Daniel, Book of, is a book of the Bible. It is named for a Jewish hero who lived in Babylon from the end of the 600’s B.C. to the late 500’s B.C. In Jewish forms of the Bible, the book is part of a collection called the Writings. Christian editions include it in a group called the Prophets. The Book of Daniel is divided into two parts. Chapters 1-6 contain six stories that deal with historical events over a period of almost 50 years in Babylon and emphasize Daniel’s loyalty to his faith. Chapters 7-12 include stories of four visions. In these visions, Daniel describes four empires that will rule the world until the triumph of God’s kingdom.
In one famous story in the book (6:1-28), Daniel is thrown into a den of lions for refusing to worship Darius the Mede as a god. The animals refuse to harm Daniel. Another story tells how Daniel interpreted mysterious handwriting that appeared during a feast held by the Babylonian ruler Belshazzar (5:1-31). In chapter 3: 1-30, Daniel’s companions Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast into a fiery furnace because they refuse to worship a golden idol. The flames do not hurt them.
Biblical scholars do not agree on the date of the book. Some once believed that Daniel was the author. Today, scholars believe the book was written much later. Many think it was written during the 100’s B.C. These scholars say the author wanted to use Daniel as a heroic model to encourage Jews in a revolt against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV. The revolt was led by Judah Maccabee in the 160’s B.C.
See also Bible (The Writings); Handwriting on the wall.
