The Book of Daniel
God rules over the kingdoms of the world and will establish his everlasting kingdom.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Daniel
- Date
- Traditionally the 6th century BC
- Chapters
- 12
- Genre
- Major Prophets
Summary
Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon as young men. They remain faithful to God in a foreign court — refusing the king's food, refusing to bow to an idol, and continuing to pray despite a royal ban — and God delivers them from the furnace and the lions' den.
The second half records Daniel's visions of empires rising and falling, culminating in "one like a son of man" who receives an everlasting kingdom. The book encourages God's people to stay faithful under pressure, knowing that God is sovereign over history.
Outline
- Chapters 1–6 — Daniel and his friends in Babylon
- Chapters 7–12 — Visions of the kingdoms and the end
Key Themes
Key Verses
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. ”
Start reading Daniel“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.