NAME Daniel, often referred to as Daniel the Prophet.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Daniel is renowned for his unwavering faith in God, his role as a prophet, and his interpretation of dreams and visions, including the prophecy of the stone smashing the idol (Daniel 2:34–35), which symbolizes the Incarnation of Christ in Christian theology. He is also celebrated for his steadfastness in the lion's den and his leadership during the Babylonian exile.
BIRTH Daniel was likely born around the 7th century BC in Judah during the reign of King Josiah.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Daniel belonged to a noble or royal family in Judah, which contributed to his education and early prominence. His lineage is not explicitly detailed in the Bible.
CHILDHOOD Little is known about Daniel's childhood, but his upbringing likely included religious instruction and preparation for life among Judah’s elite.
EDUCATION Daniel was highly educated, mastering the literature, language, and customs of the Babylonians after being taken into captivity. He also possessed an in-depth understanding of Jewish law and Scripture.
He was described as "wise in all literature and understanding, and having discernment in all visions and dreams" (Daniel 1:4)
CAREER RECORD Daniel served in the royal courts of Babylon under kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. He was a trusted advisor and interpreter of divine revelations.
APPEARANCE The Bible does not describe Daniel's physical appearance, but his demeanor suggests dignity and refinement.
FASHION When Daniel was first brought to Babylon, he likely wore typical Israelite clothing. However, as he was selected for service in the royal court, his attire would have changed to reflect his new position. After successfully interpreting King Belshazzar's vision, Daniel was rewarded with clothing befitting a high-ranking official. This included a purple robe - a symbol of royalty and authority and a gold chain placed around his neck as a mark of honor.
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| St. Daniel the prophet, c. 20th century. Orthodox iconography by Ajthebestguy9thwiki |
CHARACTER Daniel's character was a harmonious blend of deep faith, wisdom, integrity, humility, and perseverance. These qualities not only enabled him to survive and thrive in challenging circumstances but also made him an exemplary leader and a powerful witness to his faith.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Daniel’s writings and actions reflect a serious and devout nature.
RELATIONSHIPS Daniel's relationships were marked by loyalty, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to his faith. His friendships, particularly with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, exemplified mutual support and shared values. His interactions with kings demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political situations while maintaining his integrity. Above all, Daniel's relationship with God remained the cornerstone of his character and actions throughout his life.
FOOD AND DRINK Daniel made a deliberate decision to abstain from the king's food and wine while serving King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and drink, which may have been unclean according to Jewish dietary laws or possibly offered to Babylonian idols. Consuming the king's food could also have been seen as a sign of dependence on the king rather than God. Instead, he requested a diet of vegetables and water.
Daniel proposed a ten-day test to demonstrate the benefits of his chosen diet. He and his companions would eat only vegetables and drink water for ten days, after which their appearance would be compared to those who ate the king's food.
The outcome of Daniel's dietary choice was remarkable. After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than those who ate the royal food. This demonstration led to their continued permission to adhere to their vegetable and water diet.
Daniel's dietary choices had a lasting impact. He maintained his commitment to this diet throughout his time in Babylon. His wisdom and abilities were often attributed to his faithfulness, including his adherence to these dietary practices.
Ultimately, Daniel's eating and drinking habits were not merely about food choices; they were a powerful testament to his faith, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to God in a foreign and challenging environment.
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| An artistic depiction of Daniel showcasing his dietary discipline, |
MUSIC AND ARTS Music played a significant role in Babylonian culture, particularly in religious and royal contexts. Instrumental music, featuring instruments like the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, was used during the worship of the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar.
As part of his training in the Babylonian court, Daniel likely received a broad education. God granted Daniel and his companions "knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom." Daniel gained "wide knowledge of arts and sciences," which undoubtedly included exposure to Babylonian music and the arts.
While living in the palace and serving in the royal court for many years, Daniel was immersed in Babylonian culture, including their use of music in various settings. However, despite this exposure, Daniel maintained his faith and Jewish practices. He abstained from the king's food and wine to avoid defilement and, most notably, refused to worship the golden image, even when accompanied by music.
LITERATURE Daniel, as a highly educated young man in the Babylonian court, was likely well-versed in literature. The book of Daniel provides some insights into his literary background and writings.
Daniel received a comprehensive education that included a deep immersion in literature. As part of his Babylonian education, he was trained in "all branches of literature and wisdom." God granted Daniel and his companions "knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom," highlighting the breadth of their education. This extensive training undoubtedly equipped Daniel with a strong foundation in literary skills and a deep understanding of various literary forms.
The book of Daniel is attributed to Daniel himself, and it serves as a testament to his literary abilities. The book is divided into two main parts: court tales (chapters 1-6) and apocalyptic visions (chapters 7-12). Daniel demonstrated his multilingual skills by writing in both Aramaic and Hebrew. His writing style is diverse, encompassing narrative, prophetic materials, and apocalyptic visions.
Daniel's literary work is notable for its unique blend of historical narrative with prophetic and apocalyptic elements. The book features vivid symbolism and imagery, particularly in the visionary sections, which captivate the reader with their powerful and evocative descriptions. Daniel's writing also demonstrates his remarkable ability to interpret dreams and visions, showcasing his wisdom and prophetic gifts.
The book of Daniel has had a significant and enduring impact. It is considered one of the most intriguing and influential books in the Old Testament. Daniel's work significantly influenced later apocalyptic literature, and his writings have been extensively studied and debated by scholars throughout history, continuing to fascinate and challenge readers to this day.
Daniel: Prophet to the Nations is a historical novel by Ellen Gunderson Traylor, dramatizing Daniel’s life and his role in the Babylonian and Persian courts.
Numerous theological and literary works, including John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and T.S. Eliot’s poetry, reference Daniel’s story and its themes of faith under persecution.
NATURE Daniel had significant encounters with animals. His most famous encounter with animals occurred in the lions' den. King Darius, deceived by his adversaries, issued a decree that forbade prayer to any god or man except himself for 30 days. Despite this decree, Daniel remained faithful to God and continued to pray. As punishment for this act of defiance, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions. Miraculously, God intervened, sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths. When King Darius checked on Daniel the next morning, he found him unharmed, a testament to Daniel's unwavering faith and God's powerful protection.
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| Daniel in the Lions' Den (c. 1614 c. 1616) by Peter Paul Rubens |
Daniel also encountered animals in his prophetic visions. He saw four great beasts emerging from the sea, each representing a different kingdom: a lion with eagle's wings, a bear raised up on one side, a leopard with four wings and four heads, and a terrifying beast with iron teeth and ten horns. These symbolic animals represented future world empires and played a crucial role in Daniel's prophetic messages.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Daniel’s life revolved around prayer, study, and governance. He may not have had time for recreational activities.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Daniel’s wisdom and ability to interpret dreams suggest an analytical mind, though there is no specific record of his involvement in science or mathematics.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Daniel's philosophy and theology were deeply rooted in his unwavering faith in God and his commitment to living out that faith in a foreign land. His beliefs and worldview can be summarized in several key aspects:
Daniel held a firm belief in the one true God of Israel. He understood that God was sovereign over all nations and events, even when circumstances seemed dire. This is evident in his interpretation of dreams and visions, where he consistently attributed his abilities to God's wisdom rather than his own.
Daniel's theology emphasized remaining faithful to God even in a hostile cultural environment. He resolved not to defile himself with the king's food, demonstrating his commitment to God's laws even in seemingly minor matters. This unwavering devotion extended to his prayer life, which he maintained despite threats to his life.
Daniel believed that true wisdom and understanding came from God. He recognized the limitations of human knowledge and sought divine insight, especially when interpreting dreams and visions. This philosophy of God-given wisdom allowed him to excel in his duties while maintaining his spiritual integrity.
Daniel's visions and prophecies reveal a strong eschatological component to his theology. He believed in God's ultimate victory over earthly powers and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom. This hope sustained him and his people during their exile.
Daniel's philosophy included engaging with the surrounding culture without compromising his faith. He excelled in Babylonian learning and served in high government positions while remaining true to his religious convictions. This approach demonstrated that one could be "in the world but not of it."
Daniel placed great importance on prayer, fasting, and studying scripture. These practices were central to his spiritual life and decision-making process8. He believed in the power of prayer to change circumstances and reveal God's will.
Despite his high position and abilities, Daniel remained humble, always giving credit to God for his successes. His prayers and actions consistently focused on God's glory rather than personal gain or recognition.
POLITICS Daniel navigated the complex political environment of Babylon and Persia with wisdom, serving as an advisor to multiple kings.
SCANDAL Daniel faced accusations from political rivals who plotted to have him thrown into the lion’s den, but his innocence was vindicated by God’s protection.
MILITARY RECORD Daniel did not serve in the military but influenced political decisions as a trusted royal advisor.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Daniel’s dietary discipline contributed to his health and fitness, as he appeared healthier than those consuming the king’s rich foods (Daniel 1:15).
HOMES The majority of Daniel's adult life was spent in Babylon, where he lived in various settings:
Upon arrival in Babylon, Daniel and other young Israelite nobles were likely housed in quarters designated for their training in Babylonian language and culture.
As Daniel rose to prominence in the Babylonian court, he probably lived within or near the palace complex. Nebuchadnezzar's palace was described as colossal, covering an area about a quarter of a mile square.
During his service in high positions under both Babylonian and Persian rule, Daniel would have been provided with appropriate accommodations befitting his status.
Throughout his time in Babylon, Daniel remained a "stranger in a foreign land". Despite spending his entire adult life there, he never truly considered it home in the spiritual sense. He lived as a displaced person, maintaining his faith and identity while serving in a pagan culture.
Daniel's experience aligns with God's instructions through Jeremiah for the exiles to "build houses and live in them" and to "seek the welfare of the city" where they were sent. While making a life in Babylon, Daniel never forgot Jerusalem and his true spiritual home.
TRAVEL Daniel’s travels were limited to his captivity in Babylon and possibly within the Persian Empire during his service.
DEATH AND LEGACY Daniel's death and burial remain subjects of various traditions and legends, as there is no definitive historical record of his final days. The last mention of Daniel in the Book of Daniel is in the third year of Cyrus, but some rabbinic sources suggest he may have lived into the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus.
Several locations claim to be Daniel's final resting place. Susa, Iran, is the most widely accepted site, with Muslim, Jewish, and Syriac traditions concurring. The tomb in Susa has been a popular attraction for centuries. Other claimed burial sites include Babylon, Ecbatana, and Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Several intriguing legends surround Daniel's burial. Al-Baladhuri, a 9th-century chronicler, recounts that Daniel's coffin was found in Susa around 640 CE and was said to bring rain during droughts. Some accounts state that Caliph Umar ordered Daniel's coffin to be buried at the bottom of a river to prevent disputes over its location. The tomb in Samarkand is said to house a sarcophagus that keeps growing, now measuring about 18 meters long. Additionally, a natural spring with alleged healing powers is said to have appeared near the Samarkand tomb after Daniel's remains were placed there.
While these various accounts differ, they all reflect the high esteem in which Daniel was held across different cultures and religions, leading to multiple claims about his final resting place and contributing to a rich tapestry of legends and traditions surrounding this revered figure.
Daniel, the Old Testament prophet, is highly revered by Christians. In the Coptic Church, Daniel is commemorated on the 23rd day of the Coptic month of Baramhat.
Feast days celebrating St. Daniel the Prophet in the Eastern Orthodox Church, often alongside the Three Young Men, occur on December 17 (during the Nativity Fast), on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers (falling between December 11 and 17), and on the Sunday before Nativity.
Daniel's prophecy regarding the stone that smashes the idol (Daniel 2:34-35) holds significant theological meaning within the Orthodox tradition. The "stone cut out" is interpreted as a metaphor for the Logos (Christ), and the fact that it was "cut out without hands" symbolizes the virgin birth.
Daniel's Prayer in Daniel 9 is frequently recited or sung during Orthodox worship services.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Daniel’s story has been depicted in various films, plays, and artworks, particularly his time in the lion’s den and his prophetic visions.
Daniel and the Lions’ Den (1979) This classic animated short from Hanna-Barbera’s The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible series, portrays Daniel’s unwavering faith in the face of danger.
The Book of Daniel (2013) is, a live-action Christian film focusing on Daniel’s life in Babylon, his visions, and his interactions with kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius.
VeggieTales: Daniel and the Lions’ Den is an episode in the beloved children’s series where the story of Daniel is humorously adapted using vegetable characters, making it accessible for younger audiences.
Superbook (1983 & 2011 reboot) This animated series for children features Daniel’s adventures, including his time in the lion’s den and his interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams.
Daniel in the Lions' Den by Peter Paul Rubens (1614–1616): A famous Baroque painting depicting a serene Daniel surrounded by calm lions, symbolizing his faith and God’s deliverance.
The Vision of Daniel by William Blake (c. 1800): A mystical rendering of Daniel’s apocalyptic visions.
Handel’s Belshazzar (1745): Though focused on King Belshazzar, Daniel plays a pivotal role in this oratorio by George Frideric Handel.
Interpreted dreams and visions that influenced kings and empires.
Authored the Book of Daniel, which remains a significant biblical text.
Survived the lion’s den, demonstrating God’s power and protection.
Commemorated in Christian liturgical calendars and celebrated as a model of faith.
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