The Book Of Daniel

Who is the Author?

The author of the book of Daniel is the prophet Daniel. The book has traditionally been attributed to Daniel on the basis of explicit statements made within its pages (9:2; 10:2) and Christ’s testimony (Matt. 24:15). Daniel lived in Babylon during the sixth century BC and served both Babylonian and Persian rulers.1 The name “Daniel” means “God is my judge.” The first six chapters of this important Old Testament book show how the conviction represented by Daniel’s name guided his actions, from youth through old age. Committed to pleasing God alone, this man was unshakable in his determination to do what he knew was right.2 Little is known of Daniel’s family background. From the testimony of his contemporaries, he was known for his righteousness (Ezek. 14:14, 20) and wisdom (Ezek. 28:3). He is mentioned in these passages with Noah and Job and is regarded as a historical figure, not a fictional character. Daniel was born into the royal family and was of noble birth (Dan. 1:3, 6). He was physically attractive and mentally sharp (1:4). He lived at least until the third year of Cyrus—that is, until 536 BC (10:1).Therefore, he must have been a young man when he was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC. (In 1:4, Daniel was one of the “young” men of Israel.) If he was 16 when he was captured, then he was 85 in Cyrus’s third year.3 Daniel lived through the reigns of four rulers (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus) and three kingdoms (Babylon, Media, and Persia). He held several important positions and was promoted because of his character and wisdom—and because the blessing of God was upon him. In fact, Nebuchadnezzar named him chief of the wise men and a ruler of the land (2:48), a position similar to a modern-day prime minister. Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Belshazzar, called Daniel out of retirement and, because Daniel explained the handwriting on the wall, Belshazzar made him third ruler in the land (5:29).Darius named him leader over the whole realm (6:1–3). For at least seventy-five years, Daniel was God’s faithful witness in a wicked, idolatrous kingdom.4