Daniel
150 Bible Basics
Daniel
A prophet during the captivity in Babylon and Medo-Persia who rose to significant political influence in both empires; sometimes called Belteshazzar, the name given him by the Babylonians.
Daniel is best known for miraculously surviving when he was thrown into a den of lions for disobeying a decree which prohibited him from praying to his God (Daniel 6).
Other major events include abstaining from Nebuchadnezzar’s choice food (Daniel 1); telling and interpreting a vision none of the wise men could (Daniel 2); interpreting the handwriting on the wall which signaled the end of Babylon (Daniel 5); and a series of frightening visions of Israel’s future (Daniel 7-12).
His life closely parallels Joseph’s, as the two both:
endured being carried away to foreign lands ruled by pagan peoples,
served competently and faithfully,
suffered false accusation,
interpreted dreams,
and rose to great power and influence while remaining obedient to the Lord.
Both serve as an example for Christians as we seek to make a difference in a world which is increasingly unfamiliar with God and His Word.
In the New Testament, Daniel’s prophecies of the kingdom (Daniel 2, 7) began to come true as Jesus established His church. The vivid figurative language in the second half of Daniel’s book is the source of much debate concerning Jesus’ return, with both the Savior’s Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24 and parallel passages) and the book of Revelation citing Daniel’s prophecies.
This is entry #96 of 150 from my book, Sunday School Catch-Up, available on Amazon!
