The Book of Daniel is one of the most fascinating books in the Bible. It’s filled with powerful stories, dreams, and prophecies that show God’s power and faithfulness. Daniel was a young man taken from his home, yet he stood firm in his faith. His story encourages believers to remain faithful no matter what challenges they face.
1. Daniel Was Taken to Babylon as a Teenager
Daniel was likely only a teenager when King Nebuchadnezzar took him and others from Jerusalem to Babylon. Despite being far from home, Daniel stayed faithful to God.
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom... whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. — Daniel 1:4
2. Daniel Refused to Eat the King’s Food
Daniel chose not to defile himself with food from the king’s table, which likely went against Jewish dietary laws. He requested vegetables and water instead.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat... — Daniel 1:8
3. God Gave Daniel Special Wisdom
God gave Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams, setting him apart from others in the kingdom.
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. — Daniel 1:17
4. Daniel Interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
When none of the king's wise men could tell him what he dreamed, Daniel prayed, and God revealed it to him.
There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. — Daniel 2:28
5. Daniel’s Friends Survived the Fiery Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to a golden image and were thrown into a furnace. God protected them, and not even a hair on their heads was singed.
Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?... Lo, I see four men loose... and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. — Daniel 3:24–25
6. Daniel Survived the Lions’ Den
Daniel was thrown into a den of lions for praying to God. The Lord sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me... — Daniel 6:22
7. The Book Is Written in Two Languages
Part of the book is in Hebrew (chapters 1, and 8–12) and part is in Aramaic (chapters 2–7). This is unique among Old Testament books.
| Language | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Hebrew | 1, 8–12 |
| Aramaic | 2–7 |
8. Daniel Had Visions About the End Times
Chapters 7–12 contain powerful prophecies about future kingdoms, the coming of the Messiah, and the end of the age.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. — Daniel 12:10
9. Daniel’s Life Spanned Several Kingdoms
Daniel served under Babylonian and Persian kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. Through it all, he remained a faithful servant of God.
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. — Daniel 6:28
10. The Book Emphasizes God’s Sovereignty
One of the key themes of Daniel is that God is in control, even when it seems like the world is ruled by evil kings.
The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. — Daniel 4:17
Summary Table
| Fact | Key Verse |
|---|---|
| Taken to Babylon as a teen | Daniel 1:4 |
| Refused king’s food | Daniel 1:8 |
| Given wisdom by God | Daniel 1:17 |
| Interpreted the king’s dream | Daniel 2:28 |
| Friends saved from furnace | Daniel 3:24–25 |
| Survived the lions’ den | Daniel 6:22 |
| Written in Hebrew and Aramaic | Daniel 1, 2–7, 8–12 |
| Prophecies of end times | Daniel 12:10 |
| Served under many kings | Daniel 6:28 |
| Theme: God's sovereignty | Daniel 4:17 |
