Daniel: God’s Global Witness

 BY: Brian E. Trenhaile, MTh, January 15, 2007

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

I.       Who is He? .

         The Seemingly Hopeless Start

         Parallels with Joseph

         Impeccable Character

         Skilled Worker

         God’s Prophetic Witness to the World

         Highly Favored One

         His Tombs

II.      How Did He Do It?

         He had a Consistent Prayer Life

         He Studied and Applied God’s Word

         He was a Servant

         He Avoided Pride like the Plague

         He Recognized Authority Came From God

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Daniel: God’s Global Witness

 

INTRODUCTION

Even after two and a half millennia Daniel the prophet remains an awesome witness for God:  He is a witness to the reality and power of God, the favor and wisdom of God, the protection and blessings of God, and the future that God has planned for this world. 

Daniel’s life demonstrates the power of God on a personal level.  His life demonstrates how God takes hopeless situations and turns them around to victories.

To this day Daniel is understandably revered by Jews and Christians.  But what is more amazing is that he continues to be revered by Muslims.  In his days he was revered by the most powerful rulers of the world.  Even after his death, the famous Turko-Mongol conqueror Tamerlane feared and respected the power of his dead body![i]

Without a doubt, Daniel’s life is worthy of study and emulation.  His lifestyle is his recipe for success.  Fortunately his lifestyle is not hidden but available to all for examination.  Knowing his lifestyle is easy.  Following his example is more difficult.  Study the man and be blessed, practice his lifestyle and be exceedingly blessed.

 

I. WHO IS HE?

Daniel was born about 620 BC into the royal family of Judah (cf. “Daniel,” 1).  He was a devout Jew and practiced the Law given by God to his people (cf. Daniel 1:8).   He was chosen to be a captive because he was intelligent and handsome (cf. Daniel 1:4).  Daniel was taken captive in the first deportation by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC.  He lived at least until the third year of Cyrus 536 BC (cf. Geisler, 283).  Jeremiah and Ezekiel where his contemporaries (cf. Geisler, 284).

The Seemingly Hopeless Start

When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, Daniel was taken as a captive.  As a youth he went from royalty to slavery.  His future did not look very promising.  He was taken to Babylon to serve the pagan king who conquered his homeland.  He also served as a hostage to ensure the loyalty of the remaining portions of Judah’s royal family and their advisors (cf. Daniel 1:3 and “Daniel,” 1).[ii]  Following the tradition for captured courtiers, the Babylonians probably made him a eunuch, eliminating all hopes of a love life and a family.  He had several justifiable reasons to give up and be totally depressed.  Yet he did not do this, instead he resolutely served God in a hostile environment.  In relatively short period of time, God promoted him to one of the most powerful positions in the kingdom.  He wonderfully and ably serves his new kingdom, without compromising his steadfast devotion to God.

Parallels with Joseph

There are striking similarities between Daniel’s life and Joseph’s life (cf. Genesis 37-50).  Both showed potential as youths.  Both started off miserably as slaves.  Both had good reasons to be bitter, but each chose not to be bitter.  Both were raised to incredible positions of authority within their governments.  Both came to power through interpreting the dreams of the world’s most powerful ruler.  Both gave glory to God for revealing mysteries and did not take the glory for themselves.  Both were faithful and talented administrators.  Both remained faithful to God regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

Impeccable Character

Daniel is known for his excellent spirit.  An excerpt regarding his excellent reputation follows: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm” (Daniel 6:3).

Daniel had many powerful and wicked enemies.  They earnestly tried to kill him.  These enemies thoroughly examined his life to find any flaws in his work or character.  It is truly awesome that they could not find any fault in him (cf. Daniel 6:4). 

Skilled Worker

Daniel had great skill which consistently brought him favor from the most powerful men of the world.  He certainly fulfilled the maxim: “Do you see a man skilled in his work?  He will serve before kings, he will not serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar’s evaluation of Daniel and his three friends as follows: “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm”  (Daniel 1:20).

Daniel was also a master at diplomacy.  “… Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact” (Daniel 1:14 NIV).  He even showed empathy for Nebuchadnezzar, the one who held him hostage!  “Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.’ Belteshazzar answered, ‘My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!’” (Daniel 4:19 NIV).

Interpreting dreams and mysteries was a highly valued skill in ancient times.  Daniel possessed this skill and interpreted two of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams (cf. Daniel 2 and 4).  “God gave … knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17).  Later he also interpreted the mysterious and terrifying handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar the king (cf. Daniel 5). 

God’s Prophetic Witness to the World

Without question, Daniel was God’s powerful witness to his contemporaries.  Amazingly through prophecy, he is also continues to be a witness up to this present generation.

God proves He is God through prophecy, He says this is how we know He is God (cf. Isaiah 40: 21-24).  God certainly proved He was God through the many prophecies he gave through Daniel.  Jesus called Daniel a prophet (cf. Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14 and Geisler, 283).

Witness to His Contemporaries

Daniel’s holy sinless life was a powerful witness to his contemporaries.  Nebuchadnezzar said the following about him: “But at the last Daniel came in before me … and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream” (Daniel 4:8).

He witnessed to the Babylonian court about God’s judgment, holiness and power when he interpreted the handwriting on the wall in Daniel Chapter Five.  Babylon fell that very night.  His life was a witness to the queen of Babylon, who said the following of him:

There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king, I say—appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means (Daniel 5:11, 12 NIV).

When he survived the lion’s den, his life was a very powerful witness to the Medes and the Persians.  In fact it resulted in a decree to the entire empire:

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.  He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.  (Daniel 6:26-27).

Witness to Near Future Generations

Most of Daniel’s prophecies apply to periods involving many generations.  These prophecies served as witnesses to the people of the earth, demonstrating that God knows the future.   The accurate prediction of the succession of power, from the Babylonians, to the Medes and the Persians, then to the Greeks and then to the Romans is truly awesome.[iii]  

The basic objection behind critical attempts to give a late date to Daniel is the alleged impossibility of anyone knowing several centuries in advance the details of the great successive world governments.  But his anti-supernatural bias is not a sound basis for scholarship, nor is there any problem for one who believes in the existence of the creator of this world.  The real problem of the critics is Genesis 1:1, not a supernatural prophecy. (cf. Geisler, 284).

Daniel also accurately predicted the date of Messiah’s first coming (cf. Daniel 9: 24-26 and Geisler, 289).  “The amazing predictions, hundreds of years before the events occurred, are evidence of the supernatural origin of the Bible and a constant source of embarrassment to and an object of attack by the critics.” (cf. Geisler, 288).

Witness to Far Future Generations

Daniel 12:4 is about the end times when men go to and fro and knowledge is increased.  This is already fulfilled in our days.  We now have airplanes, automobiles, fax machines, email, television, telephones, satellites and the internet.  This certainly is a warning to us that we are living in the last days.  Daniel also gives many details about other end time events like the tribulation and the last great war, which have not happened yet (Freese, 1-10).

Highly Favored One

He was favored by God.  “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved” (Daniel 9:23).  “And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11).  “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong” (Daniel 10:19).  Daniel is epitomized in the following verse: “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

After Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream the following favor came to him: “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon”  (Daniel 2: 48).

He sowed seeds of favor to those in authority over him.  “Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him” (Daniel 11:1).  After this Darius granted him great favor and decided to put him in charge of the kingdom (cf. Daniel 6:3).  After the lion’s den more favor came to him.  Then following was said of him: “So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:28).

His Tombs

There are several alleged tombs and one shrine that belong to Daniel.  All are revered as holy places to the Muslims, Jews and Christians.  Three of the main tombs (in Kirkuk, Susa and Samarkand) and the shrine in Tarsus are further described in this subpart.  There are other lesser known tombs in Babylon and Egypt which are not covered in this subpart. 

His Tomb in Kirkuk

There is a tomb in Iraq that is claimed to be Daniel’s.  It is impressive that the Iraqis have great respect for Daniel the Jew.  The following elaborates: 

A tomb believed to be the last resting place for the prophet Daniel which is located within the Kirkuk Citadel in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq. Originally the site was a Jewish temple then later it was turned into a Christian church and finally into a Muslim mosque. The mosque has arches, pillars and two domes on a decorated base and beside it there are three minarets which belong to the end of the Mongolian reign. The mosque is about 400 square meters and houses four tombs believed to belong to Daniel, Hananayah, Ezria and Michal. As the respect of Kirkuk people towards Christians and Jews was so boundless, they desired to bury their dead next to Daniel's Tomb. This graveyard may be regarded as the first cemetery in Kirkuk. (“Daniel’s Tomb,” 1).

His Tomb in Susa

The holy shrine in Susa Iran is impressive and is revered by Iranian Jews and Muslims.  Some comments about this place follow:

There is a Biblical prophet buried in Susa: this conical building belongs to the mausoleum of Daniel.  ...  To be honest, I found this more impressive than the palace of Darius (Prins & Lendering, 2).

 

The time and circumstances of Daniel's death have not been recorded. However, Daniel was still alive in the third year of Cyrus according to the Bible (Daniel 10:1); and he would have been almost 100 years old at that point, having been brought to Babylon when he was in his teens, more than 80 years previously. He possibly died at Susa, where a tomb presumed to be his is also located, the site of which is known as Shush-Daniel (“Daniel,” 2).

 

There is shrine in Susa (Iran) which has been recognized as the shrine of Daniel and is regularly visited by Muslims and Jews on pilgrimage (“Daniel,” 4).

 

His Tomb in Samarkand

Daniel’s tomb in Samarkand is a very interesting place.  It has a way of uniting people of different faiths.  It is also interesting that this tomb is about seventy feet long.  Both aspects of this tomb are covered in this part.

First, according to several sources, this tomb unites people from different faiths.  In an article entitled “The place where faiths come together,” by The National University of Uzbekistan, this curious aspect of Daniel’s tomb is elaborated upon as follows:

There is a place in Samarkand, a place of widespread veneration for people of different religions and nationalities. The mausoleum of the well-known biblical prophet Daniel, who is called Hoja Daniyar in the east, has been worshiped throughout centuries by a number of nations such as Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russians, Jews, and others.

Muslims call him Prophet Hoja Daniyar, Christians - Prophet Daniil and the Jews - Prophet Daniel. They all come to the sacred tomb of Prophet Daniyar in hopes of bringing themselves welfare, health, success and wealth ... My excitement at the trip to an outskirt of Afrasiab was caused by the knowledge that this place, of the innermost thoughts and hopes, once drew countless numbers of people. The Mullah, who had led us into the ascetic mausoleum with white walls, began to read a prayer when a few Russian women silently joined us and started to read their own prayers. Under the low ceiling the rhythmical Arabic sounds were supplemented by the sounds of hand bells and Old Slavonic. We were more than amazed … Our faith, just like any true faith, calls people of all religions and nationalities to peace and creation, mutual understanding, tolerance and accord. Do you know why Amir Timur ordered the re-burial of Hoja Daniyar in Samarkand? Because a legend had it that the spirit and the burial of Prophet Daniel would bring welfare and prosperity to the place where he was buried, and would protect its people from all miseries and disasters. (“The place where faiths come together,” 1).

Old people say that he who wants to come to the Mausoleum of Saint Daniyar must drink of the incredibly delicious water from the well which is nearby. The water that comes out of the well is holy. It is said that it heals not only the body but also the soul. Many people from many countries come here to take some of that water home. This place is amazing for its peace and beauty, especially in warm times of the year when the place is green and one can see swans in the river Siab. It is curious that many pilgrims coming to this holy place use Zoroastrian traditions - address prayers to the remnants of Daniyar and tie up strips of cloth to the branches of the trees that grow nearby. Local people advise that making a wish and tying a ribbon on the trees will make your wish come true. The women who joined us later in the prayers tied up ribbons on the tree. We followed suit. Saint Daniyar always helps those who have-pure thoughts. (“The place where faiths come together,” 3).

Other sources also describe this uniting aspect of Daniel’s tomb (cf. T-Moor, 1).

Second, this tomb is about seventy feet long.  The story behind this anomaly is rather interesting:    

According to the local legend, the Mongul tyrant Timur attempted for many years to conquer Syria but was unsuccessful. One of his minister suggested it was because the saint from the Biblical times, Daniel, was buried there. Timur then sent his army to where Daniel was entombed in Syria, and after a feirce fight with the Syrians, was able to take his body back to Uzbekhistan. It is also said that on the day that Daniel was entombed here a natural source of water sprung up at that spot, and it is believed by locals that that water has the power to cure. (“Daniel’s Tomb,” 1).

But during transport the body allegedly grew (cf. T-Moor, 1).  So they made Daniel’s tomb and mausoleum extra long to accommodate growth.  Many think it is still growing (Grey, 1).  Here is an interesting clip regarding the tomb by Phespirit:

Phespirit likes a nice Old Testament tomb, so he was well pleased to chance upon the legendary tomb of Daniel in Samarkand. Inside, the sarcophagus is eighteen metres long, as its guardians reckon Daniel grows half an inch every year and that he will rise again when sufficiently lengthy. Bizarre. (Phespirit, 1).

 

Other sources say similar things about this tomb.  Also there are pictures from several sources showing this exceedingly long tomb and mausoleum.  (cf. Grey, 1 and T-Moor, 1)

His Shrine in Turkey

A quote about this shrine follows:  “The city of Tarsus in Turkey also claims to have the shrine of Daniel, which is located 12.5 metres underground” (“Daniel,” 4).

II. How Did He Do It?

How does one become a respected witness to the world?  How does one take hopeless situations and turn them into victory?  Daniel did it through his unwavering devotion to God.  Throughout his life he remained close to God, and God consistently protected and promoted him.  Daniel’s method of success is very straightforward and simple, but the results he obtained are unquestionably profound.

He had a Consistent Prayer Life

Early in his life, Daniel was to be executed by Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Daniel 2: 13).  Daniel 2:17-23 describes him praying.  After prayer God totally reversed the situation.  Daniel goes from facing death to great honor, wealth and authority (cf. Daniel 2: 46-48).

If anyone had a valid excuse not to pray, it was Daniel.  He didn’t just run a country, he helped run an empire.  The Medo-Persian Empire was enormous.  It went from India to the Dardanelles (cf. “Daniel,”2 and Lendering, 1-3). Yet Daniel habitually praised and thanked God three times a day!

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 upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.  … Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.  (Daniel 6:10, 11 and 13).

This prayer habit is an important key to his fruitful life.  Daniel was not willing to give prayer up even if it put his life in jeopardy.  He must have studied Isaiah.  “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4 NIV).  Daniel certainly followed Isaiah’s admonition by waiting on God and receiving the blessings associated with it.

Dick Eastman (Eastman, 30-40) describes how waiting, or silent soul surrender as he calls it, is an important aspect of prayer.  Daniel had the Psalms available to him and he applied the following verse: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).  One simply cannot find out the things Daniel discovered without waiting on God.  For instance Daniel heard from God the content of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the interpretation of it (cf. Daniel Chapter 2). 

Daniel still served the Lord in old age.   A consistent prayer life is one of the reasons that he could do this.  He followed the advice of Isaiah and reaped the benefits.  He practiced the following verses:

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40: 29-31).

Daniel sought God and was rewarded for it.  He fulfilled the requirements of the following verse: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

He Studied and Applied of God’s Word

Daniel knew the scriptures.  Therefore he prayed, based on Jeremiah’s prophecy, for the seventy year captivity to end (cf. Daniel 9: 2-4).  Daniel probably informed Cyrus of God’s word in Isaiah 44:28, 45:1-7, 13.  He probably encouraged Cyrus to make the decree to let the Jews return home to build the temple.  Cyrus ended the Jewish Captivity in 536 BC (cf. “Daniel,” 2).

Since he practiced the scriptures he had an intimate knowledge of their meaning and power in his personal life. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Daniel knew how to apply the word of God to his life.  He turned things around with the right attitude.  Daniel knew about Joseph and responded like him, like when Joseph said, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). 

Daniel knew God kept His word.  Daniel said the following about God’s covenant and commandments:

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments (Daniel 9:4).

He was a Servant

First and foremost Daniel was a servant of God, but he also served earthly kings.  It was obvious he served God, Darius, a pagan king put it this way: “And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20).  Daniel emulated an attitude that the Apostle Paul recommended: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

For a servant of God, the Lord says the following through Isaiah: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17).  When his enemies were cast into the lion’s den, Daniel experienced first hand the benefits that this scripture describes for a servant of God.

God certainly honors His servants.  Jesus put it this way: “My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:26).  Daniel was honored by God because he served Him.

He Avoided Pride like the Plague

In his position of power, it would have been so easy for Daniel to become proud.  But he was aware of the trap of pride and avoided it diligently.  He also advised others to do likewise.

He was not proud.  In prayer he confessed his own sin and the sins of his people (cf. Daniel 9: 4-11, 16, 20).  He was very humble; he said we have no righteousness of our own.  He said, “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” (Daniel 9:18).

In times of great success Daniel gave the glory to God, he did not take it for himself.  First he thanked God: “I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.” (Daniel 2:23).  Then he said to Nebuchadnezzar:

But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these: ….  As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind. (Daniel 2:28 and 30 NIV).

Daniel’s enemies used Darius’ pride to get Daniel thrown into a lion’s den (cf. Daniel Chapter 6).  Daniel was acutely aware of the consequences of pride, yet he forgave Darius and very diplomatically offered no criticism to his king.  Daniel only gave empathy to his king.  His king then immediately avenged Daniel and had Daniel’s sly enemies thrown into the lion’s den.  Once again God miraculously brought Daniel from a hopeless situation into high exaltation.

Daniel Chapter Four describes another case in which Daniel tactfully advised Nebuchadnezzar to avoid pride and be humble before God.  Daniel gave the following advice:

‘Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility (Daniel 4:27).’

Unfortunately, Nebuchadnezzar failed to follow Daniel’s advice.  Nebuchadnezzar went insane, he had to live as a beast for seven years until he finally understands.  He had to learn the hard way, instead of the easy way of listening to Daniel.  In the end Nebuchadnezzar finally says, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”  (Daniel 4:37 NIV)

Daniel’s humble life is typified in the following verse: “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).  The angel said to Daniel, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Daniel 10:12 NIV).

He Recognized Authority Came From God

It was very clear to Daniel that all authority came from God.  He told Nebuchadnezzar:

You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands he has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold.  (Daniel 2: 37 and 38 NIV)

About himself, Daniel said the following: “I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power” (Daniel 2: 23 NIV).

Daniel was very sensitive to the fact that all authority came from God.  Therefore he instantly knew the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s tree dream.  The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.”  (Daniel 4:26).

Conclusion

 

Daniel’s life remains God’s effective witness to all peoples.  His awesome testimony has endured from ancient times up to the present.  Jews, Christians and Muslims respect Daniel.

Daniel’s life is summarized in the following verse: “The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]” (Psalm 92:12 AMP).

Daniel planted seeds that reaped God’s awesome favor.  Daniel genuinely and consistently sought God and His welfare.  In response, God powerfully guided, protected and promoted him.  Daniel’s life remains a powerful witness of how God wonderfully treats and rewards His devoted servants.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

“Daniel.”  Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.  2007. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc.  4 pp.  5 Jan 2007.  < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel>.

“Daniel’s Tomb.”  Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.  2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc.  1 pg. 
5 Jan 2007.  < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel’s_Tomb>.

Eastman, Dick.  The Hour That Changes the World, A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer.  Grand Rapids, Michigan:  Baker Book House, 1984.

Freese, S..  “Tomb of the Prophet Daniel in Iraq.”  The Last Great World War (Daniel 11:36-12:13).  Online Posting, 4 July 2004.  Forum Class Daniel #8.  11 pp.  5 Jan 2007.  <http://www.ldophin.org/daniel/daniel08.html>.

Geisler, Norman.  A Popular Survey of the Old Testament.  Grand Rapids, Michigan:  Baker Academic, 2005.

Grey, Martin.  “Prophet Daniel’s Tomb.”  Samarkand, Uzbekistan.  2006. Sacred Sites.  2 pp. 
5 Jan 2007.  <http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/uzbekistan/samarkand.htm>.

Lendering, Jona.  “Cyrus.”  Articles on Ancient History.  2000. Livius.  3 pp.  5 Jan 2007.  <http://www.livius.org/ct-cz/Cyrus_I/Cyrus.html>.

Murray, Andrew.  The Inner Life.  Springdale, Pennsylvania:  Whitaker House, 1984.

Phespirit.  “Mausoleum - Tomb of Daniel Samarkand.”  Phespirit goes to Uzbekistan.  2006. Around the World.  2 pp.  13 Jan 2007.  <http://www.phespirit.info/places/2006 _05_uzbekistan_images_3.htm>.

Prins, Marco and Jona Lendering.  “Susa (2).”  Articles on Ancient History.  circa 2000. Livius.  3 pp.  13 Jan 2007.  <http://www.livius.org/ct-cz/Cyrus_I/Cyrus.html>.

T-Moor.  “Prophet Daniel’s Tomb.”  Samarkand Things to Do – Travel Guide.  Online Posting, 31 July 2004. Virtual Tourist.  1 pg.  5 Jan 2007.  <http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/ Asia/Uzbekistan /Samarkand-1462813/Things_To_Do-Samarkand-BR-1.html>.

“The place where faiths come together.”  News – Uzbekistan Today.  2006. The National University of Uzbekistan.  3 pp.  13 Jan 2007.  <http://www.nuu.uz/news/? news_id=835&type=news&ln=en>

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptural quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.  Used by permission.

Scripture references marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV ®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society.  Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.  All rights reserved.