Daniel 1
-Introduction: Daniel’s prophecy is written in approximately
536 B.C. during the reign of Cyrus, King of Persia. It records events and
prophecies given during the time of the Judean exile in Babylon between the
periods from approximately 605 B.C. until 536 B.C. This was the captivity which
Jeremiah predicted as a contemporary, and Ezekiel and Habakkuk wrote during. Daniel
was deported as one of the first captives in the third year of Jehoiakim’s reign
in Judah. He was carried off with other exiles from the sons of Israel
including some of the royal family and their nobles (Daniel 1:1-3). Themes of
this book revolve around the sovereignty of God under all situations and
circumstances. Daniel rose to prestigious positions in two major world powers,
that being Babylon and the Medio-Persian Empire. He lived and served God under
Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. He proved that man can live for
God and be blessed by Him under extreme persecution and the outlawing of
worship to the Living LORD. The later portion of the book from chapters 7-12
have been called “the key to all biblical prophecy (New American Standard
Bible: Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1995, Pg.
1418).” Daniels dreams and visions unlock the coming of the Messiah to the
exact date in human history, as well as releasing many “end of days” promises
by God. Read this book in prayer and ultimate direction from the Holy Spirit,
and you will receive all the wisdom, discernment, and understanding of the
Almighty revealed through His servant, Daniel.
-Chapter 1- The partial capturing of Jerusalem and Judea
during the reign of Jehoiakim resulted in the deportation of some of the best
of the Hebrew youth (2 Kings 24 1-5, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8, Jeremiah 25, Daniel
1:1-4). When Daniel, along with his countrymen-kinsmen from Judah, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah (better known by their Babylonian given names of Shadrach,
Meshach, and Aded-nego), were appointed a daily ration from the king of
Babylon’s choice food and wine, they politely requested that they be allowed to
eat vegetables and water. Verse eight sums up the sentiment, “But Daniel made
up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or
with wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the
officials (Ashpenaz, Daniel 1:3) that he might not defile himself (Daniel
1:8).” This indicates that some of the food given by the Babylonians was
unclean by the Law of God given through Moses. Now God granted Daniel and his
Hebrew companions favor and compassion in the sight of their overseers and a
ten day test was given to see how their diet would fair (Daniel 1:9-14). At the
end of ten days it could be discerned that their appearance seemed better and
their body fat thicker than all the youths who had been eating at the king’s
choice food (Daniel 1:15). Therefore, the overseer kept withholding their
unclean food and providing them healthy vegetables. These four youths were given
knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom during
their three year training for the king’s service. Not one was found in all the
land like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and they were pressed into
the king’s personal service (Daniel 1:5, 16-19). In fact, for every matter of
wisdom and understanding in consulting the king they were found ten times
better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in his realm (Daniel
1:20). The last verse of the first chapter shows us that the book was written
over a long period of time as Daniel continued to serve through the Persian King
Cyrus when the Hebrews were allowed to re-enter their Promised Land to rebuild their
Temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1).
-*Application* Imagine having to be deported over 500 miles through
harsh conditions as a slave to a foreign empire that did not embrace your God or
your cultural laws. Imagine the good life gone and an intense struggle to maintain
your identity and character under peer pressure and opulent indulgence. In some
ways we can imagine it, in others we simply can’t identify. While America has its
allures and temptations, to this point we have been free to choose. Daniel and his
friends are a shining example of standing out for righteousness and how God can
garner favor and compassion upon those who are willing to stand for Him and do the
proper thing. Dare to be a Daniel. Resist fear, capitulation, and compromise to
incur the favor of the Almighty. Remember that He reigns in every situation no matter
what the circumstance feels like.
Verse to Memorize:
Daniel 1:8
No comments:
Post a Comment