This week’s reading: Daniel 1, 2 Chronicles 36, 2 Kings 24-25, Jeremiah 29
Before you begin to read Daniel…
Understand the book’s historical context.
Daniel’s story unfolds against the backdrop of Judah’s (the southern kingdom of Israel) fall and ensuing exile. This exile was not a surprise. Rather it was the result of the LORD’s consistent warnings to his people against their idolatry. They did not heed his instruction, so his judgment took form in handing them over to… Babylon. The great Babylon was on the rapid rise with its great king, Nebuchadnezzar. Known as the most powerful monarch of his day, King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt and soon after besieged Jerusalem (the capital of Judah).
The events described in Daniel occur after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon’s first attack on Jerusalem in 605 BC. Following this siege, Babylon plundered the city and the temple, and carried many Israelites into exile. Over the years, Babylon continued to invade and attack Jerusalem, ultimately burning and destroying it. Read 2 Chronicles 36 and 2 Kings 24-25 for deeper insight into the siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and the beginnings of the exile.
The time of Daniel was also marked by significant prophetic voices like Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote a letter to these exiled believers, instructing them to remain hopeful in the LORD, yet active in Babylon. Instead of rebelling or retreating, Jeremiah urged exiled believers to seek the welfare of Babylon as they continued to seek the LORD (Jeremiah 29:4-14).
Daniel’s story can be read as a living illustration of Jeremiah’s instruction, showing believers how to remain faithful and uphold one’s trust in the LORD in a foreign land.
Understand the book’s structure.
Most readers divide Daniel into two sections: Chapters 1-6 are historical narratives detailing Daniel and his friends’ experience in Babylon. Chapters 7-12 shift to prophetic visions about the future. This structure blends personal stories with prophetic revelations, illustrating themes of God’s sovereignty and grace.
Daniel also stands out for being written in two languages: Aramaic and Hebrew. The Aramaic parts (chapters 2-7) address topics relevant to Babylon, while the Hebrew sections (chapters 1 and 8-12) address God’s plans for his people. Some commentators interpret that Daniel was intentionally using this bilingual approach to reach both his Gentile neighbors and his fellow Jewish people, making the book relevant to all.
—Now, Read Daniel 1 —
What happened?
In Daniel 1, we read about Daniel and his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—who were taken captive to Babylon following King Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem. These young men, likely around 14 or 15 years old, were chosen for their talents and noble backgrounds to undergo a three-year training program in Babylon.
As part of this education and assimilation process, they were given new Babylonian names: Daniel became Belteshazzar, Hananiah was renamed Shadrach, Mishael became Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego. Each Babylonian name seemed to mock and replace their Hebrew name that identified them with the LORD.
During their training, Daniel decided not to defile himself with the king’s rich food and wine, opting instead for a diet of vegetables and water. This choice likely stemmed from concerns that the food might be offered to Babylon’s pagan gods or signify a troubling allegiance to King Nebuchadnezzar. Either way, Daniel felt this consumption was a compromise of his faith in the LORD.
So Daniel proposed a test: they eat only vegetables for ten days and then compare their health to those who ate the royal food. After ten days, Daniel and his friends were healthier and more robust than the others. Consequently, they were allowed to continue their diet, and God gave them wisdom and understanding. Daniel also received from God the ability to interpret dreams.
At the end of their three-year training, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were found to be “ten times better” than all the other students. The four young men gained favor with the king, and Daniel remained a trusted advisor in the court until the reign of King Cyrus (around six decades).
Who to remember?
- Daniel: A young Jewish captive who became a key figure in Babylonian court due to his wisdom, intellect, and ability to interpret dreams.
- Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah: Daniel’s friends who also stood firm in their faith and were known by their Babylonian names—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
- King Nebuchadnezzar: The Babylonian king who besieged Jerusalem and brought Daniel and his friends to Babylon. One of the most powerful monarchs of ancient times.
What to remember?
- Jerusalem handed over to Nebuchadnezzar: The Babylonian king gains control of Judah’s capital, soon leading to the deportation of Jewish captives, including Daniel and his friends.
- Nebuchadnezzar recruits and educates the best: Daniel and his friends undergo a three-year training program in Babylon to serve in the king’s court.
- Daniel resolves to remain pure: Despite his hard work in the king’s court, Daniel resolves to not defile himself with the king’s food.
- Ten-Day Test: To avoid defilement, Daniel and his friends request a diet change. After ten days, court officials find them healthier than those who ate the king’s food.
- Favor with God: In the midst of their training, the LORD gave the young men skill in their wisdom and intellect.
- Favor with the King: At the end of their three-year training, King Nebuchadnezzar found Daniel and his friends better than the rest of the advisors in his kingdom.
Meditation
Meditate on these two words in Daniel 1:
- The LORD “gave”
Despite handing over his people to Babylon, the LORD was not inactive. He was in full control over both Babylon and Daniel. The same LORD that “gave” Jerusalem over to Babylon (1:2) also “gave” Daniel favor with the Babylonian officials (1:9) and “gave” Daniel learning, skill, and the ability to interpret dreams (1:17). In other words, the LORD gave Daniel and his friends favor and opportunities in order to change Babylon from the inside out.
The LORD rules over the nations and cares about you. He gives us favor and opportunities in the least expected spaces in order to extend his Kingdom and proclaim his Gospel. Where has he placed you? What gifts has he given you?
- Daniel “resolved”
Daniel did not compromise. Daniel and his friends demonstrated unwavering trust in the LORD by choosing to honor Him instead of conforming to the pressure of Babylon. Their commitment to obedience brought them favor and wisdom from both the LORD and Babylon.
Think about areas in your own life where there is pressure to compromise your faith in the LORD and obedience to him. What are they? How can you trust in the LORD and not cave to compromise?
Prayer
Slowly, pray the words below. Take time to make it personal. Don’t rush through it. Enjoy this communion with the LORD.
LORD,
I praise you for ruling over the nations and caring for me. From the time of Daniel to now, you sit sovereign over all kings and kingdoms. From then to now, you also care for your people…
Thank you for giving me gifts, favor, and opportunity in order to extend your Kingdom and proclaim your Gospel.
I pray for integrity and strength, like Daniel’s, to not defile myself with the pleasures of this world, but find satisfaction in you and your way.
I praise you for Jesus– my true King and Savior. Thank you for giving me life through Him.
Amen.
