Foreword
During this quarter the Sabbath Bible Lessons will focus on Lessons From the Book of Daniel.
We are counseled to “read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men, and lay human glory in the dust. God alone is represented as great. In the vision of the prophet He is seen casting down one mighty ruler, and setting up another. He is revealed as the monarch of the universe, about to set up His everlasting kingdom–the Ancient of days, the living God, the Source of all wisdom, the Ruler of the present, the Revealer of the future. Read, and understand how poor, how frail, how short-lived, how erring, how guilty is man in lifting up his soul unto vanity. . . .
“The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass.”–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1166.
Daniel, as a person, was recognized for his piety and uprightness–not only in after generations because of his writings–but also by the contemporary prophet Ezekiel. (See Ezekiel 14:19, 20; 28:3.) “The prophet Daniel was an illustrious character. He was a bright example of what men may become when united with the God of wisdom.”–The Sanctified Life, p. 18.
“In Daniel God placed a light beside the throne of the world’s greatest kingdom, that all who would might learn of the true and living God.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 220.
“Read the history of Daniel. The Lord would have His people reach the highest round of the ladder, that they may glorify Him by possessing the ability He is willing to bestow. He has a treasure-house of knowledge from which we can all draw. Then let us realize our defects and improve under the instruction of God. Then the light and grace of God will be reflected to the world as the highest education, which sanctifies the receiver.”–Medical Ministry, p. 200.
As we study these lessons on Daniel, let it be the goal of every Sabbath school member to come up higher in the ladder of sanctification. Through contemplating the faith of this man of God and considering the prophecies he was inspired to record, may the Holy Spirit strengthen our experience with Christ and fortify us for the final events of these last days.
