DANIEL SERIES: PURPOSED NOT TO DEFILE – CHAPTER 1

This new blog series will cover the twelve chapters of the book of Daniel, which takes place in Babylon. The blogs will share a historical overview from the first six chapters and, from the remaining six chapters, a series of prophetic visions concerning the future. Additionally, the information shared will cover the seventy years of Judah’s exile in Babylon.
Daniel, the main character and writer of this book, was taken captive to Babylon during the first invasion of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar in B.C. 606. Daniel spent the rest of his life in Babylon, where he served Kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus, who represented three different kingdoms.
Judah’s seventy-year exile did not unexpectedly happen; for decades, God used the prophets to warn His people of their pending captivity. One of the prophets was Jeremiah, who prophesied to the tribe of Judah their seventy years of exile in Babylon due to their idolatry and disobedience to the laws of God. Another prophet was Isaiah, who prophesied to King Hezekiah the fate of the young man of Judah. He said, “Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (Isaiah 39:6-7).
Along with transporting captives and some vessels from Solomon’s temple to Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar instructed the eunuch master, Ashpenaz, to select from the royal family and nobility of Judah healthy, handsome, young men who were intellectual and could understand science. These young men, for three years, were to be taught the Chaldean language, literature, and how to serve in the king’s court. Additionally, for food and drink, they were to be fed meat and wine from the king’s kitchen. Four of the young men selected were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and the prince of the eunuchs gave them the Babylonian names of Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Though a captive in a foreign land and despite being treated favorably, Daniel purposed not to defile himself with a polluted diet, and he was determined not to eat or drink that which was contrary to the Mosaic law. So Daniel requested permission from the prince of the eunuchs not to eat the food they were offered. However, the prince was reluctant to do so for fear Daniel would appear sickly and consequently cause him to suffer at the hands of the king. Daniel suggested to Melzar, the steward, that he, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be given pulse and water for ten days and then examined to see if their countenance had declined. Melzar agreed, and at the end of the ten days, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego appeared healthier than those who ate from the king’s kitchen, so they were able to continue their restricted diet.
At the completion of the three years of Chaldean instructions, King Nebuchadnezzar interviewed these four youths, and he found them to be ten times wiser than all the magicians and astrologers in his kingdom. God blessed them with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; plus, Daniel had the ability to interpret visions and dreams.
Here are nuggets that I gleaned from this chapter:
God warns and provides time for repentance before issuing judgment.
Disobedience to the laws of God leads to consequences.
God will allow an enemy to punish you for your rebellion of His instructions.
Despite being in a foreign land, subject to its laws and governed by those in authority, don’t forget your heritage.
Resolve not to compromise your standards.
Though others may change your name and attempt to indoctrinate you to another culture, maintain your godly character.
God will cause you to find favor with those in charge of your life.
Be not conformed to the world.
God helps the faithful.
God blesses and rewards those who keep His laws.
God’s people can serve in governmental positions.