Daniel 1:1-21
Daniel chapter 1 serves
as an introduction to the great epic about divine operations, intervention and
ruling in the kingdoms of men seen in the twelve chapters of the book. The two
most important figures in this chapter are Daniel and the King Nebuchadnezzar.
The king’s name is a compound name: Nebu is the god Nebo; Chad means vessel and
Nezzar means watcher. Nebuchadnezzar was a chosen watcher for the Kingdom of
Babylon. It is interesting to note that in one of his dreams a holy watcher
ordered a big tree representing Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom, to be cut down
(Dan.4:10-14). Have you sometimes felt like you have lost everything, like you
have no hope, like you are at the mercy of other people? Well, the children of
Israel felt much more than that. They felt that God had abandoned them. Their
captivity was as a result of disobedience. But in their captivity God was still
watching over them, bringing His purpose to pass in their lives.
A. Difficult
Trial (Dan.1:1-7; 1Peter 4:12-16; 1Pet.1:7; Mat.5:11; Hebrews 11:24-26)
New Home (Dan.1:1-2)
New Knowledge (Dan.1:3-4)
New Diet (Dan.1:1:5)
New Names (Dan.1:6-7)
Daniel and the entire children of Israel were in great
difficulty and trial. They all had just been brought to Babylon, the Temple of
Yahweh in Jerusalem had been destroyed, their King humiliated, his eyes were
put out. He was chained and imprisoned to his dying day. That was a time of
national and personal sorrow and shame. (Psalm 137:1-9) graphically describes
how Israel felt on arrival in Babylon. Daniel and the other princes felt it no
less. And here they were, brought to Nebuchadnezzar to be trained to wait on
him.
They have a new home, a strange home, full of idols
and idol worshippers. The food and drink assigned to them were contaminated by
idolatry. Their names reflecting the faithfulness of God were changed to names
of Babylonian idols. Their name change was humiliating: Daniel – God is my
Judge changed to Belteshazzar – Bel protect his life. Hannaniah – Yahweh is
gracious changed to Shedrach – command of Aku – the moon god. Mishael – who is
like God changed to Meshach. – Who is
like Aku the moon god? Azariah – Yahweh has helped changed to Abednego –
servant of Nebo. Regardless of this humiliation, God made it possible of these
four princes to be protected. They were provided for and given the best
possible education to become courtiers in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. With
this God was working His will in the idolatrous kingdom of Babylon (Rom.8:28).
Christians should know that God is control in every situation, in time of
prosperity and peace and when we are facing trial for the sake of Christ
(Mat.5:11; 1Pet.4:12-16; 1Pet.4:19; Rev.2:10).
B. Daring
Test (Dan.1:8-16)
Daniel’s Purpose (Dan.1:8)
Function
Of The Purpose
Fervency
Of The Purpose
Faithfulness
To The Purpose
Favour
In The Purpose
(Daniel 1:8) is the key verse for the whole book of
Daniel. Like most Israelites, Daniel was full of regret and remorse for
Israel’s loss – loss of freedom, home, Temple, Kingdom and everything that
makes life comfortable. But unlike many, he was not deterred from his resolute
dependence upon God. In fact, their situation may have propelled, and stirred
up his faith in God. In the NT we can see Paul determined to preach Christ in a
similar way (Acts 20:22-24).
What is the function of Daniel’s purpose? To prevent
defilement with idols! Sin is a defiling agent. When a person sins they defile
their body and their soul. When we listens to those who lie against the truth,
we can be defiled. Daniel determined to stand for the truth and refused to be
defiled. He evidently persuaded his three colleagues to join with him in that
holy purpose. Throughout His life in Babylon, serving as many as four different
Kings, he remained faithful to his vow.
Are you faithful to vow to Christ as a disciple, as a
steward (1Cor.4:2; Exo.19:5; Deut.10:12-13; Luke 9:62)? God loves faithfulness
and will reward it abundantly. Daniel and his friends were rewarded. They found
great favour with God and with King Nebuchadnezzar.
Courtiers Response
Concern
Of The Courtier – “I fear my Lord the King…”
Content
Of The Comestible – pulse (peas, beans) and water!
Consent
Of The Courtier – another sign of God’s providential favour.
Countenance
Of The Chattels – “fairer and fatter…”
Divine Triumph (Dan.1:17-21)
Excelling
Of The Princes
All the four princes excelled academically – they were
“ten times” better that all the best in Babylon. Daniel was endowed with the
gift of visions and dreams interpretation.
Elevation
Of The Princes
All four friends Daniel Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah
were promoted and Daniel was put at the head of all the astrologers and
magicians in Babylon. It is almost redundant to point out that Daniel and His
friends were neither astrologers not magicians. Their lifestyle attested to
this.
Establishing
Of Prince Daniel(Dan.1:21)
It is also important to point out that Daniel was
especially established. He was called a man greatly beloved (Dan.9:23; 10:11,
19). God loved Daniel so much that He could use him to change the laws of
Persians and Medes in Babylon. Like Elijah he was passionate for God’s glory.
Such people will always be beloved by God. David was passionate for God’s
glory. He defeated the Giant goliath. When we become truly passionate for God’s
glory, then He will use us to do signs and wonder in our own generation.
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