The Life of Daniel (1)

The Lord is always true to His Word, to the threatenings as well as the promises in it. We read in Isaiah 39 that the prophecy came to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: 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.” Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came unto Jerusalem and besieged it. We read in Daniel 1:2, “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.” What he also brought to his land were some young men of Israel of royal nobility. It was a select group of young men who had a good outward appearance, had an above average intelligence, had received a good education, and who might be fit to occupy some position in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.

The young men in Babel

What a change this was for these young men who were probably not even twenty years old. There, in a strange land, in exile, they had to study the old languages of Babylon, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and a certain amount of natural history. Not only this, their names were changed. This was done with the intent to remove the remembrance of the religion in which they were brought up, serving the God of Israel. Their old names had something of their God in it. Daniel means, “God is my Judge.” However, it was changed into Belteshazzar, which may mean “the keeper of the hidden treasures of Baal,” which was the great Babylonian idol. The same we see in the names of his young friends. Hananiah, which means “Jehovah has been gracious,” was changed into Shadrach, which may mean the decree of the moon god. Mishael, which is, “He is the strong God,” was replaced by Meshach, after their idol Shach, the name with which Venus was worshipped. Azariah, of which the meaning is “Jehovah helped,” was changed into Abed-nego, servant of Nego, the god of the fire.

The intent of the change of these names was, according to Calvin, “To lead these youths to adopt the customs of the Chaldeans, that they might have nothing in common with the chosen people.” God had said of His people Israel that they should dwell alone. They were His covenant people which was a great privilege but also a high responsibility. Would these young men be alienated from the upbringing they had received? It is no different today when our young people go to colleges and other places of higher education. They often will be told that in order to be scientific they have to start by forgetting about what they have been told when they were younger, and now they have to see for themselves what the truth is that they can embrace. They have to begin without the ballast of their past and search themselves for what is true and worthy to be believed. These are the results of the modern philosophy which has no place for the truth as still may be taught among us— the truth about an almighty Creator but also a righteous Judge before whom we all will be placed to give an account of our stewardship and of what we have done with the talents and opportunities given unto us. It is to be feared that many young people will indeed be influenced and sometimes changed by what they hear from those who may impress them with their so-called knowledge. These young men in Babel did not only have names which spoke of God the Creator and Ruler of this world, but they also had, as it will appear later, the fear of the Lord in their heart. The Lord will keep them, also in this strange country.

Temptation

They received a privileged place, filled with opportunities to make a brilliant career. However, there will also be temptations to violate what they have been taught when they were still in Canaan. We read in verse 5, “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.” What a temptation because this was meat from the king’s table. You can be sure that it was delicious and also helpful to make them look well-nourished and healthy at the end of those three years. What would Daniel and his friends do? Would they compromise because there did not seem to be another way? No! We read in verse 8, “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.”

It was clear to Daniel that no compromise was possible. There were several reasons for his refusal of the king’s food. Many of the meats provided by these heathens were ceremonially unclean. Israelites had to abstain from things which had been offered to idols, and this was usually the case with meat in these heathen courts. Daniel knew it would be sinful to eat of food forbidden them by the Lord. These were not just matters of opinion, but he purposed in his heart, or, he laid it upon his heart, which means, he solemnly resolved not to do this. It was in his heart like when Joseph said, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” The tender fear of God’s name was in the heart of these still so young people. It is good and highly recommendable that in the use of modern media we use filters to, as much as is possible, avoid coming into great temptations. However, the best filter is the fear of God. Even having a new life in our heart is no guarantee that we will be kept in the midst of the many temptations that young and older ones may meet in universities and society. However, the fear of God in practice will help one flee from the temptations as far as is possible.

Request

The life of Daniel had made an impression upon the prince of the eunuchs who was set over Daniel and his friends. Evidently, he saw sincerity and faithfulness in the conduct of these young men which distinguished them from others. Do we have a life in the fear of God that may make others jealous? Although enmity may then be our portion, such a tender walk in God’s ways will also give impressions in the heart of worldly people. They may see something that they cannot explain but that is definitely sincere. Such a life is only possible if, in the midst of temptations, we have a praying life. Do not attempt to fight these dangers in your own strength. We should be conscious of our weakness but seek God’s grace to be kept by His gracious hand.

Daniel then acts wisely and politely; he makes his request to be excused from such food. He does not provoke others, does not come as one who stands above them, but it is evident that it is a sincere, earnest request from a humble heart. Although the prince of the eunuchs expresses his fear that granting Daniel’s request will endanger his life, when Daniel asks for a trial period of ten days, his request is granted. For ten days they will eat pulse and drink only water, using only a simple nourishment. Pulse may mean peas and beans but also things which are sown which will include grains, even bread. However, it would be a far simpler meal than what the other young men would receive. Daniel, however, knows that God reigns and he may entrust himself and his friends unto His care, believing that He will provide. The Lord can make the simplest food so rich in nourishment that the expectations of this young man will not be put to shame. What a privilege it is, also in our days, that we may be steadfast, not drift away into compromising and adopting the customs and fashions of the world. May the Lord grant this tender fear of His name, this life of prayer, also in our families.

(To be continued)

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