Thank you for the question, “Could Daniel be considered the greatest of all the ancient biblical prophets?”
In many ways Daniel can be considered one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. From an exiled Jew rising to become the prime minister of Babylon. From an exiled Jew who laid everything down to be faithful to his God. From an exiled Jew who interpreted visions to receiving visions from God. Daniel is worthy to be one of the greatest biblical prophets.
I would like to suggest that Jeremiah to be the greatest prophet in the Old Testament. The Book of Jeremiah is not the easiest book to read for both its length and context.
Consider the following:
- He had one of the longest proclamation ministry of the prophets.
- He never rose to any significant position within Judea.
- He was the most despised person in Judea for his discouraging message of impending judgment on Judea.
- He was lowered into a cistern to silence him or left to die.
- He didn’t have a “successful” ministry.
- He spent hours in tears over Judea’s sin, never experiencing joy at all.
- He saw the destruction of Judea, Jerusalem, and the Temple.
From a human perspective, he was a flop. He didn’t bring about a revival in Judea. He didn’t have any positive influence over the nation, and yet he is one of the most faithful servant of the Lord. He preached his heart out to anyone who would listen to God’s message. Rejected by men but loved by God. Faithful to the end in one the most difficult ministry in the Old Testament.
SUMMARY: We celebrate “success” but God remembers faithfulness.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/Could-Daniel-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-the-ancient-biblical-prophets