In the face of an impossible task, Daniel's God shows himself as the living God, the one who reveals secrets, wisdom and knowledge. Although human kingdoms rise and fall, God will establish his Kingdom throughout the entire earth.

The book of Daniel is set in the Exile in Babylon. It's theme is that God's rule over all the nations, even in Israel's apparent defeat, is assured. God is establishing his kingdom, even in weakness, even when it looks like everything has gone wrong, even when it seems that the world is winning.

God had been very patient with Jerusalem but the time came when he just had to bring judgement to bear and, that judgement brought great lamenting. Lament, pouring one's heart out to God in grief and in prayer, is not popular today but it expresses profound trust in God who is our only hope for restoration.

God had been very patient with Jerusalem but the time came when he just had to bring judgement to bear and, that judgement brought great lamenting. Lament, pouring one's heart out to God in grief and in prayer, is not popular today but it expresses profound trust in God who is our only hope for restoration.

Jeremiah's life and ministry were not easy. He faced opposition, persecution, and rejection. He was often misunderstood and rejected by his own people. Through him, we appreciate what it means to be '�yoked', either in slavery or in freedom.

God leaves the Jerusalem temple and instead appears to Ezekiel in Babylon. Ezekiel's message explains the exile as justice and retribution for Israel's persistent sins. But there is also hope in the latter stages of this book. God himself will shepherd his people and return them to himself, in his land. He will appoint a Shepherd-King to rule his people always.