The Book of DANIEL

Everybody knows the legendary story of Daniel, the last of the Major Prophets in the Bible; his name means "God is my Judge." His Book was written (in two languages, Aramaic and Hebrew, in the second-century BC (300-200BC), combining History with Prophecy and Eschatology (a portrayal of End Times), cosmic in scope and political in focus. Many like to extract the Sunday School-friendly stories - "the Fiery Furnace Ordeal" (Daniel 3) and "the Lions' Den Trial" (chapter 6) - and avoid the rest of the book because they think it is so challenging to interpret.

Daniel's story also covers a stretch of History where he directly served four pagan kings; including Nebuchadnezzar (1119-1098 BC) of the Babylonian rule; and Darius (522-486 BC) the Mede. He was bred for Royal Service, but to the Hebrew King - yet he did not shirk genuine service at pagan Courts. We simply never know where God is going to place us or use our best gifts.