Daniel in the Bible

Daniel was a young Hebrew nobleman carried into exile in Babylon who rose to become one of the most respected statesmen and prophets of the Old Testament. From the very beginning, his life was defined by uncompromising faithfulness to God in the midst of a pagan empire. Refusing to defile himself with the king's rich food, "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (DAN.1.8), and God honored his conviction. To Daniel and his companions "God gave knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (DAN.1.17), so that they surpassed all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel's life was marked by a powerful prayer life and intimate communion with God. When the king threatened to execute all his wise men over a forgotten dream, "the secret was revealed unto Daniel in a night vision" (DAN.2.19), and Daniel praised God as the revealer of mysteries. His devotion never wavered even under threat of death. When a royal decree forbade prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime" (DAN.6.10). Cast into the lions' den for this faithfulness (DAN.6.16), he emerged unharmed, testifying, "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths" (DAN.6.22). Daniel was also a man of deep intercession and humility. When he understood from Scripture that the exile was nearing its end, he "set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes" (DAN.9.3), pleading for his people. Heaven held him in high regard; the angel addressed him as "a man greatly beloved" (DAN.10.11). Daniel's life is a timeless model of integrity, courageous faith under pressure, persistent prayer, and confidence in the God who rules over kings and kingdoms.