What is the book of Daniel about?
Daniel is the story of faithful exiles in pagan Babylon — Daniel and his three friends — and a series of visions about the rise and fall of empires under the sovereign reign of "the Most High." It teaches God’s people how to live in exile and trust his kingdom.
Chapters 1–6 are narrative — the lion’s den, the fiery furnace, Belshazzar’s feast. Chapters 7–12 are apocalyptic — visions of kingdoms, the Son of Man, and the end.
"The Son of Man" coming on the clouds (Daniel 7:13–14) is Jesus’ favorite self-title. Daniel quietly hands the NT one of its biggest categories.
For believers under pressure, Daniel is a manual for faithful witness — courageous in public, prayerful in private, certain that the Most High rules.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.