The apocalyptic visions of Daniel

Bible crossword puzzle 12

Based on material in chapter 17, Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese

Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?

crossword puzzle grid

ACROSS

2 The kind of writing that deals with the future and especially the end of human history
4 This Bible book contains stories about a fiery furnace and a den of lions. Much of the book is apocalyptic.
5 One way in which people in the ancient world understood that gods communicated with human beings

DOWN

1 Babylon's most prominent and powerful monarch
3 According to Daniel, the one whose Kingdom will never be destroyed and who "wins" in the end

This crossword puzzle was created for use in the course Introduction to Biblical Literature. The words and clues come from the textbook Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities edited by Alex Varughese and published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, now called The Foundry.

Takeaways from the Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel can be divided into two sections. The first six chapters narrate Daniel's experiences in the Babylonian court, including his interpretation of dreams and his deliverance from a lion's den. The last six chapters are mainly apocalyptic visions and prophecies.
One of the well-known stories in Daniel is the account of his three friends -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- who refused to bow down to a golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. Thrown into a fiery furnace, the three young men were protected by God.
The faithfulness, courage, and trust in God, even in the face of persecution, that we see in Daniel have made the book a source of inspiration for God's people.

-- Howard Culbertson,

What did Daniel Write About?

The Old Testament Book of Daniel is a fascinating blend of history and prophecy. It tells the story of Daniel, a young Israelite taken into Babylonian captivity. There, he rises to prominence in the royal court due to his exceptional wisdom and unwavering faith in God. The first half of Daniel recounts his experiences in the Babylonian court, including his interpretation of dreams for King Nebuchadnezzar and his own miraculous deliverance from the lions' den. The second half focuses on apocalyptic visions that give insight into future events and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The Book of Daniel is a testimony to the power of faith amid adversity and the certainty of divine providence.