2025 Daily Devotional
July 8-14
July 8 Reading: Daniel Chapters 7-8
Takeaways
1. The Setting: Daniel 7
Chapter 7 takes place during the first year of King Belshazzarâs reign, around 14 years before the events in Chapter 5. Daniel has a dream like Nebuchadnezzarâs dream in Chapter 2.
Chapter 7 takes place during the first year of King Belshazzarâs reign, around 14 years before the events in Chapter 5. Daniel has a dream like Nebuchadnezzarâs dream in Chapter 2.
2. Danielâs Dream
The winged lion refers to Babylon. The Bear refers to the Medo-Persian Empire. The Leopard refers to the Greek Empire as Alexander the Great conquered the world faster than anyone. The fourth beast refers to the Roman Empire.
Daniel states these beasts are four kings/kingdoms (7:17), like the dream in chapter 2. Like Chapter 2, the Roman Empire goes away, but is revived in the end. Ultimately, Jesus overcomes the kingdom of the Antichrist, who is the horn mentioned in 7:20.
The winged lion refers to Babylon. The Bear refers to the Medo-Persian Empire. The Leopard refers to the Greek Empire as Alexander the Great conquered the world faster than anyone. The fourth beast refers to the Roman Empire.
Daniel states these beasts are four kings/kingdoms (7:17), like the dream in chapter 2. Like Chapter 2, the Roman Empire goes away, but is revived in the end. Ultimately, Jesus overcomes the kingdom of the Antichrist, who is the horn mentioned in 7:20.
3. The Setting: Daniel 8
Chapter 8 begins in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar (Chapters 7 and 8 record visions that Daniel had before the events in Chapter 5).
While Daniel was out of town on business for the king, he received a vision. He saw a ram, a goat, and a little horn. The angel gave him the interpretation.
Chapter 8 begins in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar (Chapters 7 and 8 record visions that Daniel had before the events in Chapter 5).
While Daniel was out of town on business for the king, he received a vision. He saw a ram, a goat, and a little horn. The angel gave him the interpretation.
4. The Vision
Daniel saw a ram with two horns. Verse 20 indicates that the horns were the kings of Media and Persia. He then saw a goat, which verse 21 says is the king of Greece. The great horn between the goatâs eyes destroyed the ramâs horns.
Alexander the Great defeated the Medo-Persian Empire. The horn was broken, and four notable ones replaced it (8:8). When Alexander died, the Greek Empire was divided among his four generals.
Daniel saw a ram with two horns. Verse 20 indicates that the horns were the kings of Media and Persia. He then saw a goat, which verse 21 says is the king of Greece. The great horn between the goatâs eyes destroyed the ramâs horns.
Alexander the Great defeated the Medo-Persian Empire. The horn was broken, and four notable ones replaced it (8:8). When Alexander died, the Greek Empire was divided among his four generals.
5. The Little Horn
From the four horns arose a little horn that was a king who destroyed, persecuted Godâs people, and other things. This was fulfilled by the Greek King Antiochus IV in 198 B.C. as recorded in history books.
This is also a prophecy of the Antichrist, who will do all of the same things at the end to Godâs people. He will obtain the kingdom by flatteries, persecute Godâs people, and rise against God (8:9-14, 23-26).
From the four horns arose a little horn that was a king who destroyed, persecuted Godâs people, and other things. This was fulfilled by the Greek King Antiochus IV in 198 B.C. as recorded in history books.
This is also a prophecy of the Antichrist, who will do all of the same things at the end to Godâs people. He will obtain the kingdom by flatteries, persecute Godâs people, and rise against God (8:9-14, 23-26).
Application
Daniel receives many prophecies concerning world history and especially that of Israel. Nearly all of Danielâs prophecies have already come to pass and can be verified in history. This makes the Bible very reliable, as the prophecies contained in it have been fulfilled, most notably Israel becoming a nation again in 1948.
Understanding that prophecies really were told and fulfilled in the Bible shows us that the Bible can be trusted. If the Bible is reliable, then the God of the Bible is reliable and can be trusted. When you are at your lowest, trust in the LORD and know that He hears your prayers because His Word says so.
July 9 Reading: Daniel Chapter 5-6
Takeaways
1. The Setting: Daniel 5
The best estimate is that 60 years have passed between the events of Chapters 4 and 5. (Chapters 7-8 also take place before Chapter 5)
Belshazzar is the king of Babylon and is the 5th king since Nebuchadnezzar. This is near the end of Belshazzarâs reign as He openly mocks God, and Babylon is conquered by the Medes.
The best estimate is that 60 years have passed between the events of Chapters 4 and 5. (Chapters 7-8 also take place before Chapter 5)
Belshazzar is the king of Babylon and is the 5th king since Nebuchadnezzar. This is near the end of Belshazzarâs reign as He openly mocks God, and Babylon is conquered by the Medes.
2. The Writing on the Wall
Belshazzar throws a party and brings out idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. They drank wine and praised their idols, but they also brought out golden vessels from the temple of Jerusalem and mixed holy items with their idol worship.
The fingers of a manâs hand appeared and wrote what is now known as the âhandwriting on the wall.â It troubled the king, and he asked for someone to interpret the writing. He also offered a reward. Daniel comes to interpret, and despite King Belshazzar having heard of Daniel, the king did not think to ask him. Daniel spells out all of Belshazzarâs sinful pride.
Belshazzar throws a party and brings out idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. They drank wine and praised their idols, but they also brought out golden vessels from the temple of Jerusalem and mixed holy items with their idol worship.
The fingers of a manâs hand appeared and wrote what is now known as the âhandwriting on the wall.â It troubled the king, and he asked for someone to interpret the writing. He also offered a reward. Daniel comes to interpret, and despite King Belshazzar having heard of Daniel, the king did not think to ask him. Daniel spells out all of Belshazzarâs sinful pride.
3. Daniel Interprets the Writing on the Wall
The writing on the wall contained four words: âMene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsinâ (Mene=Numeration, Tekel=Weighing, Upharsin=Division)
The interpretation: âGod has numbered your kingdom and finished it. You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.â
The writing on the wall contained four words: âMene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsinâ (Mene=Numeration, Tekel=Weighing, Upharsin=Division)
The interpretation: âGod has numbered your kingdom and finished it. You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.â
4. Daniel Promoted and the Kingdom Falls
Because he was able to give the interpretation to the king, Daniel was made the third ruler in the kingdom. However, King Belshazzar died. The Persian king Cyrus gave Babylon to Darius the Mede, who was a sub-king or co-ruler under Cyrus.
Because he was able to give the interpretation to the king, Daniel was made the third ruler in the kingdom. However, King Belshazzar died. The Persian king Cyrus gave Babylon to Darius the Mede, who was a sub-king or co-ruler under Cyrus.
5. The Setting: Daniel 6
After Belshazzarâs death, Darius the Mede took over. Daniel was made one of the three princes/governors over Babylon under Darius. The other rulers did not like that Daniel was preferred by the king because of his excellent spirit (6:3). They plotted against him and used the vanity of the king to entrap him into sentencing Daniel to death.
6. The Plot Against Daniel
The other leaders went to the king and established a royal statute that no man may petition a god or another man, except King Darius, for thirty days. It was to be unbreakable according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. Darius signed it. (Daniel 6:5-8)
They caught Daniel praying, and they accused him before Darius. Darius knew he was deceived. He felt terrible and tried to deliver Daniel, but could not.
The other leaders went to the king and established a royal statute that no man may petition a god or another man, except King Darius, for thirty days. It was to be unbreakable according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. Darius signed it. (Daniel 6:5-8)
They caught Daniel praying, and they accused him before Darius. Darius knew he was deceived. He felt terrible and tried to deliver Daniel, but could not.
7. Daniel in the Lionâs Den and the Aftermath
Darius knew Danielâs God would save him, and He did. He shut the mouths of the lions. Once Daniel was free, Darius found those who accused Daniel and threw them and their families into the lionâs den, and they died.
Darius knew Danielâs God would save him, and He did. He shut the mouths of the lions. Once Daniel was free, Darius found those who accused Daniel and threw them and their families into the lionâs den, and they died.
A new decree was made that all would respect Danielâs God. Daniel continued to prosper in Babylon.
Application
Belshazzar was interested in lavish living rather than taking care of his kingdom. He was full of pride and arrogance. While it was common for gentile rulers to participate in idol worship, he openly desecrated the holy things of God during his party. Judgment came swiftly.
Never be envious of the world. Everything perishes in the end. Be like Daniel and seek to speak the Word of the LORD in the lives of people around you. There are good rewards here, but nothing is better than what our Heavenly reward will be.
Never be envious of the world. Everything perishes in the end. Be like Daniel and seek to speak the Word of the LORD in the lives of people around you. There are good rewards here, but nothing is better than what our Heavenly reward will be.
Daniel was preferred in Chapter 6 because he was wise and carried himself well. He was not deceitful like the other rulers were. As Christians, it is important to be good employees. Our boss and coworkers should trust us, and we should be seen as people with integrity.
This not only will help us as we go through difficult situations on the job, but it will also open up opportunities to share the Gospel with those around us. Pray for your co-workers and boss. They will go through hard times, and it is our job to be a blessing and, ultimately, a witness to them. We must first begin by being a good employee. No one will listen to wise words from a bad employee.
This not only will help us as we go through difficult situations on the job, but it will also open up opportunities to share the Gospel with those around us. Pray for your co-workers and boss. They will go through hard times, and it is our job to be a blessing and, ultimately, a witness to them. We must first begin by being a good employee. No one will listen to wise words from a bad employee.
July 10 Reading: Daniel Chapter 9
Takeaways
1. Daniel 9 - The Seventy Weeks
Daniel knew the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning captivity had been fulfilled (9:2). Daniel prayed for Israel, confessing its sins before God. God sent Gabriel to give Daniel understanding and a vision. This vision laid out 70 seven-year periods that add up to 490 years of prophecy for Israel.
These 70 weeks, or 490 years, contain the rebuilding of the temple, when the Messiah will die, and the reign of the Antichrist in the end time.
Daniel knew the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning captivity had been fulfilled (9:2). Daniel prayed for Israel, confessing its sins before God. God sent Gabriel to give Daniel understanding and a vision. This vision laid out 70 seven-year periods that add up to 490 years of prophecy for Israel.
These 70 weeks, or 490 years, contain the rebuilding of the temple, when the Messiah will die, and the reign of the Antichrist in the end time.
2. What Happens During the Seventy Weeks?
The purpose of the prophecy is that, at its conclusion, God will usher in His Kingdom (9:24). The first seven weeks (49 years) is to rebuild Jerusalem. This was fulfilled in 444 B.C. by King Artaxerxes in Nehemiah 2:1-8. Jerusalem was finished in 395 B.C., 49 years later. Next, sixty-two sevens would be added (Daniel 9:25), which is 434 years, when the Messiah is killed/cut off (9:25-26). Using 360-day years in the Jewish calendar, this puts the time of Messiah being cut off in AD 33. This fulfills 69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks (490 years).
The âmissing weekâ is described in Daniel 9:27 when the Antichrist makes a seven-year covenant and breaks it in the middle of it (3 ½ years into it). This is during the Great Tribulation. All of this is prophesied right in Daniel.
The purpose of the prophecy is that, at its conclusion, God will usher in His Kingdom (9:24). The first seven weeks (49 years) is to rebuild Jerusalem. This was fulfilled in 444 B.C. by King Artaxerxes in Nehemiah 2:1-8. Jerusalem was finished in 395 B.C., 49 years later. Next, sixty-two sevens would be added (Daniel 9:25), which is 434 years, when the Messiah is killed/cut off (9:25-26). Using 360-day years in the Jewish calendar, this puts the time of Messiah being cut off in AD 33. This fulfills 69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks (490 years).
The âmissing weekâ is described in Daniel 9:27 when the Antichrist makes a seven-year covenant and breaks it in the middle of it (3 ½ years into it). This is during the Great Tribulation. All of this is prophesied right in Daniel.
Application
Daniel's prayer is motivated by his study of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the 70 years of desolation for Jerusalem. This teaches us the importance of grounding our prayers in God's Word and His promises. We should study the Bible to understand God's will and then pray accordingly.
Daniel 9 also builds our faith by helping us to realize Godâs Word is true because of fulfilled prophecies and because the Messiah really did live, die, and rise again. Daniel 9 points us to our Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, while also providing a historically accurate biblical timeline.
We really can trust God because He has unwavering faithfulness to His promises.
July 11 Reading: Daniel Chapters 10-12
Takeaways
1. The Setting
The visions in Daniel 10, 11, and 12 all go together. Chapter 10 begins with Daniel being troubled over a vision. He then saw an angel, and the angel comforted him. Chapter 11 predicts almost 400 years of world history with incredible accuracy. Chapter 12 reveals Godâs command to Daniel to shut up the words of the prophecy of this book until the end.
The visions in Daniel 10, 11, and 12 all go together. Chapter 10 begins with Daniel being troubled over a vision. He then saw an angel, and the angel comforted him. Chapter 11 predicts almost 400 years of world history with incredible accuracy. Chapter 12 reveals Godâs command to Daniel to shut up the words of the prophecy of this book until the end.
2. Chapter 11âs Prophecies Part 1
Four Persian kings were described. Historically, after Cyrus came Cambyses, Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspis; and the fourth richest king was Xerxes. He was overthrown by Alexander the Great from Greece. This ties into the prophecy in Daniel 8. The goat (Greece) conquered the Persians (the ram) (11:1-2).
The mighty king who arose was Alexander the Great, and the Bible says his kingdom will be divided four ways. Historically, Greece was divided among his four generals (11:3-4).
From here, there are prophecies of war, a marriage to unite northern and southern kings, and other conflicts mentioned in 11:5-36. These are all documented in history and predict armies led by historical figures, such as Ptolemy (I through VI), Seleucus, and Antiochus (I through IV).
Four Persian kings were described. Historically, after Cyrus came Cambyses, Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspis; and the fourth richest king was Xerxes. He was overthrown by Alexander the Great from Greece. This ties into the prophecy in Daniel 8. The goat (Greece) conquered the Persians (the ram) (11:1-2).
The mighty king who arose was Alexander the Great, and the Bible says his kingdom will be divided four ways. Historically, Greece was divided among his four generals (11:3-4).
From here, there are prophecies of war, a marriage to unite northern and southern kings, and other conflicts mentioned in 11:5-36. These are all documented in history and predict armies led by historical figures, such as Ptolemy (I through VI), Seleucus, and Antiochus (I through IV).
3. Chapter 11âs Prophecies Part 2
Chapter 11 also deals with the prophecy of the Antichrist, the man whom the devil will enter and rule during the Great Tribulation. He will exalt himself above every god (11:37-45).
Chapter 11 also deals with the prophecy of the Antichrist, the man whom the devil will enter and rule during the Great Tribulation. He will exalt himself above every god (11:37-45).
4. Daniel 12
Daniel was told that in the end, people would ârun to and froâ and that knowledge would increase. We certainly know knowledge has increased. Knowledge doubles every 18 months, which is staggering. âTo and froâ may refer to world travel, which has increased exponentially in the last 100 years.
Daniel was told to seal up the words to this book until the time of the end. It was not for Daniel to understand but for those living near the end.
Daniel was told that in the end, people would ârun to and froâ and that knowledge would increase. We certainly know knowledge has increased. Knowledge doubles every 18 months, which is staggering. âTo and froâ may refer to world travel, which has increased exponentially in the last 100 years.
Daniel was told to seal up the words to this book until the time of the end. It was not for Daniel to understand but for those living near the end.
Application
The book of Daniel can be applied in many ways. We can look to the life of Daniel and learn to stand when the world is against us. We can trust that God will prosper us, even when we go through difficult trials. We can know that God will be with us during persecution and when false accusations are made. We can trust the Word of God because it prophesies concerning future events, and those prophecies come true.
Most of all, Daniel teaches us that we have a God who loves us and will do whatever it takes to help us into a relationship with Him. He provides all of these things to strengthen us and help us to be able to bear the cares of this world.
Most of all, Daniel teaches us that we have a God who loves us and will do whatever it takes to help us into a relationship with Him. He provides all of these things to strengthen us and help us to be able to bear the cares of this world.
July 12 Reading: Ezra Chapter 1
Takeaways
1. The Setting
The book of Ezra begins during the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, 538 B.C. Cyrus wanted someone to build a house for the LORD in Jerusalem because the LORD stirred up his spirit. Ezra stated that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled.
This refers to prophecies from Jeremiah 25:8-13 and Jeremiah 29:10-14. Cyrus was also mentioned by name 150 years before he was born in Isaiah 44:28-45:5 as being used by God to build the temple in Jerusalem.
The book of Ezra begins during the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, 538 B.C. Cyrus wanted someone to build a house for the LORD in Jerusalem because the LORD stirred up his spirit. Ezra stated that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled.
This refers to prophecies from Jeremiah 25:8-13 and Jeremiah 29:10-14. Cyrus was also mentioned by name 150 years before he was born in Isaiah 44:28-45:5 as being used by God to build the temple in Jerusalem.
2. The Decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-11)
Cyrus declared that the LORD God of heaven had commanded him to build God a house in Jerusalem. Judah, Benjamin, the priests, and the Levites rose to go and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. The LORD moved on their spirits as well. Many people freely gave gold, silver, and other items needed for the temple.
Cyrus also returned all the items and articles of the previous temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and put in the temple of the gods of Babylon.
Cyrus declared that the LORD God of heaven had commanded him to build God a house in Jerusalem. Judah, Benjamin, the priests, and the Levites rose to go and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. The LORD moved on their spirits as well. Many people freely gave gold, silver, and other items needed for the temple.
Cyrus also returned all the items and articles of the previous temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and put in the temple of the gods of Babylon.
Application
The LORD stirred up the spirits of Cyrus and the people to return to Jerusalem and build. May our hearts and spirits be stirred to dedicate our lives to the work of the LORD and to the reaching of the lost. What is the LORD stirring you to do for His Kingdom?
July 13 Reading: Ezra Chapters 2 & 3
Takeaways
1. The Setting â Ezra 2
This chapter contains the list of those who were carried away to Babylon but returned to Jerusalem.
This chapter contains the list of those who were carried away to Babylon but returned to Jerusalem.
2. Who were Zerubbabel and Jeshua?
Zerubbabel, mentioned first among the names in Ezra 2:2, was the grandson of King Jehoiachin of Judah and is listed in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:12-13. The prophet Haggai stated that Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah (Haggai 1:1). He would have been appointed by King Cyrus of Persia. Since he was the grandson of the last king to reign, it made sense that he would be the governor.
Jeshua (sometimes spelled Joshua) was a High Priest (Zechariah 3:1) and helped Zerubbabel rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Zerubbabel, mentioned first among the names in Ezra 2:2, was the grandson of King Jehoiachin of Judah and is listed in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:12-13. The prophet Haggai stated that Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah (Haggai 1:1). He would have been appointed by King Cyrus of Persia. Since he was the grandson of the last king to reign, it made sense that he would be the governor.
Jeshua (sometimes spelled Joshua) was a High Priest (Zechariah 3:1) and helped Zerubbabel rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
3. The Setting â Ezra 3
The Israelites began to get back to their scheduled worship and feasts. Verse 3:1 says âthe seventh month,â which is when they would have celebrated the fall feasts: Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The people were united (Ezra 3:1).
They were going to lay the foundation for the new temple.
They were going to lay the foundation for the new temple.
4. The Rebuilding of the Altar
Zerubbabel and Jeshua built the altar for burnt offerings. They needed to atone for sin before building the temple. The Feast of Tabernacles was specifically named here as one of the feasts they kept. It was a feast of rejoicing, which is understandable since they were able to return to their land.
Zerubbabel and Jeshua built the altar for burnt offerings. They needed to atone for sin before building the temple. The Feast of Tabernacles was specifically named here as one of the feasts they kept. It was a feast of rejoicing, which is understandable since they were able to return to their land.
5. The Laying of the Foundation
They began to work, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and appointed Levites who were at least twenty years old. The builders laid the foundation while the priests, in their apparel, stood with the Levites. They had trumpets and cymbals and praised the LORD, giving thanks.
There was a great shout that could be heard from afar off. Some of the older people wept because this temple would not be as great as Solomon's temple.
They began to work, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and appointed Levites who were at least twenty years old. The builders laid the foundation while the priests, in their apparel, stood with the Levites. They had trumpets and cymbals and praised the LORD, giving thanks.
There was a great shout that could be heard from afar off. Some of the older people wept because this temple would not be as great as Solomon's temple.
Application
How great it must have been to go back to their own land and return to worshiping the LORD out of Jerusalem. They recaptured their identity. Let us never take our identity for granted and let us take every opportunity to praise the LORD, especially since we know He is Jesus.
July 14 Reading: Ezra Chapter 4
Takeaways
1. The Setting â Ezra 4
Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin wanted to build with Israel and claimed to seek God as they did. This was unlikely, or they knew their proposal would be rejected, as it was. The adversaries decided to do all they could to stop the building project.
Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin wanted to build with Israel and claimed to seek God as they did. This was unlikely, or they knew their proposal would be rejected, as it was. The adversaries decided to do all they could to stop the building project.
2. Zerubbabel Refused the Adversariesâ Offer
Zerubbabel and Jeshua said they (the adversaries) had nothing to do with Israel. The people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled them in building. They hired counsellors against them to frustrate their purpose (Ezra 4:1-5).
Zerubbabel and Jeshua said they (the adversaries) had nothing to do with Israel. The people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled them in building. They hired counsellors against them to frustrate their purpose (Ezra 4:1-5).
3. Continued Resistance
The adversaries were likely Samaritans. They troubled Israel through the reigns of Cyrus, Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, and Darius. This went on from 539 B.C. through 424 B.C.
During the reign of Ahasuerus, they wrote to him about the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. They wrote letters to Artaxerxes to spell out a case against the building of the temple and describe the losses the government would have in order to get the building to stop. Much of what was said to the king were lies. Artaxerxes wrote back and commanded the work to cease because of Jerusalemâs past.
The work ceased after King Artaxerxesâ letter and did not continue until the 2nd year of the reign of Darius (Ezra 4:6-24).
The adversaries were likely Samaritans. They troubled Israel through the reigns of Cyrus, Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, and Darius. This went on from 539 B.C. through 424 B.C.
During the reign of Ahasuerus, they wrote to him about the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. They wrote letters to Artaxerxes to spell out a case against the building of the temple and describe the losses the government would have in order to get the building to stop. Much of what was said to the king were lies. Artaxerxes wrote back and commanded the work to cease because of Jerusalemâs past.
The work ceased after King Artaxerxesâ letter and did not continue until the 2nd year of the reign of Darius (Ezra 4:6-24).
Application
Do not be surprised if you receive resistance when you try to do something for God. The enemy will do whatever he can to stir up your neighbors, coworkers, and, unfortunately, even your own family or church family, to discourage you. Be sure that what you are doing lines up with the Word of God and that your motives are good. From there, trust God and allow Him to lead you.
What would you try if you knew the LORD would support you?
What would you try if you knew the LORD would support you?