Daniel, Prophet of the Exile
Who was Daniel in the Bible?
A Judean exile who rose to high office in Babylon and Persia, known for his uncompromising faith, wisdom, and prophetic visions concerning the rise and fall of world empires.
This is one of 2 people named Daniel in the Bible. See all 2 →
Daniel was a young man of noble or royal Judean descent who was taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar during the late 7th century BC. Along with his three companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—Daniel was selected for a three-year training program designed to assimilate the best and brightest of the conquered peoples into the Babylonian imperial service. Despite the pressures of a pagan culture, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to the laws of his God, famously refusing to eat the king's rich food to avoid ritual defilement.
His career spanned the entire duration of the Babylonian Captivity and extended into the early years of the Persian Empire. Serving under multiple monarchs, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus the Great, Daniel became renowned for his ability to interpret dreams and mysterious signs that baffled the professional magicians and astrologers of the court. His life was characterized by a consistent practice of prayer and an unwavering trust in God, even when faced with the threat of execution in the lions' den.
Beyond his administrative duties, Daniel received profound apocalyptic visions that outlined the future of Israel and the surrounding nations. His prophecies, which include the 'Seventy Weeks' and visions of symbolic beasts representing successive world empires, serve as a foundational element of biblical eschatology. Referenced by the prophet Ezekiel and later by Jesus Christ, Daniel stands as a paramount figure of integrity and divine revelation during one of Israel's darkest historical periods.
Background and Early Life
The account of Daniel begins around 605 BC, following the first siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II. Daniel is introduced as one of the "young men" from the royal family and the nobility of Judah, chosen for their physical appearance and intellectual aptitude to serve in the palace of Babylon (Daniel 1:3-4). The biblical text does not name his parents or specific lineage, but his inclusion among the elite captives suggests he was part of the Judean upper class.
Upon arrival in Babylon, Daniel was given the Chaldean name Belteshazzar, meaning "protect his life" or associated with the god Bel. This was part of a systemic effort to strip the captives of their Jewish identity. However, Daniel 1:8 records a pivotal moment: "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." By requesting a diet of vegetables and water, Daniel demonstrated that his primary loyalty remained with the God of Israel. After a ten-day trial, he and his friends appeared healthier than those eating the king's rations, leading to their promotion and the recognition of their superior wisdom.
Service Under Babylonian Kings
Daniel’s reputation was solidified during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar when he alone was able to recount and interpret the king’s dream of a massive statue. Daniel credited God as the "Revealer of Mysteries," explaining that the statue represented a succession of kingdoms starting with Babylon and ending with a kingdom set up by God that would never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). In response, Nebuchadnezzar promoted Daniel to ruler over the province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men.
Decades later, during the reign of Belshazzar, Daniel was summoned to interpret the "handwriting on the wall" during a blasphemous banquet. He boldly rebuked the king for his pride and correctly prophesied the imminent fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Medes and Persians. That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and the empire transitioned to Persian rule (Daniel 5:30-31).
The Persian Administration and the Lions' Den
Under the Medo-Persian administration of Darius, Daniel was appointed as one of three top administrators over the entire kingdom. His "extraordinary spirit" and integrity provoked jealousy among his peers, who could find no fault in his professional conduct. They manipulated the king into signing an irrevocable decree that prohibited petitioning any god or man except the king for thirty days.
Daniel’s response was a public display of continued devotion: he prayed toward Jerusalem three times a day as was his custom. This resulted in his arrest and sentence to the lions' den. The biblical record highlights the king's distress and his hope for Daniel's deliverance. After a night in the den, Daniel was found unharmed, declaring, "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths" (Daniel 6:22). This miracle led Darius to issue a decree honoring the God of Daniel throughout the empire.
Visions and Prophetic Ministry
The latter half of the Book of Daniel shifts from historical narrative to apocalyptic prophecy. Daniel recorded visions of four great beasts emerging from the sea (Daniel 7), a ram and a goat (Daniel 8), and a detailed timeline of seventy weeks concerning the future of his people (Daniel 9). These visions were often accompanied by physical exhaustion and spiritual distress, as they revealed great conflicts and the eventual "abomination of desolation" mentioned later by Jesus (Matthew 24:15).
Daniel’s ministry was not limited to his own writings. He is mentioned by his contemporary, the prophet Ezekiel, as a paragon of righteousness alongside Noah and Job (Ezekiel 14:14, 20) and as a standard of wisdom (Ezekiel 28:3). Daniel’s life ended during the reign of Cyrus the Persian, having seen the beginning of the Jewish return to Jerusalem, though the text does not record his own return to the land of Israel.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Daniel’s primary relationships were with his three Judean companions: Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego). The four men operated as a cohesive unit of faithful resistance in the Babylonian court. Daniel also interacted with celestial beings; the angel Gabriel was sent to give him insight into his visions (Daniel 8:16, 9:21).
Chronologically, Daniel was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He specifically mentions studying the "sacred books" and the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah to understand the seventy-year duration of the Babylonian desolation (Daniel 9:2). While he served pagan kings, his interactions with them—particularly Nebuchadnezzar and Darius—were marked by a mix of respectful service and firm witness to the sovereignty of God.
Spiritual Significance
Daniel serves as the ultimate biblical model for the 'faithful exile,' demonstrating how a believer can achieve high professional success in a secular or even hostile environment without compromising religious integrity. Theologically, the Book of Daniel introduces and expands upon several critical themes, including the sovereignty of God over human history, the reality of spiritual warfare in the heavenly realms, and the promise of a future resurrection (Daniel 12:2).
In the New Testament, Daniel is explicitly recognized as a 'prophet' by Jesus (Matthew 24:15). His visions provided the symbolic language and chronological framework used in the Book of Revelation to describe the end of the age and the final triumph of the Kingdom of God. Daniel’s character—marked by prayer, fasting, and the study of Scripture—remains a standard for personal holiness and spiritual discernment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Daniel given the name Belteshazzar?
The name was given by the Babylonian chief official as part of an effort to assimilate Daniel into Babylonian culture. It was common for the empire to rename captives after local deities; Belteshazzar is generally understood to be related to the god Bel.
Did Daniel return to Jerusalem after the exile?
The Bible does not record Daniel returning to Jerusalem. He is last mentioned as remaining in service until the third year of Cyrus the Great (Daniel 10:1), by which time he would have been an elderly man, likely in his 80s or 90s.
What is the 'abomination of desolation' Daniel mentioned?
It refers to a sacrilegious object or act that desecrates the temple. Daniel mentions it in his prophecies (Daniel 9:27, 12:11), and Jesus cites it as a sign of the end times in Matthew 24:15.
How did Daniel know the exile would last seventy years?
According to Daniel 9:2, he understood this by reading the 'sacred books,' specifically the writings of the prophet Jeremiah, who had foretold a seventy-year period of Babylonian dominance.
Was Daniel a priest or a king?
While of noble or royal Judean descent, Daniel was neither a king nor a priest. He served as a high-ranking civil administrator (a satrap or governor) and was recognized by God as a prophet.
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- Ezekiel3
- Daniel67
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Scripture References
All 71 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
- Ezekiel 14:14
then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares the Lord GOD.
- Ezekiel 14:20
then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves.
- Ezekiel 28:3
Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!
- Daniel 1:6
Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
- Daniel 1:7
The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
- Daniel 1:8
But Daniel made up his mind 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 1:9
Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,
- Daniel 1:10
but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!”
- Daniel 1:11Partial
Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
- Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
- Daniel 1:19
And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service.
- Daniel 1:21
And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.
- Daniel 2:13
So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.
- Daniel 2:14
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel replied with discretion and tact.
- Daniel 2:15
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
- Daniel 2:16
So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.
- Daniel 2:17
Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
- Daniel 2:18
urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
- Daniel 2:19Partial
During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven
- Daniel 2:20
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
- Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”
- Daniel 2:25
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.”
- Daniel 2:26
The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?”
- Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires.
- Daniel 2:46
At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering of incense be presented to him.
- Daniel 2:47
The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”
- Daniel 2:48
Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.
- Daniel 2:49Partial
And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
- Daniel 4:8
But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream:
- Daniel 4:9
“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.
- Daniel 4:18
This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
- Daniel 4:19
For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!
- Daniel 5:12Partial
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
- Daniel 5:13Partial
So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
- Daniel 5:17
In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.
- Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
- Daniel 6:2
and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.
- Daniel 6:3
Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
- Daniel 6:4
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.
- Daniel 6:5
Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
- Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
- Daniel 6:11
Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.
- Daniel 6:13
Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”
- Daniel 6:14
As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him.
- Daniel 6:16Partial
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
- Daniel 6:17
A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed.
- Daniel 6:20Partial
When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
- Daniel 6:21
Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever!
- Daniel 6:23Partial
The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
- Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
- Daniel 6:26
I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.
- Daniel 6:27
He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
- Daniel 6:28
So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
- Daniel 7:1
In the first year of the reign of Belshazzar over Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he lay on his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is the summary of his account.
- Daniel 7:2
Daniel declared: “In my vision in the night I looked, and suddenly the four winds of heaven were churning up the great sea.
- Daniel 7:15
I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me.
- Daniel 7:28
Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”
- Daniel 8:1
In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, subsequent to the one that had appeared to me earlier.
- Daniel 8:15
While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.
- Daniel 8:27
I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was confounded by the vision; it was beyond understanding.
- Daniel 9:2
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
- Daniel 9:22
He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding.
- Daniel 10:1
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.
- Daniel 10:2
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.
- Daniel 10:7
Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.
- Daniel 10:11
He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling.
- Daniel 10:12
“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
- Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”
- Daniel 12:5
Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.
- Daniel 12:9
“Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.
- Matthew 24:15
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),
Others Named Daniel
Compare all 2 bearers →Daniel, Son of IthamarEzra 8:2
A priest of the line of Ithamar who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile with Ezra and later signed the covenant with Nehemiah.