Daniel

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Daniel is the author of the book of Daniel. He writes in the first person when talking about all the visions he had seen (7:28-8:2). He was in the royal service of King Cyrus (1:21). King Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel ruler over Babylon and chief over all the wise men (2:48). Daniel served under King Belshazzar and King Darius who he chose Daniel to supervise the high officers. (5:13, 6:1-4). The original readers were in Babylon as Daniel was in Babylon. They were the ones who stayed in Babylon instead of going to Jerusalem after the exile. Daniel was teaching them that they could live lives for God even in Babylon (2:20-23). He taught them that their God was greatest and that he could be trusted. He showed this through the story of the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lions den. This book was written to give an account of all that God had done in Babylon and that he is the greatest God. The people had lost their way and had been worshiping other Gods. Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were the only ones not to bow down to the statue Nebuchadnezzar had made.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God's character and nature is seen directly in Daniel's praise in 2:20-23. He says God has all wisdom and power, he is sovereign over all world events, and he knows all things. Daniel shares more in 9:4, 9. He says that God is awesome, he keeps his promises, he is merciful and he is forgiving. Daniel faces some opposition in this book, but God is always there to walk it through with him. God rescued his friends and God makes himself known to kings so that they would know who he is. God walks closely to Daniel and reveals visions and dreams to him that the king had. It's almost like there is a competition between the rulers of the world and God. God wants to make sure they know that he is sovereign and that they are only king because he allows it.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Daniel receives many visions that boggle his mind. Some of these visions contain Messianic prophecies. 7:13-14 gives the best image of the coming Messiah. Daniel says he saw someone like the son of man, he was given authority, honor and sovereignty over the world, and that everyone would obey him. Daniel finishes by saying his rule will never end and his kingdom will never be destroyed. God redeems Daniel and his friends a few times in this book and God also tries to redeem the leaders of Babylon. God's redemption goes beyond Judah in this book and we are given hope for a new covenant with a Messiah that will rule with all authority.