Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Daniel is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and prophetic visions. He is the central character in the Book of Daniel, which is part of the Ketuvim (Writings) in the Hebrew Bible and is included among the Major Prophets in the Christian Old Testament. Daniel's life and prophecies have been a source of inspiration and theological reflection throughout Judeo-Christian history.
Historical Context:Daniel was a Jewish noble taken into Babylonian captivity during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II, around 605 B.C. This period marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a significant event in Jewish history. Daniel, along with other young men of noble birth, was selected to serve in the king's court. Despite the challenges of living in a foreign land, Daniel remained faithful to the God of Israel.
Character and Faith:Daniel is renowned for his steadfast faith and integrity. He refused to defile himself with the royal food and wine, choosing instead to adhere to Jewish dietary laws (
Daniel 1:8). His commitment to prayer and worship is evident when he continues to pray three times a day, even when it is outlawed, leading to his miraculous deliverance from the lions' den (
Daniel 6:10-23).
Prophetic Visions and Interpretations:Daniel is gifted with the ability to interpret dreams and visions, a talent that earns him a place of high honor in the Babylonian and later Persian courts. One of his most notable interpretations is of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue, which symbolizes successive world empires (
Daniel 2:31-45). Daniel's own visions, recorded in chapters 7-12, include the vision of the four beasts, the ram and the goat, and the prophecy of the seventy weeks. These visions are rich in apocalyptic imagery and have been the subject of extensive theological study.
Key Themes:1.
Sovereignty of God: Daniel's life and prophecies underscore the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms. Despite the rise and fall of empires, God's ultimate authority and plan for history prevail.
2.
Faithfulness and Obedience: Daniel exemplifies unwavering faith and obedience to God, even in the face of persecution. His life serves as a model for believers to remain faithful amidst trials.
3.
Messianic Prophecy: Daniel's prophecies contain significant messianic elements, particularly in the vision of the "Son of Man" (
Daniel 7:13-14) and the prophecy of the seventy weeks (
Daniel 9:24-27), which many Christians interpret as foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ.
Influence and Legacy:Daniel's influence extends beyond the biblical narrative. His life and prophecies have inspired countless believers to trust in God's sovereignty and remain faithful in adversity. The Book of Daniel is frequently referenced in discussions of eschatology and has been a cornerstone for understanding biblical prophecy.
Biblical References:· Daniel's resolve not to defile himself: "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself" (
Daniel 1:8).
· Daniel in the lions' den: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him" (
Daniel 6:22).
· Vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven" (
Daniel 7:13).
Daniel's life and prophecies continue to be a profound testament to the power of faith and the enduring truth of God's word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Daniel 12:11And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Torrey's Topical TextbookMatthew 24:15
When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of the Prophecy ofDaniel and Ezekiel, Other Two of the Greater...
... Book XVIII. Chapter 34."Of the Prophecy ofDaniel and Ezekiel, Other Two
of the GreaterProphets.Daniel and Ezekiel, other two...
Daniel.
... Leaving this for the reader to pronounce upon as he may think fit, I give warning
thatDaniel in Hebrew is not found among theprophets, but amongst the...
Daniel
... In any case it must have been written before the death of Antiochus in 164 (xi.45).
Like all theprophets, the author ofDaniel addresses his own age....
The Manner in which Josephus Mentions the Divine Books.
... Ecclesiastes. Song of Songs. Job. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Twelve MinorProphets.Daniel.
Ezekiel. Ezra.... 10. Ezekiel. 11.Daniel. 12. Twelve MinorProphets. 13. Job....
In Regard to theProphets among the Jews, Some of them were Wise...
... We have the history of the life of each of theprophets; but it will be enough at...
[4689] Read and consider the severe life of those children,Daniel and his...
The vision ofDaniel.
... the kingdom, and the Son receiving it, appeared toDaniel in bodily form, how can
those men say that the Father never appeared to theprophets, and, therefore...
Antichrist inDaniel
... The Antichrist in theProphets 4. Antichrist inDaniel. It is here that we
find the fullest description of the Man of Sin. First, he...
The GreaterProphets.
... The objection that they did not classDaniel with theprophets, but with
the Hagiographa (see above, Chap.13, No.4) is of no account....
Now Let us Shew Briefly, if You Will, that These Things were...
... let us shew briefly, if you will, that these things were foretold by theProphets....
is of Whom these things are said, hear what the ProphetDaniel also foretells...
The Oracles of theProphets must be Looked Into; and of their...
... Footnotes: [516] [See Pusey'sDaniel; also MinorProphets.]. [517] See 2 Kings 25.
Jeremiah 39.and lii. [518] The same is asserted by Justin Martyr [vol....
Resources
What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus