Author: Although it is not stated immediately as the text opens, by the seventh chapter the author begins to express his work in the first person ( 7:2 ). Daniel is the central figure of the book and the author. The name Daniel means “God is my Judge” and the book is named after the author.

Date: It is believed to have been written after the third year of Cyrus king of Persia ( 10:1 ). Daniel's life and the events of this book span the entire seventy years that Israel was in captivity.

History: Daniel was descended from the highest families in Judah , possibly even of royal blood. He was taken to Babylon together with three other Hebrew youths of rank (Hananiah – Shadrach, Mishael – Meshach, and Hananiah – Abed-Nego), in the first deportation. Daniel and his companions were pressed into the service of the royal court (at which he was given the Chaldaean name, Belteshazzar).

Daniel 1:17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

Daniel would go on to distinguish himself and acquire renown for his wisdom, piety, and strict obedience to the laws of God (after the pattern of Joseph in Egypt – Genesis 39-41 ). Daniel gained further notoriety by interpreting the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar by the power of God. In addition, the power of God would rescue Daniel and his friends from plots that would have resulted in their deaths.

Purpose: Daniel's book was written to inspire those in captivity with confidence in the Most High God (see: 4:34-37 ). In addition, Daniel would emphasize that God controls the fate of the governments of man. This would be pointed out in the latter dreams of Daniel by which he sees the coming kingdoms that would precede the Babylonians. Daniel would also see that God would in the end supercede all the kingdoms of men with a heavenly kingdom.

Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

The book of Daniel is divided into two principle parts, historical ( Chap. 1-6 ) and prophetic ( Chap. 7-12 ). In this format, the book shows the extraordinary means which the Lord made use of Daniel to remind His people in exile that He had not forgotten them.

The prophetic language used by Daniel in the prophetic portion of the book to describe the development of the coming kingdoms of men, was familiar to the Hebrews (at times similar to Ezekiel). As you read, keep in mind that the point is that the kingdom of God proves itself conquer of all these kingdoms; a power which alone is everlasting, and showing itself in glorification by the appearance of the Messiah.

Good Reading !