What is the main point of the book of Daniel?

The Book of Daniel is divided into two distinct sections: the first six chapters recount dramatic episodes from Daniel’s life and those of his friends in exile, while chapters seven through twelve shift to a series of apocalyptic visions. This structure is intentional, weaving together historical events and prophetic revelations to reinforce the book’s overarching themes.

The narrative portion (chapters 1–6) includes some of the Old Testament’s most memorable stories—the fiery furnace, the writing on the wall, and the lions’ den. These accounts are more than tales of heroism; they illustrate what it means to remain faithful to God in a foreign land, under pressure to conform to a hostile culture.

The second half (chapters 7–12) plunges the reader into symbolic visions that predict the rise and fall of empires, the suffering of God’s people, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. These apocalyptic passages, while challenging to interpret, serve the same purpose as the narratives: to assure believers that God is in control, no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem.

The Main Point: God’s Sovereignty Over History

The central message of Daniel can be summed up in one word: sovereignty. Throughout both the stories and the visions, the book proclaims that God is the supreme ruler of heaven and earth. Kings and kingdoms may rise and fall, but it is God who sets the times and seasons, who removes kings and raises up others (Daniel 2:21). Human power is transient, but divine authority endures forever.

This theme is evident from the very beginning. Daniel and his friends are exiles in Babylon, apparently powerless in the face of a mighty empire. Yet, even in captivity, God grants them favor, wisdom, and protection. When Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty Babylonian king, dreams of a statue representing successive world empires, Daniel interprets the dream and reveals that all these kingdoms will ultimately be replaced by a kingdom “that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). The message is clear: even the greatest earthly powers are subject to God’s will.

Faithfulness in Exile: Living as God’s People in a Hostile World

Another key theme in Daniel is the call to faithfulness. The Jewish exiles are surrounded by idolatry and pressured to abandon their distinct identity. Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the king’s food, worship the golden image, or cease praying to their God. Their unwavering commitment, even in the face of deadly threats, demonstrates that loyalty to God takes precedence over allegiance to earthly rulers.

This faithful resistance is not just about personal piety; it is an act of witness. Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, and others come to acknowledge the greatness of Daniel’s God because of the courageous stand taken by His servants. The story of the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) and the lions’ den (Daniel 6) are powerful testimonies to the fact that God honors and vindicates those who trust in Him.

The book thus encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of external pressures. It assures them that God is able to deliver, but even if deliverance does not come in the expected way, faithfulness is its own reward.

Apocalyptic Visions: Hope Beyond the Present

The visions in Daniel (chapters 7–12) introduce readers to a genre known as apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic imagery, predictions of future events, and the ultimate triumph of God’s people. These visions can be bewildering, but their central message echoes the themes of the earlier narratives: despite fierce opposition and suffering, God’s kingdom will prevail.

Daniel’s visions depict a succession of empires, often represented by beasts or statues, each more terrifying than the last. These empires persecute God’s people, but their reigns are temporary. In Daniel 7, for instance, Daniel sees “one like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven, who is given everlasting dominion. This figure, interpreted by Christians as pointing to Jesus Christ, represents the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over all earthly powers.

The visions also acknowledge the reality of suffering. Daniel 12 speaks of a “time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then,” but promises that those whose names are written in the book will be delivered (Daniel 12:1). The message is one of hope: while evil may seem to have the upper hand, God’s victory is assured.

God’s Faithfulness to His Promises

Closely tied to the theme of sovereignty is the assurance of God’s faithfulness. The Book of Daniel repeatedly portrays God as a keeper of promises, whether in granting wisdom to Daniel, delivering his friends from peril, or unveiling the future of His people. The exact fulfillment of prophetic details—such as the rise and fall of specific empires—demonstrates that God is true to His word.

Daniel’s own prayer in chapter 9 is a moving example of this faith. Daniel acknowledges the sin of his people and pleads with God to fulfill His promise to restore Jerusalem. God responds not only with assurance of restoration but also with a prophecy of ultimate redemption. This pattern of prayer, promise, and fulfillment is a hallmark of biblical faith.

The Importance of Wisdom and Integrity

Another recurring motif in Daniel is the value of wisdom. Daniel and his friends are repeatedly described as wise, discerning, and full of understanding—qualities that come from their relationship with God. Their wisdom enables them to interpret dreams, resolve crises, and advise kings. But this wisdom is not merely intellectual; it is rooted in reverence for God.

In a world enamored with power and prestige, Daniel’s integrity sets him apart. He refuses to compromise his convictions, even when it would be easier to conform. His life is a model for believers seeking to live out their faith in challenging circumstances. The book suggests that true wisdom consists in recognizing God’s sovereignty and aligning one’s life accordingly.

The Ultimate Triumph of God’s Kingdom

The climactic message of Daniel is the certainty of God’s ultimate victory. While the book does not minimize the reality of evil or the suffering of God’s people, it insists that evil’s reign is temporary. The succession of empires, each more brutal than the last, serves to highlight the contrast with God’s everlasting kingdom.

The vision of the stone “cut out without hands” that destroys the statue of worldly empires (Daniel 2) is a vivid illustration of this point. Similarly, the “Ancient of Days” and the “Son of Man” imagery in Daniel 7 emphasize that God’s rule is eternal and just. These visions have inspired hope for generations of believers facing persecution or uncertainty.

Relevance for Today: Lessons from Daniel

The message of Daniel remains deeply relevant. In a world where political powers rise and fall, where believers may feel marginalized or threatened, Daniel reminds us that God is still on the throne. The call to faithfulness, integrity, and hope is as urgent now as it was in Daniel’s day.

For Christians, Daniel’s visions are often seen as pointing forward to the coming of Christ, the true “Son of Man,” and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. The book’s insistence on God’s sovereignty and faithfulness encourages readers to trust Him, even when the future is uncertain.