Character Study Of Daniel Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF DANIEL – PROPHET IN BABYLON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 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..."

Supporting Texts:

Daniel 2:19-23, Daniel 3:16-18, Daniel 6:10, Daniel 9:3-4, Daniel 12:3

INTRODUCTION

Daniel was a prophet, visionary, and statesman who served in the royal courts of Babylon and Persia. Taken into exile as a young man, he remained faithful to God in a pagan land and was highly esteemed for his wisdom, integrity, and prophetic insight.

Through divine favour, interpretation of dreams, and unwavering commitment to God, Daniel became an influential figure in multiple kingdoms. His life teaches us about faithfulness, divine wisdom, and the power of prayer.

1. DANIEL'S EARLY LIFE AND CAPTIVITY

a) Taken as a captive to Babylon (Daniel 1:1-6)

Daniel was among the Jewish youths selected for royal service.

b) Refused to defile himself with royal food (Daniel 1:8)

He and his friends chose a diet that honoured God.

c) God granted him wisdom and understanding (Daniel 1:17)

He excelled above all the other wise men.

d) He was promoted in the king’s court (Daniel 1:19-20)

Nebuchadnezzar found him ten times wiser than others.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph also rose to prominence in a foreign land (Genesis 41:39-41).

2. DANIEL'S INTERPRETATION OF DREAMS

a) Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue (Daniel 2:31-45)

Revealed future kingdoms and God’s eternal reign.

b) Daniel prayed for divine revelation (Daniel 2:19-23)

His interpretation saved many wise men from death.

c) The writing on the wall (Belshazzar’s feast) (Daniel 5:25-28)

Warned of Babylon’s fall due to pride and sin.

d) Interpretation of the vision of four beasts (Daniel 7:1-14)

Prophesied about future world empires and the coming of Christ’s kingdom.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh also received a prophetic dream about the future (Genesis 41:1-7).

3. DANIEL IN THE LION’S DEN

a) He remained faithful despite opposition (Daniel 6:4-5)

His enemies found no fault in him except in his worship of God.

b) He prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10)

He continued seeking God despite the king’s decree.

c) He was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:16)

His trust in God never wavered.

d) God delivered him from harm (Daniel 6:22)

The lions did not touch him because an angel shut their mouths.

e) Biblical Example: The three Hebrew boys were also delivered from fire (Daniel 3:24-25).

4. DANIEL’S PROPHECIES AND VISIONS

a) The vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:3-8)

Prophesied the rise of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires.

b) The prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27)

Revealed the coming of the Messiah and future events.

c) The vision of the end times (Daniel 12:1-4)

Spoke of resurrection, judgment, and eternal glory.

d) The prophecy of the rise and fall of world powers (Daniel 11:2-4)

Detailed future kings and conflicts.

e) Biblical Example: John received end-time revelations in Revelation.

5. STRENGTHS OF DANIEL

a) He was a man of prayer (Daniel 9:3-4)

Constantly sought God’s guidance.

b) He had divine wisdom and understanding (Daniel 1:17)

God gave him special insight.

c) He was courageous in faith (Daniel 6:10)

Continued to pray despite opposition.

d) He was trustworthy and faithful (Daniel 6:4)

Even his enemies found no corruption in him.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also displayed integrity in leadership (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

6. DIFFICULT MOMENTS OF DANIEL

a) He sometimes felt overwhelmed by visions (Daniel 7:15-16)

The weight of revelation troubled him.

b) He mourned deeply for his people’s sins (Daniel 10:2-3)

Carried a heavy burden for Israel.

c) He was isolated in a foreign land (Daniel 1:3)

Removed from his homeland at a young age.

d) He lived under pagan rulers (Daniel 2:46-49)

Served kings who did not initially honour God.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah also mourned over Israel’s sins (Jeremiah 9:1).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF DANIEL

a) God honours those who honour Him (Daniel 1:8-9)

Daniel’s decision to remain pure brought divine favour.

b) Prayer is essential for spiritual strength (Daniel 6:10)

Daniel’s consistent prayer life sustained him.

c) God is sovereign over all kingdoms (Daniel 2:21)

He controls the rise and fall of nations.

d) Faithfulness leads to divine promotion (Daniel 6:3)

Daniel was lifted to high positions because of his integrity.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s faithfulness also led to promotion (Genesis 41:41-44).

CONCLUSION

Daniel’s life stands as a powerful testimony of faithfulness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to God. He thrived in a hostile environment without compromising his beliefs and was greatly used by God to reveal deep prophetic mysteries.

As believers, we are called to stand firm in righteousness, even in difficult circumstances, trusting that God will honour those who remain faithful to Him.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to remain faithful to You in all situations.