The people of Israel are living in a new world and in exile. Daniel and his friends have just lost their king, their homeland, and their names. The temptation is to conform to the kingdom of Babylon and forget they are citizens of God’s kingdom. Daniel is written to encourage God’s people to Hope in God and live faithfully even when it doesn't seem like God is in control. Faithful living looks like being in the world and not of it while doing good works to make it better. We are salt and light in this earthly kingdom. God is in control and this Hope motivates faithful living.