Old Testament · Apocalyptic / Narrative

The Book of Daniel

God reigns over kings, kingdoms, and time itself.

Daniel's faithfulness in exile and prophetic visions reveal God's sovereign rule and the everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man.

Author and background of Daniel

Author

Daniel

Date written

c. 530 BC

Original audience

Exiles.

Babylonian and Persian courts.

Major themes of Daniel

The theology of Daniel centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.

God's character and glory

Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.

Sin, grace, and redemption

Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.

Covenant and promise

God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.

Worship and obedience

Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.

Key characters in Daniel

Daniel

Faithful exile and prophet.

Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego

Friends in the furnace.

Every chapter of Daniel explained

Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Daniel — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.

Key verses from Daniel

"His dominion is an everlasting dominion."
Daniel 4:34
Read Daniel 4:34 in context
"There came one like a son of man..."
Daniel 7:13-14
Read Daniel 7:13-14 in context

How to apply Daniel today

Daniel is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:

  • Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
  • Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
  • Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
  • Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.

Pray Daniel back to God

  • Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
  • Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
  • Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
  • Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).

Study Daniel more deeply

Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Daniel.

Keep going · Amazon picks

Go deeper into Daniel on Amazon

Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Daniel. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.

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  • Daniel — Iain Duguid

    Christ-centered exposition of Daniel.

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  • The Message of Daniel — Dale Ralph Davis

    Warm, gospel-focused commentary.

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  • Bible study journal

    A journal for notes, prayer, and reflection as you work through this content.

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Daniel — frequently asked questions

+Who wrote the book of Daniel?

Daniel — written around c. 530 BC.

+What is the main message of Daniel?

God reigns over kings, kingdoms, and time itself.

+How many chapters are in Daniel?

Daniel has 12 chapters.

+Who was Daniel written to?

Exiles.

+What are the key themes of Daniel?

God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.