The book of Daniel is a work of two distinct parts, both aimed at inspiring hope in a sovereign God. The first half (chapters 1-6) contains famous narratives of faithfulness under fire: Daniel and his friends refusing to compromise their convictions, facing a fiery furnace and a den of lions, and interpreting dreams for pagan kings, all while demonstrating God's power over the mightiest empires. The second half (chapters 7-12) shifts to a series of stunning apocalyptic visions. These visions sweep across history, revealing the rise and fall of kingdoms through symbolic beasts and heavenly figures, culminating in the assurance that God will crush all earthly powers to establish the everlasting kingdom of the 'Son of Man.'