The book of Daniel was written around the year 150 BC but set in the sixth century before Christ (at the time of the Babylonian Exile.) The author tells the story as he does as a way of encouraging his contemporaries (who are suffering mightily at the hands of the Hellenists). Just as the God of Israel saved Daniel from his enemies, so God would save all Israel in their present oppression. The book has been influential in both Jewish and Christian circles because of it situates the events of history in the larger context of God’s ultimate triumph at the end times. Jesus seems to have been familiar with the text since he adopts the image of “the Son of Man” from its pages.
