The Book of Daniel, found in the Old Testament, is a captivating narrative of faith, courage, and divine intervention. Through the life of Daniel and his companions, the book provides profound insights into loyalty to God amid challenges and the unmistakable power of divine protection.
In this collection of 30 Daniel Bible verses, we delve into key passages, accompanied by commentaries, to explore the timeless lessons and inspirations that can be gleaned from this biblical book.
Daniel Bible Verses
Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.”
Daniel’s resolve not to compromise his faith and principles, even in the face of royal expectations, sets the tone for his unwavering commitment to God.
Commentary: Daniel’s decision to remain faithful in the seemingly small matter of diet reflects his unwavering devotion to God. This verse teaches us the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when faced with societal pressures or temptations.
Daniel 2:20-21
“Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'”
Daniel acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, emphasizing His control over times, rulers, and the distribution of wisdom.
Commentary: Daniel’s praise highlights the foundational truth that God is the ultimate authority over human affairs. In our lives, recognizing God’s sovereignty brings comfort and trust, knowing that He orchestrates events according to His divine plan.
Daniel 3:17-18
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unwavering faith in God’s deliverance, regardless of the outcome, exemplifies trust in His sovereign will.
Commentary: The courage displayed by these three men reflects a profound trust in God’s power and an acceptance of His will, even in the face of potential danger. Their commitment to God’s commandments serves as a powerful example of faith in adversity.
Daniel 4:37
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
King Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation and acknowledgment of God’s righteousness after experiencing humbling adversity underscore the theme of God’s justice.
Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar’s journey from pride to humility serves as a reminder that God’s ways are just, and He has the power to humble the proud. It encourages us to recognize our dependence on God and submit to His authority.
Daniel 5:25-28
“And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting…”
The mysterious handwriting on the wall serves as a divine message, foretelling the end of Belshazzar’s kingdom due to his failure to honor God.
Commentary: The inscription on the wall reveals God’s righteous judgment. It challenges us to reflect on our actions and ensure that our lives align with God’s standards. The story emphasizes the consequences of disregarding God’s commands.
Daniel 6:10
“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Daniel’s commitment to prayer, even in the face of a royal decree, demonstrates his unwavering devotion to God.
Commentary: Daniel’s consistency in prayer, regardless of external pressures, serves as a powerful example of prioritizing communion with God. It challenges us to maintain steadfastness in our spiritual practices, even when faced with opposition or challenges.
Daniel 7:13-14
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom emphasizes the divine fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Commentary: This prophetic vision points to the ultimate triumph of the Messiah, symbolized as the Son of Man. It instills hope in believers, reminding us of the eternal nature of God’s kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises.
Daniel 9:3-4
“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments…'”
Daniel’s prayer of repentance and acknowledgment of God’s covenant loyalty reflects the importance of seeking God’s mercy through genuine repentance.
Commentary: Daniel’s humble and contrite prayer illustrates the significance of genuine repentance and seeking God’s mercy. It encourages us to approach God with sincerity, acknowledging His faithfulness to His covenant.
Daniel 10:12
“Then he said to me, ‘Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.'”
The angel’s reassurance to Daniel underscores the promptness of God’s response to sincere prayers and seeking understanding.
Commentary: God’s immediate response to Daniel’s prayer highlights the importance of genuine seeking and humility. It assures believers that God attentively hears and responds to the heartfelt prayers of those who earnestly seek Him.
Daniel 11:32b
“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.”
The encouragement to stand firm and take action is given to those who have a deep and intimate knowledge of God.
Commentary: This verse emphasizes the strength and resilience that come from knowing God personally. It challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to actively live out their convictions in a world that may oppose them.
Daniel 12:2-3
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
The prophecy of the resurrection and the reward for the wise who lead others to righteousness emphasizes the eternal consequences of our choices.
Commentary: This passage provides a glimpse into the ultimate destiny of humanity, highlighting the contrast between everlasting life and contempt. It encourages believers to pursue wisdom and actively lead others toward righteousness.
Daniel 12:13
“But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”
The assurance of rest and standing in the allotted place at the end serves as a comforting promise to Daniel.
Commentary: Daniel’s final assurance echoes the theme of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans. It brings a sense of peace, affirming that those who faithfully serve God will ultimately find rest and their place in His eternal design.
These selected verses from the Book of Daniel provide a glimpse into the profound themes of faith, resilience, and divine sovereignty woven throughout the narrative. As we explore each passage, the commentaries aim to illuminate the timeless lessons and inspirations that can be drawn from Daniel’s experiences and encounters with God. The Book of Daniel stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity and the unwavering sovereignty of the Almighty.
Daniel 12:10
“Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.”
The prophecy distinguishes between those who seek purification and understanding and those who persist in wickedness, emphasizing the importance of wisdom.
Commentary: This verse underscores the transformative power of purification and wisdom. It challenges believers to actively pursue spiritual refinement, contrasting with those who remain in spiritual darkness due to their wicked ways.
Daniel 12:4
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
The sealing of the book until the time of the end and the prediction of increased knowledge suggest a future revelation and a period of accelerated understanding.
Commentary: This prophecy hints at a time when the contents of the book will be unveiled, coinciding with increased knowledge. It prompts believers to anticipate the unfolding of God’s plan and the deepening of understanding in God’s appointed time.
Daniel 5:23-24
“But you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.”
Daniel’s rebuke to Belshazzar highlights the gravity of dishonoring God and attributing praise to false gods.
Commentary: Belshazzar’s disregard for the sacred vessels and his praise of idols are condemned by Daniel, emphasizing the importance of honoring the true God. This verse prompts reflection on the significance of acknowledging God’s supremacy.
Daniel 6:22
“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
Daniel’s testimony of God’s deliverance from the lions’ den underscores the divine protection afforded to those found blameless before Him.
Commentary: This verse showcases God’s miraculous intervention in response to Daniel’s blameless conduct. It encourages believers to trust in God’s protective hand, especially when facing trials or persecution for their faith.
Daniel Bible Verse
Daniel 9:23
“At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”
The angel’s acknowledgment of Daniel’s favored status with God emphasizes divine love and the importance of understanding the revealed vision.
Commentary: Daniel’s beloved status before God is highlighted, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the faithful servant and the Almighty. This verse encourages believers to seek understanding and consideration of God’s revealed truths.
Daniel 3:28
“Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.'”
Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their deliverance reinforces the principle of trusting in God.
Commentary: The king’s recognition of God’s intervention affirms the principle of prioritizing faith in God above all else. This verse serves as a reminder of the blessings that come to those who remain steadfast in their trust in the Almighty.
Daniel 2:30
“But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.”
Daniel attributes the revelation of the dream’s interpretation to God’s wisdom and emphasizes its purpose in making known the thoughts of the king’s mind.
Commentary: Daniel’s humility in acknowledging God’s role in revealing mysteries underscores the dependence on divine wisdom. It encourages believers to recognize God as the source of true understanding and revelation.
Daniel 9:18
“O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.”
Daniel’s prayer for mercy recognizes the undeserved nature of God’s favor and emphasizes the importance of divine mercy.
Commentary: Daniel’s plea for mercy reveals a profound understanding of God’s character. This verse challenges believers to approach God with humility, acknowledging their dependence on His mercy rather than personal merit.
Daniel 5:29
“Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
The elevation of Daniel to a position of authority by Belshazzar reflects the recognition of his wisdom and the fulfillment of divine favor.
Commentary: Belshazzar’s recognition of Daniel’s wisdom results in his promotion, illustrating the divine favor that accompanies faithfulness. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s ability to exalt those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Him.
Daniel 7:27
“And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.”
The prophecy of the saints receiving an everlasting kingdom emphasizes the ultimate triumph and rule of the people of the Most High.
Commentary: This vision provides assurance of the ultimate victory and reign of the saints under the authority of the Most High. It inspires believers to persevere, knowing that their eternal destiny is secured through God’s sovereign plan.
Daniel 4:34
“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.”
Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of God’s eternal dominion follows his humbling experience, underscoring the enduring nature of God’s kingdom.
Commentary: Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation highlights the sovereignty of God’s kingdom and the potential for repentance and acknowledgment of divine authority. It encourages believers to recognize the eternal nature of God’s reign.
Daniel 1:17
“As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
God’s bestowal of wisdom and understanding to Daniel and his companions underscores divine favor and the importance of spiritual discernment.
Commentary: This verse highlights the divine source of wisdom and understanding granted to Daniel and his companions. It encourages believers to seek God’s guidance and discernment in all areas of life.
Daniel 5:11
“There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers.”
The recognition of Daniel’s exceptional wisdom by one of the king’s officials attests to his divine gifting and favor.
Commentary: This verse serves as a testament to the divine favor and wisdom bestowed upon Daniel, even acknowledged by those outside the faith community. It affirms the impact of a life dedicated to God’s wisdom and understanding.
Daniel 6:10
“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Daniel’s commitment to prayer and worship, despite the decree, demonstrates his unwavering devotion to God.
Commentary: Daniel’s steadfast commitment to prayer under adverse circumstances serves as a powerful example of prioritizing a relationship with God. This verse encourages believers to maintain their devotion to God, even in challenging situations.
Daniel 6:23
“Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”
The king’s joy at Daniel’s deliverance underscores the connection between trust in God and divine protection.
Commentary: Daniel’s trust in God is directly linked to his deliverance from the lions’ den. This verse reinforces the principle that those who trust in God will experience His protective care, even in the face of peril.
Daniel 7:13-14
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom emphasizes the divine fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Commentary: This prophetic vision points to the ultimate triumph of the Messiah, symbolized as the Son of Man. It instills hope in believers, reminding us of the eternal nature of God’s kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises.
Daniel 9:3-4
“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments…'”
Daniel’s prayer of repentance and acknowledgment of God’s covenant loyalty reflects the importance of seeking God’s mercy through genuine repentance.
Commentary: Daniel’s humble and contrite prayer illustrates the significance of genuine repentance and seeking God’s mercy. It encourages us to approach God with sincerity, acknowledging His faithfulness to His covenant.
Daniel 10:12
“Then he said to me, ‘Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.'”
The angel’s reassurance to Daniel underscores the promptness of God’s response to sincere prayers and seeking understanding.
Commentary: God’s immediate response to Daniel’s prayer highlights the importance of genuine seeking and humility. It assures believers that God attentively hears and responds to the heartfelt prayers of those who earnestly seek Him.
In exploring these 30 verses from the Book of Daniel, each passage reveals profound insights into faith, prayer, wisdom, and the sovereignty of God. Daniel’s experiences serve as timeless lessons, offering inspiration and guidance for believers facing challenges and seeking a deeper relationship with the Almighty. The Book of Daniel stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering faithfulness of God in the midst of adversity. May these verses and commentaries provide encouragement, wisdom, and a renewed sense of awe for the God who holds the future in His hands.
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