We're now in the book of Daniel and he really is greatly-beloved! (See Daniel 10:11) Not only did the heavenly messenger call him such but Christians everywhere would admit that they also love him. His writings include some of the most debated prophecies among scholars and also some of the most cherished stories first told to the youngest of children! Adults love telling wide-eyed youngsters about Daniel's escape from a den of lions or his friends' escape from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace! And yet, adults cannot fully explain the prophecies of chapters 7-12! Even Daniel himself did not understand all of the visions that he received and requested more information (12:8).
As for the timeline, young Daniel and friends were taken captive from Jerusalem during Nebuchadnezzar's first campaign. He and his three friends were intelligent men who received three years of education in Babylonian schools. They excelled in their studies and were promoted to positions of power within the government but not solely on the basis of their intelligence.It was through their acts of faith that divine intervention worked on their behalf time and again. Daniel also served under Darius and Cyrus after the Babylonian kingdom was replaced by that of the Medes and Persians.
Daniel had access to Jeremiah's prophecy and knew that God had appointed a 70 year period of captivity. Daniel's life spanned the complete 70 years. It is not known when he died but he was of necessity an elderly man. The events of this book cover the period of 605-536 B.C.
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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 (KJV)