Introduction to the Book of Daniel The Book of Daniel is key to understanding
biblical prophecy.
In Daniel, many end-time events are presented, and other prophecies in the
Bible can only be understood by reading Daniel.
The prophet Daniel is also one of the Bible's finest examples of godly
conviction and integrity.
As a young man, likely still in his teens, Daniel is taken captive to Babylon when
the armies of Babylon first threatened Jerusalem in 605 B.C.
There, he serves faithfully within the government of Babylon and then later
within the government of Persia.
God uses Daniel to encourage other exiles to trust the God of heaven, who reveals
mysteries and reigns over all the kingdoms of men.
Daniel's message assured them that the Lord still had a future for his people.
The book has two main parts.
The book begins with stories about Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego.
Then, a series of prophetic visions seen by Daniel shows the rise and fall of
several empires beginning with Babylon.
Included in this second part of Daniel are detailed visions related to the rise of
the Antichrist, followed by the second coming of God's Messiah, Jesus Christ.
As you listen, consider how necessary it is in today's world to exhibit the same
kind of steadfast faith and courage that sustained Daniel and his three companions
while they lived their lives in exile, far away from home.