Daniel
Israelite / Jew Jew of Judah, in exile in Babylon · Exile & Return · Old Testament
- Also called
- Belteshazzar
- Name means
- God is my judge
- Role
- Prophet and official in Babylon and Persia
- When
- c. 605-536 BC
What they did
Purposed not to defile himself with the king's meat. God gave him wisdom to interpret dreams; he kept praying three times a day despite the king's decree and was delivered from the lions.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His faithfulness made the God of Israel known to Gentile kings, and his visions foretold the Son of man's everlasting kingdom.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10 (KJV)
Bible references
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8 (KJV)
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10 (KJV)
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Daniel 6:22 (KJV)
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV)
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Matthew 24:15 (KJV)
Family
Of the king's seed and of the princes of Judah (Daniel 1:3-6).
A fuller character study, with strengths, failures, lessons and a relationship diagram:
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