Daniel 1: Faithfulness in Exile
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
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.
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;
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.
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.
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
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.
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.
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
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.
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
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.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
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.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
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.
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.
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.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Daniel 1 introduces us to a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the Babylonian exile. This chapter lays the foundation for the entire book, showcasing not only the historical context but also the unwavering faith of Daniel and his companions. Understanding Daniel 1 is crucial for grasping the prophetic themes and the overarching message of God's sovereignty that resonates throughout the book.
The Setting: Invasion and Deportation (Daniel 1:1-7)
The year is 605 BC. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invades Judah. This invasion marks the first of three, ultimately leading to the exile of the Jewish people. Nebuchadnezzar's motives are twofold: to demonstrate Babylonian dominance over Judah and to acquire skilled individuals for his court. He seizes valuable articles from the temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 1:2), a symbolic act signifying his power over Judah's God. He also selects young men from the royal family and nobility to be taken to Babylon for re-education (Daniel 1:3-4).
Among these chosen youths are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:6). These young men, likely teenagers at the time, are thrust into a completely foreign environment. The Babylonians aim to assimilate them into their culture, language, and religion. As part of this process, their names are changed to reflect Babylonian deities: Daniel becomes Belteshazzar, Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, and Azariah becomes Abednego (Daniel 1:7).
In the ancient world, names held significant meaning, often reflecting a person's character or destiny. By changing their names, the Babylonians sought to sever the connection of these young men to their heritage and to the God of Israel. Daniel, meaning "God is my judge," is renamed Belteshazzar, meaning "Bel protect him," replacing the God of Israel with a Babylonian deity. This act underscores the Babylonian strategy to reshape their worldview and allegiance.
This period, beginning with the Babylonian exile, is what Jesus referred to as "the times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). According to Evans, This era, characterized by Gentile domination over Israel, continues until Jesus Christ returns, delivers Israel, and establishes His millennial kingdom. God revealed much of this coming history to Daniel, setting the stage for the prophetic revelations later in the book.
A Test of Allegiance: Food and Faith (Daniel 1:8-16)
Daniel faces his first major challenge in this new environment: the king's food. He resolves not to defile himself with it (Daniel 1:8). This decision stems from his commitment to the Law of Moses, which prohibited the consumption of certain foods, including those offered to idols (Exodus 34:15).
Daniel's refusal is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is an act of defiance against the Babylonian attempt to control every aspect of his life. He understands that true allegiance to God requires obedience to His commands, even in the face of pressure and potential danger.
He respectfully approaches the chief official, Ashpenaz, and requests permission to abstain from the king's food (Daniel 1:8). Ashpenaz, concerned for his own safety, hesitates. He fears that if Daniel and his companions appear unhealthy, the king will hold him responsible.
Demonstrating wisdom and courage, Daniel proposes a test. He suggests a ten-day trial period during which he and his friends will eat only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:11-13). At the end of the trial, their appearance will be compared to that of those who ate the king's food.
God grants Daniel favor with the guard, who agrees to the test (Daniel 1:14). After ten days, Daniel and his friends are healthier and better nourished than those who consumed the king's rich food (Daniel 1:15). This miraculous outcome demonstrates God's faithfulness to those who honor Him. It also shows that obedience to God's commands can lead to unexpected blessings. Daniel and his friends were not merely healthy; they were healthier than their peers. God honored their faithfulness.
God's Blessing: Wisdom and Understanding (Daniel 1:17-21)
God rewards Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah for their faithfulness. He grants them knowledge and understanding in all kinds of literature and wisdom (Daniel 1:17). Daniel is also given the ability to understand visions and dreams, a gift that will prove crucial in the coming chapters.
When King Nebuchadnezzar interviews the young men, he finds them far superior to all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom (Daniel 1:19-20). In fact, he considers them ten times better! Their wisdom and understanding set them apart, elevating them to positions of influence in the Babylonian court.
Daniel's service continues through multiple regime changes, lasting until the first year of King Cyrus (Daniel 1:21). This longevity underscores God's providential care and His ability to use faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes, even in foreign lands.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 1 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Faithfulness in a Hostile Culture: Daniel and his friends demonstrate that it is possible to remain faithful to God even in a pagan and hostile environment.
- Obedience Brings Blessing: God honors those who obey Him, even when it requires sacrifice and courage.
- God's Sovereignty: God is in control, even when circumstances seem bleak. He can use any situation to accomplish His purposes.
- Offering Divine Alternatives: We are called to be good citizens in the world. Often, though, being good citizens requires rejecting the world’s way of doing things and honoring God instead. We need to offer society divine alternatives.
Daniel 1 reminds us that true faith is not passive; it is active. It requires us to make conscious choices to honor God, even when it is difficult. As we navigate the challenges of our own "Babylonian" cultures, may we be inspired by the example of Daniel and his friends to remain steadfast in our commitment to God and to seek His wisdom and guidance in all that we do.
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
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.
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;
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.
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.
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
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.
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.
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
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.
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
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.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
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.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
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.
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.
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.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Daniel 1 introduces us to a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the Babylonian exile. This chapter lays the foundation for the entire book, showcasing not only the historical context but also the unwavering faith of Daniel and his companions. Understanding Daniel 1 is crucial for grasping the prophetic themes and the overarching message of God's sovereignty that resonates throughout the book.
The Setting: Invasion and Deportation (Daniel 1:1-7)
The year is 605 BC. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invades Judah. This invasion marks the first of three, ultimately leading to the exile of the Jewish people. Nebuchadnezzar's motives are twofold: to demonstrate Babylonian dominance over Judah and to acquire skilled individuals for his court. He seizes valuable articles from the temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 1:2), a symbolic act signifying his power over Judah's God. He also selects young men from the royal family and nobility to be taken to Babylon for re-education (Daniel 1:3-4).
Among these chosen youths are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:6). These young men, likely teenagers at the time, are thrust into a completely foreign environment. The Babylonians aim to assimilate them into their culture, language, and religion. As part of this process, their names are changed to reflect Babylonian deities: Daniel becomes Belteshazzar, Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, and Azariah becomes Abednego (Daniel 1:7).
In the ancient world, names held significant meaning, often reflecting a person's character or destiny. By changing their names, the Babylonians sought to sever the connection of these young men to their heritage and to the God of Israel. Daniel, meaning "God is my judge," is renamed Belteshazzar, meaning "Bel protect him," replacing the God of Israel with a Babylonian deity. This act underscores the Babylonian strategy to reshape their worldview and allegiance.
This period, beginning with the Babylonian exile, is what Jesus referred to as "the times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). According to Evans, This era, characterized by Gentile domination over Israel, continues until Jesus Christ returns, delivers Israel, and establishes His millennial kingdom. God revealed much of this coming history to Daniel, setting the stage for the prophetic revelations later in the book.
A Test of Allegiance: Food and Faith (Daniel 1:8-16)
Daniel faces his first major challenge in this new environment: the king's food. He resolves not to defile himself with it (Daniel 1:8). This decision stems from his commitment to the Law of Moses, which prohibited the consumption of certain foods, including those offered to idols (Exodus 34:15).
Daniel's refusal is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is an act of defiance against the Babylonian attempt to control every aspect of his life. He understands that true allegiance to God requires obedience to His commands, even in the face of pressure and potential danger.
He respectfully approaches the chief official, Ashpenaz, and requests permission to abstain from the king's food (Daniel 1:8). Ashpenaz, concerned for his own safety, hesitates. He fears that if Daniel and his companions appear unhealthy, the king will hold him responsible.
Demonstrating wisdom and courage, Daniel proposes a test. He suggests a ten-day trial period during which he and his friends will eat only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:11-13). At the end of the trial, their appearance will be compared to that of those who ate the king's food.
God grants Daniel favor with the guard, who agrees to the test (Daniel 1:14). After ten days, Daniel and his friends are healthier and better nourished than those who consumed the king's rich food (Daniel 1:15). This miraculous outcome demonstrates God's faithfulness to those who honor Him. It also shows that obedience to God's commands can lead to unexpected blessings. Daniel and his friends were not merely healthy; they were healthier than their peers. God honored their faithfulness.
God's Blessing: Wisdom and Understanding (Daniel 1:17-21)
God rewards Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah for their faithfulness. He grants them knowledge and understanding in all kinds of literature and wisdom (Daniel 1:17). Daniel is also given the ability to understand visions and dreams, a gift that will prove crucial in the coming chapters.
When King Nebuchadnezzar interviews the young men, he finds them far superior to all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom (Daniel 1:19-20). In fact, he considers them ten times better! Their wisdom and understanding set them apart, elevating them to positions of influence in the Babylonian court.
Daniel's service continues through multiple regime changes, lasting until the first year of King Cyrus (Daniel 1:21). This longevity underscores God's providential care and His ability to use faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes, even in foreign lands.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 1 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Faithfulness in a Hostile Culture: Daniel and his friends demonstrate that it is possible to remain faithful to God even in a pagan and hostile environment.
- Obedience Brings Blessing: God honors those who obey Him, even when it requires sacrifice and courage.
- God's Sovereignty: God is in control, even when circumstances seem bleak. He can use any situation to accomplish His purposes.
- Offering Divine Alternatives: We are called to be good citizens in the world. Often, though, being good citizens requires rejecting the world’s way of doing things and honoring God instead. We need to offer society divine alternatives.
Daniel 1 reminds us that true faith is not passive; it is active. It requires us to make conscious choices to honor God, even when it is difficult. As we navigate the challenges of our own "Babylonian" cultures, may we be inspired by the example of Daniel and his friends to remain steadfast in our commitment to God and to seek His wisdom and guidance in all that we do.