About Daniel
The Most High God rules in the kingdoms of men - every earthly empire is temporary, but God's kingdom, inaugurated by the Son of Man, will be eternal and universal.
"My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions."
Daniel 6:22
Written
circa 605-530 BC
Author
Daniel
Genre
Narrative / Apocalyptic
Position
27th of 66 books - Major Prophets (in Christian canon) / Writings (in Hebrew canon)
Authorship
Daniel himself, an Israelite exile taken to Babylon in 605 BC and trained in the Babylonian royal court. He served through the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Great - a 70-year career of remarkable faithfulness.
Historical Context
Set in the Babylonian and early Persian court (c. 605-530 BC). Daniel navigated the highest levels of pagan imperial government while maintaining unwavering covenant fidelity. His visions span from his own time to the end of history.
Purpose
To assure God's people living under pagan imperial power that God is sovereign over all kingdoms - the most powerful empires rise and fall at his command - and that his kingdom will ultimately prevail.
Key Message
The Most High God rules in the kingdoms of men - every earthly empire is temporary, but God's kingdom, inaugurated by the Son of Man, will be eternal and universal.
Book Structure
Interesting Facts
Jesus's most important self-designation - Son of Man - comes from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man receives eternal dominion.
Daniel 9's 70 weeks prophecy has been the most calculated prophetic timetable in history.
Chapters 2-7 are written in Aramaic (not Hebrew) - possibly to address the broader Gentile world.
Daniel and his three friends' refusal to eat the king's food, worship the statue, or stop praying are three distinct tests of conscience.