In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family[a]and of the nobility, 4 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, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.
Daniel's Faithfulness 8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food.16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.20 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. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. Meditation What do you have resolve to do? Daniel and his friends were in exile, separated from home, and servants to a foreign power. Competent leaders (4) taken from Judah in the first wave of exiles (2 Kings 24:14), Daniel and his friends were trained in the ways of Babylon (5-6, 17-21). During difficult days Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself (8). Daniel resolved to be set apart as he was surrounded by Babylonian culture and customs. The king gave food and wine. Daniel asked for restrictions to not defile himself. God gave Daniel favor and compassion (9-11). Daniel’s diet maintained distinction between himself and Babylonian culture, protecting him from eating unclean food and food offered to idols in pagan practices. After the ten day test Daniel and his friends were “better in appearance and fatter in flesh” than the others in training (12-15). Seeking to be set apart in exile takes resolve, a commitment to live our identity as children of the true King by joyfully obeying God’s law. God’s sovereign grace sent Judah into exile (1-2) and God’s sovereign grace sustained His people during exile. We must trust the design and desire of the King when the culture surrounding us offers counter direction. Daniel and his friends were “ten times better” in wisdom and understanding (20). Joyfully embracing our identity as God’s children through resolve to be set apart will lead to a more full humanity in all of life. Richly Dwelling -What are you resolved to do, determined and committed to accomplish? -How can we grow in being more resolved to be set apart, distinct from the culture surrounding us? -Living freely as children of God will drive obedience to the design of God. Do you trust God’s design for life in relationship, finances, family, friendships, work, education, and recreation? God will give you a more full humanity when you trust Him! Ask His Spirit to deepen your identity in Him and empower obedience to Him. Key Verse 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. Click HERE to check out The Week's Links. Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa and together they have four adventurous children. |