Daniel’s Prophecies for the Last Days

Introduction: Why the Book of Daniel Matters Today

The Book of Daniel stands as one of the most important prophetic books in all Scripture. Written centuries before Christ, it accurately foretells the rise and fall of world empires, exposes end-time powers, and assures God’s people of ultimate deliverance.

In a world marked by political instability, moral confusion, and religious compromise, Daniel answers timeless questions:

• Who is really in control of history?
• Where are we in God’s prophetic timeline?
• How should God’s people live in the last days?
• What hope do the faithful have amid coming global crisis?

Jesus Himself pointed believers to Daniel as essential for understanding the end time:

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet…” (Matthew 24:15)

Ellen G. White strongly affirms Daniel’s importance:

“The books of Daniel and Revelation should be carefully studied, for they contain important instruction regarding the events that will take place at the close of this world’s history.”
— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 112

This article introduces the entire Book of Daniel and prepares readers for deeper chapter-by-chapter study.

Who Wrote the Book of Daniel?

The Book of Daniel was written by Daniel, a Hebrew prophet taken captive to Babylon as a young man during the first Babylonian invasion of Judah (605 BC).

Daniel: Prophet, Statesman, and Witness

Daniel was:

• A member of Judah’s royal or noble class (Daniel 1:3–6)
• Educated in Babylonian language, science, and religion
• Faithful to God while serving pagan governments
• A high-ranking official under Babylonian, Median, and Persian rule

Despite immense pressure, Daniel remained loyal to God, becoming a living example of faithfulness under persecution.

Ellen G. White writes:

“In the life of Daniel we have an example of what constitutes true greatness of character.”
— Prophets and Kings, p. 487

Historical Background: Daniel in Exile

Daniel was taken to Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar when Jerusalem fell due to Israel’s rebellion against God.

This exile marked a turning point in biblical history:

• God’s people lost political independence
• Gentile world powers began ruling Jerusalem
• The prophetic era of “the times of the Gentiles” began

Yet even in captivity, God revealed that:

• He still ruled history
• Pagan kingdoms would rise and fall
• His eternal kingdom would ultimately replace them all

“The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.” (Daniel 4:17)

The Structure of the Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel is beautifully organized into two main sections, combining history and prophecy.

📘 Structure Overview

This structure teaches a crucial lesson:
👉 Those who stand faithful in daily life (Daniel 1–6) are prepared to understand prophecy (Daniel 7–12).

Seventh-day Adventist scholar Jacques Doukhan notes:

“Daniel’s structure links lifestyle with prophecy, showing that obedience precedes understanding.”
— Secrets of Daniel, p. 17

Daniel’s Prophecies: God’s Roadmap of History

Daniel presents some of the clearest prophetic outlines in Scripture.

Major Prophetic Themes

• Rise and fall of world empires
• Religious-political powers opposing God
• Attempts to change God’s law
• Heavenly judgment
• Final deliverance of God’s people

Key Prophetic Chapters

• Daniel 2 → The statue & world empires
• Daniel 7 → The little horn & persecution
• Daniel 8 → The sanctuary & 2300 days
• Daniel 9 → The Messiah & salvation timeline
• Daniel 11–12 → Final conflict & deliverance

Ellen G. White affirms the reliability of Daniel’s prophecies:

“The prophecies of Daniel have been fulfilled to the very letter.”
— Prophets and Kings, p. 547

Daniel and the Last Days

Daniel’s prophecies are especially relevant to the time of the end.

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4)

Adventists understand that:

• Many prophecies were not fully understood until modern times
• The end-time focus includes judgment, truth vs deception, and loyalty to God
• Daniel connects directly with the Book of Revelation

Ellen G. White explains:

“When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience.”
— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 114

Daniel’s Message of Hope and Deliverance

Though Daniel predicts persecution and crisis, it always points forward to victory.

“At that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)

Daniel assures believers that:

• God limits the power of evil
• Judgment brings justice
• The faithful will be resurrected
• God’s kingdom will never end

“The kingdom… shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:44)

How Daniel Connects With Other End-Time Truths

Daniel is inseparably linked with:

• Revelation → Expands Daniel’s prophecies
• The Sabbath → Central to loyalty and worship
• The Mark of the Beast → Conflict over God’s law
• The Sanctuary & Judgment → Daniel 8–9

🔗 For Deeper Study:

• Full Study: Daniel 2 – The Statue Explained
• Full Study: Daniel 7 – The Little Horn Power
• Full Study: Daniel 8 – The 2300-Day Prophecy
• Related: Revelation’s End-Time Beasts
• Related: The Sabbath in Prophecy

Why Study Daniel Today?

The Book of Daniel:

• Builds confidence in Scripture
• Reveals God’s control over history
• Prepares believers for final events
• Strengthens faith amid global crisis
• Points clearly to Christ’s kingdom

Adventist theologian Gerhard Pfandl writes:

“Daniel is God’s master blueprint of history from Babylon to the Second Coming.”
— Biblical Research Institute, SDA Church

Conclusion: Daniel Is a Book for Our Time

Daniel is not merely ancient history—it is present truth.
Its prophecies confirm that:

• God reigns
• Truth will triumph
• Faithfulness matters
• Deliverance is certain

Those who study Daniel prayerfully will be anchored in hope and prepared for the days ahead.

Next Study: Daniel 1 — Faithfulness in a Foreign World

Before Daniel receives prophetic visions, he first learns to stand faithful in daily choices.

👉 Continue to the next article:
Daniel 1: Standing Faithful When the World Tries to Change You

This foundational chapter shows how God prepares His people spiritually before revealing prophecy.