DANIEL 1 - THE MAKING OF A CHARACTER
Three times in the book Daniel is referred to as a man "highly esteemed", or as the Authorised Version puts it, "a man greatly beloved". He was truly a noble character, but how did it come about? Was he born with this built into his genes? No, spiritual character and status is the end result of the grace of God at work in the life of a Christian, combined with that person’s willingness to be guided and developed by the Spirit of Christ. It is not something which happens overnight.
Before God could entrust Daniel with matters of national importance, he had to be proved trustworthy in smaller matters. When it comes to matters of principle it does not make any difference to God whether they appear large or small, important or insignificant, private or public. The key issue to God is whether they conform to his revealed will.
The foundation of Daniel’s response to life’s spiritual demands were well laid in his formative years, recorded in the first chapter. Let us see how he tackled the problems he encountered and see how the foundation of a godly life was laid. Notice first that Daniel was:
CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE
Daniel was an Israelite, probably about 18 when the story begins. About the year 606 BC King Nebuchadnezzar of the Chaldean empire invaded Judah. Daniel, together with the cream of society, was deported to the fabulous city of Babylon. He was of the royal line, intelligent and cultured - just the material that Nebuchadnezzar wanted to mould into a courtier that he could use in the administration of his growing empire. But before this could happen he needed training in the language and culture of the Chaldeans.
This is the young man, one of a group earmarked for fast-track promotion in the Chaldean civil service. But from Daniel’s perspective he was a stranger in an alien land, a Jew among Gentiles, a believer in God among pagans. What an experience, to be deported a 1,000 miles, torn from his family, the temple worship in Jerusalem and the ministry of the priests. But it is not unknown for God to use adverse circumstances in the working out of his plans for our spiritual benefit and the advancement of his kingdom.
Character in a person is something which cannot be developed if the circumstances are easy, if conditions are undemanding. There are some interesting facts about the sisal plant from which is made tough sisal twine. The plant grows in Mexico in hard, stony soil. The story goes that some American businessmen visited the area and decided that there might be some good money to be made in growing the crop in richer soil under better growing conditions. So they started a sisal plantation in Florida where the plant found life no longer a struggle for survival and grew to enormous size. The business promised tremendous returns until the time came for reaping. It was then that the leaf from which the vital fibre came for the twine collapsed into a soft pulp. The tough fibre quality was missing. They learned too late that the sisal plant acquired its toughness by its battle with adverse circumstances.
God does not take pleasure in allowing the blasts of adversity to trouble his people. But in his wisdom knows what is necessary in our lives to foster the growth of spiritual character. Let us move on in the story to see how Daniel was:
STRENGTHENED FOR THE TRIAL
Daniel was not alone in his difficult situation, for God had provided him with other kindred spirits. Although the authorities tried to make them identikit Chaldeans, even to the extent of changing their names to wipe out the memory of their Hebrew heritage, they failed to do so. Christian fellowship is a wonderful thing. By oneself it is easier to become discouraged and depressed, but by banding together with other Christians, there is a multiplication of strength - "a three-fold cord is not easily broken" (Eccl 4:12).
Someone who was depressed asked his minister why he should continue going to church. The minister said nothing. He was sitting by the fireside and reaching out for the tongs, pulled out a red hot coal from the open fire and placed it on the side of the hearth, and together they watched what happened. The rest of the fire continued to burn brightly but the separated coal soon lost its glow and before long was black and cold. The minister had no need to give an explanation. Fellowship with God’s people is most important in maintaining our spiritual glow.
Daniel found himself in an alien environment. He was forced to live and work in a heathen community, but yet he demonstrated that it is possible to be in, but not of, the world; to live in an evil society without being contaminated by it. Daniel and his three close friends had made a conscious decision that they were going to follow the example of Joshua, an earlier leader of the Israelites, when he pleaded with his hearers, "Choose you this day whom you will serve, ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (24:15).
Daniel and his companions eagerly grasped the privileges offered them in the university of Babylon. Their policy was to co-operate, but without compromise. This meant saying "Yes!" to the opportunities and invitations of Babylonian life. They were broadminded enough to accept their new names and to take up positions in Nebuchadnezzar’s civil service. Yet while they made these concessions they did so in such a way that at any time they could say "No!" loud and clearly, whatever it might cost. Although they were fully involved in Babylonian society they never sacrificed their inner conviction that they belonged to a greater kingdom, that of their God. They never lost touch with the Word of the Lord. They disciplined their hearts and minds to remain open to hear his Word above the conflicting sounds coming at them in their pagan environment. They were aware that their real master was not Nebuchadnezzar, but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Daniel and his friends accepted that God had allowed their deportation to Babylon as part of his grand purpose. They were going to enjoy the life but always with the proviso that in no circumstances would they violate their conscience in its loyalty to God. If the interests of Babylon clashed with the interests of the kingdom of God, there was no doubt which had to come first. It was then that they would have to say "No!", politely, but firmly. We shall see how it happened as we consider how they were:
TESTED FOR FAITHFULNESS
When Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, in addition to anything of wealth he could find, he brought back to Babylon the leaders and potential leaders of the country to re-educate them to the Babylonian culture. The young men were placed under the watchful eye of Ashpenaz, the Royal Chamberlain, the king’s chief of staff. He was responsible for the care and health of these prize captives. You can imagine how these captive students were carefully watched over as if they were prize animals when you remember that Ashpenaz was only too well aware that his own life was at stake. Any carelessness on his part and his head would roll! He knew his master.
You can well imagine his concern when one day Daniel came to him with an outrageous suggestion. "Sir," he said, "we are not used to the royal fare were are getting here. We have grown up on a more vegetable diet, with water to drink; and while we know that our present rich food is entirely suitable for the king and his royal household, we are of much lower tastes and background. Do you think that we might, please, revert to our national food?" What made Daniel resolve not to defile himself with the king’s rich food? In the ancient world it was quite usual to honour one’s god by giving him part of one’s food, but Jehovah’s law prohibited this for the Hebrews. Here a definite principle was at stake; it was a matter of conscience. Daniel knew that the time had come to draw the line.
Daniel’s concern was that he should not defile himself. The food laws were signs of separation from the moral pollution of the surrounding world. If he and his friends had broken these laws the invisible barrier between them and the pagan world would have been breached and they would no longer be fully useful as distinctive instruments for God’s use.
This story from Daniel’s life was of real use to the faithful remnant of the Jews about 200 years before Jesus. The prophetic witness had been silent for perhaps 300 years; the Greek rulers of Israel were trying to destroy the distinctive witness of the Jewish community by trying to get them to give up their customs. The matter became a test of loyalty. Some gave in and conformed, but many refused to do so even to the point of death. Daniel’s example became a powerful inspiration in sustaining the faithful in their resistance.
What about today? Do we face the same tension to conform to the standards of what the Bible calls "the world"? We have to know where we must draw the line, to say our "No!" and take a firm stand. We live in a permissive age. We need to be especially sensitive to the Holy Spirit telling us what will defile. There is a lot to be said for a children’s chorus that perhaps only the older generation will remember, "Dare to be a Daniel; dare to take a stand!"
The four young men were in a difficult position. They were being "brain-washed" into becoming true Babylonian subjects. Their names had been changed; everything possible was being done to get them to forget their life in Jerusalem and to adjust themselves to their new circumstances. To refuse to eat the king’s meat was one of the few acts of loyalty which was open to them.
Jesus taught his disciples that they were to regard themselves as being "in the world" but "not of the world". It is rather like the position of the people of Guernsey during the German occupation: they were British citizens but for the time being were living in territory dominated by the enemy. St Paul would have warmly approved the conduct of the young men for they were putting into practice what he urged the Christians in Rome, "Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould" (12:2).
The key to Daniel’s resistance is found in the words "he purposed in his heart" (8) that he would not compromise. But this did not mean that he had to make a scene. With great tact and courtesy he made his plea to Ashpenaz. No protest marches or banging the table! He did it quietly and humbly, leaving room for God to enter the situation and to work things out to his glory. What an example for us to follow.
Imagine Ashpenaz’ surprise at the request and although sympathetic was afraid of what might happen to him if Nebuchadnezzar found out - he would lose his head! But Daniel wasn’t to be put off, so he approached the steward who actually brought the food. He was better known to the young men and they could talk to him more freely. "Look", he said, "Try it out for ten days ... and see what happens ... watch our complexions ... and decide on what you find out" (13). The steward was impressed and agreed to the experiment.
One of the purposes of the book of Daniel is to show that God can and does intervene in people’s lives and circumstances, not always to the sound of trumpets, but quietly proved the truth of an earlier Divine word, "Man does not live by bread alone" (Deut 8:3). And so we see that Daniel was:
HONOURED FOR HIS TESTIMONY
God honoured the faith of the young men. At the end of the ten day test they were better in appearance than the other students fed on the king’s rich food. The experiment had succeeded and they were allowed to carry on in their new freedom. God had taken over.
Our circumstances at the beginning of the 21st century may well be different, but the principles of faith have not changed. God has not changed. One of his wise words is, "Them that honour me, I will honour" (I Sam 2:30). The person who seeks to do the will of God and places his or her trust in him finds that God never fails his servant.
Daniel and his companions had to face an oral examination after completing the three year course of training. They were so blessed with knowledge and intelligence by God that they really excelled in their finals, conducted by no less a person than the king himself. The four young men shone in their exams in Babylonian literature and philosophy and gained first class honours, and were given plumb jobs in the royal civil service. And it all happened because they were determined to follow God’s revealed will in what seemed to be a small dietary matter. But really, it was not a small matter at all - it was a test of loyalty in which one either passed or failed. Daniel and his friends passed and were earmarked by God for further service in his kingdom.
We never know from one day to the other what test of loyalty we will have to face. We can only prepare ourselves by living a consistent Christian life, walking closely with God. Daniel’s example should encourage and spur us on, as we see him to have been:
Chosen for a purpose ... Strengthened for the trial
Tested for faithfulness .. Honoured for his testimony.
Let us resolve to follow in Daniel’s footsteps.
DANIEL 1 - THE MAKING OF A CHARACTER
Three times in the book Daniel is referred to as a man "highly esteemed", or as the Authorised Version puts it, "a man greatly beloved". He was truly a noble character, but how did it come about? Was he born with this built into his genes? No, spiritual character and status is the end result of the grace of God at work in the life of a Christian, combined with that person’s willingness to be guided and developed by the Spirit of Christ. It is not something which happens overnight.
Before God could entrust Daniel with matters of national importance, he had to be proved trustworthy in smaller matters. When it comes to matters of principle it does not make any difference to God whether they appear large or small, important or insignificant, private or public. The key issue to God is whether they conform to his revealed will.
The foundation of Daniel’s response to life’s spiritual demands were well laid in his formative years, recorded in the first chapter. Let us see how he tackled the problems he encountered and see how the foundation of a godly life was laid. Notice first that Daniel was:
CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE
Daniel was an Israelite, probably about 18 when the story begins. About the year 606 BC King Nebuchadnezzar of the Chaldean empire invaded Judah. Daniel, together with the cream of society, was deported to the fabulous city of Babylon. He was of the royal line, intelligent and cultured - just the material that Nebuchadnezzar wanted to mould into a courtier that he could use in the administration of his growing empire. But before this could happen he needed training in the language and culture of the Chaldeans.
This is the young man, one of a group earmarked for fast-track promotion in the Chaldean civil service. But from Daniel’s perspective he was a stranger in an alien land, a Jew among Gentiles, a believer in God among pagans. What an experience, to be deported a 1,000 miles, torn from his family, the temple worship in Jerusalem and the ministry of the priests. But it is not unknown for God to use adverse circumstances in the working out of his plans for our spiritual benefit and the advancement of his kingdom.
Character in a person is something which cannot be developed if the circumstances are easy, if conditions are undemanding. There are some interesting facts about the sisal plant from which is made tough sisal twine. The plant grows in Mexico in hard, stony soil. The story goes that some American businessmen visited the area and decided that there might be some good money to be made in growing the crop in richer soil under better growing conditions. So they started a sisal plantation in Florida where the plant found life no longer a struggle for survival and grew to enormous size. The business promised tremendous returns until the time came for reaping. It was then that the leaf from which the vital fibre came for the twine collapsed into a soft pulp. The tough fibre quality was missing. They learned too late that the sisal plant acquired its toughness by its battle with adverse circumstances.
God does not take pleasure in allowing the blasts of adversity to trouble his people. But in his wisdom knows what is necessary in our lives to foster the growth of spiritual character. Let us move on in the story to see how Daniel was:
STRENGTHENED FOR THE TRIAL
Daniel was not alone in his difficult situation, for God had provided him with other kindred spirits. Although the authorities tried to make them identikit Chaldeans, even to the extent of changing their names to wipe out the memory of their Hebrew heritage, they failed to do so. Christian fellowship is a wonderful thing. By oneself it is easier to become discouraged and depressed, but by banding together with other Christians, there is a multiplication of strength - "a three-fold cord is not easily broken" (Eccl 4:12).
Someone who was depressed asked his minister why he should continue going to church. The minister said nothing. He was sitting by the fireside and reaching out for the tongs, pulled out a red hot coal from the open fire and placed it on the side of the hearth, and together they watched what happened. The rest of the fire continued to burn brightly but the separated coal soon lost its glow and before long was black and cold. The minister had no need to give an explanation. Fellowship with God’s people is most important in maintaining our spiritual glow.
Daniel found himself in an alien environment. He was forced to live and work in a heathen community, but yet he demonstrated that it is possible to be in, but not of, the world; to live in an evil society without being contaminated by it. Daniel and his three close friends had made a conscious decision that they were going to follow the example of Joshua, an earlier leader of the Israelites, when he pleaded with his hearers, "Choose you this day whom you will serve, ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (24:15).
Daniel and his companions eagerly grasped the privileges offered them in the university of Babylon. Their policy was to co-operate, but without compromise. This meant saying "Yes!" to the opportunities and invitations of Babylonian life. They were broadminded enough to accept their new names and to take up positions in Nebuchadnezzar’s civil service. Yet while they made these concessions they did so in such a way that at any time they could say "No!" loud and clearly, whatever it might cost. Although they were fully involved in Babylonian society they never sacrificed their inner conviction that they belonged to a greater kingdom, that of their God. They never lost touch with the Word of the Lord. They disciplined their hearts and minds to remain open to hear his Word above the conflicting sounds coming at them in their pagan environment. They were aware that their real master was not Nebuchadnezzar, but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Daniel and his friends accepted that God had allowed their deportation to Babylon as part of his grand purpose. They were going to enjoy the life but always with the proviso that in no circumstances would they violate their conscience in its loyalty to God. If the interests of Babylon clashed with the interests of the kingdom of God, there was no doubt which had to come first. It was then that they would have to say "No!", politely, but firmly. We shall see how it happened as we consider how they were:
TESTED FOR FAITHFULNESS
When Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, in addition to anything of wealth he could find, he brought back to Babylon the leaders and potential leaders of the country to re-educate them to the Babylonian culture. The young men were placed under the watchful eye of Ashpenaz, the Royal Chamberlain, the king’s chief of staff. He was responsible for the care and health of these prize captives. You can imagine how these captive students were carefully watched over as if they were prize animals when you remember that Ashpenaz was only too well aware that his own life was at stake. Any carelessness on his part and his head would roll! He knew his master.
You can well imagine his concern when one day Daniel came to him with an outrageous suggestion. "Sir," he said, "we are not used to the royal fare were are getting here. We have grown up on a more vegetable diet, with water to drink; and while we know that our present rich food is entirely suitable for the king and his royal household, we are of much lower tastes and background. Do you think that we might, please, revert to our national food?" What made Daniel resolve not to defile himself with the king’s rich food? In the ancient world it was quite usual to honour one’s god by giving him part of one’s food, but Jehovah’s law prohibited this for the Hebrews. Here a definite principle was at stake; it was a matter of conscience. Daniel knew that the time had come to draw the line.
Daniel’s concern was that he should not defile himself. The food laws were signs of separation from the moral pollution of the surrounding world. If he and his friends had broken these laws the invisible barrier between them and the pagan world would have been breached and they would no longer be fully useful as distinctive instruments for God’s use.
This story from Daniel’s life was of real use to the faithful remnant of the Jews about 200 years before Jesus. The prophetic witness had been silent for perhaps 300 years; the Greek rulers of Israel were trying to destroy the distinctive witness of the Jewish community by trying to get them to give up their customs. The matter became a test of loyalty. Some gave in and conformed, but many refused to do so even to the point of death. Daniel’s example became a powerful inspiration in sustaining the faithful in their resistance.
What about today? Do we face the same tension to conform to the standards of what the Bible calls "the world"? We have to know where we must draw the line, to say our "No!" and take a firm stand. We live in a permissive age. We need to be especially sensitive to the Holy Spirit telling us what will defile. There is a lot to be said for a children’s chorus that perhaps only the older generation will remember, "Dare to be a Daniel; dare to take a stand!"
The four young men were in a difficult position. They were being "brain-washed" into becoming true Babylonian subjects. Their names had been changed; everything possible was being done to get them to forget their life in Jerusalem and to adjust themselves to their new circumstances. To refuse to eat the king’s meat was one of the few acts of loyalty which was open to them.
Jesus taught his disciples that they were to regard themselves as being "in the world" but "not of the world". It is rather like the position of the people of Guernsey during the German occupation: they were British citizens but for the time being were living in territory dominated by the enemy. St Paul would have warmly approved the conduct of the young men for they were putting into practice what he urged the Christians in Rome, "Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould" (12:2).
The key to Daniel’s resistance is found in the words "he purposed in his heart" (8) that he would not compromise. But this did not mean that he had to make a scene. With great tact and courtesy he made his plea to Ashpenaz. No protest marches or banging the table! He did it quietly and humbly, leaving room for God to enter the situation and to work things out to his glory. What an example for us to follow.
Imagine Ashpenaz’ surprise at the request and although sympathetic was afraid of what might happen to him if Nebuchadnezzar found out - he would lose his head! But Daniel wasn’t to be put off, so he approached the steward who actually brought the food. He was better known to the young men and they could talk to him more freely. "Look", he said, "Try it out for ten days ... and see what happens ... watch our complexions ... and decide on what you find out" (13). The steward was impressed and agreed to the experiment.
One of the purposes of the book of Daniel is to show that God can and does intervene in people’s lives and circumstances, not always to the sound of trumpets, but quietly proved the truth of an earlier Divine word, "Man does not live by bread alone" (Deut 8:3). And so we see that Daniel was:
HONOURED FOR HIS TESTIMONY
God honoured the faith of the young men. At the end of the ten day test they were better in appearance than the other students fed on the king’s rich food. The experiment had succeeded and they were allowed to carry on in their new freedom. God had taken over.
Our circumstances at the beginning of the 21st century may well be different, but the principles of faith have not changed. God has not changed. One of his wise words is, "Them that honour me, I will honour" (I Sam 2:30). The person who seeks to do the will of God and places his or her trust in him finds that God never fails his servant.
Daniel and his companions had to face an oral examination after completing the three year course of training. They were so blessed with knowledge and intelligence by God that they really excelled in their finals, conducted by no less a person than the king himself. The four young men shone in their exams in Babylonian literature and philosophy and gained first class honours, and were given plumb jobs in the royal civil service. And it all happened because they were determined to follow God’s revealed will in what seemed to be a small dietary matter. But really, it was not a small matter at all - it was a test of loyalty in which one either passed or failed. Daniel and his friends passed and were earmarked by God for further service in his kingdom.
We never know from one day to the other what test of loyalty we will have to face. We can only prepare ourselves by living a consistent Christian life, walking closely with God. Daniel’s example should encourage and spur us on, as we see him to have been:
Chosen for a purpose ... Strengthened for the trial
Tested for faithfulness .. Honoured for his testimony.
Let us resolve to follow in Daniel’s footsteps.
