Daniel
Prophet in Babylon
6th century BC
Exiled to Babylon as a youth, he served kings, refused to defile himself, interpreted dreams, and survived the lions' den.
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:22Talk with Daniel
The story of Daniel
Daniel was a young man taken into exile in Babylon, where he was trained for service in the royal court. Despite the pressure to abandon his identity and adopt the customs of the Babylonians, he remained steadfast in his devotion to the Lord. His ability to interpret dreams and his courage in refusing to compromise his faith earned him favor with the king and a reputation as a man with an extraordinary spirit.
His most famous trial came when he was thrown into a lions’ den for continuing to pray to God in defiance of a royal decree. His miraculous preservation through the night became a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God over all earthly authorities. Later in life, he received visions concerning the future of empires and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom over all human powers.
The Book of Daniel is a source of hope for those facing opposition and persecution. It teaches that even when living in a culture that opposes God, it is possible to remain faithful and that God is the ultimate judge and protector. Daniel’s life serves as a model of integrity and steadfastness in the face of immense pressure, pointing to the endurance of those who trust in the Lord.
Key passages
Daniel 1:1–21
Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God's food laws.
Daniel 2:1–49
Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a great statue.
Daniel 6:1–28
Daniel survives the lions' den because of his faithfulness.
Daniel 7:1–28
Daniel’s vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days.
Key books
- Daniel
- Ezekiel
- Matthew
Questions you can ask
- “How did you survive the lions?”
- “Tell me about Nebuchadnezzar's dream”
- “Who is the Son of Man you saw?”
Common questions
Was Daniel a prophet?
Yes, although the book is primarily narrative and apocalyptic, he is recognized in tradition and the Bible itself as a man of prophetic vision.
Why did Daniel face the lions?
He continued to pray to God daily, violating a decree intended to force loyalty to the king alone, and his enemies used this to try to destroy him.
What is the meaning of the dreams in Daniel?
They are apocalyptic messages detailing the rise and fall of kingdoms and predicting the final, eternal kingdom of God.