Today's lesson is from Daniel 1:8-21. The book of Daniel may be divided into two parts. The first six chapters are historical and the last six are prophetical. Our lesson begins with Jerusalem being overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar. The ancient custom was that the victor took spoils from war and in this case that included vessels from the temple. Also, certain children of Israel were taken into captivity. Daniel was one taken and he would have been about 13-15 years old. The young people taken would be schooled in the ways of the Chaldeans which included magic, divination, and mythology.In addition, they would be given new names as part of their re-education process. Everything was being done to "denationalize" them: names, dress, education, living in wealth and splendor, and having a favored position. However, there were some that refused to the God of Israel and they would stand firm for the LORS, and that included Daniel.
The first section is "Daniel's Initial Request." vv. 8-10 Daniel made a decision not to defile himself in the ways of Babylon. Next to a person's soul, his will, the power of choice, is the most important thing he has. Daniel exercised his will to avoid anything that would hinder his relationship with God. "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat." Perhaps the meat was not to be eaten because of the dietary laws given by God to Moses at Sinai. Maybe the meat had been offered to idols. It is possible that the meat had been cooked with blood in it. We are not told the exact issue. We do know that for whatever reason, Daniel did not want to eat the meat offered to him. That was his request.
Perhaps there was nothing wrong with the meat, but Daniel felt that if he ate it, it might draw him away from the his sense of carefulness, and eventually his resistance to the heathen ways of the Babylonian culture. There is a good lesson here for us today. Anything that draws you away from God, or desentizes you to sin, should be avoided at all costs. There is an old saying, "When in Rome, do what the Romans do." This is not good advice for the Christian. Another principle that we should live by is, "When in doubt--don't."
The second section is "Put to the Test." vv. 11-16 Daniel goes to Melzar who the prince of the eunuchs had placed over him and made a request. Daniel did not want to eat the king's meat. The ones in charge were concerned that Daniel and the others would appear sickly and he would be in trouble. Daniel suggested a ten day test. He would only eat pulse and have water to drink. In essence, he would eat a vegetarian diet. After ten days, Daniel and the ones on the same diet "appeared fairer and fatter." God had enabled the four to maintain vigorous health on simple fare. Daniel had stayed true to his convictions and priorities, a way had been found for their performance , and God had blessed. The message for us is that we are to remain true to our convictions also. God will make a way for us the same way He did for Daniel. We are not to go the world's way, instead, we are to walk the highway of holiness. We are to avoid compromise and follow our convictions.
The third section is "Promoted and Blessed." vv. 17-21 In the final part of today’s lesson, we learn that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were very blessed by God. At the end of three years training, they went before Nebuchadnezzar and were found to be “ten times better than all the magicians...in all his realms.” “Ten times” was an exaggeration for the words “many times.” The Hebrew young men had a resolve to follow the true God and not compromise with the heathen culture they found themselves in. The message for us today is that we are to stand strong and not compromise with the world. If we will hold fast to our convictions, God will be faithful to see us through with a promotion! It is interesting that Daniel outlived the Babylonian empire and served to the first year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia. God’s way, the holiness way, is the best way.
The Golden Text is "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." (Psalm 119:9) The law of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures will guide all people, young and old, on the correct path. This is why Bible study is so essential to the Christian life. If we don't know God's opinion on a subject, we can err. However, when we know God's will, we can walk uprightly and like Daniel maintain our convictions and be blessed.
Next week, "The Fiery Furnace." Daniel 3: 16-25
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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