Daniel 1:1-21
Q.1. How did Daniel respond to his adverse circumstances? What was the brief given to the chief official by the king? – (Dan.1:1-8)
We know that the prophet Jeremiah had urged the Jews in captivity to seek the welfare of the Babylonians (Jer.29:4-10). Daniel was also fully aware of this prophecy, including the prediction that Israel would not be set free until seventy years were completed (Dan.9:2-3). It is clear that Daniel and his companions accepted their new circumstances and were therefore prime candidates for favourable treatment in this foreign land. Not only did these young men show suitability to advance in their calling, but Daniel determined to not compromise his commitment to God. The king ordered the chief of his officials to select the best of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and the nobles – 4 youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 … that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service (Dan.1:4-5). This created a challenge for Daniel who did not want to defile himself.
Q.2. What kind of man was the young Daniel? How did Daniel deal with the challenge to his convictions? – (Dan.1:8-16)
From the verses above, we know that Daniel had been tested regarding his intelligence and was then chosen. However, Daniel was also a man of God, and a man of conviction. He showed his wisdom when he realized that the chief officer was reluctant to change Daniel’s diet, for fear of his losing his life. Therefore, instead of defying the one in authority over him, Daniel found a creative alternative that would satisfy his overseer, and also allow himself to maintain a clear conscience before God – 12 Please test your servants for ten days and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see (Dan.1:12-13).
Q.3. How did God endorse Daniel and his friends? What was Daniel’s attitude to his secular education? – (Dan.1:17-21)
To the chief officer’s great surprise, Daniel and his companions thrived on the vegetable diet, and actually looked healthier than those on the royal diet. The Lord also added His blessing on them – As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams … As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm (Dan.1:17 & 20).