Daniel is set during the Babylonian and early Persian periods of the exile. The book begins with narrative accounts of Daniel and his companions serving in foreign courts while remaining faithful to the God of Israel. Stories such as the fiery furnace and the lions’ den illustrate how God preserves those who trust Him even under pressure from powerful rulers. The second half of the book contains symbolic visions that reveal God’s sovereignty over world history. These visions portray a sequence of empires rising and falling while God ultimately establishes an enduring kingdom. Within the biblical timeline, Daniel reassures God’s people that exile does not mean abandonment. Even while living under foreign rule, God remains in control of history and will fulfill His purposes.</p>