The Book of Daniel dvd, Pure Flix Entertainment, 2013 83 minutes £16
Jeremiah proved to be a reliable, albeit reluctant, prophet and servant of God when he declared that Jerusalem and its people were to be besieged by King Nebuchadnezzar and taken into captivity to Babylon. Daniel, of noble or royal birth, and his compatriots would be among the captives.
This film relates his story as it was in captivity.
Here, Daniel, as an old man talking to Cyrus, tells in flashbacks some of the outstanding events and experiences of his life as a captive yet elevated to a position of authority such was his intelligence, wisdom and ability.
He recalls episodes in his life in Babylon under 4 kings – Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.
We learn of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (a statue of gold, silver, bronze and iron and clay) and Daniel’s interpretation; the incident of the fiery furnace and the mysterious appearance of a fourth figure; Nebuchadnezzar’s madness; the mysterious writing on the wall during the reign of Belshazzar and the conspiracy which led to Daniel being thrust into the lions’ den under King Darius.
The conquest of Babylon by the Persian king, Cyrus, allows Daniel to recount to this king all the episodes of his life which, taken together, are linked effectively to demonstrate the unfailing faith and faithfulness of Daniel and his compatriots in the sovereign God of Israel.
The film ends, appropriately, with Daniel quoting the prophecy of Isaiah that he, King Cyrus, would be the shepherd who would allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, ending their 70 year captivity in Babylon.
An interesting way of telling Daniel’s story – calmly, credibly and without extravagance.