Courage in the midst of Captivity

Daniel 1

Daniel contains the history of the world written in advance. Through images and beasts, through dreams and visions, Daniel outlines the course of history from his time until the end of time for the Gentile Nations. He also outlines God’s prophetic timetable for His dealings with Israel. Daniel is the story of a young teenage captive who became prophet and Prime Minister. Daniel’s name means “God is my Judge.” As a teenager, Daniel was one of those of royal blood taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar during the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 605 B.C. The king then ordered for his servant to bring in some “sons of Israel,” they must have been some of the king’s descendants, young men, in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick understanding, who had the ability to serve in the king’s palace whom they might teach the languages and literature of the Chaldeans. They chose four young teenagers for this task. These young teenagers had all the qualities the king was seeking. Daniel was among that group. In addition to Daniel, there was Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

The king appointed them a ration from his own food and wine, and instructed they should be educated for 3 years after which they should enter the king’s service. The commander of the officials then changed their names as follows: Daniel=Belteshazzar, Hananiah= Shadrach, Mishael=Meshach, Azariah=Abednego. They were so young, but Daniel still purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat. (Dan. 1:8) I want you to pay attention and look what happens when you remain faithful to God in your situations. (Dan. 1:9) Daniel had a conviction that he would remain faithful to God, and he knew that He would take care of him. But the eunuch that was sent to feed the young men was afraid for his life, literally, that if they didn’t eat the king’s rations, the king would have his head. So Daniel told the commander to put them on a trial basis. To try them out on water and vegetables for ten days. The Lord blessed this. After the ten days, their appearances looked fatter and fuller than those that ate of the king’s rations. God gave these four young teens knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all dreams and visions, which will help him on down the road. When their three years of education was up, they came before King Nebuchadnezzar to be interviewed. The king found them ten times better than all the astrologers and magicians in his realm. Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.