Exile in Babylon, then the Persian Empire · around 605-536 BC
Daniel in the Bible
The faithful prophet at the court of empires. Name meaning: “God is my judge” (renamed Belteshazzar in Babylon)
A young nobleman of Judah deported to Babylon in 605 BC, Daniel lives through nearly seventy years of exile under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus, often at the highest levels of the state. A man of integrity and prayer, he interprets dreams and mysterious writings, comes out unharmed from the lions’ den, and receives visions that span the whole history of the empires up to the eternal kingdom of the Son of man.
Key moments
- Taken to Babylon and renamed Belteshazzar Daniel 1:6–7
- Resolves not to be defiled by the king’s food Daniel 1:8
- Explains the dream of the statue to Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 2:31–34
- Reads the writing on the wall at the feast Daniel 5:25–28
- Keeps praying three times a day despite the decree Daniel 6:10
- Delivered from the lions’ den Daniel 6:22
- Sees the Son of man coming with the clouds Daniel 7:13–14
- Receives the prophecy of the seventy weeks Daniel 9:24–25
Strengths
- Blameless integrity
- Faithfulness in prayer
- Quiet courage
- Humility
- Wisdom
Weaknesses
Scripture records no fault in Daniel: even his enemies found nothing to charge him with (6:4). But he knew himself to be a sinner and in his prayer confessed “my sin and the sin of my people” (9:20).
Lessons for today
- We can serve loyally in a pagan world without giving up our convictions: faithfulness begins with small resolutions (1:8).
- Regular prayer is not a habit we drop under pressure; it is the source of courage (6:10).
- A blameless life at work is a testimony: may we be accused of nothing but our faith (6:4-5).
- God directs history and removes kings: the last word belongs to his eternal kingdom (2:21, 44).
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
People around Daniel
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah — His three companions, renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
- Nebuchadnezzar — The king of Babylon whose dreams he interpreted
- Belshazzar — The king of Babylon whose condemnation he read on the wall
- Darius the Mede — The king who promoted him and then, trapped, threw him into the lions’ den
- Gabriel — The angel who explained his visions
- Jeremiah — The prophet whose seventy-year prophecy he studied
Stories with Daniel
Quiz: how well do you know Daniel?
Which Babylonian name did Daniel receive?
The chief of the eunuchs gave “unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar.” Shadrach and Abednego are his companions; Belshazzar is the king of chapter 5. Daniel 1:7
How many times a day did Daniel pray, kneeling toward Jerusalem?
Despite the decree, “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:10
What did Daniel and his friends ask to be given for ten days?
“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink,” instead of the king’s food and wine. Daniel 1:12
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.