The Navi Journey Sefer Daniel by Rabbi Ilan Ginian

Sefer Daniel chronicles the events before the churban of the first Beis Hamikdash from the time Daniel was captured as a child and exiled to Bavel, through the seventy years of galus Bavel and galus Paras u’Madai, until the beginning of the building of the second Bayis. Daniel was eventually appointed to head the kingdom of each of the rulers during that era.

However, the purpose of Sefer Daniel is not to give a historical account of the time period, but rather to recount the miracles that Hashem performed during those times.

It reveals Hashem’s kindness and righteousness, and that He did not abandon His nation for one moment, even as they were sent into galus. The sefer concludes with Daniel’s visions of the time when Mashiach will arrive and the Jewish people will be redeemed.

Sefer Daniel reminds us not only how we ended up in galus, but helps us understand the reason for our current exile. Its underlying message is that Hashem’s hashgachah is with us here, even now, and therefore we should never despair! Just as Hashem heard Daniel’s tefillos when he was thrown into the pit of lions, so too, will He hear our prayers and bring about the final redemption!