DANIEL BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: DANIEL’S VISIONS FROM GOD
The book of Daniel is divided into two distinct sections. The first six chapters tell stories of Daniel and his friends’ faithfulness to God while in Babylonian captivity. The final six chapters focus on Daniel’s prophecy and apocalyptic visions, revealing God’s plans for future kingdoms and the end times. The narrative portion includes three major stories: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego surviving the fiery furnace; God’s miraculous protection of Daniel in the lion’s den; and the mysterious writing on the wall during King Belshazzar’s feast. These epic stories reveal God’s protection and sovereignty over the lives of His people, even in a foreign land.
The original language of the book also shifts, with chapters 1 and 8-12 written in Hebrew and chapters 2-7 in Aramaic, showing the international scope of events. The second half of Daniel contains vivid visions of the future, offering glimpses into God’s overarching plan for history. These prophecies connect to other apocalyptic literature in the Bible (specifically Revelation) and share themes of God’s eternal kingdom. Daniel is the primary voice throughout the book, but Nebuchadnezzar briefly takes over as narrator in chapter 4 to recount his personal experience of being humbled by God. Overall, the book emphasizes God’s sovereign and powerful nature and provides hope for God’s ultimate plans, even in the midst of persecution.
MAIN IDEAS: GOD’S FAITHFUL PROVISION FOR DANIEL
God provided Daniel with the ability to interpret dreams for the Babylonian kings. (Daniel 2:47)
God demonstrated His protection over His people through multiple miraculous acts. (Daniel 3-6)
Daniel remained steadfast in prayer during the exile despite challenges. (Daniel 6:10)
God revealed plans for the end times and foreshadowed an eternal kingdom. (Daniel 12:1-3)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: PRESENT IN HARDSHIP
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were all taken from their homeland and forced into Babylonian exile, where their identities were challenged. The Babylonians changed their names to reflect Babylonian culture and honor pagan gods. Despite these attempts to erase their Jewish identities, the four young men remained faithful to God. Their refusal to bow to Babylonian idols reflected their deep-rooted identity in God.
Not letting their faith be put to shame, God revealed Himself as a protector in both the fiery furnace and the lions’ den. God demonstrated His unwavering faithfulness to His people. He did not shield them from hardship, but He walked with them through it. Because Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego placed their identities in God, they were secured in both identity and safety.
JESUS IN DANIEL: ROLLED THE STONE AWAY
The book of Daniel foreshadows the life of Jesus, comparing the symbolism of Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den with Jesus' resurrection. Just as Daniel was sealed in the den by King Darius, Jesus' tomb was sealed by Pontius Pilate. In both cases, a stone was rolled away, revealing their deliverance from death. Daniel's survival points to God’s power to save, which is fully realized in Jesus' resurrection. Jesus often referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13), a title of divine authority indicating His role as the eternal King who would triumph over all earthly kingdoms.
