Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were young princes of the royal house of Judah. When Babylon conquered the country, they were also taken captive. Because they were well educated, of high birth and good looking young men, they were sent to King Nebuchadnezzar's palace and trained to become part of his royal household.
As they were taught by the royal tutor they ranked high among the other young men in their lessons. They proved to be already well trained in many disciplines and outshone even the wise men of the kingdom in their understanding.
The young men were not just known for their quick grasp of foreign court matters, they were bonded by their strong adherence to their own Jewish faith. They did not take part in pagan practices but chose to continue to worship God. They chose to eat a vegetarian diet rather than risk eating meat that had been offered to pagan gods and their health flourished so that they were never again ordered to eat the foods of the king's household. They followed their customary prayer times daily and spoke of their faith openly to others. They were willing to risk even death rather than denounce their God or forgo their worship of him.
When it was discovered that Daniel had a special gift for interpreting dreams he was quickly promoted in King Nebuchadnezzar's court and was placed as a governor of the province and prime minister over all the sages.
These young men remained in Babylon many years, serving many kings and were known for their faithful and honest service to the king but also for their loyal devotion to God. Daniel so distinguished himself that King Darius set him as one of three administrators over the provincial governors so that they would not defraud the King. He was so without blemish that eventually those who wished to be rid of Daniel's influence had King Darius pass a proclamation that any man who petitioned any god or man other than the king himself would be thrown into a lion's den.
Aware of the edict, Daniel courageously opened the windows of his house, and daily he knelt in prayer three times a day before the open window. When the king heard that the men had seen Daniel he reluctantly has his staff carry out his orders, though it grieved him greatly to do so. Daniel was 80 years old when King Darius threw him into the lion's den. King Darius was so relieved to find Daniel alive after his night in the lion's den that he wrote a decree that stated,
"I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." Daniel 6:26-28
Daniel's faithfulness to God and God's ability to be present with the captives in Babylon ended the belief that God could only live within the temple. Indeed He would be wherever His people dwelled.
13...and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. 14 He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 HCSB
Song: The Son Of Man Original Song, Kingdom Child
1 comment:
Daniel is another of my favorite books, such a great story (s) and so rich with wisdom. It's almost as if we are in sync a bit scripturally these days. Thank you Terri, for this advent series.
Much love,
Tracey
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