Historical context of Daniel

Who wrote Daniel, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Daniel

Date written

c. 530 BC

Original audience

Exiles.

Genre

Apocalyptic / Narrative

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

12

Background and setting

Babylonian and Persian courts.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Daniel was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Daniel or jump into chapter 1.