Daniel

Daniel was a young man of noble birth when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and took him captive to Babylon. Selected for his intelligence, appearance, and aptitude, Daniel was chosen for three years of training to serve in the king's court. From the beginning, Daniel determined not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, proposing instead a diet of vegetables and water. God blessed this commitment, and Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than all the others.

God gave Daniel understanding in all kinds of literature and learning, and especially the ability to understand visions and dreams. When Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream and demanded that his wise men tell him both the dream and its interpretation, only Daniel could do so through God's revelation. Daniel revealed that Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed of a great statue representing successive kingdoms, all of which would be crushed by God's eternal kingdom. This interpretation brought Daniel to prominence in Babylon.

Throughout his long career serving multiple kings, Daniel maintained complete integrity and faithfulness to God. When King Darius was tricked into signing a decree forbidding prayer to anyone but himself for thirty days, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times daily toward Jerusalem with his windows open. Jealous officials reported him, and Darius, though distressed, had to enforce the law by throwing Daniel into the lions' den.

God sent His angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel emerged unharmed, declaring his innocence before God and the king. Darius then had Daniel's accusers thrown to the lions, where they were killed instantly. The king issued a decree that all his realm must fear and reverence the God of Daniel, acknowledging His power to rescue and save.

Daniel received profound prophetic visions concerning future kingdoms and the end times. He saw four beasts representing world empires, the Ancient of Days on His throne, and one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. These visions troubled Daniel deeply, yet he faithfully recorded them for future generations. His seventy-weeks prophecy provided a timeline pointing toward the Messiah's coming.

Daniel's life of prayer was central to his faith and effectiveness. He prayed three times daily, confessed sins on behalf of his nation, and received visions while in prayer. When studying Jeremiah's prophecy about the seventy years of exile, Daniel immediately turned to prayer and fasting, seeking God's mercy for Jerusalem. His prayers were answered, and he received further revelation about God's plans. Daniel served faithfully into his eighties, living to see the decree allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem, having never compromised his devotion to God throughout decades in pagan empires.