The Book Of Daniel
Author	Daniel
Date Written	Between 605 and 530 BC
Time Span	60-70 years. (During the period of Babylonian captivity, Daniel prophesies under the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar-his captor, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus.)
Title	From the book's author and chief character: Daniel. This book is sometimes referred to as the “Apocalypse of the Old Testament.” The name Daniel means “God is my judge.”
Background	As part of the first group deported to Babylon, Daniel is educated and groomed for service in the Gentile government. This devout Jewish teenager grows up in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar, where he continues to encourage both Jew and Gentile to trust in God. In contrast to the lives of most Biblical characters, Daniel is distinguished by never having anything negative written about him.
Where Written	Babylon
To Whom	Primarily to the Jews exiled in Babylon, but also to the Gentiles of Babylon and Persia.
Content	Daniel and his 3 friends-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-are ordered to compromise their faith by eating the king's food instead of what God has ordained. They are blessed for not compromising. But later, after Daniel has risen in prominence by identifying and interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream, more persecution arises. Eventually Daniel's friends are thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing down to false gods, but God protects them. Daniel's power rises when he is able to interpret the handwriting which Belshazzar sees on the wall, but shortly thereafter Daniel is thrown into a lions' den for the offense of praying to his God. Once again God protects as Daniel walks away unharmed. Daniel's ministry continues with these visions: the 4 beasts (correlating to the kingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome); the ram and the goat; the 70 weeks; and, finally, the emergence of the righteous and eternal Kingdom of God.
Themes	God works through the lives of people to accomplish His desires. Earthly kingdoms may rise and fall, but God and His Word will last forever. If we will commit ourselves to God, good will triumph over evil in our lives. God is concerned about every area of our lives...even our diets and eating habits. Only God knows all, sees all, and hears all...and thus only He is worthy of Lordship of our lives. God expects us to submit to civil authority&ldots;unless they require us to violate explicit commands of God.
Key Words	“Courage”; “Preservation.” The book of Daniel has several memorable stories illustrating the “courage” and commitment of men who place their faith in God. The “preservation” of God's people is assured for all who rely on Him.
Outline	1:1-1:21  Daniel's training in Babylon 2:1-4:37  Daniel and his friends during Nebuchadnezzar's reign 5:1-5:31  The writing on the wall 6:1-6:28  Daniel's faith tested in the lons' dent 7:1-9:27  Daniel's dream, visions, and prayer 10:1-12:13  Daniel's revelation of Israel's future
More	Audio of the Book of Daniel

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