From Babylon to the Lion’s Den: The Unshakable Faith of Daniel

A Beloved Prophet with a Heavenly Calling

The life of Daniel, known by the angelic title “Ish Chamudot” (man of Divine favor), is recorded in the book that carries his name. This unique name was given to him by an angel who appeared in a vision, saying: “I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved. Understand the matter and consider the vision” (Daniel 9:23). Elsewhere, the angel says: “Daniel, man of Divine favor, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you” (Daniel 10:11).

The title “Ish Chamudot” implies that Daniel was deeply cherished in the heavens, worthy of receiving the most hidden secrets of Divine destiny. According to the Midrash Shocher Tov, only two people were shown the end of days by God: Yaakov and Daniel.

Daniel was taken to Babylon as a noble Jewish youth during the reign of Nevuchadnetzar, king of Bavel. Educated in the finest Babylonian schools, he was chosen to serve in the royal court and became famous for his exceptional wisdom and ability to interpret dreams.

Daniel lived an unusually long life. He first appears as a young man during the reign of Yehoyakim, king of Yehudah, and receives his final vision during the third year of Koresh, king of Persia (Daniel 11:1).

Rise to Greatness and a Fiery Test of Faith

Daniel’s ascent to greatness began when he interpreted a mysterious dream that troubled King Nevuchadnetzar deeply, though he was unable to remember it. The other court advisors who were summoned to explain the dream and failed to do so were summarily executed. Daniel though was able to provide a cogent explanation that resonated with the king and was consequently appointed chief of the king’s sages and secured high-ranking positions for his three companions: Chananiah, Mishael, and Azaryah (known by their Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

The book of Daniel recounts how the king later erected a golden idol in the valley of Dura and demanded that all subjects bow to it. Chananiah, Mishael, and Azaryah refused. In fury, Nevuchadnetzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace, but an angel was sent by God to cool the flames, and they emerged unharmed. Their miraculous survival led the king to praise the God of Israel and elevate them further.

While Daniel is not mentioned in this episode, the Babylonian Talmud explains that he was on a diplomatic mission at the time. However, a different tradition in Shir HaShirim Rabbah suggests that Daniel was present and responsible for dismantling the idol through a cunning act that caused it to fall, bringing about a widespread rejection of idolatry among the nations.

The Lion’s Den and Unshakable Loyalty to God

In chapter 6 of the book of Daniel, Daniel’s enemies in King Daryavesh’s court grew jealous and plotted to undermine his devotion to God. They convinced the king to ban prayer to any deity for thirty days, punishable by death in a lion’s den. Daniel continued praying three times a day, undeterred.

Though the king admired Daniel, he was bound by the law and cast him into the lions’ den. An angel was sent to shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel emerged unharmed the next morning. When Daryavesh saw the miracle, he ordered the conspirators thrown into the den, where they were immediately devoured. Daryavesh then declared publicly that all citizens should honor the God of Daniel.

Daniel’s deliverance is referenced in the Selichot prayers: “He who answered Daniel in the lions’ den, may He answer us,” and “Daniel, man of Divine favor, cried out before You.” The Zohar explains that the lions did not harm Daniel because he remained in the image of God, and thus they feared him. The Sifrei adds that Daniel’s rescue occurred to sanctify God’s name in the world.

A Life of Loyalty, Prayer, and Prophecy

Even while serving in high positions in foreign courts, Daniel never forgot his roots. He prayed daily facing Yerushalayim, and when he calculated that seventy years had passed since the destruction of the Temple, he prayed fervently for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the return of the Jewish people: “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, my God, for Your name is called upon Your city and Your people” (Daniel 9:19). These words of prayer were incorporated into later Jewish liturgy.

According to tradition, Daniel is also identified with Hatach in Esther's story, a name that reflects the Hebrew root word for "cut down", or "cut through," either because he was “cut down” from greatness or because royal matters were “cut through” at his word.

Daniel’s traditional burial place is in the city of Shushan (Susa) in modern-day Iran, though other traditions exist regarding the exact location.