Daniel

Biblical prophet who interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel is one of the great dream interpreters of the Bible, alongside Joseph. The book that bears his name is set at the court of Babylon, where Daniel was trained as a young Judean in exile. According to the book he was known for his wisdom and his gift of interpreting dreams and visions.

In Daniel 2 King Nebuchadnezzar dreams a dream that troubles him, but he demands that his wise men not only give the interpretation, but first tell him what he dreamt. No one can. Daniel prays with his friends, and the dream is revealed to him in a night vision: a great statue of gold, silver, bronze, iron and clay, shattered by a stone that becomes a mountain. Daniel explains that it is about kingdoms succeeding one another, and about a kingdom of God that endures.

In Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a great tree being cut down. Daniel warns him against pride, and the king loses his reason for a time, until he acknowledges God. Later Daniel himself receives visions, such as that of the four beasts from the sea in chapter 7.

Like Joseph, Daniel stresses God as the source of the interpretation: there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. And like Joseph he combines interpretation with courage: he also tells the king what he does not want to hear. Also well known is the story of Daniel in the lions' den, where he remains unharmed.

In the Christian tradition Daniel is therefore an example of dream interpretation that joins prayer, humility and honesty. On Dreamkin Christian readings often refer to him.