Bible Study · Major Prophets

The Book of Daniel

Daniel tells the story of God's people living faithfully in a foreign empire, far from home and surrounded by pressure to bow. Through a refused diet, a fiery furnace, a hand that writes on a wall, and a den of lions, the book shows that the Most High rules over every kingdom of men and gives it to whomever he will. Its second half lifts our eyes from earthly thrones to the throne of the Ancient of Days, where one like a son of man receives an everlasting kingdom that shall never pass away. Daniel teaches us to be faithful in exile while we wait for the kingdom that endures forever.

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Whole-Book Overview

See the whole sweep of Daniel, from four young exiles who resolve not to defile themselves to the visions of beasts, the Ancient of Days, and the everlasting kingdom of the son of man.

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Chapter 1

Resolved Not to Be Defiled

Carried into Babylon, four young men of Judah refuse the king's rich food and are given wisdom and favor by God.

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Chapter 2

The Dream of the Great Image

When no one can recover the king's forgotten dream, God reveals it to Daniel and shows a kingdom that will never be destroyed.

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Chapter 3

The Fiery Furnace

Three friends refuse to bow to a golden image and are thrown into the flames, where a fourth figure walks with them unharmed.

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Chapter 4

The King Humbled Like a Beast

Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a great tree cut down, is driven from men in madness, and is restored when he honors the King of heaven.

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Chapter 5

The Writing on the Wall

Belshazzar profanes the temple vessels at his feast, a hand writes his doom, and Daniel reads the verdict before the night is out.

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Chapter 6

Daniel in the Lions' Den

Trapped by a law against prayer, Daniel keeps praying to his God and is delivered from the lions by the angel who shuts their mouths.

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Chapter 7

Four Beasts and the Son of Man

Daniel sees beasts rising from the sea, the Ancient of Days enthroned, and one like a son of man given an everlasting kingdom.

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Chapter 8

The Ram, the Goat, and the Horn

Daniel sees a ram overpowered by a goat, a little horn that defies heaven, and Gabriel explains the kings still to come.

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Chapter 9

Confession and the Seventy Weeks

Daniel prays a great confession for his people, and Gabriel reveals seventy weeks decreed to atone for sin and bring everlasting righteousness.

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Chapter 10

A Glimpse Behind the Throne

After three weeks of mourning, Daniel meets a glorious messenger and learns of the unseen conflict behind the kingdoms of the earth.

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Chapter 11

Kings of the North and South

A sweeping prophecy of warring kings climbs toward a defiant ruler who exalts himself, until he comes to his appointed end.

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Chapter 12

The Time of the End

Michael arises, the dead awake to everlasting life or shame, and Daniel is told to rest and stand in his lot at the end of the days.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.