Daniel
Chapter 1, Verses 1-21
Background of the Passage
By piecing together evidence from the biblical record we can conclude that Daniel likely grew up in a godly home, his parents having been impacted by the spiritual revival and cultural reforms spearheaded by King Josiah. Surely it was disheartening for this prominent Jewish family to watch as Judah’s brief repentance was snuffed out by the wicked kings Jehoahaz and then Jehoiakim.
Despite faithful prophets like Jeremiah, the nation staggered toward certain judgment. Chapter 1 describes this regrettable turn of events—Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem (1:1–2) and his conscription of the most gifted and talented Jews to serve in the royal court in Babylon (1:3–7).
The balance of the chapter (and really the entire book) tells of four young Hebrew teenagers under duress (1:8–16). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were in a strange land far from home. They had been ripped away from their families, friends, beloved religious customs, from all that they had ever known. Suddenly they were among pagans in a land teeming with idols and decadence.
How would they fare? How would they deal with emotions like fear and sorrow and anger? Would they keep the faith? Would they compromise? Would they become bitter? Would they cave in to despair … or rise to the occasion?
This is a wonder chapter, an encouraging look at some rare young men of integrity. Here are great lessons about purity and principle. Here we can learn much about standing tall and strong in the midst of great trial.
The chapter closes with these four young heroes having passed the test. God has honored their faithfulness. They are chosen for royal positions (1:17–21). This will give them a platform for future effectiveness and an international impact.
