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The Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel tells the story of a young Jewish man taken from his home during a time of exile. He was brought to live in Babylon, far from Jerusalem. Even though he lived in a foreign land, Daniel stayed faithful to God. His story shows how he trusted God through many hard situations.

The book is split into two main parts. The first part has stories about Daniel and his friends. These stories show how they stayed loyal to their faith, even when it was risky. The second part includes dreams and visions. These are harder to understand, but they point to hope and God’s power over history.

Daniel and his friends faced pressure to follow the ways of Babylon. But they kept their faith, even when it meant danger. One of the most well-known stories is when Daniel is thrown into a den of lions. Another is when his three friends are thrown into a fiery furnace. In both cases, God protects them.

The visions in the second half of the book speak about kingdoms, battles, and the future. These parts can feel confusing at first. But they remind us that God sees the bigger picture. The Book of Daniel helps us remember that even when things feel out of control, we can still trust in God’s care.

Living in a Foreign Land

The Book of Daniel takes place during a time when many Jewish people were taken from their homes. This happened around 600 years before Jesus was born. The Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem. They took many people, including Daniel, to live in Babylon. It was a hard time for the Jewish people. They were far from home and felt lost.

Daniel is shown as a young man who worked in the court of the king. He was smart and faithful. The stories tell how he served under several kings in Babylon and Persia. Even in a strange land, Daniel followed God and stayed true to his faith.

Many think the book was written much later than the time it describes. It may have been written about 400 years after Daniel lived. That was a time when the Jewish people were again being treated badly, this time by Greek rulers. The book gave them hope and reminded them to stay strong in their faith.

The author is unknown. The book is written using the name of Daniel, but it may have been put together by others long after he died. Some parts are written in Hebrew and others in Aramaic. This shows that the book was shaped over time, during different periods of Jewish history.

Stories and Symbols

The Book of Daniel is written in two very different styles. The first part is filled with stories. These are easy to follow. They tell about Daniel and his friends in Babylon. The stories are exciting and full of action. They include dreams, danger, and brave choices.

The second part of the book is full of visions. These parts are harder to understand. They use symbols and strange images. There are beasts, horns, and numbers. These visions tell about kingdoms and rulers. They point to times of trouble, but also times of hope.

The book also switches between two languages. Some chapters are written in Hebrew. Others are written in Aramaic. That was the common language at the time. This tells us that the book was meant for many people, not just scholars or leaders.

Overall, Daniel mixes story and vision. It tells real events in a dramatic way. It also uses mystery and signs to speak about things to come. The style keeps the reader thinking and looking for meaning.

Faith in the Fire

The Book of Daniel teaches many lessons that connect with Catholic faith. These themes help us live with courage, even when things are hard.

  • Faithfulness to God
    Daniel and his friends stayed loyal to God, even when it could cost them their lives. Catholics are called to do the same. No matter the pressure, we are meant to follow God’s way.
  • Trust in God’s Plan
    Daniel’s visions show that kingdoms rise and fall. But God is always in charge. Catholics believe that God guides history, even when things seem out of control.
  • Hope in Hard Times
    The people who first read Daniel were facing persecution. The book gave them hope. Catholics also look to Daniel when facing fear or loss. It reminds us that God stays with us.
  • The Promise of a Savior
    One of Daniel’s visions speaks of “one like a son of man.” Jesus used this title for himself. Catholics see this as a sign pointing to Christ, the one who brings God’s kingdom.

These themes help us stay strong in our faith. They remind us to trust God, even in the darkest times.

Two Halves, Many Lessons

The Book of Daniel has two main parts. Each part has a different style. One part tells stories. The other part shares visions.

  1. Chapters 1–6: Stories of Faith
    These chapters tell stories about Daniel and his friends.
    • Chapter 1: Daniel and his friends refuse the king’s food.
    • Chapter 2: Daniel explains the king’s dream of a statue.
    • Chapter 3: The three friends are thrown into a fiery furnace.
    • Chapter 4: King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and learns a lesson.
    • Chapter 5: The writing on the wall warns King Belshazzar.
    • Chapter 6: Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den.
  2. Chapters 7–12: Visions of the Future
    These chapters share Daniel’s visions.
    • Chapter 7: A vision of four beasts and a figure like a son of man.
    • Chapter 8: A vision of a ram and a goat.
    • Chapter 9: A prayer and a message about seventy weeks.
    • Chapters 10–12: A long vision about battles, kingdoms, and the end times.

The Book of Daniel also includes some extra stories found in Catholic Bibles:

  • The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men (inserted in Chapter 3)
  • Susanna (Chapter 13)
  • Bel and the Dragon (Chapter 14)

These parts help us see how God protects the faithful and teaches justice. Each section, whether story or vision, points us back to trust, courage, and hope in God.

Brave People and Proud Kings

The Book of Daniel has many characters. Some are faithful to God. Others are powerful rulers. Each one helps move the story forward.

  • Daniel
    A young Jewish man taken to Babylon. He is wise, faithful, and brave. He explains dreams and survives the lion’s den.
  • Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
    Daniel’s three friends. They are also taken to Babylon. They are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a statue. God saves them.
  • Nebuchadnezzar
    A Babylonian king. He has strange dreams. Daniel helps him understand them. He learns that God’s power is greater than his.
  • Belshazzar
    Another Babylonian king. He sees writing on a wall during a feast. Daniel explains the writing. That same night, Belshazzar loses his kingdom.
  • Darius
    A Persian king. He likes Daniel but is tricked into punishing him. He throws Daniel into the lion’s den. God keeps Daniel safe.
  • Angels and Vision Figures
    In the second part of the book, Daniel sees angels and strange beasts. These figures are part of his visions. They carry messages about the future.

Each person in the book helps teach a lesson. Some show great faith. Others show what happens when people ignore God. Together, they make the book strong and full of meaning.

Standing Strong Today

The Book of Daniel may be old, but its message is still important. It shows how to stay faithful in hard times. Many people today face pressure to give up their beliefs. Daniel reminds us to hold on to God, even when it’s not easy.

We live in a world that often pushes faith aside. Daniel and his friends lived in a land that did not follow God. They stayed true, even when it was dangerous. Their courage can help us stay strong too.

Daniel also teaches us to trust that God sees the whole picture. When life feels out of control, this book reminds us that God is still in charge. This can give peace when things are scary or unsure.

For Catholics today, Daniel is a call to hope and courage. Whether we face trouble at school, work, or in the world, we are not alone. Like Daniel, we can pray, speak truth, and trust God’s care.

Daniel at Mass

The Book of Daniel is read during Mass at different times in the year. These readings help us reflect on courage, trust, and God’s power. Some parts are used during special seasons, like Advent and Lent. Others are read on weekdays or for feast days.

One popular reading is the story of the three young men in the furnace. Their song of praise is read during Lent. It reminds us to thank God, even in hard times. Another well-known reading is Daniel in the lion’s den. This shows how faith can bring peace even in danger.

Some of Daniel’s visions are also used. These readings talk about the “Son of Man” and God’s kingdom. Catholics believe this points to Jesus. These readings often prepare us to focus on Christ as King.

Daniel’s words help bring strength and hope to the people at Mass. Whether it’s a story or a vision, each reading reminds us that faith matters and God is near.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a particular reading.

Trinity Sunday Year A

Lifting Our Eyes to God’s Glory

In Daniel 3:52-56, we hear words of praise lifted up to God from people who are in the middle of suffering. These words come from the story of the three young men who were thrown into a fiery furnace. Even in danger, they do not complain. Instead, they bless and praise God with joy and trust.

The song gives thanks for God’s greatness in every place—His temple, His throne, and over all creation. God is honored for who He is and where He reigns. This responsorial psalm reminds us to keep praising God always, no matter what we are going through. It is a song of faith from those who choose trust over fear.

The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Vision of the Son of Man

In Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, the prophet shares a vision of heaven. He sees a throne, bright and powerful, with God seated in glory. Many serve Him, and He is ready to judge with fairness. This part of the vision shows that God rules over all with justice.

Then Daniel sees someone like a son of man coming on the clouds. This figure is given power, glory, and a kingdom that will never end. Catholics see this as a sign of Jesus, who is the true King. His rule is not just for one time or one group. It is for all people, forever.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Year B

The Everlasting King

In Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet shares a vision of someone like a son of man coming on the clouds. He approaches God and is given power and kingship. This figure is honored by all people and nations.

His rule will never end. His kingdom will not be destroyed. Catholics understand this vision as pointing to Jesus. He is the Son of Man who brings God’s kingdom to all the world. This reading reminds us that Jesus is the true King, and His rule is forever.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Hope in a Time of Trouble

In Daniel 12:1-3, the prophet speaks about a time of great trouble. But in the middle of that struggle, God’s people will be helped. Those whose names are written in the book will be saved.

Some will rise from the dead—some to life, others to shame. Those who stayed faithful and led others to do right will shine like stars. This message gives hope to people facing fear or danger. It reminds us that God sees everything and will bring justice in the end.

Selections from the Book of Daniel are also read at weekday Masses:

Resources

Faithful in Exile: Daniel Stands Firm

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares thoughts on Daniel chapters 1 and 2. He explains that Daniel and his friends are taken into exile in Babylon. Even in this hard place, they stay faithful by refusing the king’s rich food and choosing simple meals instead. God blesses them with wisdom and strength.

Fr. Mike points out that Daniel’s story shows how to live faithfully outside the Promised Land. Just like Ezekiel, Daniel teaches us how to live well even when life is difficult. He stays close to God and lives with purpose in exile.

In chapter 2, Daniel steps forward when no one else can tell the king his dream. He prays with his friends, and God reveals the dream to him. Daniel gives credit to God, not to himself.

Fr. Mike says the statue in the dream shows four kingdoms: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. These all fall, but God sets up a kingdom that never ends. Fr. Mike explains that this kingdom is the Church, started by Jesus and spreading all over the world.

Faith in the Fire

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Daniel chapter 3. He focuses on Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. Fr. Mike prefers their Hebrew names, not the Babylonian ones. Their real names honor the God of Israel.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that the Hebrew names of the three young men were changed when they were taken to Babylon:

  • Hananiah was renamed Shadrach
  • Mishael was renamed Meshach
  • Azariah was renamed Abednego

Fr. Mike explains how the Babylonians tried to erase their faith by changing their names. Each new name pointed to a false god. But the three young men stayed faithful. Even in exile, they refused to turn away from the Lord.

He highlights their brave answer to the king. They said God could save them from the fire—but even if he didn’t, they would still not bow. Fr. Mike calls this one of his favorite moments in the Bible.

He also talks about their praise in the furnace and the angel who protected them. The fire didn’t touch them at all. Afterward, King Nebuchadnezzar was amazed and gave them honor. Fr. Mike says their faith made a strong witness, even to a harsh king.

Kings Humbled and God Honored

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Daniel chapters 4 and 5. He says both chapters show how God humbles the proud. King Nebuchadnezzar loses everything, even his mind, until he finally learns that God is the Most High. Fr. Mike points out that this is not just punishment—God is teaching him something important.

Fr. Mike says Nebuchadnezzar lived his whole life thinking he was the highest authority. But God shows him that he is not. Fr. Mike reminds us that it’s a gift when God helps us see the truth. Nebuchadnezzar finally praises God with honesty and worship.

Then in Daniel 5, Fr. Mike reflects on King Belshazzar. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar does not learn or change. He dishonors God by using the temple vessels at a party. God sends a warning, and Daniel explains the writing on the wall.

Fr. Mike ends by reminding us that kingdoms rise and fall. Leaders come and go. What matters most is staying humble before God and loving others. He encourages us to keep our hearts focused on the Lord, not just the news of the world.

Faithful in the Lion’s Den

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Daniel stays faithful in hard times. In Daniel chapter 6, Daniel keeps praying even when it’s against the law. He is thrown into the lion’s den, but God keeps him safe. Fr. Mike says this shows how we can stay true even when others turn against us.

Fr. Mike says Daniel is faithful in exile. He chooses to follow God no matter what. Daniel does what is right, even if it brings trouble. Fr. Mike reminds us that we can be faithful too, even when we feel powerless.

In Daniel chapter 7, Fr. Mike explains the vision of four beasts. These beasts stand for kingdoms: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. But after them comes one like a son of man, whose kingdom will never fall.

Fr. Mike says the final kingdom is God’s kingdom. It rises and stays forever. That kingdom is the Church. Even when the world feels unstable, we belong to something lasting.

God’s Plan in Strange Visions

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Daniel chapters 8 and 9. He explains that Daniel sees a vision of a ram and a goat. The ram stands for the Medo-Persian Empire. The goat is Greece, led by Alexander the Great.

Fr. Mike says these animals show how powerful kingdoms rise and fall. He reminds us that God is still in control, even when the world seems messy. The big horn breaks, and four smaller ones take over. This shows how kingdoms change.

In Daniel 9, Fr. Mike highlights Daniel’s prayer. Daniel knows the exile will last seventy years. So he prays and asks God to forgive the people. Fr. Mike points out how Daniel speaks honestly and takes responsibility for the people’s sins.

Gabriel comes and tells Daniel about “seventy weeks.” Fr. Mike says this points ahead about 500 years to the coming of the anointed one. Many think this means Jesus. Fr. Mike explains that God gave this vision to show hope in the middle of hard times.

Angels, Battles, and a Powerful Message

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Daniel chapters 10 and 11. He explains that Daniel had been praying and fasting for three weeks. Then an angel came to him and said his prayers were heard from the first day. Fr. Mike points out that we should never give up on prayer, even when answers feel slow.

Fr. Mike says the angel was delayed by the “prince of Persia,” which he believes is a dark spiritual power. Michael the archangel came to help. This shows that there’s more going on behind the scenes than we can see. God is at work, even in struggles.

In Daniel 11, Fr. Mike explains how the vision tells the future in great detail. It includes kings, battles, and events that later came true. He says it’s so exact that some people think it must have been written after the events happened.

Fr. Mike ends by sharing one powerful line from the vision: “The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” He says this reminds us to stay faithful, even when things get hard. Daniel shows us what it looks like to trust God in confusing times.

Daniel’s Faith and Susanna’s Courage

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Daniel chapters 12 and 13. He says chapter 12 is one of the clearest places in the Old Testament that speaks of the resurrection of the dead. Daniel hears that some will rise to everlasting life, and others to shame. Fr. Mike reminds us this is part of our faith—our bodies will rise again.

Fr. Mike also shares about Daniel 13 and the story of Susanna. He says Susanna was brave and chose to trust God instead of giving in to fear. When she was falsely accused, she prayed to God. Fr. Mike points out that her prayer is strong and full of hope.

Fr. Mike says Daniel’s wisdom saved Susanna. He showed courage by standing up to the corrupt elders. He asked the right questions and caught them in their lies. Fr. Mike admires Daniel’s boldness and fairness.

He also warns us about what happened to the elders. They looked away from God and let their desires take over. Fr. Mike says we can fall into the same trap if we take our eyes off Jesus. He encourages us to stay focused on the Lord, like Daniel and Susanna did.

Bel, a Dragon, and More Lions

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Daniel chapter 14. He says this chapter has three short stories that show Daniel’s deep faith. Daniel stays true to God even when surrounded by people who worship false gods.

Fr. Mike explains how Daniel proves that the idol Bel is fake. He uses ashes to catch the priests sneaking in at night. Daniel shows the king that Bel doesn’t eat anything. The king is shocked and destroys the idol.

Next, Daniel kills a dragon that others believed was a god. He makes a clever plan using simple materials. When the dragon dies, the people turn against the king and demand Daniel be punished.

Fr. Mike says Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den again, but God sends the prophet Habakkuk to bring him food. Daniel survives. Fr. Mike says this shows that even in exile, Daniel stays faithful. He doesn’t give in, and God takes care of him.

Daniel: Unshakable Faith

Navigating The Scriptures: The Catholic Approach to Reading the Bible

The Bible

The Book of Daniel is just one part of the big story found in the Bible. Each book fits together to show how God works with his people through history. When we understand the Bible as a whole, we can see more clearly how Daniel’s message connects with the rest of Scripture.

Want to learn more about how the Bible is put together? Visit our page about Understanding the Bible. It explains the different parts of the Bible and how they fit into our faith.

Questions and Answers about the Book of Daniel

Is the Book of Daniel a true story?

The Church sees Daniel as part history and part message. The stories teach lessons about faith and courage. Some parts may be based on real events. Others use symbols to share hope during hard times.

Why is Daniel in the Old Testament?

Daniel lived before Jesus. His book is part of the Hebrew Scriptures. Catholics include Daniel in the Old Testament because it helps prepare for the coming of Christ.

What does “Son of Man” mean in Daniel?

In Daniel’s vision, “one like a son of man” comes with power and glory. Catholics believe this points to Jesus. Jesus even calls himself the Son of Man in the Gospels.

Why do Catholics have extra chapters in Daniel?

Catholic Bibles include parts like Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, and the Song of the Three Young Men. These were in the Greek version used by early Christians, so the Church kept them.

What can I learn from Daniel today?

Daniel teaches us to trust God, even when it’s hard. It reminds us to pray, speak truth, and stay faithful in tough times. The message still matters today.

Faith in a Foreign Land

The Book of Daniel tells the story of a young Jewish man taken into exile in Babylon. Even though he lives far from home, Daniel stays faithful to God. He prays every day, follows the law, and trusts in God’s help. His friends do the same. They face danger, but God protects them.

The first part of the book is made up of exciting stories. Daniel explains dreams, survives a lion’s den, and his friends are saved from a fiery furnace. These stories show how God cares for those who trust Him. They also show that God is stronger than any king or empire.

The second part of the book has strange visions. These talk about kingdoms, battles, and a future time when God will set things right. One of these visions mentions “one like a son of man,” which Catholics see as pointing to Jesus.

Daniel helps us see that faith matters, even when life is hard. It reminds us to stay strong, pray often, and trust God in every season.

Your Turn

The Book of Daniel is filled with stories that speak to our lives today. If you’ve ever felt out of place or afraid to stand up for your faith, Daniel is worth reading. His story shows how to be faithful even when the world is against you.

Take some time to read the Book of Daniel. Then share what part stood out to you in the comments. Did you connect with Daniel’s courage? Did the visions make you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

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