Daniel 1
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Daniel 1
MacArthur adds - "This (Ezekiel 1:2) is 593 b.c. The king, Ezekiel, and 10,000 others (2Ki 24:14) had been deported to Babylon in 597 b.c., Ezekiel at the age of 25." Charles Dyer - “The 30th year” probably referred to Ezekiel’s age. As a priest (Ezek 1:3) this was the age he would normally have entered the Lord’s service. Ezekiel had been taken into captivity with King Jehoiachin in March of 597." 3) 586BC - (2Ki 25:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) Judah was defeated, Jerusalem sacked, the Temple was burned and the walls of the city destroyed. Before we discuss King Jehoiakim, let's take a brief look at ISRAEL, BIRTH TO EXILE (note the recurrence of words like sin [see appended Scriptures also] in God's chosen people)... ISRAEL BIRTH TO EXILE (Most dates approximated) Called Abraham & Cut Covenant (Ge 12:1-3, 15:6 = Abe's salvation by grace thru faith, cp Ga 3:8) The covenant promises passed to Isaac > Jacob > 12 sons (See New Covenant in OT and Abrahamic vs Old vs New) Exodus -- Israel comes out of bondage in Egypt Ps 78:13-17-note Nation of Israel Born Dt 7:6-9, Dt 4:25-30 Period of The Judges There was no king Jdg 21:25-note Note - Almost 25% of Israel's history = dark days of the Judges! Period of The Kings... 1 Saul (no heart) 1Sa 13:14, 15:11, 22, 27, 28 2 David (whole heart) 3 Solomon (half a heart) 1Ki 11:4, 9 Kingdom divided because of Solomon's sin 1Ki 11:1-12 Northern 10 tribes ="Israel" (All evil kings) Taken captive in 722BC by Assyria 2Ki 17:5-18 Southern 2 tribes (Judah & Benjamin) called "Judah" (Some kings good, some evil) Taken captive to Babylon in 3 "waves" 605, 597, 586 (2Ch 36:16) ~2000BC 1440BC 1400BC 1050BC 931BC 722BC 605 - Daniel 597 - Ezekiel 586 - Temple razed Jehoiakim king of Judah - See the timeline of Israel above for an overview (cf Chronology of History of Israel). The best timeline I have found to summarize the events immediately preceding Daniel and extending through the time of his ministry in Babylon is found at the Precept Ministries International posting of Daniel Lesson 1 Living Out a Biblical Worldview (Recommendation: Print Out the Timeline from page 49 and use it to take notes as you read and study Daniel). If you have opportunity to attend this excellent 2 part course on the book of Daniel, please take advantage as it is highly recommended (Click to check for classes in your area). Related Resources: Timeline of Ezekiel - Prophet During Daniel's Ministry Jehoiakim - ("He whom Jehovah has set up") the second son of Josiah, and eighteenth king of Judah, which he ruled over for eleven years (B.C. 610-599). His original name was Eliakim (q.v.). On the death of his younger brother Jehoahaz (= Shallum, Jer. 22:11), who favored the Chaldeans against the Egyptians, was made king by the people; but the king of Egypt, Pharaoh Necho II invaded the land and deposed Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:33, 34; Jer. 22:10-12), setting Eliakim on the throne in his stead, and changing his name to Jehoiakim. After this the king of Egypt took no part in Jewish politics, having been defeated by the Chaldeans at Carchemish (2 Kings 24:7; Jer. 46:2). Palestine was now invaded and conquered by Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoiakim was taken prisoner and carried captive to Babylon (2 Chr. 36:6, 7). It was at this time that Daniel also and his three companions were taken captive to Babylon (Dan. 1:1, 2). Nebuchadnezzar reinstated Jehoiakim on his throne, but treated him as a vassal king. In the year after this, Jeremiah caused his prophecies to be read by Baruch in the court of the temple. Jehoiakim, hearing of this, had them also read in the royal palace before himself. The words displeased him, and taking the roll from the hands of Baruch he cut it in pieces and threw it into the fire (Jer. 36:23). During his disastrous reign there was a return to the old idolatry and corruption of the days of Manasseh. After three years of subjection to Babylon, Jehoiakim withheld his tribute and threw off the yoke (2 Kings 24:1), hoping to make himself independent. Nebuchadnezzar sent bands of Chaldeans, Syrians, and Ammonites (2 Kings 24:2) to chastise his rebellious vassal. They cruelly harassed the whole country (comp. Jer. 49:1-6). The king came to a violent death, and his body having been thrown over the wall of Jerusalem, to convince the besieging army that he was dead, after having been dragged away, was buried beyond the gates of Jerusalem "with the burial of an ass," B.C. 599 (Jer. 22:18, 19; 36:30). Nebuchadnezzar placed his son Jehoiachin on the throne, wishing still to retain the kingdom of Judah as tributary to him. (Easton's Bible Dictionary) Nebuchadnezzar (Note) (ruled Babylon for about 43 years, circa 605-562BC) was the king of Babylon. His name means something like "Nebo, protect my frontier." And while he was the Old Testament's version of the King of kings," (Da 2:37-note, he was but a tool, a "servant" of Jehovah (Jer 25:9 = "My servant", cp Da 1:2 "the Lord gave", Hab 1:6-note = "I [God] am raising up the Chaldeans...to seize dwelling places which are not theirs", Hab 1:12-note = "appointed them to judge...established them to correct [discipline]") Nebuchadnezzar - Used 59x - 2 Kgs 24:1, 10f; 25:1, 8, 22; 1 Chr 6:15; 2 Chr 36:6f, 10, 13; Ezra 1:7; 2:1; Neh 7:6; Esth 2:6; Jer 21:2, 7; 22:25; 24:1; 25:1, 9; 27:6, 8, 20; 28:3, 11, 14; 29:1, 3, 21; 32:1, 28; 34:1; 35:11; 37:1; 39:1, 5, 11; 43:10; 44:30; 46:2, 13, 26; 49:28, 30; 50:17; 51:34; 52:4, 12, 28ff; Ezek 26:7; 29:18f; 30:10; Dan 1:1, 18; 2:1 Tower of Babel BABYLON (BABEL) FROM BEGINNING TO END GENESIS to... Revelation >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rev 16:19; 17:5, 18:2, 10, 21 Babylon (0894)(babel) refers to the ancient city-state located in modern Iraq (Babylon - included Reconstructed City), about 20 miles south of Bagdad (near the modern city of Hillah). The term is used to refer to the city of Babylon, the geographical region of Babylonia, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Babel first occurs in Gen. 11:9, where it is given a Hebrew folk etymology by relating it to the verb ("to confuse"; "to mix"). The English term "to babble" comes from this biblical etymology. In the NAS Babylon is first described by the synonymous term "Babel" ( = confusion cp Ge 11:9) the genesis of which is found in Ge 10:8, 9, 10, 11. In Ge 10:10 we encounter the first use of the word kingdom which indicates Nimrod was a king, and specifically one who is repeatedly called "mighty". The name Nimrod means to rebel, to be rebellious or a rebel, indicating that this earthly king was opposed to the true King. Ge 11:1,2,3,4 substantiates the rebellious spirit of Babel (a "monument" to sinful pride opposed to the rule of God) or Babylon who John describes as "Babylon, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth" (Rev 17:5- note). In other words Nimrod's kingdom of ancient Babylon was the fountainhead of every idolatrous, false world religion, as her evil seed was spread throughout the earth (Ge 11:8). This "divine scattering" in Genesis 11 also helps understand John's enigmatic statement of how Babylon came to sit on “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” (Rev 17:15-note). In Revelation John records the final demise of Babylon (Rev 18:21-note), cp Jeremiah's prophecy - Je 51:63, 64) New Testament uses of Babylon - Matt 1:11f, 17; Acts 7:43; 1 Pet 5:13; Rev 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21 Babel - 282x in 233 verses - Gen 10:10; 11:9; 2 Kgs 17:24, 30; 20:12, 14, 17f; 24:1, 7, 10ff, 15ff, 20; 25:1, 6ff, 11, 13, 20ff, 27f; 1 Chr 9:1; 2 Chr 32:31; 33:11; 36:6f, 10, 18, 20; Ezra 1:11; 2:1; 7:6, 9; 8:1; Neh 7:6; 13:6; Esth 2:6; Ps 87:4; 137:1, 8; Isa 13:1, 19; 14:4, 22; 21:9; 39:1, 3, 6f; 43:14; 47:1; 48:14, 20; Jer 20:4ff; 21:2, 4, 7, 10; 22:25; 24:1; 25:1, 9, 11f; 27:6, 8f, 11ff, 16ff, 20, 22; 28:2ff, 6, 11, 14; 29:1, 3f, 10, 15, 20ff, 28; 32:2ff, 28, 36; 34:1ff, 7, 21; 35:11; 36:29; 37:1, 17, 19; 38:3, 17f, 22f; 39:1, 3, 5ff, 9, 11, 13; 40:1, 4f, 7, 9, 11; 41:2, 18; 42:11; 43:3, 10; 44:30; 46:2, 13, 26; 49:28, 30; 50:1f, 8f, 13f, 16ff, 23f, 28f, 34f, 42f, 45f; 51:1f, 6ff, 11f, 24, 29ff, 33ff, 37, 41f, 44, 47ff, 53ff, 58ff, 64; 52:3f, 9ff, 15, 17, 26f, 31f, 34; Ezek 12:13; 17:12, 16, 20; 19:9; 21:19, 21; 23:15, 17, 23; 24:2; 26:7; 29:18f; 30:10, 24f; 32:11; Dan 1:1; Mic 4:10; Zech 2:7; 6:10. Translated as Babel(2), Babylon(257), Babylonians*(3). Tony
Daniel 1
MacArthur - INTEGRITY TRIUMPHS OVER ADVERSITY DANIEL 1:1–2 (Strength for Today: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith) Integrity shines brightest against the backdrop of adversity. Our passage today tells of the tragic time in Israel’s history when God chastened her severely by allowing King Nebuchadnezzar and the wicked nation of Babylon to march against her and take her captive. God never coddles His people, nor does He wink at their sin. Israel’s chastening illustrates the principle that “judgment [begins] with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17). But as severe as His discipline can be, it is always aimed at producing greater righteousness and godly integrity in His children (Heb. 12:5–11). The Babylonian captivity set the stage for a truly uncommon display of integrity from Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. In the days ahead we will examine their character in some depth. For now, however, be encouraged that adversity of any kind—even chastening for sin—is God’s way of providing the rich soil for nourishing and strengthening the spiritual fruit of integrity. Without the adversities of Babylon, Daniel’s integrity and that of his friends would not have shone as brightly as it did and would not have had the significant impact it had on King Nebuchadnezzar and his entire kingdom. Perhaps you are currently experiencing adversities that are especially challenging, and you may not yet understand what God is accomplishing through them. But like Daniel and his friends, you can pray for the wisdom to understand His will and the faith to trust Him through the process. And you can be assured He will never fail you. ✧✧✧ Suggestions for Prayer: Each day your integrity is tested in many ways. Ask the Lord to help you be aware of those times and to make choices that honor Him. For Further Study: Read 1 Kings 9:3–5. What kind of integrity did God require of Solomon? ✧ What promises did He make if Solomon obeyed? Daniel 1:3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles. Foretold, 2Ki 20:17,18 Isa 39:7 Jer 41:1) BABYLONIAN BRAINWASHING (Daniel 1:3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Officials (KJV, ESV = eunuchs) (05631) (saris/caric) means a court official and is sometimes rendered "eunuch" because of the practice of using men who had been castrated men (presumably to forgo any untoward action with the king's royal harem!) to function in key government roles (e.g. in the Persian empire where sariys is rendered eunuch even in the NAS in Esther 2:3, 14, 15, 21, 4:4, 5, 6:2, 14, 7:9). While some commentators (as well as the ESV and KJV translation) feel that Daniel was physically a eunuch, the text does not make a definitive statement in that regard. Yes, there is no record of a wife or family which could support the premise that Daniel had been made into a eunuch. On the other hand, Potiphar, "Pharaoh's officer [saris]" (Ge 37:36, cp "an Egyptian officer [saris]" in Ge 39:1) is called a "sariys" and yet he clearly had a wife (Net Bible Note on Ge 40:2 = "evidence from Akkadian texts shows that in early times the title [saris] was used of a court official in general. Only later did it become more specialized in its use.") And so where Scripture is not definitive we had best not speculate further. David Jeremiah - “During the last quarter of a century, the name Ashpenaz has been found on the monuments of ancient Babylon, which are now in the Berlin Museum. It says, ‘Ashpenaz, master of eunuchs in the time of Nebuchadnezzar.’ ” (For more discussion of this topic see Daniel Defended) Alexander the Great instituted a similar policy of enlisting the brightest, best looking young men (captives) into government service, reminiscent to our modern "think tanks" where ingenious, innovative products and policies are birthed. Sariys/Cariyc is used 6 times in Daniel, only in chapter 1 ( Dan 1:3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18). Sariys/Cariyc - 42v in OT - Gen 37:36; 39:1; 40:2, 7; 1 Sam 8:15; 1 Kgs 22:9; 2 Kgs 8:6; 9:32; 20:18; 23:11; 24:12, 15; 25:19; 1 Chr 28:1; 2 Chr 18:8; Esth 1:10, 12, 15; 2:3, 14f, 21; 4:4f; 6:2, 14; 7:9; Isa 39:7; 56:3f; Jer 29:2; 34:19; 38:7; 41:16; 52:25; Dan 1:3, 7ff, 18. NAS translates - court officers(1), court officials(1), eunuch(5), eunuchs(10), officer(5), officers(1), official(3), officials(16). KJV translates - eunuch 17, chamberlain 13, officer 12; 42 HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN FROM BEING "BABYLONIZED"! Some of the sons of Israel - While we cannot be certain of the number of "sons of Israel" (some historians estimate the number at between 50-75), it appears that only four drew the line and and refused to compromise their beliefs and core values. Apparently the Babylonian influence proved too much for most of the young men. Most scholars place Daniel's age at around 15 which is certainly not a time when one would expect a young man to manifest the strength of character to resist the sophisticated Babylonian brainwashing. Furthermore, consider the risk associated with resisting the will of the most powerful pagan king in the world. And consider how taking a stand would surely jeopardize the chance for advancement in the Babylonian court. And yet we see in Daniel 1:8 that these four took an uncompromising stand. Why? How would this have been possible? The answer is not directly stated but there were at least 3 things that could help understand their ability to resist indoctrination. (1) Godly parents taught the Word of God - They named their children with God honoring names. They also knew (especially after the revival) Deut 6:4-8 which charge godly parents to "saturate" (the Hebrew word for "teach...diligently" in Dt 6:7 = engrave a stone tablet and figuratively = "teach incisively"!) their children with the Word of God. (2) Revival of interest in the Word of God - There was a "revival" under King Josiah when the "book of the law" which had been lost in the house of God (the temple) was discovered (2Ki 22:8-11, 23:3-4). If Daniel was 15 in 605BC, it mean roughly the first 10 years of his life would have been during this time when the Word of God was once again prized in Jerusalem. (3) Prophets spoke the Word of God - Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk were prophesying the Word of God and it is likely Daniel was impacted by his ministry (Daniel later refers to Jeremiah's written word - Da 9:2). In sum, these young men had a strong faith nourished by their exposure to the Word of God (cp Ro 10:17-note), and God's Word provided a grid through which they could filter the godless Babylonian curriculum. If our children attend "Babylon State University", they need to have been equipped so that their faith and commitment to the Word of God is strong, and they are able to filter out those teachings which are clearly anti-God by comparing them with the Word of God. As we watch America drift further into the darkness of godlessness, many Christian parents fear for the fate of their children. Be encouraged by this young man Daniel. However it does behoove Christian parents to be diligent to practice the principles of Dt 6:6,7,8, for without the Word of Truth their children will be vulnerable to the lies and attractive deceptions of the fallen world system controlled by Satan (1Jn 5:19) (See related resource: Memorizing His Word) Whitcomb - These young men from Jerusalem's court needed to be secure in their knowledge of Yahweh to be able to study this literature objectively without allowing it to undermine their faith. Evidently the work of Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk had not been in vain. (Whitcomb, J. Daniel Everyman's Bible Commentary). TODAY IN THE WORD Daniel 1:3-7 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. - Romans 13:1 - Stella Ho lived in Venezuela for thirty years, running a shop with her unsaved husband. In January 2004, Stella was abducted by three thieves. God used her compassionate spirit and godly influence to change the hearts of her captors. In just eight days, Stella was freed, her captors' hearts were changed, and her husband accepted Christ after witnessing the outpouring of prayer and love from her fellow believers. Stella said, “Our time is short. We never know what may happen to us. We must strive to serve the Lord and discern what we can do for God.” If Daniel had been allowed to plot the course of his own life, he probably wouldn't have picked “abducted by Babylonians” as his first choice. He didn't get to choose his circumstances, but he served the Lord by accepting the position in which God had placed him. We usually remember Daniel for his courageous stands against compromise, but the first test of his allegiance to God was one of humble submission. Some scholars conclude that Daniel was in his early teens at the time of his abduction, and the word for “young men” in verse 4 supports that theory. For Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, submitting to Babylonian rule could not have been easy. They had been the cream of Judah's crop, members of the nobility, and among the most promising young men in their nation. But their new captors erased their Jewish names and assigned them names that would identify them with pagan gods. Daniel and his friends could have rebelled. Along with adopting pagan names, they were to eat from the king's menu, learn the Babylonian language, study their literature, and enter the service of the king. But of all those foreign practices, these four young men would refuse to obey only the dietary guidelines. Overall, Daniel and his friends showed maturity beyond their years. Daniel's right attitude toward divinely appointed leadership gives us our first glimpse of his extraordinary character. TODAY ALONG THE WAY - If you find yourself working for an unsavory boss or living in a town you wish you could flee, take heart. Although you may feel desperate to escape your circumstances, ask God to use you to brighten your surroundings with His glory. That can be done by standing up to people who urge you to do wrong, but it's just as likely God will ask you to perform menial or undesirable tasks as a display of obedience and humility. Making yourself subject to others is a powerful act of faith in God's sovereignty. John MacArthur - INTEGRITY TRIUMPHS OVER PRIDE -- DANIEL 1:3–4, 6 (Strength for Today: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith) Man values physical beauty and superior human capabilities, whereas God values spiritual character. As King Nebuchadnezzar was besieging Jerusalem, he received word that his father had died. So he returned to Babylon, leaving Jehoiakim, king of Judah, in power. To ensure the king’s loyalty, Nebuchadnezzar instructed Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to take some hostages from among the royal families of Israel. Among those selected were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Nebuchadnezzar’s plan was to train these young hostages in the ways of the Babylonians (Chaldeans), then press them into service as his representatives among the Jews. There were an estimated fifty to seventy–five hostages, each of whom was young (probably in his early teens), handsome, and without physical defect. In addition, each had superior intellect, education, wisdom, and social graces. Being among such a select group of people could have led to pride in Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. But self–glorification meant nothing to them. Their priority was to serve their God with humility, integrity, and fidelity. Nebuchadnezzar could look on them favorably, train them in the ways of the Chaldeans, and offer them power and influence in his kingdom, but he could never incite their pride or diminish their allegiance to the Lord. Like Babylon, our society is enamored with physical beauty and human capabilities. However, let your focus be on spiritual character and using for God’s glory the talents and abilities He has given you. ✧✧✧ Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for the special gifts He has given you. ✧ Prayerfully guard your heart against subtle pride, which undermines spiritual character. For Further Study: Read Daniel 4:28–36. How did God deal with King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride? ✧ What was the king’s response (see v. 37)? Daniel 1:4 youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king's court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. in whom - Lev 21:18, 19, 20, 21 24:19,20 Jdg 8:18 2Sa 14:25 Ac 7:20 Eph 5:27 Intelligence - Da 2:20,21, Da 5:11 Ec 7:19 Ac 7:22 Ability - Da 1:17, 18, 19, 20 Pr 22:29 Eccl 7:19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Pr 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Dan 2:30 “But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man (Daniel acknowledges the supernatural Source), but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. Dan 5:11 “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, illumination, insight, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, conjurers, Chaldeans, and diviners. Youths (03206) is the word yeled (plural yeledim) means children but is frequently used for young men. (see Ge 21:8, 14, 15, 16). The Septuagint uses the word neaniskos which in Greek refers to a relatively young man (eg, Mt 19:20, 22). No one knows Daniel's age for sure but most agree that it is in the range from 14-21 years. Endowed (03045) (yada) means knowing, and in context implies they knew intimately and supernaturally (Da 1:17). To teach them the literature and language - In other words he wanted to "brain wash" them! Ryrie comments that this would entail study of "Various subjects such as agriculture, astrology, astronomy, mathematics, and the Akkadian language. (The Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers) Language of the Chaldeans (cp Da 5:8, 9:1; see Chaldean language) - refers to the Babylonian language written in ancient cuneiform (Cuneiform script) (Image of cuneiform). Although Aramaic was the language of the empire, literature was still written in cuneiform. Chaldeans (03778) (kasdim) is used in Daniel in (1) an ethnic sense (Da 5:30) and (2) in a religious sense to describe a special class of wise men (Da 2:2, 4, 5, 10; 4:7; 5:7, 11). Whitcomb - The only other known case of this specialized use of Chaldean is found in a statement by the Greek historian Herodotus (b. 484 B.C.), who traveled in Babylonia and told of "the Chaldeans, the priests of this god." (Ibid) Criswell writes that Chaldean in an ethnic sense "was originally used of certain tribes living in southern Mesopotamia, who eventually gained control of Babylon (cf. Isa. 13:19; 23:13; 43:14; 47:1, 5; 48:14, 20). After losing control of Babylon for a while, they regained it in 627 B.C. under Nabopolassar, whose dynasty continued with his son Nebuchadnezzar. Thus, the term "Chaldean" in an ethnic sense is equivalent to "Babylonian." The other use of the term, which was probably spelled differently at first, refers to a class of astrologer-priests noted for their literary scholarship. In any case, the four Hebrew men were to be thoroughly trained for government service. Daniel 1:5 The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king's choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king's personal service. daily ration: Atheneus says the kings of Persia were accustomed to order for their courtiers the food left at their tables. 1Ki 4:22,23 2Ki 25:30 Mt 6:11 Lk 11:3 might enter: Da 1:19 Ge 41:46 1Sa 16:22 1Ki 10:8 2Ch 9:7 Jer 15:19 Lk 1:19, 21:36) SPIRITUAL WARFARE INDOCTRINATION 101 (Aka "Operation Assimilation") These verses (Da 1:4, 5) introduces us to the beginning of the training (a euphemism for sophisticated brain washing) of these godly young men in the ways of the (fallen, anti-God) world system, one of the three mortal enemies of every believer in every age - (1) the fallen world system (see related study of the word kosmos = world ~ world system), (2) our fallen flesh and (3) a fallen angel, the Devil (diabolos [word study]). It therefore behooves us to study how Daniel was able not just to survive, but to succeed, in the face of such an overt assault on his Biblical worldview. Then we need to choose to dare to be like Daniel, a choice which will surely bring us in conflict with the "majority opinion". Nebuchadnezzar was not interested only in education but indoctrination! Beloved, our children in America are being exposed to the same godless agenda, for the enemy of our souls knows that the future of a nation is not Wall Street or Washington as much as it is our children. Indoctrinate - Webster says this means to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view, or principle. To cause to accept a set of beliefs uncritically through repeated instruction. Ray
Daniel 1
MacArthur - INTEGRITY TRIUMPHS OVER PERSONAL LOSS -- DANIEL 1:6-7 (Strength for Today: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith) You can’t always prevent personal loss, but you can respond to it in ways that glorify God. It was a quiet January morning in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California until suddenly and without warning the earth shook with such a violent force that many department stores, apartment houses, homes, and freeway overpasses crumbled under the strain. Within minutes the 1994 Northridge earthquake left scars upon lives and land that in some cases may never heal. Such catastrophic events remind us of just how difficult dealing with personal loss can be. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah understood personal loss. Perhaps in our day only those who have suffered as prisoners of war or as refugees from war’s ravages can fully appreciate the deep sense of loss those men must have felt after being cut off from family, friends, and homeland. Their loss included even their own names. When taken captive, each of them had a Hebrew name that reflected his godly upbringing. But in an apparent effort to remove that influence and to exalt the pagan deities of Bel (or Baal) and Aku, Nebuchadnezzar’s commander changed their names from Daniel (which means “God is judge”) to Belteshazzar (“Bel provides” or “Bel’s prince”), from Hananiah (“the Lord is gracious”) to Shadrach (“under the command ofAku”), from Mishael (“Who is what the Lord is?”) to Meshach (“Who is what Aku is?”), and from Azariah (“the Lord is my helper”) to Abed–nego (“the servant of Nebo [the son of Baal]”). Daniel and his friends couldn’t prevent their losses, but they could trust God and refuse to let those losses lead to despair or compromise. That’s an example you can follow when you face loss. ✧✧✧ Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Lord for the wisdom to see your losses through His loving eyes, and for the grace to respond appropriately. ✧ Pray for those whom you know who have suffered loss recently. For Further Study: Read Job 1:13–22. How did Job respond to his losses? ✧ What can you learn from his example? Daniel 1:7 Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego. Daniel: Da 2:17 Eze 14:14,20 28:3 Mt 24:15 Mk 13:14 WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT A NAME? Assigned new names - Why? Clearly this was part of the process of "Babylonization" of the boys. By calling them by names that glorified the idolatrous gods of Babylon the captors sought in effect to obliterate from their memory their given Hebrew names all of which glorified the only true and living God. There was no divine law prohibiting a name change, even a change to a pagan name! After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, the Pharaoh exalted Joseph to second in command in Egypt and changed his name to "Zaphenath-paneah [Note: Probably Egyptian for "God speaks; he lives"]; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt." (Ge 41:45) Daniel = “God is my judge” > Belteshazzar = “Bel Protect the King.” (Isa 46:1; Jer 50:2; 51:44). Every time His name was called it was a good thing reminder that one day he would stand before a holy God (cp 2Co 5:10-note) . Most of don't possess the name "Daniel" but we need to conduct ourselves as if that were our name! Hananiah = “Jehovah is Gracious” > Shadrach = “Command of Aku (Babylonian idolatrous god)." Mishael = “Who is like God?” > Meshach = “Who is what Aku (Babylonian idolatrous god) Is?” Azariah = “Jehovah is my Helper” > Abed-nego = “Servant of Nego (Babylonian idolatrous god)” also called Nebo, a god of vegetation (cf. Isa 46:1). Their Hebrew names indicate their relationship to the God of Israel, truth which their god fearing parents meant to convey. Tony
Daniel 1
MacArthur - Strength for Today) A Dare-Saint - “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) - THERE are a number of “dare-devils” around in society. But Daniel was a “dare-saint.” The words of the song, “Dare to be a Daniel,” emphasize this truth. Our verse reports that Daniel did a very daring thing. He made a holy resolve in his heart. We note the calendar in the resolve, the character of the resolve, and the courage in the resolve. Calendar in the resolve. We often make resolves early in the year. Daniel made this resolve early in his life, for he was no older than a teenager when he made this resolve. You do not have to be up in years before you start living for God. It is better to start living for God when old than never; but when you start living for God early in life, you give a lifetime for God and prevent many wasted and sin-scarred years. Character of the resolve. “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” There are two important notes here about the character of Daniel’s resolve. They concern the site and the subject of the resolve. First, the site. The resolve was made in his heart. It was not just words to impress people, but it was in his heart which gave it strength. Too much dedication today is only outward. It does not come from the heart, and so it will not last. Second, the subject. The resolve had to do with purity, for Daniel would not “defile” himself with the king’s food and drink. Many folk resolve to do a lot of things, but few resolve to live a holy life. But the resolve to holiness is the kind of resolve we need more than anything else. Courage in the resolve. Daniel had to have much courage when he made this resolve, for he was a captive under the authority and custody of wicked men, and he was going against the king’s wishes. If you are going to live a pure life, you will have to have courage. It will not be popular and many will protest and mock. But stick with your holy resolve, for it will bring you Divine blessings. (Daily Bible Reading: Volume 2: Sermonettes - John Butler) SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS - Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself. (DANIEL 1:8) In addition to an overall commitment to pursue holiness in every area of life, I find it helpful to make specific commitments in areas where we’re particularly vulnerable to sin. There’s great value in identifying those areas—either in what we do (for example, gossip) or in what we fail to do (such as loving our wives as Christ loved the church)—and then making specific commitments of obedience to God in those areas. I urge you to list any areas of temptation wherein you need to make this specific commitment. Do you need to make a covenant with your eyes about what you look at (Job 31:1), or with your mouth about what you say, or with your mind about what you think? Is there a particular temptation or sinful practice that arises in your work environment that needs a commitment to fortify you against it? Write these commitments down on paper, for your eyes only, so you can review them and pray over them daily. Perhaps there’s a particular area in your marriage or in your relationship with your children, your parents, a friend, or an associate at work where you aren’t demonstrating the Spirit’s fruit of love, patience, or kindness. Do you need to make a commitment that, in dependence on the Holy Spirit to enable you, you’ll seek to display that particular “fruit” toward that individual? If so, I urge you to make such a commitment. You may find the need to make several commitments—sins to put off or avoid and Christlike traits to put on. If you don’t commit yourself to the pursuit of holiness in these specific areas of your life, you’ll find a tendency to vacillate in the face of these temptations. (Jerry Bridges - Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey) UNDEFILED IN THE MIDST OF WICKEDNESS -But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8-9). The word defile here suggests “freeing through repudiation.” Daniel was saying, “Any compromise of my standards will rob me of my freedom.” So he committed to eat only beans and drink only water for ten days. When the chief of the eunuchs learned this, he told Daniel, “You are going to cost me my life! You will look sickly at the end of ten days. Your cheeks will be sunken, and the king will surely notice. Here, eat just a little meat. You need the protein. Drink the wine to build up your blood. Eat some of these sweets to give you energy!” I believe Daniel and the three Hebrew men had something more in mind than avoiding being ceremonially unclean. They had been taken captive along with thousands of their countrymen. What they saw when they first arrived in Babylon must have shocked them beyond belief. It was a society so loose, immoral and full of wickedness, these four men’s spiritual sensibilities were assailed. They made a commitment with each other: “We dare not compromise. We will be separate from society and disciplined in our walk of faith.” They did not go about preaching their way of life to others. It was strictly a matter between them and God. When you are in a crisis, do you cry out in unbelief and frustration? What if the Lord should answer, “I need strong voices in these sinful times through whom I can speak. Where are you when I need a voice? You say you want Me to come to your crisis—yet you remain a part of the wicked, worldly system. Tell Me—are you committed to My purposes?” Daniel and his friends’ witness was a testimony that turned all the people’s heads around. They were delivered from the lions’ den and the fiery furnace—and the whole society knew it was God who did it. (David Wilkerson - God is Faithful: A Daily Invitation into the Father Heart of God) INTEGRITY STANDS ON PRINCIPLE - “And the king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service…. But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” DANIEL 1:5, 8 ✧✧✧ Godly integrity is built upon the foundation of biblical authority. From the world’s perspective, King Nebuchadnezzar had much to offer his Hebrew captives: the best food, the best education, and high positions in his kingdom. But Daniel’s perspective was quite different. He did not object to receiving a pagan education because God had given no direct prohibition against that, and a Babylonian education had much to offer in the areas of architecture and science. But as with anyone receiving a secular education, Daniel would have to exercise discernment in sorting out the true from the false and the good from the bad. It was when Daniel was asked to violate a direct command from God that he drew the line and took his stand on biblical principle. That’s the character of godly integrity. It bases decisions on the principles from God’s Word, not on mere preference, intimidation, or peer pressure. Seemingly Daniel had every reason to compromise: he was young, away from home, and facing severe consequences if he defied the king’s order. Yet he was unwavering in his obedience to God. Although Daniel couldn’t obey the king’s order, he handled the situation in a wise and respectful manner by seeking permission to abstain from eating what God had forbidden. From his example we learn that standing on principle will sometimes put us at odds with those in authority over us, but even then we can love and respect them. Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for those in authority over you who may want you to do things that would displease the Lord. ✧ Pray for wisdom and grace to maintain a loving attitude toward them while still standing on biblical principles. For Further Study: Read Acts 5:17–29. How did the apostles respond to the authorities who commanded them to stop preaching the gospel. (John