Faithful in a foreign land: God rules over every king and every empire.

Section
Old Testament, Major Prophets
Book
27 of 66
Chapters
12
Written by
Daniel (as the book presents it)
When
The events run from about 605 to 536 BC
Written to
God’s people living under foreign powers

The big picture

Daniel and his friends are taken from Jerusalem to Babylon as young men. They serve the king well but refuse to give up their God, even when it means the fiery furnace or the lions’ den, and God rescues them.

The second half of the book is a series of visions. Kingdoms rise and fall like beasts from the sea, but in the end God gives an everlasting kingdom to “one like a son of man”.

Why it was written

To show God’s people that, even far from home and under pressure, God is in control and His kingdom will last for ever.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Daniel 1:8 – Daniel decides not to compromise
  • Daniel 3:16-18 – The three friends refuse to bow to the statue
  • Daniel 6:10 – Daniel keeps praying three times a day
  • Daniel 7:13-14 – One like a son of man receives an everlasting kingdom

How it points to Jesus

Jesus called Himself “the Son of Man” more than by any other title, and at His trial He used the words of Daniel 7 about coming with the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62). He is the King whose kingdom will never end.

Themes and people

Themes: Faithfulness · Prayer · God’s kingdom · Courage · Hope

People: Daniel · Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego · King Nebuchadnezzar · King Belshazzar · King Darius

Study it together

  1. Where are you under pressure to fit in, like Daniel in Babylon?
  2. The three friends trusted God “even if” He did not rescue them. What does that kind of faith look like for you?
  3. Daniel’s prayer life was steady for years. What would help you pray regularly?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.