Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

COMPLIMENTS During his long life, Daniel received many compliments. Even as a young man, he was known for his wisdom. A popular proverb was: You are wiser than Daniel (Ezekiel 28:3). Tradition says Daniel taught two Persian kings the knowledge of the true God, and it is believed that the Zoroaster of the ancient Persian religion was a fictitious character drawn from the image of Daniel. Some Asiatics claim that Daniel invented geometry. The historian Josephus notes that Daniel was the architect who masterminded the building of the famous Susa tower in Persia where all their kings are enshrined. But Daniel's highest compliment came from the angel Gabriel. Sent in answer to Daniel's prayers, Gabriel twice called him "greatly beloved." The book of Daniel is broken into two sections; it is also written in two languages, Hebrew and Aramaic. Some critics say this disproves Daniel's authorship. However, the simple fact is Daniel was both an Israelite and a member of Babylon's court. He would naturally use Aramaic, the diplomatic dialect, and the Hebrew tongue of his mother country. Such attempts are made to discredit Daniel because of his dynamic prophecies concerning the coming Christ detailed in chapter 9. Most famous is the incident of Daniel in the lion's den. Daniel's book literally breathes stories of God's protection and direction. By reading Daniel, one can see how closely God hovers over those who love Him, and how God returns that love in many ways. May we, too, strive to be "greatly beloved" by our God. The songwriter says, "All the talents I have, I have laid at thy feet. Thy approval shall be my reward."