Daniel and his friends were heroes of the faith who stood firm against the rulers of Babylon. Though their situation seemed dire, they remained steadfast, knowing that God was with them.

As exiles in Babylon, they worked as slaves, tasked with tasting the king’s food for poison – a risky job, but one that ensured they ate well. They remained faithful to their Jewish dietary laws and were visibly healthier as a result.

King Nebuchadnezzar was greatly impressed with Daniel after he interpreted a dream about a giant statue being shattered. Daniel credited his wisdom to God, saying, Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. However, the king later erected a massive golden statue and ordered everyone to worship it. When Daniel’s friends refused, they were thrown into a fiery furnace but emerged unharmed.

Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, held a great feast where he arrogantly used sacred temple vessels to toast idols. Suddenly, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall – originating the phrase the writing’s on the wall. No one could interpret the message except Daniel, who revealed that it foretold the king’s downfall.

Under the next king, Darius, a decree was issued that only he should be worshipped. Daniel and his friends continued praying to God and were thrown into a den of lions. Yet, once again, they were miraculously unharmed.

Their stories remind us that while we may face hardships, God is with us through every trial. As Psalm 23 says, even in the ‘darkest valley’, we need not fear.

Note: As well as the stories, the Book of Daniel is one of the earliest examples of apocalyptic literature, a genre which includes symbolic visions, angelic interpretations, and a focus on end-times. Daniel’s prophecies are often linked to the Book of Revelation.

This is one of a series of posts outlining all the books of the Bible. Previous Next