A look at Bible Book of Daniel

Book of Daniel

Author

The name "Daniel" means God is my judge and the book is named after the author and principal character in it.

Date

- The book covers events in Daniel's lifetime during the 70 year exilic period: 650-536 B.C.

- It appears to be written around 530 B.C.

Nature of Daniel

The book of Daniel is unique in that it contains specific events of history as well as prophetic material.

The Situation in Daniel

While still very young men, Daniel and his friends are exiled to Babylon in 605 B.C. There they live by God's standards in the royal household of Nebuchadnezzar but are are often persecuted for their godly lifestyle.

They endure, however, and Daniel becomes a leader in both the Babylonian and Persian kingdoms.

Daniel remains faithful to his God and becomes a marvelous witness for God to Nebuchadnezzar, Darius and Belshazzar. This is partly due to his ability to interpret dreams, a gift God has given to him.

He receives visions about future events which are relevant to that time but which also prophecy about events well into the future.

Message and purpose

Daniel as the "Apocalypse of the Old Testament" presents a comprehensive sweep of prophetic history.

After an opening chapter in Hebrew, Daniel switches to the Aramaic language in chapters 2-7 to describe future events among Gentile world powers. Then in chapters 8-12 there is a change back to Hebrew to survey the future of the Jewish nation under Gentile domination.

The theme of God's sovereignty in the affairs of the world is clear. The Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans will come and go but God will yet establish His kingdom.

Another theme is an emphasis on separation to God and Daniel is the prime example.

The intent of Daniel's writing is:

- To demonstrate the sovereignty of God in the spiritual lives of his people and also in the political affairs of the world.

- To give the Jews hope but also to inform them how God's restoration would happen in the context of the worldwide scene.

- Also to be a witness to the Babylonians. That is why much of it is written in Aramaic, the language of that empire. It witnesses to the power of Judah's God.

Audience

- The Jewish people in exile but also the Babylonian peoples.

Return to Old Testament from the Book of Daniel