Daniel 1: 1 – 21
What’s Eating You?
1 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 articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
Have you ever heard of the term, ‘what’s eating you?’ What do you think this term means? Mostly I would say that it is used to question someone’s disposition. Another way to say this is ‘What’s bothering you?’ You can see people that are lost in their thoughts over something that are consuming all their mental activity. Another way the term can be used is physiologically and can be said, ‘What are you eating that is destroying your body?’
We are going to embark on our personal study of the book of Daniel. Starting off at chapter 1 you will see how this man went through emotional and physical challenges.
1 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 articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
Our Precious Holy Spirit has pressed together in just 2 verses a lot of history that had transpired that covers this portion of Scripture.
Now to help us all understand what we are reviewing, a little review of history is in order.
You are all familiar with the Egyptian Empire. If not please read the book of Genesis beginning with chapter 37. It will discuss Jacob’s family pointing to Joseph. Our Holy Maker used Joseph to save the Israelites and the rest of the world from a devastating famine. With Joseph’s God given wisdom and counsel he helped Egypt be the leading Empire.
If you look at a map and trace the Jordon River you will come to recognize a fertile area known as the Fertile Crescent. Most of this territory was controlled by the Assyrian Empire that arose in competition to the Egyptian Empire.
In time this Empire began to wane. Their last king was a guy by the name of Ashurbonapal. His sons had become weak and spoiled by the lavish royal benefits.
In Babylon, in the year 612 BC, his governor, by the name of Nebolpalazzar, now saw his opportunity to gain control of this kingdom. He went to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh and overthrew the Assyrian leadership.
To fight against this new government some loyal Assyrian troops came against Nebolpalazzar at a place called Carchemish. To take advantage of the situation Egypt also sent their army to fight the new Babylonian ruler.
Nebolpalazzar assigned his son, Nebuchadnezzar, as the military leader to take on this counter assault.
On the way to Carchemish Egypt’s Pharaoh by the name of Necho went by Israel. Their was a godly king in Judah by the name of Josiah. He went out to stop Pharaoh Necho who was going to aid the Israelites ancient enemy Assyria. However, sadly, he was killed.
Josiah was replaced by his son Jehoahaz, who only lasted three months before he was taken prisoner to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho. Then a guy by the name of Jehoiakim took over. This is the guy that we read about here in chapter 1 of the book of Daniel.
Nebuchadnezzar won the war at Carchemish and chased the Egyptian army back to their homeland. Israel, even though they came to Babylon’s aid was taken as a vassal state. While besieging Jerusalem, news came to Nebuchadnezzar that his dad had died. He had to rush back to Babylon to take over control of the Empire as king. As part of Israel’s submission to the Babylon control they had to give up some of their young future leaders and money. It is kind of like what you see in the National Baseball League. If you are wanting a good player, you have to give up some up and coming stars plus cash in order to solidify you run at the pennant.
Daniel was one of the young men that was given as part of the terms of Israel’s agreement to be under the Babylonian control - 1 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 articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.’
Now here a a couple of things that I feel are a little different than what you have come to believe.
I was taught that Daniel’s parents were slaughtered by the Babylonian army and he was dragged off to this foreign land. Another point was that Daniel and his friends were stripped of their manhood by being made Eunuchs. Let us take a look at exactly what the Scripture teaches.
3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans
For point one the selected captives were taken back to Babylon and looked upon favorably because they were treaty hostages rather than defeated foe. As mentioned, Jerusalem had submitted to the Babylonian Empire to be under their authority. Daniel and his friends were all young men from men from nobility. Young people who were at the top of the scale in having already received education and other training and they would fit in better in Babylon than other captives - 3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.’
You can see that what is stated here about promising young men is in regard to their future. They were promising future potential gifted servants who could benefit the Babylonians.
Now the other point has some significant interest. The young men were turned over to a guy by the name of Ashpenaz who as we read, ‘3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles.’
So, many scholars had deduced from this verse that therefore Daniel and his friends had to be surgically changed to Eunuchs. I do not believe that is so and that I believe is stretching the Scripture to reveal something that is not actually proclaimed by our Precious Holy Spirit.
Similarly, if you look back to Genesis you read about Pharaoh’s key representative by the name of Potiphar, who was also mentioned as a Eunuch. However, he was married. To get around this some scholars just say he was a Eunuch and was assigned a wife and since he could not be in a sexually relationship with his wife, then this was one of the reasons that she kept hitting on Joseph to lie with her. Isn’t that point of view also stretching the truth of the word to fit people’s theories.
The word ‘Eunuch’ has a wider meaning which can also indicated palace servants, chief men, nobles, and officers.
If you look again at the rest of the verses listed here in Daniel it reveals a different conclusion - 3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish.’
Please notice again the phrase ‘there was no blemish.’ The use of this phrase indicates that they were not made Eunuchs because the king would surround himself only with perfect young men. In addition, they would not be around the king’s harem so they would not cause any concern for the king to make sure his women were not messed with. Also, the assignment of the food which we are about to review was a sign of high favor by the king.
5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
The idea of ‘brainwashing’ is not a modern idea. In fact, we see here in these ancient passages, its very use. The thought here is that in order for these young men to be acclimated into Babylonian society and be useful they had to undergo a complete mental change.
Here are the techniques used;
1. Liberal Curriculum – ‘4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.’
Young people are very impressionable. Teaching Daniel and his friends the Babylonian language, literature, and culture would possibly cause them to forget their heritage and be captivated by their new land.
2. The guilt of ‘you owe me’ or in this case a sense of obligation to their new countrymen – ‘5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.’
As previously mentioned, to be offered this fancy food and drink was akin to be favored above the local population. Surely, living it up with the best food and drinks that money could buy would cause these young men to be in debt to their providers.
3. New Identities – ‘6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.’
Their names identified them with Israel. In giving them new names they would be identified with the gods of the Chaldeans.
Daniel in Hebrew means ‘ God [El Shaddai] has judged. He was given the name Belteshazzar which means ‘Bel protect his life.’
Hananiah’s name means ‘The Lord Is Gracious.’ He was given a new name of Shadrach which means ‘Exalt Aku’
Mishael’s name means ‘Who is what the Lord Is.’ He was given the name Meshach which means ‘Who is what Aku is.’
Azariah’s name means ‘The Lord Is my Helper.’ He was given the name Abed-Nego which means ‘The servant of Nebo.’
4. New faith - 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.’
While living in Israel Daniel and his friends were taught the laws of God which included dietary laws.
There were certain foods that the Holy Adoni Jehovah Elyon – The Lord Most High forbid His children to eat. We read of these in the book of Leviticus chapter 11 this, ‘Foods Permitted and Forbidden
1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: 3 Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat. 4 Nevertheless these you shall not eat among those that chew the cud or those that have cloven hooves: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; 5 the rock hyrax, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; 6 the hare, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; 7 and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.9 ‘These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers—that you may eat. 10 But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you. 11 They shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard their carcasses as an abomination. 12 Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales—that shall be an abomination to you. 13 ‘And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, 14 the kite, and the falcon after its kind; 15 every raven after its kind, 16 the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind; 17 the little owl, the fisher owl, and the screech owl; 18 the white owl, the jackdaw, and the carrion vulture; 19 the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. 20 ‘All flying insects that creep on all fours shall be an abomination to you. 21 Yet these you may eat of every flying insect that creeps on all fours: those which have jointed legs above their feet with which to leap on the earth. 22 These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind. 23 But all other flying insects which have four feet shall be an abomination to you.
Unclean Animals
24 ‘By these you shall become unclean; whoever touches the carcass of any of them shall be unclean until evening; 25 whoever carries part of the carcass of any of them shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening: 26 The carcass of any animal which divides the foot, but is not cloven-hoofed or does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches it shall be unclean. 27 And whatever goes on its paws, among all kinds of animals that go on all fours, those are unclean to you. Whoever touches any such carcass shall be unclean until evening. 28 Whoever carries any such carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. It is unclean to you. 29 ‘These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the mole, the mouse, and the large lizard after its kind; 30 the gecko, the monitor lizard, the sand reptile, the sand lizard, and the chameleon. 31 These are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening. 32 Anything on which any of them falls, when they are dead shall be unclean, whether it is any item of wood or clothing or skin or sack, whatever item it is, in which any work is done, it must be put in water. And it shall be unclean until evening; then it shall be clean. 33 Any earthen vessel into which any of them falls you shall break; and whatever is in it shall be unclean: 34 in such a vessel, any edible food upon which water falls becomes unclean, and any drink that may be drunk from it becomes unclean. 35 And everything on which a part of any such carcass falls shall be unclean; whether it is an oven or cooking stove, it shall be broken down; for they are unclean, and shall be unclean to you. 36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern, in which there is plenty of water, shall be clean, but whatever touches any such carcass becomes unclean. 37 And if a part of any such carcass falls on any planting seed which is to be sown, it remains clean. 38 But if water is put on the seed, and if a part of any such carcass falls on it, it becomes unclean to you. 39 ‘And if any animal which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until evening. 40 He who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. He also who carries its carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. 41 ‘And every creeping thing that creeps on the earth shall be an abomination. It shall not be eaten. 42 Whatever crawls on its belly, whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet among all creeping things that creep on the earth—these you shall not eat, for they are an abomination. 43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, lest you be defiled by them. 44 For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. 45 For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. 46 ‘This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.’”
To participate in eating and drinking the Babylonian diet was vital to the brainwashing of these young men as it would change their beliefs.
5. New lifestyle - 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
There were signs that the brainwashing was working. Daniel was willing to go along with the education but not at a cost of forgetting his heritage.
If you want to write down some fundamental truths here is one that we learn from this faithful young man.
In order to be strong like Daniel you must build your faith from the truths in God’s word. In the book of 2 Timothy chapter 3 we see the Word of God’s great influence, ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.’
Once you are diligent to invest in your memory His Holy Word then you have to live it. You must walk the walk not just talk the talk.
11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
This was a big deal. The supervisor knew that his very life could be the cost for the actions of Daniel and his friends.
Ready to write down another valuable point in the way you should live. When faced with a difficult situation first of all run to God for direction. Instead of causing serious problems by merely refusing to do something, propose an alternative. Here Daniel offered the manager a proposal to their desire to not make themselves disobedient to God’s laws. They proposed that they be tested by eating healthy food and after a certain time frame if they did not show results then please notice let the manager deal with them as he sees fit. What is not proclaimed here by Daniel is that when the time period was up, that Daniel and his friends would eat and drink as originally designed.
Do you see the faith here in Daniel and his friends? He is stepping out in his faith for he believes that God will honor his decision not to sin. However, even if his plan does not work, he will trust God with the outcome. He will not fall into the manager’s hands but into the care of God Almighty.
17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
There was a young man who had set his heart to love and worship God. While out watching his fathers sheep he would think about God and compose songs to worship Him. Our God is Sovereign. He sees all things. He saw this young man seek to love and worship Him. God was pleased and selected this young man to lead His people Israel. It says in the book of 1 Samuel chapter 16 this, ‘But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
The Lord looked at these faithful young men and look at the results. For one thing He gave them favor with the pagan king.
In the book of Proverbs chapter 16 verse 7 we read this ‘When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.’
The Holy Father not only gave Daniel favor with the king the wisdom that He also bestowed on these young men was 10 times greater than anyone else. And as a result they were promoted to positions of great authority.
For any young man what would not be greater than wisdom, riches, and power. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verses 32 through 34 we read ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’
Daniel did not desire all these worldly things. He desired a relationship with God Himself. You cannot out love God. He will bestow on you all things because He loves you just like He does Daniel and his friends.
