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.