The book of Daniel opens "in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah" which is estimated to be ~ BC 605.  Jerusalem and all but the poorest in the land were taken into captivity.  This, a fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the judgment due to God's people who failed to keep Him first. The chart of kings and prophets can be found here. Bill's timeline chart used in the class is here. Extensive background passages are included into today's teaching: Exodus Joshua 1 Kings 2 Kings Jeremiah  Bill references the work of Clarence Larkin regarding Daniel as a useful tool in understanding Daniel. Larkin's chart regarding Daniel illustrates the dispensational perspective on interpreting the book. This is considered helpful but not authoritative as the last word, of course.