Topical Bible: Wisdom of Daniel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Wisdom of Daniel is a theme that emerges prominently from the biblical Book of Daniel, which is part of the Old Testament canon. Daniel, a young Hebrew of noble lineage, is taken into Babylonian captivity during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite his circumstances, Daniel exemplifies wisdom, faith, and integrity, becoming a model of godly living in a pagan society.

Divine Wisdom and Understanding

Daniel's wisdom is first highlighted in Daniel 1:17, where it is noted that "God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom, and Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams." This divine endowment sets Daniel apart, enabling him to interpret dreams and visions that confound the wise men of Babylon. His ability to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Daniel 2) and the mysterious writing on the wall during Belshazzar's feast (Daniel 5) further underscores his God-given wisdom.

Faithfulness and Integrity

Daniel's wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in his unwavering faithfulness to God. In Daniel 1:8, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, demonstrating his commitment to God's laws. His wisdom is intertwined with his integrity, as seen when he continues to pray to God despite the decree against it, leading to his miraculous deliverance from the lions' den (Daniel 6).

Prophetic Insight

The wisdom of Daniel also encompasses prophetic insight. Daniel receives visions concerning the future of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom. In Daniel 7-12, he is given apocalyptic visions that reveal the rise and fall of empires and the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom. These prophecies, filled with symbolic imagery, have been the subject of extensive theological study and interpretation.

Role in the Court of Babylon

Daniel's wisdom earns him a prominent position in the Babylonian and later the Persian court. He serves as a counselor to kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius. His ability to navigate the complexities of political life while maintaining his devotion to God is a testament to his exceptional wisdom.

Prayer and Humility

A key aspect of Daniel's wisdom is his reliance on prayer and his humility before God. In Daniel 9, he offers a profound prayer of confession and supplication on behalf of his people, demonstrating his deep understanding of God's covenant and mercy. His prayer life is a central component of his wisdom, reflecting his dependence on God for guidance and strength.

Legacy and Influence

The wisdom of Daniel has had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. His life and prophecies are seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. Daniel's example of living wisely and faithfully in a foreign land continues to inspire believers to uphold their faith in challenging circumstances.

In summary, the Wisdom of Daniel is characterized by divine insight, unwavering faithfulness, prophetic vision, and a life of prayer and integrity. His account serves as a powerful testament to the wisdom that comes from a life devoted to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 1:17
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 5:14
I have even heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... of the saints." Chapter XVII."Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation
to the Wise among Heathen Nations. Also concerning Daniel, and the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

Daniel
... thrown into the furnace of fire. The supernatural wisdom of Daniel is again
illustrated in ch. iv., where he interprets a curious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon.
... Accordingly, God, out of pity to those that were in danger, and out of regard to
the wisdom of Daniel, made known to him the dream and its interpretation, that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning daniel and.htm

The Courage of Four Captives
... To these four young men God gave knowledge, learning, and wisdom; and
Daniel understood all kinds of visions and dreams. At the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the courage of four captives.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... He "gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had
understanding in all visions and dreams." The promise was fulfilled, "Them that ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... The Antichrist in the Prophets 4. Antichrist in Daniel. ... He will present himself
as one in whom are hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

Youthful Confessors
... As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and
wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.18. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

Though Justice and Prudence are Inseparable, we must have Respect ...
... With what wisdom did Daniel expose the lie in the false accusation brought against
him by his thorough examination, so that those false informers had no answer ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix though justice and.htm

True Wisdom.
... THE OVERCOMING LIFE. TRUE WISDOM. "They that be wise shall ... very peculiar
one. Think of the field in which Daniel had to work. He was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... is: The History of Susanna, who is exhibited as a pattern of chastity, and was
delivered from the machinations of her enemies through the wisdom of Daniel. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm