Biblical Figures – Daniel the Prophet, Part 1
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the name “Daniel” means “God judges,” showing God as the just ruler. Daniel is one of the major prophets, along with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. He prophesied about the end times and the judgment, making his book central in prophetic studies.
Daniel’s origin and upbringing
Daniel came from a noble or royal family and lived during the Babylonian exile. King Nebuchadnezzar chose young men from royal descent to be trained in his palace. Daniel was chosen with the three youths — Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael — later called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
His faithfulness and asceticism
Though living in luxury, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine, eating only legumes and water. After ten days, they appeared healthier than all others — a testimony to spiritual discipline. Pope Shenouda emphasizes that holiness is not bound by wealth or status.
The spirit of fasting in Daniel’s life
In chapter 10, Daniel said: “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth.” Pope Shenouda teaches that fasting is not about seeking tasty food but about humility and surrender to God.
His wisdom and divine insight
Daniel was granted the gift of interpreting dreams and visions, like Joseph. He interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream without being told the dream, declaring that “there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets.” He gave glory to God, not to himself.
God glorified through trial
After interpreting the dream, Nebuchadnezzar fell before Daniel and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings.” Daniel was made ruler over Babylon, and his three friends were promoted. Pope Shenouda reflects that God turns adversity into blessing and suffering into glory.
The faith of the three youths in the fiery furnace
The three youths refused to worship the golden statue, saying, “Our God is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not bow.” God delivered them, and a fourth figure “like a son of the gods” appeared with them. The king then proclaimed the greatness of their God.
Daniel in the lions’ den
Because of jealous accusers, Daniel was cast into the lions’ den for praying to God. Yet God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths. King Darius cried, “Has your God whom you serve continually been able to deliver you?” Daniel replied, “My God sent His angel and saved me.” The king then decreed that all should fear Daniel’s God.
Spiritual lesson and conclusion
Pope Shenouda concludes that God allows trials to reveal His glory and strengthen faith. Trials are not punishment but divine preparation. Daniel is a model of purity, wisdom, and steadfastness — a saint who trusted that “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all.”
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