Aspect Details
Authorship Traditionally attributed to Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, though some modern scholars argue for a later composition during the Hellenistic period (2nd century BCE).
Historical Setting The book is set during the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE), specifically the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar II, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Great.
Babylonian Empire The historical backdrop includes the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, the subsequent deportation of the Jewish elite, and the integration of Jewish exiles into Babylonian society. Significant rulers during this period include Nebuchadnezzar II and Nabonidus.
Persian Empire The narrative moves into the early Persian period with references to Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BCE and issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
Genre The book of Daniel combines elements of apocalyptic literature, narrative history, and prophecy. It includes visions, dreams, symbolic imagery, and stories illustrating divine intervention.
Key Themes - The sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms
- Faithfulness and perseverance in the face of oppression
- The ultimate triumph of God's kingdom
- Prophetic visions of future events including the coming of the Messiah
- The power of prayer and divine wisdom.
Significance The book provides comfort and hope to the Jewish people during times of persecution and exile, emphasizing that God's dominion extends beyond human empires and history.


Chapter Content Summary
1 Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon and trained for service in the king's palace.
2 Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue and Daniel’s interpretation.
3 The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
4 Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and his subsequent humility and restoration.
5 The fall of Babylon and the writing on the wall during Belshazzar’s feast.
6 Daniel in the lions’ den.
7 Daniel’s vision of four beasts representing four empires.
8 Daniel’s vision of a ram and a goat, symbolizing future kingdoms.
9 Daniel’s prayer and the prophecy of the Seventy Weeks.
10 Daniel’s vision of a man and the prophecy of future tribulations.
11 Detailed prophecy about the kings of the north and south.
12 Prophecies regarding the end times and the resurrection of the dead.