sentences. Time after time, Daniel asked God for help—for hope—and God answered! Although the accounts in Daniel may seem bit removed from the reality of life today, the truth is that the God who guided and protected His people back then is the same God who cares for you today.
The powerful stories and prophecies in the book of Daniel are exciting and, at times, confusing. In truth, not even Daniel himself understood everything he wrote about. But here’s the good news: He didn’t have to understand everything to have a close relationship with God; he simply needed to believe God and trust Him.
Daniel: Esteemed by God reveals the beautiful message of God’s faithful love and continual presence in our lives. What Daniel and his friends discovered remains true in today’s constantly changing world: God is in control. By relying on Him, you can find peace, even in the direst of circumstances.
Designed to be accessible for Bible students and novices alike, this book—with its short chapters, complete scripture references, and thought-provoking questions—makes this Old Testament book personally relevant. Most importantly, Daniel: Esteemed by God will help you better understand how to have a close relationship with God and experience His love in a deeper way.
Although raised in a very austere Mennonite home, I have always been fascinated by wonder, awe and mystery—the parts of my faith I could not fully understand. And my namesake book of Daniel shares wonderful stories of God speaking through dreams and visions. I love knowing we are seeing only the tip of the iceberg in understanding God—and even the world in which we live. Daniel: Esteemed By God is a welcome and refreshing guide to understanding more of the tiny divine insights we are privileged to experience if we have our spiritual eyes, ears, and minds attuned for the reception.
The book of Daniel can feel overwhelming. Honestly, it hasn't been one of my "favorites" to read; however, after reading this book, I found the book of Daniel to be really interesting from many perspectives. I especially appreciate how the author discusses the book of Daniel and makes it relevant to "everyday people.”
Marilynn leads the reader on a fascinating, easy-to-read journey through time. As she lays out the historical background for Daniel, she presents this biblical hero's difficulties in a way that feels as fresh and modern as any problem you or I might face today. For me, it read like a suspense novel I could not put down!
While we all seek to know, cherish, and glorify God more, with limited understanding of Biblical facts and truth, it’s easy to come up short. Thankfully, through the power of His Word, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to grow and mature in our walk. Marilynn Hood does a brilliant job of sharing her perspective on Daniel and the events surrounding his life. Her understanding and writing come from a pure and undiluted place of wanting to know and grow more. The layout and short chapters of this book make it an excellent choice for individual, group, and congregation-wide study.
Daniel: Esteemed By God is anything but a dry, historical accounting of an Old Testament book. It's a walk with the people through the events they faced, and it takes you right into the story as if you are experiencing it yourself. Is it historically and biblically accurate? Yes, but it reads more like an engaging novel than a crusty textbook. A great addition for your library!
Daniel is one of my favorite biblical heroes. This young man, who lost so much, sparkles against the dark and challenging circumstances of his life. Marilynn Hood sets the stage for understanding Daniel by providing the background and prophecies leading up to this somber period of Israel’s exile. She masterfully shows the hand of God at work in Daniel and how that same hand is at work for us. The short chapters and personal applications make this book appropriate for individual and group study. Daniel: Esteemed By God is a book for our times.
