Modeling Daniel’s Character
The relationship between Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah is significant as they were all contemporaries who called the people of Israel to repentance and return to a right relationship with GOD. Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel were all prophets who had specific areas of responsibilities to different tribes of the Israelite people during the Babylonian exile.
Ezekiel was taken into captivity at a young age.
Daniel was taken during the reign of Jehoiakim.
Jeremiah began his time of obedient service to ADONAI during the reign of King Josiah.
Each of these prophets had to navigate the challenges of their time, including the false hope of false prophets and the depression and desperation among the people. They all had to fight against the sin of self-centeredness and reluctance to accept their own responsibility for their current condition. It seems that man is still man, even though he has committed his life to the Almighty One.
The messages of these three (3) men are central to the understanding of the Original (and foundational) Testament and the visionary and far-sighted office as the mouthpiece of ADONAI. What were they commanded to say? Whatever GOD told them to. They relayed what the ADONAI of that 12-tribe nation saw fitting for their repentance and restoration. Collectively, they conveyed the following central and essential messages:
The coming of the Messiah
Repentance and GOD's judgment
The promise of a Re-Newed Covenant (a King Who would rule and save them): Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke of a New Covenant that would be established through the Messiah, focusing on wholehearted trust rather than nationality.
The Babylonian Exile: Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesied the Babylonian exile and the need for the people to return to GOD and avoid judgment.
The End Times: Daniel and Ezekiel also prophesied the end times, including the rise of Nebuchadnezzar and the destruction of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel and Daniel were contemporaries living in exile in Babylon, both encountering GOD's revelations during a challenging period for the people of Judah. While Ezekiel was a priest, and Daniel a young prince, they both faced similar circumstances as exiles and their writings offer comfort and guidance for those experiencing hardship.
Here's a more detailed comparison:
Ezekiel prophesied primarily about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the subsequent restoration of Israel. His book is filled with dramatic visions and symbolic actions.
Daniel focused on living faithfully in a foreign land, facing persecution and revealing GOD's sovereignty over all nations. He is known for his interpretations of dreams and visions, including those of Nebuchadnezzar.
There is a fascinating degree of connection between them. A buddy of mine was enamored with Ezekiel mentioning Daniel (Ezekiel 14:14), and somewhat naturally, I wanted to understand why that was. That curiosity led me here.
When we consider our own relationship with the Mighty One of Israel (and the rest of the nations), we should be asking, “How faithful are we?” “Does GOD trust us like this?”
The Scriptures very clearly indicated Daniel's reputation for righteousness and wisdom. I am not clear if they knew one another, but it is not a stretch to trust that they heard what the Holy One was saying through the other one(s): Jeremiah and Isaiah.
When you read their writings, do those words provide you with hope and guidance, as they did the exiles? I have not always enjoyed reading Daniel, but Ezekiel’s life and very peculiar way of life, loss and challenges have always spoken to me since the Holy Spirit called me (and set me upright) for the journey. That was about (4) years after I surrendered my life to the Master of Creation, back in 1990. In my early years, GOD showed me how he used Daniel’s faithfulness, as he showed this man of integrity His Power to deliver.
Even in his suffering, challenges and struggles, Daniel was a willing follower and from what I have read, he was fearless! Those pages gave me much needed encouragement as I had to walk through some really turbulent times, during those early years.
There are three prophets in the Bible who prophesied from outside the nation. One was Daniel in Babylon and the second was Apostle John when he wrote the book of Revelation while in exile on the island of Patmos. The third was Ezekiel prophesying from the banks of the Euphrates River in what is today Iraq. Each wrote with highly symbolic language to describe the coming “destruction”, and yet they also possessed the brightest hope of all the prophets.
Why the curiosity about Daniel? Ezekiel 14:14 states: "even though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only save themselves," declares the LORD GOD. This verse emphasizes the limitations of righteousness in saving others from divine judgment.
Daniel is mentioned in Ezekiel 14 in the context of a discussion about the effectiveness of prayer. The passage suggests that even if Daniel were to pray for the people of idolatry, his intercession would not be granted. Some rather strong names were also mentions Noah and Job, who were deemed righteous and were considered by GOD Himself as being “just”.
Ezekiel 14:20 “They would save only themselves by their righteousness.”
In Ezekiel 28:3, GOD considered Daniel as “wise”, when Ezekiel referenced that the king of Tyre’s wisdom was overshadowed by the arrogance (haughty heart) he displayed. To have your name on the LORD’s mind in such a manner that He would allow it to roll off the tongue of one of the prophets (in a positive way) is quite telling.
We know that Daniel wrote his namesake, the Book of Daniel. Was there more than one Daniel? There is talk of such a thing.
The name Daniel means "GOD is my Judge". His parents knew Who was the Ultimate Decider of every man’s soul. The two words “Dan” and “El” make up this rather strong statement. Without foreknowledge, he was given the proper name to live UP to, because TODAY it passionately signifies a deep divine link, suggesting that ADONAI IS the Ultimate Authority and Judge (ELOHIM).
Is it not apparent to you all how much Daniel was greatly loved? His lifestyle was very easily colored as a man who intentionally was distinguished for his nonconformity to the world.
As fervently as I try, I am not consistently that man. However, “I aim to be that type of man”. I desire to be “a man who is fully devoted to the LORD”, that sweet quote is credited to D.L. Moody. However, the phrase in its entirety "the world has yet to see what GOD can do with a man who is fully devoted to the LORD" is actually from Henry Varley, a British evangelist.
I see Daniel as that type of man! If you follow the Scriptures to see his fearlessness, knowing what could come of him…
Let’s just say, “a godly man’s life such as Daniel’s, will vividly emphasize him to live by the transformative power that leads to being fully consecrated to GOD.” Daniel’s commitment to this idea led him to deliberately separate himself from being like the followers of the Babylonian people, under Nebuchadnezzar.
He refused to conform to the world! Are you able to say that with a straight face?!
GOD's Presence was IN and ALL OVER the life of Daniel. It was evident that Daniel had a strong and unwavering relationship with the ELOHIM (Creator, Ruler and Judge) of Israel. As I stated earlier, his life was wholly characterized by faithfulness, integrity and consistent prayer. Even in challenging circumstances in Babylon, his life demonstrated a deep trust in GOD's sovereignty and a commitment to living according to His principles.
NOTE: Jesus' Teachings in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 about the end times directly tie into Daniel's prophecies. He encourages His followers to understand these prophecies, suggesting that studying Daniel is crucial for understanding the coming events.
I think that one of the ultimate importances to Daniel's success in doing hard things was his daily choices. Daniel made a habit of constantly spending quality time with GOD.
Throughout the whole story of Daniel, GOD not only provided for Daniel's needs, but He blessed him with wisdom and knowledge to interpret dreams and help govern the kingdom. He granted him kindness with multiple rulers, and preserved his life when others plotted against him.
His faithful service to ADONAI in a land and culture not his own made him unique among almost all the people of Scripture. We can’t even be trusted to live a wholesome and godly life at work without giving in to the culture there.
There is a whole lot of fascinatingly good character to try to model, from a man who is not Jesus.