CHOSEN IN ADVERSITY (DANIEL 1)

BACKGROUND

World Politics

Assyria had been the world power, conquering the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC.

As Assyria’s power weakens several other regional powers begin to dominate the region.

Egypt - Led by Pharaoh Necho II

Babylon - Led by Nabopolassar/Nebuchadnezzar II

Fall of Judah

Josiah (2 Kings 22 - 23) [640-609 BC]

Began to reign over Judah at age 8 and reigned for 31 years.

He followed God’s commandments, destroyed the false images, and reinstituted the Passover. (More Godly than any other king of Judah)

The prophetess Huldah prophesied that God would judge Judah, but that Josiah would die before it happened because of his faithfulness.

He was killed in battle with Pharaoh Neco of Egypt who was on his way to attack Assyria.

Jehoahaz (2 Chr. 36:1-3)

Josiah’s fourth son. (Shallum)

Reigned for 3 months.

Did evil in the sight of the Lord.

Was imprisoned by Pharoah Neco of Egypt.

Jehoiakim (2 Chr. 36:4-8)

Josiah’s 2nd born son.

Was made king by Pharaoh Neco.

Reigned for 11 years.

Did evil in the sight of the Lord.

For 3 years, he served under Nebuchadnezzar. (Babylon defeats Egypt at the battle of Carchemish in 605 BC)

He rebelled and was taken captive along with treasures from the Temple.

Jehoiachin (2 Chr. 36:9-10)

Son of Jehoiakim

Ruled for 3 months and 10 days.

Did evil in the sight of the Lord.

Taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar .

Nebuchadnezzar takes thousands captive.

Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:18-21)

Josiah’ s third son

Ruled for 11 years.

Did evil in the sight of the Lord.

Rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar.

Jerusalem is destroyed.

King of Babylon - Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar II was the second king of Babylon.

Reigned for ________ years. (605-562 BC).

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL AND FRIENDS

Daniel starts in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim (c. 606-605 BC)

Nebuchadnezzar takes several Jewish young men captive including Daniel. The requirements for these men were:

Royal (They were to be of the royal family or the nobility.)

Young (Youths)

Healthy (without blemish)

Handsome (of good appearance)

Wise (skillful in all wisdom)

Knowledgeable (endowed with knowledge)

Skillful (understanding learning”)

Powerful Presence (Competent to stand)

Daniel and his friends are enrolled in a three year program

Learn to read and write in the Chaldean language.

Provided with royal food and drink

Names of Daniel and his friends.

Daniel = “God Judges” - Belteshazzar - “Prince of Bel”

Hananiah = “Who Jehovah gave” - Shadrach - “Rejoicing in the way”

Mishael = “Who is what God is” - Meshach - “Who is what Aku is”

Azariah = “God has helped” - Abednego - “Servant of Nebo”

DANIEL’S CHOICE

Daniel determines not to make himself impure by eating or drinking the king’s food/wine.

God gives Daniel favor in the sight of his overseer.

The overseer is concerned that if Daniel does not eat the kings food and he and his friends look less healthy, then the overseer will lose his life.

Daniel suggests a 10 day trial. They will eat vegetables and drink water for 10 days and see if they continue to be healthy.

At the end of 10 days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than all the others, so the overseer changed their diet.

God blessed these young men

Gave all of them the ability to excel in their studies and learning

Gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams.

Daniel and his friends are brought before the king to serve and they are found to be greater than all the magicians and enchanters (wise men) of the kingdom.

We are told that Daniel continued to serve until the first year of Cyrus, who is the king of Persia that defeats the Babylonians.