Topical Bible: Faith: Daniel

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Introduction

The Book of Daniel, found in the Old Testament, is a profound narrative that highlights the unwavering faith of Daniel, a young Hebrew man, and his companions during their exile in Babylon. Daniel's life and experiences serve as a testament to the power of faith in God amidst adversity and pagan influences. His account is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of faith as it is portrayed in the Bible.

Daniel's Early Life and Captivity

Daniel was among the young men of noble or royal lineage taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon during the siege of Jerusalem (Daniel 1:3-4). Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith. He resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, choosing instead a diet of vegetables and water (Daniel 1:8). This decision was a demonstration of his commitment to God's laws, and God honored his faith by granting him favor and wisdom (Daniel 1:17).

Faith in the Face of Danger

Daniel's faith is further exemplified in the account of the fiery furnace. His companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow to the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar, declaring, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king" (Daniel 3:17). Their faith was rewarded when God miraculously delivered them from the flames, unharmed (Daniel 3:27).

Interpreting Dreams and Visions

Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and visions was another manifestation of his faith. When Nebuchadnezzar demanded the interpretation of his troubling dream, Daniel sought God's wisdom through prayer. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, who then praised God, saying, "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning" (Daniel 2:21). Daniel's faith in God's revelation not only saved his life but also elevated him to a position of influence in the Babylonian court (Daniel 2:48).

The Lion's Den

Perhaps the most famous demonstration of Daniel's faith is the account of the lion's den. Under King Darius, a decree was issued that no one could pray to any god or man except the king for thirty days. Daniel, however, continued his practice of praying three times a day to God, as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). His faithfulness led to his being thrown into the lion's den, but God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, preserving Daniel's life (Daniel 6:22). This miraculous deliverance led King Darius to acknowledge the power of Daniel's God (Daniel 6:26-27).

Prophetic Visions and Faith

Daniel's later years were marked by visions and prophecies concerning the future of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom. These visions, recorded in the latter chapters of the book, required deep faith to comprehend and convey. Daniel's faith in God's sovereignty and ultimate plan for His people is evident as he faithfully recorded these revelations, trusting in God's timing and purpose.

Conclusion

The life of Daniel is a profound example of faith in action. His unwavering trust in God amidst trials, his commitment to prayer, and his courage to stand firm in his beliefs serve as an enduring inspiration for believers. Daniel's account underscores the biblical principle that faith is not merely belief but is demonstrated through obedience, courage, and trust in God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 6:10,23
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
... Thus understood, the miracle of Daniel's deliverance is continually repeated to
all who partake of Daniel's faith, 'Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/faith stopping the mouths of.htm

Daniel and the Village Priest.
... of sin, I exhorted the people to seek for the healing of their spiritual maladies
by faith in Jesus Christ. This done, the poojari and Daniel accompanied me to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter nineteen daniel and the.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... but if we follow the truth, and aim at the exact rule of faith, we shall be ... which
are always enemies of the Church; let us mark the words of Daniel, and learn ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... How did Daniel make out to offer the prayer of faith? ... You are not to pray for a thing
once, and then cease, and call that the prayer of faith. Look at Daniel. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

Of Faith.
... Faith stoppeth the mouths of lions [769] , as in Daniel's case: for the Scripture
saith concerning him, that Daniel was brought up out of the den, and no ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture v of faith.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... do them good, and to plant them in their land in faith, and with ... sight, because Thy
righteousnesses have been made manifest." [4332] Also in Daniel: "There was ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

That Faith is of Advantage Altogether, and that we Can do as Much ...
... place: "All things are possible to him that believeth." [4416] In Habakkuk: "But
the righteous liveth by my faith." [4417] Also in Daniel: "Ananias, Azarias ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/42 that faith is of.htm

In Reference to Daniel My Answer Will be that I did not Say that ...
... The churches choose to read Daniel in the version of Theodotion. ... Peace could only
come by unity in the faith. 1. Your letter is full of falsehood and violence. ...
/.../33 in reference to daniel.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... the fulfilment of God's promises:" his house was blessed that it should continue
for ever before God.[306] Daniel's faith stopped the mouths of lions.[307] The ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Daniel in Trouble.
... does not appear that Daniel raised any objections to the performance of these
superstitious ceremonies, or, on the other hand, that he had any faith in their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter eleven daniel in trouble.htm