Writer:
The Book of Daniel is traditionally attributed to Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon who is known for his wisdom and prophetic insights. Daniel is both a prophet and an advisor to Babylonian and Persian kings, and the book reflects his experiences and visions during the Babylonian Exile.
Date of Writing:
The Book of Daniel is believed to have been written in the 6th century B.C. The narrative covers events from Daniel’s early years in Babylon, starting around 605 B.C., to the Persian period, ending around 536 B.C. However, some scholars suggest that parts of the book, particularly the prophetic visions (chapters 7–12), might have been written or edited during the Maccabean period (2nd century B.C.) due to their detailed descriptions of historical events and persecution.
Important Events:
The Book of Daniel contains a mix of historical narrative and apocalyptic visions:
Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1):
- Exile and Training: Daniel and his three friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) are taken to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. They are selected for training in the king’s court but remain faithful to their Jewish dietary laws, which leads to God blessing them with wisdom and favor.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2):
- The Dream of the Statue: Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream about a large statue made of different materials. Daniel interprets the dream, revealing that the statue represents successive empires, ending with God’s everlasting kingdom. This interpretation earns Daniel favor and promotion.
The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3):
- Refusal to Worship the Image: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship a golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar. They are thrown into a fiery furnace but are miraculously saved by God, with a fourth figure appearing in the fire, interpreted as a divine presence.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Madness (Daniel 4):
- The King’s Humbling: Nebuchadnezzar is warned by Daniel about his impending madness due to his pride. The prophecy comes true, and the king lives as a beast until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty and is restored.
The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5):
- Belshazzar’s Feast: During a feast, King Belshazzar sees a mysterious hand write a message on the wall. Daniel interprets the writing, predicting the fall of Babylon, which occurs that night when the Medes and Persians conquer the city.
Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6):
- The Conspiracy Against Daniel: Daniel’s enemies plot against him by exploiting King Darius’s decree that forbids prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel continues to pray to God and is thrown into a lion’s den but is miraculously preserved.
Daniel’s Visions (Daniel 7-12):
- Apocalyptic Visions: Daniel has a series of visions concerning future events, including the rise and fall of empires, the coming of a final ruler, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. These visions are filled with symbolic imagery and prophecy.
Key Characters:
Daniel:
- The central figure of the book, known for his wisdom, faithfulness, and prophetic gifts. He serves as a trusted advisor to several Babylonian and Persian kings.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:
- Daniel’s friends who, along with Daniel, are exiled to Babylon. They remain faithful to God and face miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace.
King Nebuchadnezzar:
- The king of Babylon who interacts with Daniel and is involved in the events of the book, including the dream interpretations and the fiery furnace incident.
King Belshazzar:
- The last king of Babylon who sees the writing on the wall and whose reign ends with the fall of the city to the Medes and Persians.
King Darius:
- The king of the Medes who succeeds Belshazzar and throws Daniel into the lion’s den. He later issues a decree acknowledging the power of Daniel’s God.
The Four Beasts:
- Figures in Daniel’s vision representing various empires and kingdoms. These beasts symbolize the political upheavals and powers that will arise before the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Key Doctrines and Themes:
Sovereignty of God:
- The book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all kingdoms and rulers. It illustrates how God’s plans and purposes prevail over earthly powers (Daniel 2:20-21; 4:34-35).
Faithfulness and Obedience:
- Daniel and his friends demonstrate faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution and threats. Their obedience and trust in God’s protection are central themes (Daniel 1:8; 3:16-18; 6:10-23).
Divine Revelation and Interpretation:
- The book highlights the importance of divine revelation and the role of prophetic interpretation. Daniel receives and interprets dreams and visions that reveal God’s plans for the future (Daniel 2:19-23; 7:1-28).
Apocalyptic Vision and Prophecy:
- The book contains apocalyptic visions that describe future events and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. These visions use symbolic language to convey messages about the end times and the final judgment (Daniel 7:13-14; 9:24-27).
The Eternal Kingdom of God:
- Daniel’s visions foretell the coming of an everlasting kingdom established by God that will ultimately replace all earthly empires. This kingdom is depicted as eternal and unshakeable (Daniel 2:44; 7:27).
God’s Deliverance:
- The miraculous deliverance of Daniel and his friends from danger underscores the theme of God’s ability to protect and rescue His faithful servants. This includes the deliverance from the fiery furnace and the lion’s den (Daniel 3:19-30; 6:16-23).
The Concept of the “Son of Man”:
- In Daniel’s vision, the “Son of Man” is a messianic figure who receives authority and dominion from God. This figure is interpreted as a prophecy of the coming Messiah, with significant implications for Christian theology (Daniel 7:13-14).
Judgment and Vindication:
- The book includes themes of judgment against oppressive rulers and vindication for the righteous. God’s justice is ultimately portrayed as prevailing over human injustices and persecution (Daniel 7:9-10; 8:14).
The Book of Daniel is a rich tapestry of narrative and prophecy that addresses themes of faithfulness, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. It offers both historical accounts of Daniel’s experiences in exile and apocalyptic visions of future events.
