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    In Context

    Who Was Daniel — In Biblical Context

    Daniel was a Jewish prophet taken captive to Babylon who remained faithful to God despite intense pressure, receiving visions of future kingdoms and surviving the lions' den.

    Quick Answer

    Daniel was a Jewish prophet taken captive to Babylon who remained faithful to God despite intense pressure, receiving visions of future kingdoms and surviving the lions' den.

    "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." Daniel 6:22 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Daniel was taken from Jerusalem to Babylon as a young man during Nebuchadnezzar's conquest around 605 BC. Despite being immersed in pagan culture, he purposed not to defile himself and maintained unwavering faithfulness to God throughout a career serving multiple foreign kings. Daniel's wisdom, given by God, enabled him to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and the mysterious writing on the wall at Belshazzar's feast. His refusal to stop praying to God led to his being thrown into a den of lions, from which God miraculously delivered him. Daniel also received some of the Bible's most important prophetic visions, including the succession of world empires (the statue dream and four beasts), the prophecy of 70 weeks pointing to the Messiah's coming, and detailed prophecies about future events. His life demonstrates that faithfulness to God is possible even in hostile environments, and that God honors those who honor Him.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Daniel 6:22, sits inside Daniel 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."
    Daniel 6:22 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Daniel 1:8
    "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank."
    Daniel 2:44
    "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed."

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