“Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah.”
Daniel 1:6 NLT
This week we will be studying the life of Daniel. Daniel is predominantly known for escaping a den of lions unscathed, but there is much to unpack about his life.
Daniel and his three friends were taken as captives from Jerusalem to Babylon under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. The King had sought out and specifically asked for young men who were strong, healthy, and good-looking. He also ordered that they be men who were well educated, full of knowledge and good judgment, and who were suited to serve in the royal palace.
These four young men, severely displaced in a foreign land, determined early on in their journey that they would not bend to the given rules regarding food and drink. This attitude of morality and commitment to the laws of their God would be the common theme moving forward through the story of their lives in Babylon.
As we read through the first chapter of the book of Daniel, we can see that the favor of God was upon their lives, and they flourished despite doubt from those in command. Daniel ultimately settles into a new role of dream interpreter and is promoted to rule over the whole province and the wise men.
Daniel and his three comrades were thrust into a hostile environment that was riddled with idolatry, conspiracy, and jealousy. Reading through all that Daniel endured, one can wonder why God allowed for him to be taken captive in the first place.
Daniel’s character speaks for itself. His humility and total dependence on God become the foundation that his life is built upon, and though faced with fiery furnaces and a den of lions, he remains steadfast in what he believes and Who is he devoted to.
Over the course of this week, we will dissect the life of Daniel and how he was promoted, persecuted, persistent, protected, and powerful.
Comments are closed.