A Biblical Theology of Daniel
1. The Sovereignty of God in Daniel
The book of Daniel opens with the startling claim that “the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into [Nebuchadnezzar’s] hand” (Dan. 1:2). What looked like Babylonian victory was, in truth, an act of divine sovereignty. This tension between human power and divine rule is the heartbeat of Daniel.
Throughout the book, God is described not only as the God of Israel but also as the “Most High” (Dan. 4:17), the “God of gods” (Dan. 2:47), and the “Lord of kings” (Dan. 2:47). These titles emphasize that the God of the Bible reigns over all nations, not just Judah. Pagan kings themselves confess his authority, even as they are humbled.
Daniel repeatedly shows that:
God knows all: He reveals mysteries, including the course of human history (Dan. 2:28).
God controls all: He raises up kings and brings them low (Dan. 4:25).
God rescues: He delivers his people from the fiery furnace and the lions’ den (Dan. 3:29; 6:27).
These truths reach their climax in Daniel 12:1–2, where God’s sovereignty extends even to the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment.
2. Human Kingdoms and God’s Kingdom
Daniel contrasts fragile human kingdoms with God’s everlasting reign. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 depicts world empires as a statue of precious metals, each successive kingdom inferior to the last. But a stone “cut without hands” destroys the statue and becomes a mountain filling the earth—an image of God’s eternal kingdom (Dan. 2:34–35, 44).
Human kings often exalt themselves. Nebuchadnezzar is humbled into living like a beast (Dan. 4:25), and Belshazzar is judged for failing to honor the God who holds his breath in his hand (Dan. 5:22–23). The beastly imagery of Daniel 7 portrays human empires as violent and subhuman, while God’s kingdom is represented by “one like a son of man” who receives everlasting dominion (Dan. 7:13–14).
This vision restores the creation purpose of humanity—to rule under God’s authority (Gen. 1:26–28; Ps. 8:5–8). True humanity is found not in self-exaltation but in submission to God’s reign.
3. The Theology of History in Daniel
Daniel presents history as both unfolding through human choices and firmly under God’s control. On the one hand, Daniel prays for mercy, showing that repentance matters (Dan. 9:3–19). On the other, visions such as the survey of future rulers in Daniel 11 reveal that “what is decreed will be done” (Dan. 11:36).
This tension means:
Human decisions matter—Nebuchadnezzar could humble himself (Dan. 4:27).
God’s plan prevails—the Most High rules regardless of human pride.
Spiritual forces are involved—Daniel 10 portrays angelic beings contending with the “princes” of Persia and Greece, showing that earthly events have heavenly counterparts.
Daniel rejects dualism. Though there are spiritual conflicts, God’s sovereignty is never rivaled. The Bible here teaches that nations and powers are not ultimate; God directs the course of history toward his appointed end.
4. Faithfulness Under God’s Sovereignty
The first half of Daniel (chapters 1–6) gives practical examples of living under God’s rule in exile. These stories commend a lifestyle of loyal obedience in a pagan world.
Examples include:
Daniel’s diet (ch. 1): Choosing faithfulness in small matters preserved identity.
The fiery furnace (ch. 3): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God whether or not deliverance came (Dan. 3:17–18).
The lions’ den (ch. 6): Daniel prayed openly despite the king’s decree, entrusting his life to God.
Faithfulness did not guarantee immediate rescue. Daniel 11:32–35 warns that the wise may suffer and die, but resurrection hope (Dan. 12:2–3) assures that God’s people will ultimately be vindicated.
Daniel’s long prayer of confession in chapter 9 also models how God’s people should respond:
Acknowledging guilt (Dan. 9:5–6).
Recognizing God’s justice (Dan. 9:7).
Pleading for mercy based not on human righteousness but on God’s steadfast love (Dan. 9:18).
5. Daniel and the Last Days
Daniel looks beyond his own time to the last days. In chapter 7, the beasts are destroyed and the saints of the Most High inherit the kingdom (Dan. 7:27). In chapter 12, the angel promises that those written in the book will be delivered, and “many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” (Dan. 12:2).
The New Testament builds on these themes:
Jesus as the Son of Man: He identifies himself with Daniel 7:13 (Mark 14:62), claiming authority and promising his return in glory.
The abomination of desolation: Jesus cites Daniel to describe events leading up to judgment (Matt. 24:15).
Revelation’s visions: John adapts Daniel’s imagery of beasts (Dan. 7; Rev. 13) to depict rebellious empires opposed to God, yet destined for destruction.
For Christians, Daniel points forward to Christ’s kingdom, already inaugurated through his death and resurrection, and awaiting its final consummation when every rival power is overthrown. The Gospel assures that God’s sovereignty, revealed in Daniel, is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who reigns as King now and forever.
6. Living in Light of Daniel’s Message
Daniel calls believers to live faithfully under God’s sovereignty while awaiting the full arrival of his kingdom. This means:
Trusting God in exile: Like Daniel, Christians live as strangers in a world that exalts human power (1 Pet. 2:11).
Remaining steadfast in trial: Even if deliverance is delayed, resurrection hope anchors us.
Confessing sin and seeking mercy: Prayerful dependence acknowledges that God rules history.
Looking to Christ, the Son of Man: Jesus fulfills Daniel’s vision by bringing God’s eternal kingdom.
Daniel assures us that no empire, decree, or beastly power can overthrow the kingdom of God. His sovereignty is not only the theme of Daniel but the foundation of Christian hope in the last days.
Conclusion
The biblical theology of Daniel centers on God’s sovereignty over history, human kingdoms, and the last days. Daniel teaches that while human power rises and falls, the Most High gives kingdoms to whom he will and ultimately establishes his everlasting reign. Faithful obedience in exile, hope in the resurrection, and confidence in God’s final victory mark the life of God’s people.
For Christians, Daniel finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who has received dominion and glory forever. The Gospel is the assurance that God’s kingdom has come and will never end.
