When viewing these first six chapters of Daniel as a foreshadowing, it is important to relate meanings to the places and people to the story being told. In this case, the primary setting is Babylon. It’s where the Israelites were taken as captives after being cast out of their homeland.
Babylon is representative of our being before we were joined with God. Israel is descriptive of us in need of salvation and Judah is of heaven. The main characters are Nebuchadnezzar –I liken him to our lost soul; Daniel –the Holy Spirit; Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah describe Jesus’ purpose; Belshazzar –the deeds of our flesh; and Darius –our regenerated soul.
As you read through this story about Daniel, you might want to refer to this list of meanings to help understand the story.
Daniel (Belteshazzar)
Means: Directing a straight path; Judge of God
Represents: The Holy Spirit
Jehoiakim, King of Judah
Means: One that God raised up
Represents: Human spirit; Our connection to heaven
Egypt
Represents: Desires of the flesh
Babylon
Represents: Our entire being
Nebuchadnezzar
Represents: Human soul
Ashpenaz and Chief official
Represents: Human will
Arioch and Court guards
Represents: Human emotions
Hananiah (Shadrach)
Means: He camped with us
Represents: Jesus living here with us
Mishael (Meshach)
Means: Who and What is God?
Represents: Explanation of the Father
Azariah (Abednego)
Means: Helper or protector from God
Represents: The Counselor
Ten days of testing
Represents: Ten Commandments
King Cyrus
Represents: When Jesus reigns in us
Magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers
Represents: Worldly ideals and beliefs
Satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and other officials
Represents: Methods putting those ideals and beliefs into practice
Rock cut without human hands
Represents: Jesus
Image of gold
Represents: Things we make important
Musical instruments
Represents: What we use to show something is important
Belshazzar
Represents: Our corrupt nature with worldly desires
Temple goblets
Represents: Things used in offering worship to God
Writing on the wall
Represents: God Himself writing the Law of Sin and Death
Dreams and visions
Represents: Hearing the gospel