The book of Daniel contains some of the classic and most memorable stories of the Bible. From an early age, children are captivated by the accounts of Daniel in the lions’ den, Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace, and the handwriting on the wall at Belshazzar’s feast.

Even as adults, we still find these stories engaging and brimming with relevant applications for the challenging days of the 21st century. Yet, the book of Daniel is more than an exciting story.

Daniel’s prophecy is rich in practical theology. The account of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and downfall emphasizes the fact that God alone is sovereign and that he is the “hand in the glove” behind the rise and fall of leaders and nations.

Daniel’s visions reveal that God is sovereign over the future of the Gentile nations, as well as the nation of Israel. The book of Daniel also reveals a great deal about Israel’s Messiah, the “son of man” who takes his seat with “the Ancient of Days” and exercises divine authority.

Could it be significant that the epitaph, “son of man,” first appearing in Daniel 7:13, is used 83 times in the four Gospels referring to Jesus?Some of the prophecies of Daniel have been fulfilled in the past, such as the rise and rule of Antiochus Epiphanes who desecrated the Jerusalem temple in 167 BC. The fulfillment of past prophecies gives readers confidence that Daniel wrote by divine inspiration and that his prophecies about the future will be literally fulfilled as well.

In The Story of Daniel, we will explore the book of Daniel chapter by chapter, looking for the abiding truths of God’s Word and the practical application of these truths for today. .