What's in a Name?

Who is Daniel?

A prophet unlike the others

More than simply stating the words of God

Apocalyptic Literature

Written as a spiritual vision

Not historical narrative

Not in the tradition of other Old Testament prophets

Historical and future events written as revelation through a prophetic spiritual vision

Intended as encouragement and guidance for Godly living in difficult situations

Daniel in Two Parts

Court tales in Daniel 1-6

Stories that develop the heroes and give credibility to Daniel

Stories show the power of God

Apocalyptic visions in Daniel 7-12

The prophetic portion of Daniel

Some history told as prophecy

Some predictions of the future

Introduction to Babylon

Daniel 1:1–7 NIV

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Babylon Projects Power

Holy things of Israel’s temple subjugated

Removed from service to Yahweh

Placed in Babylonian temple for Marduk

Young men of royalty and nobility appropriated

Placed in the king’s care for assimilation into Babylonian life

Trained to be wise men in the royal court

What’s in a name?

Daniel = “My judge is God”

Belteshazzar = “Bel protect his life”

Hananiah = “Yahweh has shown grace”

Shadrach = “Command of Aku”

Mishael = “Who is what God is”

Meshack = “Who is like Aku?”

Azariah = “Yahweh has helped”

Abednego = “Servant of Nebo”

Bel is another name for Marduk

Aku is the moon god

Meshack is Babylonian equivalent of Mishael

Nebo is Marduk’s son

Active Babylon - Passive Israel

Israel is passive is these 7 verses. Babylon is all the action except for one verse.

Daniel 1:2 NIV

2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god.

Babylon may think they have all the power, but Daniel tells us that they are only doing what God has allowed.

But Daniel Resolved

Daniel believed the royal food and wine would defile him

He asked to be given only vegetables and water

A diet that would be expected to result in weakness

He negotiated a 10 day test

Defiled means to be made unfit for service to God, not just unclean

Both meat and vegetables would be considered unclean

Rich food and wine are celebration while the rest of Israel is in mourning

Daniel’s actions are not based on the Law, but on self discipline and devotion

God Honored His Resolve

After 10 days, all 4 men were healthier and better nourished than the rest

God gave them favor to continue their resolve

God gave them knowledge and understanding

God enabled Daniel to understand dreams and visions of all kinds

The 4 were brought into the kings service and excelled beyond all others

Daniel outlasted the Babylonian empire

The Real Power Comes From God

Can God’s people remain faithful to their convictions in the midst of a hostile environment?

The answer to that question is that it is possible not only to survive but to thrive.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Is your identity rooted in Christ?

Even when the world is trying to change your name?

Do you believe you are God’s creation and that He has the power to provide for your resolve?