Daniel
Daniel came from a very important family in Jerusalem. When his country was defeated by the king of Babylon, he was taken captive along with some of his friends. They were treated very well in this foreign country – they were given a university education and were offered jobs in the royal court. But some of the customs of the Babylonian people were against Daniel’s beliefs. He did not want to stop worshipping the one true God so he stuck to his principles, even though it could have cost him his job, or even his life! He was rewarded by being given a top job in the government.
Although he was far from home, Daniel never forgot his people, his values and his faith. God gave him the gift of being able to clearly understand difficult situations and problems, and he served at least three successive kings faithfully. He was always on the side of truth and goodness, even when it made him unpopular. He was an advisor at the Royal Court for about 60 years!
The most famous story about Daniel is the story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. You can read it for yourself in Daniel Chapter 6 which is in the Old Testament part of the Bible. It’s another good example of him being willing to obey God rather than the king. His enemies had him thrown into a pit full of hungry lions but God was able to keep Daniel safe – the lions did not kill him! Daniel 6: 21 and 22 says, “Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so they would not hurt me for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”” (New Living Translation)
God worked a miracle and left no one in any doubt about who the one true God was.
To find out more, read...Daniel 6:1-24a
and watch Friends and Heroes...
Series Episode 1, “Long Journey”
We have a song about
Daniel’s story too...
Daniel - Click here to see the words
or click here to hear a sample of the song
