We utilised the following link to better understand the literary style Daniel uses to open up his prophetic writing, https://fascinatedbytheword.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/in-the-third-year-of-the-reign-of-jehoiakim/
Also, the following notes were shared as some review before we entered into Daniel chapter 2.
Notes on Daniel from The Avenging of the Apostles & Prophets
By Arthur M. Ogden
Daniel, whose prophesies vibrate with mystery and intrigue, likewise foresaw the end of the nation of Israel whom he called the holy people. Daniel was among the first to be carried prisoner to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, made his first sweep into Judah in 605 BC, and subdued the people. Being one of the princes of Judah, he was taken by Nebuchadnezzar and groomed for service in his kingdom (Dan. 1:4-6). From the beginning of his captivity in Babylon until the end of the 70 years of captivity (536BC), Daniel prophesied. His prophecies of the nation’s final destruction came at a time when Judah was prisoner to Babylon and Jerusalem lay waste from the power of the Babylonian armies. Daniel focused attention upon kingdoms, nations, powers, and kings which were yet to rule the world until the coming of the Messiah and the final desolation of the holy people. Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan. 2) realistically described the future history for the world for the next 600 years. Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon were seen as the first of four great world empires followed by the Medo-Persian Empire (539 BC), the Grecian, or Alexandrian Empire (331 BC), and finally the Roman Empire beginning about 31 BC. Daniel said, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left for other people, but it shall break into pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever (Dan. 2:44). More than six centuries later, this prophecy because a reality when Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God to begin His reign over a kingdom that has been in existence since that time (John 18:36; Acts 2:29-36; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 5:1-10; 11:15; 22:5). It should be apparent from the prophecy just cited that Daniel’s prophecies fit into time tables which pinpoint their expected fulfilment. This is also true of his prophecies of the end of the Jewish state. Mysterious clues are given that identify the time of their fulfilment. It is interesting to note that, when Daniel’s prophecies are understood within the context of their intended meaning, the timetables given by Daniel work out perfectly. On the other hand, when the prophecies are interpreted in light of speculation and the future, these timetables are shambles and must be rewritten to pacify the spectator. Since “all things written” (Lk. 21:22) were to be fulfilled in or before the year 70 AD, the event foretold by Daniel cannot be projected beyond that date! All of Daniel’s timetables must end in 70 AD!
The books of Daniel and Revelation deal with a number of related themes. Both deal with the rise of the Roman Empire (Dan. 2:40; 7:7; Rev. 13:1-8), the coming of the Kingdom of God (Dan. 2:44; 7:14; Rev. 5:10), the ascenion of Christ to God’s throne (Dan. 7:13; Rev. 5:6-7), the great tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Rev. 7:14), and the destruction of the holy city (Dan. 9:24-27; Rev. 11:1-2, 13). Beasts with many horns rise out of the sea (Dan. 7; Rev. 12, 13, 17). The Son of man is pictured in all His splendour and glory (Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 1:13-17), and God is seen ruling in the affairs of men (Dan. 2:21, 37; 4:17; Rev. 11:15-17).
Daniel and John both portray future historical events by use of pictorial language. Daniel’s visions were not to be fulfilled “for many days” (8:26). They were to be fulfilled at the “time of the end” (12:4,9). For this reason Daniel was told to “shut thou up the vision” (8:26), “seal the book” (12:4), and rest until he stood his lot “at the end of the days” (12:13). Conversely, John wrote of “things which must shortly be done” (Rev. 22:6). He was told, “Seal not the saying of this prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). The fulfillment of Daniel’s sealed visions was imminent when John wrote. These and other things show a correlation between Daniel and Revelation.