Reading: Daniel 1
My Verse: "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself
with the king's food,
or the wine that he drank.
Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs
to allow him not to defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).
Daniel is a fascinating book. It tells of how Daniel and three of his friends were captured and taken to the court of King Nebuchadnezzar to be trained in the wisdom of the Babylonians so that they could serve the King. And they do this exceedingly well with Your blessing, LORD God. They show how it is possible to continue to be true to You while living and working amongst unbelievers.
First, Daniel and his friends were taken because of who they were. They were "of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning and competent to stand in the king's palace." They were outstanding in every way as young men. I find it interesting that it is pointed out that they understood learning. This was important as they were expected to study and learn the literature and language of the Babylonians. Another interesting skill noted here is that they were "competent to stand in the king's palace" - this tells me they knew their social graces and so were able to conduct themselves in whatever society they found themselves in.
They were to be educated for three years, living under a strict program. I think it is truly fascinating that Daniel and his friends continued on in the way they conducted themselves as they did before capture. Here they were captives- basically slaves, they had even been made eunuchs, and yet they did not become embittered and resentful. They continued as they had before to do their very best. They continued to trust in You, LORD God. Daniel even boldly requested that they not be required to eat the rich wine and foods of the king's table. When the head eunuch said he was afraid to disobey the king in this Daniel told him to give them a trial of ten days on their chosen vegetarian diet. At the end of the trial period they were more fit than their counterparts who ate the king's food and wine.
When their education was completed they were brought before the king. The four youths stayed true to You, LORD God and You blessed them. As they stood before the king they excelled in all areas. "And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom". (Daniel 1:20). Not only did they outdo their fellow students but they outdid the wise Babylonian men of the land!
You point out here LORD God that it was You that gave them "learning and skill in all literature and wisdom." So important that we remember this. Yes, we do need to do the work to study and learn but it is You that enables us to learn. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Obednego knew this important truth. Daniel was also given a special skill, "Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
The ESV points out how important prayer is. A study note suggests that You gave Daniel and his friends favor because Solomon prayed for this many years before in I Kings 8:50!
"and forgive your people who have sinned against you,
and all their transgressions that they have committed against you,
and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive,
that they may have compassion on them"
What an amazing prayer! Solomon is praying for something that may take place in the future. Oh, LORD God, this tells me how important it is to pray over loved ones, that You would have mercy on them when they stray from you!
The fact that Daniel and his friends were captives in Babylon was of Your doing. You placed them their for Your purposes and Daniel and his friends did as You would have them do. Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles telling them how they were to conduct themselves.
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile,
and pray to the LORD on its behalf,
for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7).
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Obednego stayed obedient to You. They did not allow themselves to become immersed in the pagan culture they found themselves in. And because of this they were able - through Your mercy and grace - to be "a blessing to their captors and build up the society in which they found themselves." (ESV Studynote)
How we need young men like these in our society today. Young men that devote themselves to building up their societies by keeping themselves apart from the unbelieving cultures they live in and committing themselves to You, LORD God so that You could use them in amazing ways!
Love this story. Love how it shows that we can stay true to You, LORD God, even whilst among unbelievers!
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself
with the king's food,
or the wine that he drank.
Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs
to allow him not to defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).
Daniel is a fascinating book. It tells of how Daniel and three of his friends were captured and taken to the court of King Nebuchadnezzar to be trained in the wisdom of the Babylonians so that they could serve the King. And they do this exceedingly well with Your blessing, LORD God. They show how it is possible to continue to be true to You while living and working amongst unbelievers.
First, Daniel and his friends were taken because of who they were. They were "of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning and competent to stand in the king's palace." They were outstanding in every way as young men. I find it interesting that it is pointed out that they understood learning. This was important as they were expected to study and learn the literature and language of the Babylonians. Another interesting skill noted here is that they were "competent to stand in the king's palace" - this tells me they knew their social graces and so were able to conduct themselves in whatever society they found themselves in.
They were to be educated for three years, living under a strict program. I think it is truly fascinating that Daniel and his friends continued on in the way they conducted themselves as they did before capture. Here they were captives- basically slaves, they had even been made eunuchs, and yet they did not become embittered and resentful. They continued as they had before to do their very best. They continued to trust in You, LORD God. Daniel even boldly requested that they not be required to eat the rich wine and foods of the king's table. When the head eunuch said he was afraid to disobey the king in this Daniel told him to give them a trial of ten days on their chosen vegetarian diet. At the end of the trial period they were more fit than their counterparts who ate the king's food and wine.
When their education was completed they were brought before the king. The four youths stayed true to You, LORD God and You blessed them. As they stood before the king they excelled in all areas. "And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom". (Daniel 1:20). Not only did they outdo their fellow students but they outdid the wise Babylonian men of the land!
You point out here LORD God that it was You that gave them "learning and skill in all literature and wisdom." So important that we remember this. Yes, we do need to do the work to study and learn but it is You that enables us to learn. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Obednego knew this important truth. Daniel was also given a special skill, "Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
The ESV points out how important prayer is. A study note suggests that You gave Daniel and his friends favor because Solomon prayed for this many years before in I Kings 8:50!
"and forgive your people who have sinned against you,
and all their transgressions that they have committed against you,
and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive,
that they may have compassion on them"
What an amazing prayer! Solomon is praying for something that may take place in the future. Oh, LORD God, this tells me how important it is to pray over loved ones, that You would have mercy on them when they stray from you!
The fact that Daniel and his friends were captives in Babylon was of Your doing. You placed them their for Your purposes and Daniel and his friends did as You would have them do. Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles telling them how they were to conduct themselves.
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile,
and pray to the LORD on its behalf,
for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7).
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Obednego stayed obedient to You. They did not allow themselves to become immersed in the pagan culture they found themselves in. And because of this they were able - through Your mercy and grace - to be "a blessing to their captors and build up the society in which they found themselves." (ESV Studynote)
How we need young men like these in our society today. Young men that devote themselves to building up their societies by keeping themselves apart from the unbelieving cultures they live in and committing themselves to You, LORD God so that You could use them in amazing ways!
Love this story. Love how it shows that we can stay true to You, LORD God, even whilst among unbelievers!
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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