Topical Bible: Persecution: Suffering of Daniel

◄ Persecution: Suffering of Daniel ►

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The suffering of Daniel is a profound example of persecution faced by the faithful in the Old Testament. Daniel, a young Hebrew of noble lineage, was taken into Babylonian captivity during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite the challenges of living in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God, which led to various instances of persecution.

Early Life and Captivity

Daniel was among the first group of exiles taken to Babylon around 605 B.C. (Daniel 1:1-6). He was selected for his wisdom and physical appearance to be trained in the ways of the Babylonians. Despite the pressure to conform, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, choosing instead to adhere to his dietary laws (Daniel 1:8). His commitment to God's commandments set the stage for future trials.

Interpretation of Dreams

Daniel's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, brought him favor and prominence in the Babylonian court. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream, Daniel was able to reveal and interpret it, acknowledging that "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28). This act of faithfulness elevated Daniel but also sowed seeds of jealousy among the other wise men.

The Fiery Furnace and the Lion's Den

Though not directly involved in the fiery furnace incident, Daniel's companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, faced persecution for refusing to worship the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar. Their miraculous deliverance (Daniel 3:16-28) foreshadowed Daniel's own trial in the lion's den.

Under King Darius, Daniel's unwavering faith led to a conspiracy against him. The administrators and satraps, envious of Daniel's favor with the king, manipulated Darius into signing a decree that prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days. Daniel, however, continued his practice of praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). His defiance of the decree resulted in him being thrown into the lion's den. Yet, God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel emerged unharmed (Daniel 6:22-23).

Visions and Prophecies

Daniel's later years were marked by visions and prophecies concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. These revelations, recorded in the latter chapters of the Book of Daniel, were given during times of personal and communal distress. Daniel's faithfulness in receiving and recording these visions, despite the potential for misunderstanding and further persecution, underscores his commitment to God's truth.

Legacy of Faithfulness

Daniel's life exemplifies the trials and triumphs of a believer living in a hostile environment. His experiences of persecution highlight the tension between earthly authority and divine allegiance. Daniel's account serves as an enduring testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God in the midst of suffering. His unwavering devotion and the miraculous deliverances he experienced continue to inspire believers facing persecution today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 6:5-17
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Syrian Persecution.
... THE SYRIAN PERSECUTION. ... Antiochus now began a war with Egypt, (Daniel 11:25,) and
while he was ... with his last breath that he bore all this suffering because he ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

I Would Add, Moreover, that they Themselves...
... Donatists met with the same fate as the accusers of the holy Daniel. ... himself in his
reformation, at the very time that he complained of suffering persecution? ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 2 6 i.htm

Whether the Time of the Persecution or Antichrist Should be ...
... as is affirmed both in the book of Revelation and by Daniel the prophet. ... word of
God, did not reign with Christ when they were suffering persecution, and they ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 whether the time of.htm

Concerning Persecution
... (i) Trials. Many shall be tried' (Daniel 12:10). ... Like green timber they shrink in
the scorching sun of persecution. ... Suffering times are sifting times. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Disciple, -- what is the Meaning and Purpose of the Cross...
... by the blows and stings of pain and suffering, that the ... are crossbearers, even while
they walk amid fires of persecution. ... had no power to hurt them (Daniel 3:23 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 5.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... Meshach, and Abednego, from the fiery furnace, Daniel from the ... as if the Son of God
were suffering in person ... In persecution there are two things grievous to the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Acts xiii. 42
... also, not through the wisdom that is in me was it revealed." (Daniel 2:30 ... and with
the Holy Ghost." (v.51, 52.) The teachers were suffering persecution, and the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... maidens, slave-girls, being persecuted, after suffering cruel and ... assert that Nero
extended the persecution to the ... In Daniel, too, the beast is collective. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... through his divine power, and, as Daniel says, without ... He complained about the bitter
persecution to which he ... But his suffering was that they would not approve ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ...
... not adore the golden image which thou hast set up." [3780] And Daniel, devoted to ...
but rather ascribed it to his sins that he was suffering persecution from the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/11 that it was before.htm