Daniel proves useful even to the conquering Medo-Persians. Once again, the political climate of factionalism sets Daniel up to be removed through the only avenue possible – his refusal of idolatry. He is unassailable via any other line of attack. Once again, God rescues Daniel though again, that is not the big idea in the story. The great point is that God is The Living God and is recognized as such because of Daniel's trust in Him. One feels certain that truth would have been emphasized even if – like so many other prophets – Daniel had been killed. The text purposefully ties Daniel and his stand to the overlordship of Persian Cyrus the Great. This is telling because Cyrus was throughout Persian history referred to as "the great king." Obviously, The Living God is greater, as even Cyrus' general/forerunner Darius notes God's kingdom is forever. The ending also leaves the tantalizing possibility that Daniel may have influenced the momentous edict of Cyrus that fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy and allowed the Jews to return home. Thus, our annual vision is displayed: shaped by scripture and his faithful friends, Daniel becomes a shaper of the world.

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