Daniel is a figure appearing in the Hebrew Bible, and the central protagonist of the Book of Daniel. The name "Daniel" means "Judged by El (God)". At a young age, Daniel was carried off to Babylon where he was trained in the service of the court. He became famous for interpreting dreams and rose to become one of the most important figures in the court and lived well into the reign of the Persian conquerors. He retained his high position there and had influence in the decision to restore the Jews to their homeland. Daniel became distinguished for his piety, and for his strict observance of the Torah (Daniel 1:8-16), and gained the confidence and esteem of those who were over him.At the close of his three years of discipline and training in the royal schools, Daniel was distinguished for his knowledge and proficiency in the pagan practices of his day, and was brought out into public life. He soon became known for his skill in the interpretation of dreams (Daniel 1:17; Daniel 2:14), and rose to the rank of governor of the province of Babylon, and became "chief of the governors" over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel's fidelity to God exposed him to persecution by jealous rivals within the king's administration, but being highly favored by the King, Cyrus, he was untouchable. But Daniel would years later be cast into a den of lions for continuing to practice his faith but God never turned his back on Daniel who was miraculously delivered from the wrath of the lions. After this, Cyrus issued a decree enjoining reverence for "the God of Daniel." Daniel continued to prosper throughout the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian," whom he greatly influenced in the matter of the decree which put an end to the Jewish Captivity...(Read more about this wonderful story in the book of Daniel).
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