INTRODUCTION

The book Daniel takes it's name from the man who wrote it. There should be no doubt that the entire book was written by Daniel. Jesus Himself recognized it as a viable book of God's Word (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14). And as for the prophetic content, Jesus' statements in the aforementioned Scriptures are alluding to the authenticity of Daniel's prophecy.

The name Daniel means "God is my judge." That should tell us something about the book. It is actually a book about a man and his friends who chose to live by God's Word rather than live for the world. Obviously, in Daniel, we are going to see some CLASHES. The person living for God always clashes with the sociological, psychological and governmental world.

Daniel was a young lad of royal or noble descent. He was taken from Jerusalem during the captivity by Nebuchadnezzar in 605BC. Obviously, the book is a compilation of events from the late 6th century to the mid 5th century BC.

Daniel was a wise man, and used of kings because of his wisdom. He became a very important man in the kingdoms of Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus and Darius.

Daniel was given prophecy by our Lord which reveals the course of the Gentile world powers from his own day all the way to Christ's second coming.

THis is a book about moral people of God living in an immoral world. And it is a book which divinely outlines events for the future.

CHAPTER 1

Dan 1:1-4 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. KJV

The third year of Jehoiakim corresponds with 605BC. In this year Nebuchadnezzar defeated Jerusalem and took captives. Of those captives, certain ones were specifically designated.

The kingdom of Judah had endured hundred's of years and been very influential in the world. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to have some of the royal descendents in his palace so he could train them. They would be of use to him.

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. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.

Having been placed in the charge of Ashpenaz, Daniel, Hanania, Mishael and Azariah were given new names. And they were to be given the best of foods. The king wanted them healthy and strong.

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. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel knew that all those rich foods were UNhealthy. The Bible says he "purposed in his heart" not to eat those things. Daniel was also familiar with the Bible, and knew that drinking wine was not good.

Throughout this book, one can see that Daniel is a man of faith and integrity. He believed and trusted in God alone. And he always determined to do what God said.

Daniel had already "caught the eye" of Melzar, the prince of the eunuchs. So Daniel made a proposition to Melzar. Daniel proposed to eat soup and drink water. Melzar didn't want any of the children in his charge to appear unhealthy, and he questioned the validity of the change in diet.

But Daniel proposed that he allow a trial of 10 days, and then perform some simple competition tests between Daniel and his friends and the other children.

God gave Daniel, Hanania, Mishael, and Azariah a unique ability to learn and make good application of what they learned. God also gave Daniel a special ability to understand and interpret dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Providentially, God used the ten days of testing to coincide with the time Nebuchadnezzar wanted to check on the boys. Ashpenaz brought them all before the king, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were found to be stronger, healthier and wiser than all the others. They were even wiser than the educated men of society!

These boys earned a place in Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom at an early age. They were kept close to him and learned rulership. They were being groomed to take places of authority.

Verse 21 tells us Daniel was still around in 536BC when Cyrus took over the kingdom of Babylon. He endured five kings and 69 years of governmental service.

Truly this was a strong, wise and good man.

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.