'One of greatest and purest souls in biblical history'
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Daniel is known as one of the greatest and purest souls in biblical history. In comparison with what is known of other prophets, quite a lot is known of Daniel. While nothing is known of his parents, the Old Testament states he was "of the king's seed" (Dan. 1:3), which might be interpreted as meaning he was of royal lineage.
Daniel was among those carried into Babylonian captivity in 605 B.C., during Nebuchadnezzar's first siege on Jerusalem. (Dan. 1:1-6.)The scriptures make no mention of Daniel's age when he was taken into captivity. However in Daniel 1:3-4, Daniel and his three friends are referred to as "children." In A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament, Daniel H. Ludlow notes that the word "children" in these verses could have been translated as "youths" or "young men."
He served various kings in Babylon through the 70 years of the Jewish captivity. (Jer. 25:11; 29:10.) According to Daniel 1:21, he lived to at least the age of 80.
As a captive for much of his life, Daniel saw the development and extensive power of the Babylonian state under Nebuchadnezzar. He also saw the decline of Babylon.
He lived to see the exiles released by Persia's King Cyrus when the Babylonians were defeated in 538 B.C. He remained in Babylon with many of the other Jews even after most of them had returned to their homeland to rebuild their temple and nation.
He was revered and his advice was sought in the courts of his captors. With the exception of Joseph who was sold into Egypt and rose to become second in command, no other member of his race held such positions of honor and influence in foreign states.
*****
(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The Voice of Israel's Prophets, by Sidney B. Sperry; October 1985 and October 1986 general conference reports.
