Daniel 1
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
The stories of Daniel show that God will look after His people. The first half of the book records events—set in Babylon, when God’s people were facing laws that opposed their faith—that demonstrate God’s care for and response to His people as they face hardships. The second half includes visions that communicate a broader view of God’s plan and His sovereignty over all nations. The book of Daniel gives comfort to those who are oppressed and dealing with tragedies.
Overall, Daniel teaches us to persevere. It teaches us to refuse to let the world’s stories distract us from the story that God is telling. We are to resist the empire that wants us to think that actions like praying and showing integrity are insignificant; when in reality these actions provide opportunities for God’s power to break through.
Background
Background
The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile (Dan 1:1–3).
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeated the Egyptians at the battle of Carchemish (605 bc), Judah came under his authority. He then entered Jerusalem and took many prominent citizens to Babylon, including Daniel and three of his friends. Several years later, Nebuchadnezzar again deported people from Judah to Babylon (597 bc; see 2 Kgs 24:11–16). These captives included the prophet Ezekiel. A decade after that, a final rebellion by King Zedekiah brought the full weight of Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath against Judah. Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and the remaining population was taken to Babylon (586 bc; see 2 Kgs 24:18–25:21). Daniel spent his entire adult life in Babylon—even after the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians in 539 bc
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
The book of Daniel opens with a brief review of the subjugation of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar, setting the stage for the narratives that follow. The protagonists of the story are introduced by their Hebrew names: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Dan 1:6). Their names are changed in Dan 1:7, signaling a shift in place from Jerusalem to Babylon. The court tales of chs. 1–6 then begin.
The first chapter of Daniel serves as an introduction to the entire book, identifying its setting, Babylon, and the main characters of the narrative, particularly Daniel.
Since the book is designed to urge Israel to remain faithful to God despite living under ungodly, Gentile, world dominion, the first chapter demonstrates how faithfulness is to be maintained.
Daniel and his friends represent Israel’s faithful remnant that remain true to the Lord despite the pressures of a pagan society.
Nebuchadnezzar
Known as a master builder and military architect, Nebuchadnezzar was the pride of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He ruled for 43 years (605–562 bc) and gained fame by defeating the Egyptians at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 bc just before ascending the throne. Historical sources emphasize his vast army and warring tendencies, portraying him as a king obsessed with conquest and power. He is portrayed similarly in Daniel but is used to make a theological point: The power of earthly rulers comes from God. Nebuchadnezzar is given power to exercise a temporary judgment on Judah. But his pride will be his downfall, and his vast kingdom will eventually belong to another foreign king.
I. The Godly Remnant in the Times of the Gentiles
I. The Godly Remnant in the Times of the Gentiles
A. Daniel and His Friends in BabylonIan Captivity
A. Daniel and His Friends in BabylonIan Captivity
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
Daniel 1:2: into his hand Expresses the sovereignty of God over the nations—a theme repeated throughout the book. God can direct the destinies of foreign kingdoms and rulers, as well as His own people. Judah’s exile to Babylon is also viewed within this framework.
Daniel 1:2: he brought the vessels into In ancient Near Eastern warfare, placing the objects of a defeated enemy in the temple of one’s god was a common practice. It represented a thanksgiving offering for victory in battle and expressed superiority over the god of the defeated enemy. Israel’s God will eventually punish Babylon for this offense.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Daniel 1:3–4: the children Babylonians often detained and educated royal captives. These captives could later be returned to their homeland as influential sympathizers to their overlords.
Daniel 1:4 Children in whom was no blemish Ideal physical specimens. In addition to being handsome and healthy, these young men possessed intelligence, a teachable spirit, and poise. The training they received due to their royal heritage gave them great capacity for service in Babylon.
they might teach the learning and the tongue Indoctrination was the key to successfully integrating captives into their new homeland. In addition to learning the history of their overlords, captives would also learn their language and religious practices. The incorporation of political, cultural, and religious education made captives look favorably upon those who conquered them. They could then be used by their overlords to spread Babylonian ideologies and propaganda.
the Chaldeans were an educated class who were skilled in interpretations.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
Daniel 1:5: three years The allotted period of training in the Persian system to become a master of spiritual learning according to the Avesta—a collection of sacred texts used by Zoroastrian priests. This length of training for priests may have been the same in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Daniel 1:6: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
These Hebrew names identify the three young men with the God of Israel:
Hananiah (“Yahweh has acted graciously”);
Mishael (may mean “Who is what God is”);
Azariah (“Yahweh has helped”).
The changing of their names in Dan 1:7 places them firmly in the Babylonian courts.
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
Daniel 1:7: whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names
A common custom in this time period was that a king would rename foreigners who were brought to the king’s court as captives.
For Daniel and Azariah, the Hebrew references to God in their names (-el for God or -iah for Yahweh) are replaced with references to Babylonian deities like Nabu or Marduk (also called Bel). Their new names symbolized serving Babylon.
New names:
Daniel: Belteshazzer (Bel Protect Him) Remember Daniel’s name did mean “God is my judge”
Hananiah: Shadrach (The Command of Aku) Remember Hananiah’s name did mean “Yahweh has acted graciously”
Mishael: Meshach (Who is What Aku is) Remember Mishael’s name meant “Who is what God is”
Azariah: Abed-nego (Servant of Nebo) Remember Azariah’s name meant Yahweh has helped”
These new Chaldean names replaced their Hebrew names, exchanging those that referred to the true God of Israel with others that referred to the false gods of Babylon.
B. Daniel and the King’s Food
B. Daniel and the King’s Food
8 But 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. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Daniel was a stranger in a heathen empire with no one to teach him or encourage him.
Daniel’s faith at this time and godly resolve must have been connected with the influence of the good king Josiah and the prophet Jeremiah.
Josiah had a long reign of about 31 years and Daniel probably was born in the middle of his reign.
In the 13th year of Josiah, the prophet Jeremiah commenced his powerful public witness which was still continuing at Jerusalem when young Daniel was carried away:
3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the Lord hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.
This was the third year of Jehoiakim’s reign or about 605 B.C. And about 8 years before Ezekiel was taken captive.
The influence of these two men and their godly example had power over Daniel.
Remember there is always a Daniel watching and listening. Be the godly influence in their life!
1. Daniel’s HARD Decision
1. Daniel’s HARD Decision
8 But 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. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would be faithful to God’s law even in a foreign land.
purposed in his heart literally means, “set upon his heart” and refers to a deep inner resolve.
Daniel decided that he would not defile himself with meat from the king’s table because the Babylonian diet at that time included nonkosher meat such as horseflesh and pork.
With regard to the wine, Daniel would not want to drink what had been giving to Babylonian gods as an offering.
So he asked Ashpenaz for permission to abstain from the royal diet so that he might not defile himself.
”defile himself”
The king’s gourmet food would have been defiling to godly Jews in at least three ways:
1. It would have contained blood, contrary to Leviticus 17:10-14
10 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 12 Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. 13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. 14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
2. It would have included the meat of swine, forbidden in Leviticus 11:7-8
7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
3. Most seriously, it would have been consecrated (declared sacred) to the pagen gods of Babylon
And yet Daniel was still gracious and respectful in making his request to be excused.
2. God’s Favor
2. God’s Favor
21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
In the same way God favored Joseph when he stayed faithful, God favored Daniel
God gave Daniel favor and compassion with Ashpenaz, indicating that it was not merely Daniel’s winsome personality but divine intervention. Nevertheless, the Babylonian official risked his own life if Daniel and his friends were to look more thin than the other captives because of their diet.
Now we see God’s hand at work again:
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
The prince of the eunuchs was worried about the appearance of the captives.
In that culture, appearing thin was a sign of illness, not health.
If they did not eat, then surely their appearance would diminish and King Nebuchadnezzar was known for acting on a whim. He would kill anyone he was not pleased with and promote anyone he liked. We see this in these verses:
12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Chances are that if the prince of the eunuchs did not take care of their captives well, he would be executed.
Babylonians regarded captives of this caliber as highly valuable.
Rather than risk appearing unhealthy by abstaining from the king’s food for three years, Daniel suggests a brief test.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
What was the result?
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
God honored Daniel and his companions and clearly had influence in this test because they only ate vegetables for ten days and were gained size and were healthier than those who ate the meat and other foods offered to the captives.
Daniel and his friends looked fatter (i.e., healthier) but this is not a biblical endorsement of vegetarianism.
3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Rather, God in His providence made them healthy and strong so they could remain faithful to the Lord. Since they were fit, they were allowed to continue their diet.
C. Daniel and the Lord’s Reward
C. Daniel and the Lord’s Reward
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Daniel and his friends received several rewards for their faithfulness to God.
1. They were granted superior wisdom
1. They were granted superior wisdom
Daniel 1:17: God gave them God Himself blesses and advances the Hebrew youths in the foreign court.
All gifts come from God.
But these four kids received a special endowment.
Their activities will display His power to the nations; through them He will be glorified (e.g., Daniel 2:47).
47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
God’s favoring of the young men demonstrates His protection and blessing during the exile.
Although the nation was removed from its land, Yahweh remained true to His covenant and protected His people.
The advancement of the young men in the king’s court, particularly Daniel, gives voice to Jewish concerns during this time.
As they succeed and move through the ranks, the young men evidence God’s sovereignty over the affairs of kings and kingdoms.
Their ultimate success reflects back on God, to whom they give credit (see Daniel 2:27–28).
27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
knowledge: refers to academic skill
God gave them... wisdom In Christ “are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
To Those who sincerely study, believe, and obey God’s Word and who are determined to stand for His truth in an ungodly society, God will provide the necessary wisdom ad knowledge to accomplish the work He calls them to do.
wisdom: they also had good sense.
had understanding in all visions and dreams Introduces a theme that will resurface throughout the book.
The Hebrew words used here for *visions and dreams* designate divine revelation.
A vision involves a divine experience that occurs while awake, as an interruption of normal consciousness, while a prophetic dream occurs while sleeping.
This was also a point included to show Daniel’s prophetic ability and superior gifting as well as to prepare the reader for the events in the next chapter and the rest of the book.
2. They were granted special service to the King
2. They were granted special service to the King
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 1:18 the end of the days The youths have completed the three-year training period. See Dan 1:5.
When their three years of training were complete, King Nebuchadnezzar communed with them and found them to be superior to all the other graduates of the King’s academy.
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
Daniel 1:19 stood they before the king God blessed the four Hebrew youths—they are noticeably more qualified than their peers.
As a result of their being far superior, they entered service with the King
And they were assigned prominent positions in the king’s court.
3. They were gifted a successful ministry
3. They were gifted a successful ministry
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Daniel 1:20 ten times This emphasizes their superiority over the other wise men.
Throughout the book of Daniel, there occur six different expressions for the king’s counselors.
The first two, used here, are magicians and astrologers.
The word magician comes from a root that means “engraver” and refers to those who engraved Babylonian religious activities and astrological movements of the stars onto clay tablets.
The word astrologer refers to those who used spells and incantations to communicate with the spirit world.
No wonder then that Daniel and his friends, by avoiding such occult practices and instead seeking wisdom from the true God, were wiser than the king’s pagan counselors.
Daniel’s successful ministry is also evident in the length of his service. He lived to see the end of the exile, serving the Babylonian kings until the first year of Cyrus the king (539 BC) of Persia. Once the Persian Empire conquered the Babylonians, Daniel continued as a counselor to the Persian king (cf. 10:1; 536 BC), resulting in more than 70 years of service.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Daniel 1:21 the first year of king Cyrus Refers to the year Babylon came under Cyrus’ control (539 bc). Cyrus became king of Persia in 559 bc.
This verse gives the span of Daniel’s career as a courtier in Babylon when it was under Babylonian control (ca. 606–539 bc).
This was 67 years from when Daniel was brought to Babylon to when Cyrus began his rule.
The time markers in Dan 1:1 and Dan 1:21 indicate the length of Daniel’s service.
The reference to the third year of Cyrus in 10:1 suggests that the visionary experience occurred after his time as a palace official.
The mention of Daniel in this closing verse hints that he will have a lead role in the remainder of the book.
With one exception, the court tales and visions that follow pertain to his career in service to foreign kings.