Daniel
📜 Old Testament
🗺️ Overview
Daniel records the faithfulness of God’s people in exile and reveals God’s sovereignty over kingdoms and history. The book combines court narratives and apocalyptic visions, showing God’s protection, wisdom, and future plans — including the coming of the Messiah and His everlasting kingdom.
💡 Daniel challenges believers to remain faithful in a foreign culture. It reminds us that God is sovereign even in exile, and that His kingdom will ultimately triumph. We are called to courage, wisdom, and prophetic hope, trusting the God who reveals mysteries and reigns forever.
🏛️ Historical & Cultural Notes
Insights into the cultural, historical, or geographical background of the book.
Exile in Babylon
Daniel was among the first wave of Judean exiles taken to Babylon in 605 BC. He served under multiple kings across empires.
📚 Source: ESV Study Bible
Apocalyptic Literature
Chapters 7–12 shift to highly symbolic visions common in apocalyptic literature, revealing spiritual realities and end-time hope.
📚 Source: The Bible Project
The “Son of Man” Title
Daniel 7 introduced the exalted figure of the Son of Man — a title Jesus used frequently to describe His divine identity and mission.
📚 Source: Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
📊 Book at a Glance
- 📝 Author
- Daniel
- 📅 Date
- c. 605–535 BC
- 📖 Chapters
- 12
- 🏷️ Genre
- Prophecy
- 📍 Location
- Babylon and Persia during the exile of Judah (6th century BC)
- 🧵 Main Themes
- God’s sovereignty over nations and history, Faithfulness in exile, The clash between God’s kingdom and human empires, God reveals and rescues, The Messiah and final judgment
📚 Outline
- Faithfulness in Babylonian Courts (Ch. 1–6)
- Apocalyptic Visions of Kingdoms and the End (Ch. 7–12)
📖 Key Stories
Daniel and the King’s Food (Daniel 1)
Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God by refusing unclean food, and God blesses them with wisdom and favor.
The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden image and are thrown into the fire — but God delivers them.
The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5)
During Belshazzar’s feast, a divine hand writes a message of judgment. That night, Babylon falls.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6)
Because of his unwavering prayer life, Daniel is thrown to the lions — and God miraculously saves him.
The Son of Man and the Everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7)
Daniel sees a vision of four beasts and one like a Son of Man who is given eternal dominion by the Ancient of Days.
👤 Key Figures
🔍 Christ Connections
How this book anticipates or reflects the person and work of Christ.
- ThemeDaniel 7:13–14, Mark 14:61–62
Daniel’s “Son of Man” vision points directly to Jesus, who used that title for Himself and claimed authority to judge and reign eternally.
- PromiseDaniel 2:34–35, Luke 20:17–18
The stone that shatters the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream symbolizes the Messiah’s kingdom, which will overcome all others.
- ProphecyDaniel 9:24–27, Matthew 24:15–30
Daniel’s visions of a coming ruler and final resurrection point toward Christ’s first and second coming.
🧠 Key Verses
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself.” — Daniel 1:8
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” — Daniel 3:17–18
“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” — Daniel 6:22
“His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.” — Daniel 7:14
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above.” — Daniel 12:3
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