Biblical Literary Analysis: Daniel The book of Daniel has been interpreted to have many different themes throughout history. Themes such as power, pride, principles, and convictions have been drawn from the text. However, two themes accurately portray Daniel’s life and his circumstances: God’s faithfulness to His followers through their captivity, and the revelation of His glory. It also has a vision of future redemption and hope. Chapters one through six are characterized by an autobiography of Daniel’s life. During this section, Daniel and his friends endured hardship which caused them to have to lean on God’s promises. Chapters seven through twelve contain the visions Daniel received from God and the events that are involved in his ministry.
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The first section, chapters one through six, can be split into smaller portions. In chapter one, Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem. The smartest of Jerusalem’s men are taken to Babylon. Included in these are Daniel and his friends: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who are given Babylonian names. Evidence of Daniel’s trust in God can be seen from the very beginning; “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank.” (1:8) This trust would be the foundation for God to show His power through Daniel. Chapter two further reveals God’s faithfulness. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream, none of the Chaldean sorcerers, magicians, and astrologers knew how to interpret it. Again, God was faithful to Daniel. “Then Daniel…[sought]…mercy from the God of heaven concerning the mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.” (2:17-18) God revealed, “…the mystery…to Daniel in a vision of the night.” (2:19) Because Daniel and his friends believed God could sustain them, He showed them …show more content…
Daniel is appointed to rule over the whole realm. The other men of the kingdom are jealous of Daniel’s position and the fact that he was so faithful to the king. They petition the king and ask him to create a decree that no one is to pray to another king besides himself. The king grants this request. The men catch Daniel in the act of praying, and deliver him to the king. Daniel is thrown into a den of lions. When the king came back the next day, Daniel stated, “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before Him.” (6:22) Daniel trusted God with everything, and in return, God rescued him from the lions’
The first section, chapters one through six, can be split into smaller portions. In chapter one, Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem. The smartest of Jerusalem’s men are taken to Babylon. Included in these are Daniel and his friends: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who are given Babylonian names. Evidence of Daniel’s trust in God can be seen from the very beginning; “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank.” (1:8) This trust would be the foundation for God to show His power through Daniel. Chapter two further reveals God’s faithfulness. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream, none of the Chaldean sorcerers, magicians, and astrologers knew how to interpret it. Again, God was faithful to Daniel. “Then Daniel…[sought]…mercy from the God of heaven concerning the mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.” (2:17-18) God revealed, “…the mystery…to Daniel in a vision of the night.” (2:19) Because Daniel and his friends believed God could sustain them, He showed them …show more content…
Daniel is appointed to rule over the whole realm. The other men of the kingdom are jealous of Daniel’s position and the fact that he was so faithful to the king. They petition the king and ask him to create a decree that no one is to pray to another king besides himself. The king grants this request. The men catch Daniel in the act of praying, and deliver him to the king. Daniel is thrown into a den of lions. When the king came back the next day, Daniel stated, “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before Him.” (6:22) Daniel trusted God with everything, and in return, God rescued him from the lions’