Daniel’s Preparation for Babylonian Captivity-First Sixteen Years in Judah
1. Born into the Royal Family of Judah (Daniel 1:3,6) [Great-great grandsons of Hezekiah/Kings Seed-Josephus]
2. Raised during Great Revival/Reforms of Josiah one of Judah’s Godliest Kings (II Chron 34,35)
*Idolatry thoroughly purged from entire kingdom (II Chron 34:1-7) [Cleansing]
*House of the Lord was repaired and amended (II Chron 34:8-13) [Construction]
*Book of the Law was found and greatly honored (II Chron 34:14-28) [Contrition/Counsel]
*Covenant made by Josiah w/all present to obey Word of God (II Chron 34:29-33) [Covenant]
*Greatest Passover since Samuel the prophet kept by all in the kingdom (II Chron 35:1-19) [Commitment]
3. Prophecy concerning the children of Hezekiah provided Daniel/King’s family w/insight (Isaiah 39:6-8)
4. Knowledge of Scripture/Joseph’s Trials/Testings 1300 years earlier (Eight Parallels of Joseph & Daniel)
5. Confidence in being selected/chosen by God to represent Him and people of Israel (Daniel 1/Isaiah 39:6-8)
Daniel’s Childhood Preparation Produced (8) Outstanding Character Traits
1. Self-control (1:8, 10:3)
2. Courage (1:12; 5:22)
3. Integrity (6:4)
4. Humility (2:30, 10:17)
5. Vision (7:9,12; 10:5,6)
6. Holiness/Righteousness (1:8)
7. Faith (1:12-16; 2:16)
8. Discipline (6:10)
Daniel’s Godly Appeal
1. Appeals with a right attitude (1:12) [Please let us be proved…]
*Not contentious
*Not condemning
*Not condescending
*Not coercive
2. Offers a reasonable alternative (1:12) [Ten days…give us pulse (veggies, seeds, grain, lentils) to eat]
3. Gives final say to his master/not demanding (1:13) [As thou seest, deal with thy servants]
