Language of Daniel the Prophet

The story of Daniel is one of the best-known stories in all of Scripture. It is one of triumph, which speaks to the salvation of humanity. In this narrative, we experience how poetry plays a significant role in retelling this magnificent historical saga. It tells the story of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's journey into captivity in Babylon and continues through successive kingdoms of Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and even to our day.

In graphic detail, it foretold the coming Kingdom of God in the representation of the stone that was cut out with no human hands, which smote the image and became a great Kingdom. The Daniel story is one of achievements in the face of the storms of life, rising to the highest possible positions of leadership and success despite the difficulties.

Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were taken into captivity in a strange land and commanded to follow, practice and worship an idolized image and cultural norms in which they did not participate. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, the lion's den; yet, they were able to withstand all that was thrust upon them and stood up like brave men. Daniel stood for what was right and for good over evil. Daniel's language was one of expectant hope and deliverance. I hope that the "Language of Daniel" will help us revisit, once again, the life story of Daniel and let the poetic expressions inspire us.