What is the purpose of the book of Daniel?
The purpose of Daniel is to show that only the Kingdom of God is eternal. Other kingdoms have arisen that seemed unstoppable in their power and might but inevitably they have fallen. Likewise, other kingdoms have since popped up that are forces to be reckoned with. However, every kingdom except the Kingdom of God shall be toppled, and every king will cast his crown before the throne of God (Rev 4:10). The book of Daniel was written to illuminate this reality and to record stunning examples of apparently irresistible empires crumbling while God’s Kingdom endures.
In the book of Daniel we see that it is God alone who brings up kingdoms and who tears them down. In Daniel 1:2 we read it was the Lord who gave Jehoiakim into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar himself is later referred to as the golden head in comparison to other kingdoms of lesser glory (which shows his kingdom is the most impressive of the four kingdoms mentioned). Yet even he is called God’s servant (Jeremiah 27:6). There is no realm that exists outside of God’s domain.
In light of this it becomes clear that the book of Daniel was compiled in order to teach the Jews living in Daniel’s day, as well as us today, what it means to live life knowing that only God’s Kingdom will ultimately prevail. The concept of kingdom is the foundational theme of Daniel and the kingdom motif ties the book together. The book of Daniel carefully and powerfully reveals the relationship between God’s Kingdom and earthly kingdoms from the human perspective (chapters 1-6) as well as from the divine perspective (chapters 7-12).
The purpose of Daniel is to reveal to all that only God’s Kingdom is forever. Daniel wants his readers to grasp this truth and to live in line with it. He wants us to be inspired, humbled and obedient in light of the unchallenged and everlasting reign of God. Only God’s kingdom will last eternally because only it shall never be destroyed. Daniel’s desire is for us to remain faithful to the LORD God and to endure even when the kings of this world are wearing out the saints of the Most High. In chapter 7 we glimpse the glory of the Ancient of Days as he sits on his throne in judgement and we are introduced to the otherworldly Son of Man. He is given a kingdom that shall never be destroyed and, amazingly, the saints of the Most High will enjoy a share in his kingdom. Such is God’s grace.