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Daniel

Updated: Oct 11, 2020

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, (A)because an excellent spirit was in him.” (Daniel 6:3)


Date

620 BC - 540 BC


Bible Reference

Daniel 1:1 – Daniel 12:13


Summary

Daniel (Belteshazzar) was a young noble from Judah, who was taken captive by King Nebudchanezzar II of Babylonia in 597 BC. The Babylonians forced Daniel into exile nearly 800 miles from his home. In Babylon, Daniel was chosen to serve in the royal court.


When Daniel was offered the food and drink of the king’s court, he requested to have only vegetables and water. He remained loyal to God and the traditions of his people and refused the food. Daniel was rewarded by God for his loyalty and devotion.


Daniel became known as an interpreter of dreams and one who received visions. He foresaw the rise and fall of empires and the coming of the Kingdom of God. Eventually, Daniel was promoted and placed over all the wise men and over the entire province of Babylon.


When Darius the Mede was king, he wanted to place Daniel over the entire kingdom. Jealous of Daniel, the other rulers convinced the king to prohibit prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel prayed to God, and the rulers forced the king to throw him into a lion’s den. God shut the mouths of the lions and delivered Daniel. (Daniel 1-2; 4-12)


Character

  • Disciplined and trustworthy. (Daniel 1:8; Daniel 6:4-10)

  • Wise and discerning. (Daniel 1:20; 2:14; 5:12; 7-8; 9:20-12:13)

  • Prayerful and obedient. (Daniel 6:10-11; 9:1-19)

  • Blameless. (Daniel 6:22)

  • Faithful. (Hebrews 11:33)


Symbolism

  • Daniel foresaw several future events including: The rise and fall of four empires. He foresaw Christ’s sacrifice, final victory, glorified appearance, and Christ’s ultimate judgment of the world. (Daniel 2:1-45; 7:8-28; 8:10-12; 9:24-26; 10:5, 6; Hebrews 7:25-28; 10:11-18; Revelation 1:13-16; 20:7-15)


Challenges

  • Remaining obedient to the laws and statutes of God, even in the presence of harsh persecution and the threat of death. (Daniel 1:8; 6:10)

  • Resisting the temptation to conform to the culture of Babylon. (Daniel 1:8; 6:10)

  • Having to deliver difficult and condemning messages to powerful kings. (Daniel 2:27-45; 4:19-27; 5:13-30)


Lessons

  • People who obey God are supposed to live in and be part of the world, but they are to stand firm for their beliefs when the world tries to steal their devotion away from God. (Daniel 1:8; 6:10; Matthew 5:13)

  • When faced with persecution and fear, pray and lay your concerns on God. God will help you. (Daniel 6:10-11; 9:1-19; Philippians 4:6; James 1:5; 1 Peter 5:9)


Book of Daniel

Category: Major Prophets

Written: c. 605 BC - 535 BC

By: Daniel

Topic: Prophecy and Apocalyptic

Location: Babylon

Purpose: To convince the Jewish exiles that God is sovereign and to provide them with a vision of their future redemption.

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Outline (chapter)

  • Daniel and His Friends (1-6)

  • Apocalyptic Visions (7-12)

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Key Verse: And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. (Daniel 2:44)

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Prophet: ​

  • Daniel

  • Prophesied in Babylon (To Jewish Exiles)

  • 620 BC - 540 BC (Taken to captivity by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (604 BC - 562 BC); Served the king and his successors with loyalty & ability until the time of Persian conqueror Cyrus (559 BC - 530 BC)

  • Home/Location: Babylon (During Divided Kingdom, 930 BC - 586 BC; During the Exile, 585 BC - 514 BC)



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