Bible character profile

Who Was Daniel in the Bible?

Daniel is a faithful exile known for wisdom, prayer, courage, visions, and deliverance from the lions' den.

Known For

Faithfulness in exile
Prayer
Lions' den
Prophetic visions

Biblical Context

Daniel lives during exile, serving in foreign courts while remaining faithful to the God of Israel.

Life and Story

Daniel is taken to Babylon as an exile and resolves not to defile himself. From the beginning, his faithfulness is tested in a foreign court.

God gives Daniel wisdom and understanding, and Daniel serves under kings while remaining loyal to the Lord. His public life includes interpreting dreams, prayer, and courage under political pressure.

In Daniel 6, his enemies target his prayer life. Daniel continues praying, is thrown into the lions' den, and is delivered by God.

Key Relationships

Jewish exile in Babylon
Interpreter of dreams and visions
Servant under foreign kings
Companion of faithful exiles

Why Daniel Matters

Daniel matters because he shows faithful witness in exile. His life teaches courage, integrity, prayer, and trust in God when public loyalty to the Lord becomes costly.

Study Notes

Daniel shows public faithfulness under pressure.
Prayer and integrity are central to his witness.
The book joins court stories with visions of kingdoms, judgment, and God's rule.

Key KJV Verses

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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Read Daniel 1

Daniel 6:22

“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.”

Read Daniel 6

Daniel 6:23

“Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.”

Read Daniel 6