Daniel was around 85 years old when he died in the Bible. While the Bible does not explicitly state his exact age at death, scholarly interpretations suggest this approximate age based on the timeline of his life and service in Babylon and Persia.
Understanding Daniel's Longevity and Service
Daniel's life spanned many significant historical events, from the Babylonian captivity to the early Persian Empire. His long and faithful service to several kings is a testament to his character and divine favor.
His life can be broadly understood in several key stages:
- Youth and Captivity: Daniel was approximately 17 or 18 years old when he was carried away from Jerusalem into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This event marked the beginning of his remarkable career in foreign courts.
- Decades of Service: Daniel served under multiple Babylonian kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and later, under the Persian rulers Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Great. His wisdom, integrity, and prophetic insights earned him high positions and respect.
- The Lion's Den: A well-known event in Daniel's life occurred when he was roughly 70 years old – his miraculous deliverance from the lion's den during the reign of Darius. This incident highlights his unwavering faith and God's protection.
- Later Years and Prophecies: Daniel continued to receive visions and deliver prophecies into his advanced age, contributing significantly to biblical prophecy concerning future empires and the coming Messiah. His final vision recorded in the Book of Daniel (Chapter 10) takes place in the third year of Cyrus, by which time he would have been quite elderly.
The consistent estimation of his death at around 85 years old reflects his extended period of influence and prophetic activity within the ancient Near East.
Key Milestones in Daniel's Life
To better visualize Daniel's long and impactful life, here is a summary of estimated ages at critical junctures:
| Event | Approximate Age | Key Biblical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Carried into Captivity | 17-18 | Reign of Nebuchadnezzar, 605 BCE (Daniel 1:1-6) |
| Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream | Early 20s | Appointment to high office in Babylon (Daniel 2) |
| Thrown into the Lion's Den | ~70 | Reign of Darius the Mede (Daniel 6) |
| Receives Final Visions | ~80+ | Reign of Cyrus the Great (Daniel 10-12) |
| Death | ~85 | After a lifetime of service and prophecy in Babylon and Persia |
For more detailed information on Daniel's life and prophecies, you can explore the Book of Daniel in the Bible.
