Daniel is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his wisdom, prophetic visions, and his ability to interpret dreams and visions for various kings. His story is primarily told in the Book of Daniel, which is part of the biblical canon for both Jews and Christians. Daniel's experiences are often seen as a testament to his faith and the protection of God, particularly during times of persecution and exile.

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Daniel was a young Jewish nobleman who was taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon during the first deportation of the Jews to Babylon in the 7th century BCE. This event is believed to have occurred around 605 BCE. Daniel, along with other young men of noble birth, was selected to serve in the Babylonian court and was given a new Babylonian name, Belteshazzar. They were educated in the "language and literature of the Chaldeans" to prepare them for service in the royal court.

One of the most famous stories about Daniel is his refusal to defile himself with the king's food and wine, which were considered impure according to Jewish dietary laws. Instead, he and his friends were given a diet of vegetables and water, and at the end of ten days, they appeared healthier and better nourished than those who ate the king's food. This demonstrated the power of Daniel's faith and his adherence to his religious beliefs.

Daniel is also well-known for his ability to interpret dreams. The most famous of these is the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue made of different metals, which Daniel explained as a prophecy of four successive world empires, culminating in the eternal kingdom of God.

Another significant event in Daniel's life is the story of the fiery furnace. When Daniel's friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down to a golden statue set up by Nebuchadnezzar, they were thrown into a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. Daniel prayed for them, and they were miraculously protected from the flames, which led to their release and promotion.

Daniel's own ordeal with the lions' den is another pivotal moment. After the Medes and Persians took over Babylon, King Darius issued a decree that for thirty days, he alone was to be the recipient of prayers and petitions. Daniel, however, continued to pray to his God three times a day, as was his custom. For this, he was thrown into a den of lions. But once again, through divine intervention, Daniel was unharmed, and the lions did not harm him. The next day, when King Darius discovered Daniel alive, he was overjoyed and decreed that all people in his kingdom should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.

Daniel's visions, recorded in the latter part of the book, are among the most enigmatic and prophetic sections of the Bible. They foretell the rise and fall of various empires and the eventual establishment of God's everlasting kingdom.

In summary, Daniel's life in the Bible is marked by his unwavering faith, his ability to interpret dreams and visions, and his miraculous deliverances from death. His story serves as an example of faithfulness and resilience in the face of adversity.

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He was carried off to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem, where he was rescued from lions with the aid of the prophet Jeremiah. ... He was carried off to Babylon in 605 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar, the Assyrian, but was still living when Assyria was overthrown by the Medes and Persians.read more >>