Several kings had reigned since Nebuchadnezzar as they relate to Daniel; Evil Merodach, Nebuchadnezzar II, Nabonidus, Belshazzar, and Cyrus.  Often in Scripture, the word "father" may appear.  It doesn't necessarily mean literal father, it can mean an ancestor. 

This “hand” that wrote on the wall at King Belshazzar’s banquet…was it the same hand that wrote the Ten Commandments? 

Daniel's prayer is a great prayer for us to read and pray for today.  Daniel mentions that disasters have happened because the people have not sought the Lord, turned from their sins, and have not given attention to the truth. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14...if my people)

In today’s reading, Daniel is given a message from the angel Gabriel, an overview of prophetic events spanning many years, which include the coming of a Messiah (future for Daniel, past for us). The keepers of the scrolls in Jesus’ day knew this prophecy from Daniel about the future Messiah. They could pinpoint the time that the Messiah would come based on the date of the issue to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. This decree was proclaimed by Cyrus king of Persia. The Pharisees, scribes, and religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew all about this. Why then, could they not recognize the Messiah when He was standing right in front of them?

The prophecy also addresses the conditions during the last days in which the Antichrist will confirm a covenant with many.

Daniel 9:27
He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."

More to come on the “abomination that causes desolation”…