To the Jewish scholar, Daniel is a "Sage." To anyone who believes Jesus came on the scene as the Messiah, Daniel is a "Prophet."
These distinctions highlight how interpretive lenses affect biblical figures' legacies. The contrast underscores the power of titles in granting perceived wisdom or foresight.
Sage Isn't A Bad Thing
The Jewish Sage Gamaliel
I will mostly quote now from this article, "Gamaliel: Renowned Jewish Sage of Ancient Times"
Gamaliel was mentioned twice in the Acts of the Apostles. He was a Hebrew Sage that had a big impact on Jewish history and early Christianity. He was a key figure in the Sanhedrin, the top ancient Jewish law group during the Temple period. His wise and kind way with the apostles made him well-respected by early followers of Jesus who were still Jews.
Gamaliel took over as the Sanhedrin’s leader after his grandfather Hillel. He followed in his family’s footsteps, making laws that were kind to women and outsiders. His open-mindedness made him stand out among other Pharisees.
He was known as Gamaliel ha-zaqen or “Gamaliel the Elder.” His teachings are found in the Mishnah, a key Jewish text. As a Rabban, he was one of seven doctors of Jewish law, greatly influencing Jewish law. His actions were seen as kind and forward-thinking.
The Deciding Factor with Daniel
Daniel's exceptional wisdom outweighed all the gentile wise men in King Nebuchadnezzar II's Kingdom of Babylon. Because of the emphasis on Daniel's interpretive skill and wisdom over direct prophecy, his book resides in the "Writings," and NOT in the "Prophets" of the Hebrew bible. This distinction reflects this emphasis on ruach ha-kodesh as "inspired knowledge," also known as "intuition."
Christian View as Prophet
Even though Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams with divine revelation, Christians regard Daniel as a major prophet for his prediction of Messiah's kingdom and end-times (Daniel 7–12). Prophecies such as the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27), which is linked to Jesus' comings, elevated Daniel's prophetic status.
The Basis For The Different Understanding
The distinction between Jews and Christians understanding of the Ruach Hakodesh needs to be pointed out in order to appreciate why Daniel is classified as a sage versus a prophet.
It All Centers on the Ruach HaKodesh
Jewish Concept of Ruach HaKodesh
Ruach HaKodesh denotes divine inspiration for profound insight, not a personified entity or ongoing prophecy. Jewish belief holds sages surpass prophets through this Spirit-driven discernment, as it yields Torah-deep understanding amid exile. Daniel's visions reflect such elevated wisdom (ruach ha-kodesh), placing his book in Ketuvim (Writings) rather than Nevi'im (Prophets).
Christian Concept of Holy Spirit
Christians view the Holy Spirit as the third Trinitarian person—active, indwelling, and prophetic—who empowers foretelling, like Daniel's Messianic timelines (Daniel 7–12, 9:24-27). This personal, eternal Spirit equates Ruach with New Testament outpouring (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2), affirming Daniel's prophetic mantle.
Conclusion
I do not put as much stock in the distinction between having divine wisdom and being a prophet. As I see it either way the Book of Daniel, and Daniel himself, are amazing. I think we would all do well to give Daniel the grace he deserves.
Daniel's legacy transcends titles like sage or prophet, uniting Jews and Christians in awe of his unwavering faithfulness and divine insight. His book reveals profound wisdom amid exile, offering timeless lessons on integrity and God's sovereignty. Daniel's story inspires across traditions. His visions encourage hope amid uncertainty, blending wisdom with foresight.
Citations:
[1] Ruach and the Hebrew Word for the Holy Spirit — FIRM Israel https://firmisrael.org/learn/ruach-the-hebrew-word-for-holy-spirit/
[2] The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) - March 2015 - Jewish Jewels https://www.jewishjewels.org/news-letters/ruach-hakodesh-march/
[3] Holy Spirit vs. Ruach HaKodesh: Divine Presence https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/holy-spirit-vs-ruach-hakodesh-revealing-the-essence-of-divine-presence/
[4] The Ruach HaKodesh: What can we know about “It?” Part I https://rabdavis.org/the-ruach-hakodesh-what-can-we-know-about-it-part-i/
[5] Spirit in Judaism - part 2: Rabbis and Chasidism - Segullah https://www.segullah.net/spirit-judaism-part-2/
[6] Holy Spirit in Judaism - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit_in_Judaism
[7] What is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Judaism? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Judaism/comments/1pdemvm/what_is_the_doctrine_of_the_holy_spirit_in_judaism/
[8] I have a question. I have come to believe that the Holy Spirit isn't a ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianstodayneedtorah/posts/9399733163411152/
[9] RUACH HAKODESH (The Holy Spirit) - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kofiowusupeprah/posts/ruach-hakodesh-the-holy-spirit/798343762292507/
[10] Daniel, the Prophet Who Was Not a Prophet | Messianic Bible https://www.messianicbible.com/feature/daniel-the-prophet-who-was-not-a-prophet/
[11] Why Isn't the Book of Daniel Part of the Prophets? - Chabad.org https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1735365/jewish/Why-Isnt-the-Book-of-Daniel-Part-of-the-Prophets.htm
[12] Prophet Daniel - Orthodox Church in America https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/12/17/103559-prophet-daniel
[13] Daniel - Insight for Living https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-major-prophets/daniel
