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Daniel The Prophet Facts & Worksheets

Daniel was a prophet and a statesman in the Old Testament. He is one of the major prophets in the Hebrew Bible and a significant figure in the Book of Daniel.

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Daniel was a prophet and a statesman in the Old Testament. He is one of the major prophets in the Hebrew Bible and a significant figure in the Book of Daniel.

See the fact file below for more information about Daniel, or you can download our 31-page Daniel worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ORIGIN AND BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY

  • Daniel was from the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He likely grew up in the southern kingdom of Judah, which had its capital in Jerusalem. The people of Judah followed the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel, centered around the worship of the God of Israel.
  • In approximately 605 BCE, King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon led his mighty army to capture Jerusalem, the capital city of the Kingdom of Judah. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of ancient Israel.
  • Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign against Jerusalem was part of his broader ambition to expand the Babylonian Empire and exert dominance over the region. During the siege, Nebuchadnezzar’s forces breached the city walls and laid waste to much of Jerusalem’s infrastructure and defenses.
  • The conquest resulted in the deportation of a select group of exiles, including young men of noble birth, among whom was the prophet Daniel. These captives were taken back to Babylon, where they were assimilated into the Babylonian culture and educated in the ways of the empire.
  • In Babylon, Daniel and his friends, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego), were selected to receive special training and education in the Babylonian court. 
  • This involved learning the language, literature, and customs of the Babylonians. They were also provided with a daily portion of the king’s food and wine.
  • However, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food, which might have been considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. 
  • He requested a different diet for himself and his friends.
  • God blessed Daniel and his friends with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom beyond that of all the magicians and enchanters in Babylon. They excelled in their learning and abilities, which caught the attention of the officials and the king.

KEY EVENTS IN DANIEL’S LIFE

  • Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret. Daniel, empowered by God, revealed the dream to the king and provided its meaning, predicting future empires.
  • The Fiery Furnace: Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down to a golden statue worshiped by King Nebuchadnezzar. As a consequence, they were thrown into a fiery furnace but miraculously survived unharmed by God’s intervention.
  • The Writing on the Wall: Many years later, during the reign of King Belshazzar, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall during a banquet. Daniel interpreted the writing, predicting the fall of Belshazzar’s kingdom.
  • Daniel in the Lion’s Den: Under the rule of King Darius the Mede, Daniel’s rivals tricked the king into issuing a decree forbidding anyone from praying to any god or man except Darius. Daniel, faithful to God, continued to pray openly, resulting in his being thrown into a den of lions. However, God protected Daniel, and he emerged unharmed the next morning.
  • Daniel’s Visions and Prophecies: The book of Daniel contains a series of prophetic visions given to Daniel, including the vision of the four beasts, the vision of the ram and the goat, and the “Seventy Weeks” prophecy, which foretells the coming of the Messiah.
  • End of Captivity and Influence in the Persian Empire: After the fall of Babylon to the Persians, Daniel continued to serve in the Persian court, attaining high positions and enduring through the reign of several Persian kings, including Cyrus the Great.
  • Throughout his life, Daniel demonstrated unwavering faith in God, wisdom in interpreting dreams and visions, and a commitment to obeying God’s commands, making him one of the most remarkable and influential figures in biblical history.

DANIEL’S SIGNIFICANCE IN JUDAISM

  • In Judaism, Daniel is not typically considered one of the classical prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel. Instead, he is often regarded as a prophet-like figure or a seer due to his ability to receive visions and interpret dreams.
  • The distinction lies in the fact that classical prophets in Judaism were primarily messengers who received direct revelations from God to convey to the people, often delivering messages of warning, admonition, or comfort. 
  • On the other hand, Daniel’s visions and dreams in the Book of Daniel were personal experiences and interpretations, which provided insights into future events and prophecies.
  • Nevertheless, while not classified as a traditional prophet, Daniel remains highly esteemed in Jewish tradition for his righteousness, wisdom, and courage, serving as a role model for maintaining faithfulness to God even in the face of adversity.

DANIEL’S SIGNIFICANCE IN CHRISTIANITY

  • In Christianity, Daniel holds a significant role as a prophet and an exemplary figure of faith and devotion to God. The Book of Daniel is considered canonical scripture, and Daniel is recognized as one of the major prophets in Christianity.
  • His life and experiences in Babylonian captivity, including his unwavering commitment to God’s commandments, interpreting dreams and visions, and facing persecution, are highly valued for their moral and spiritual lessons.
  • Daniel’s prophecies, such as the vision of the four beasts and the “Seventy Weeks” prophecy, are often interpreted as foretelling future events, including the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This connection underscores Daniel’s relevance in Christian eschatology and end-times teachings.

DANIEL’S SIGNIFICANCE IN ISLAM

  • In Islam, Daniel (known as Prophet Daniyal) is a revered prophet and holds significant importance as a righteous and wise figure in the Abrahamic tradition. 
  • He is mentioned in the Quran, Islam’s holy scripture, and is considered one of the prophets sent by Allah (God) to guide and lead people on the right path.
  • Daniel’s story in Islam shares similarities with the biblical account, particularly his experiences during the Babylonian captivity.

DANIEL’S LEGACY

  • Prophet Daniel’s legacy is enduring and impactful. His unwavering faith in God, wisdom, and courage in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration for generations. 
  • His prophecies, recorded in the Book of Daniel, continue to be studied and interpreted in religious and eschatological contexts. Daniel’s commitment to prayer, integrity, and devotion to God exemplifies the path of righteousness. 
  • His story serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and providence, encouraging believers to remain faithful even in challenging circumstances. 
  • Throughout history, Daniel’s legacy has shaped the moral and spiritual values of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, leaving a profound impact on believers worldwide.

DEATH

  • According to Jewish tradition and some historical accounts, Daniel may have lived into his old age and died in Babylon, possibly during the reign of Cyrus the Great, who allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland after the fall of Babylon.
  • Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived in the 1st century CE, provides some information about the death and tomb of Daniel in his works.
  • As for the tomb of Daniel, Josephus mentions that it was located in the city of Susa, which was the winter capital of the Persian Empire. Susa is known in the biblical Book of Esther as the place where the events of the story of Esther took place. According to Josephus, the tomb of Daniel was a known landmark in Susa during his time.

Daniel, The Prophet Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Daniel across 31 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Daniel. He is one of the major prophets in the Hebrew Bible and a significant figure in the Book of Daniel.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Daniel Facts
  2. Daniel’s Life
  3. Adapting to Change
  4. Daniel’s Selection
  5. The King’s Dream
  6. The Fiery Furnace
  7. The Dream of a Tree
  8. The Writings on the Wall
  9. Daniel’s Dream
  10. Daniel’s Prophecies
  11. The Dreamers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Daniel the Prophet?

Daniel was a prominent figure in the Old Testament of the Bible. He was a prophet and wise advisor known for his interpretation of dreams and visions. He was also a captive from Judah who served in the courts of Babylonian and Persian kings during the 6th century BCE.

What are some famous stories associated with Daniel?

One of the most famous stories about Daniel is his survival in the lion’s den. According to the Bible, he was thrown into a den of lions as punishment for continuing to pray to his God, but miraculously, he emerged unharmed the next day. Another well-known story is the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a statue, which symbolized the rise and fall of empires.

What were some of Daniel’s prophecies?

Daniel’s prophecies in the Bible include the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue, which foretold the succession of empires. He also received visions of future events, including the rise of empires and the coming of a Messiah. Daniel’s prophecies are found mainly in the Book of Daniel, chapters 2, 7-12.

How did Daniel’s faith impact his life?

Daniel’s faith played a significant role in his life. He remained faithful to his God even when faced with persecution and challenges in a foreign land. His refusal to stop praying to his God led to his being thrown into the lion’s den, but his faith resulted in his miraculous deliverance. Daniel’s unwavering faith serves as an example of trust and devotion.

What is the significance of Daniel in religious and historical contexts?

Daniel is significant in religious contexts as a prophet and symbol of faith. His prophecies are considered by many to be remarkably accurate and have been interpreted in various ways by scholars and theologians. Historically, Daniel’s story provides insights into the Babylonian and Persian empires and their interactions with the people of Judah, contributing to our understanding of ancient history and geopolitics in the Near East.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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