WORDS OF LIFE SERIES 20 Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were three Hebrews who had been captured

BIBLE STUDY NOTES STUDIES IN THE LIFE OF and brought to Babylon with Daniel, and directly they were all set to work in “the
DANIEL University of Babylon” their names were changed.
Daniel (“The Lord is judge”) became Belteshazzar (“Bel’s Prince”).
by Francis W. Dixon
Hananiah (“The Lord is gracious”) became Shadrach (“The command of Aku”,
the moon god).
Study 1 DANIEL, A MAN GREATLY BELOVED Mishael (“Who is like God?”) became Meshach (“Who is an Aku?”).
(Scripture Portion: Daniel 1:1-21) Azariah (“The Lord is a helper”) became Abednego (“Servant of Nebo”, god of
intelligence).
Although the book of Daniel has been fiercely attacked by the critics, let us
What a great thing it is when young Christians who are away from home and
remember that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself spoke of “Daniel the prophet”
surrounded by new temptations can find other Christians with whom they can have
(Matthew 24:15). The twelve chapters of Daniel are easy to read, but are by no fellowship in the things of the Lord! On the question of dedication to God and
means easy to understand. They contain dreams and visions, all of which refer separation from evil, these four young men joined together and refused to
to the unfolding of history and to the closing events of the age. Many of the compromise. See what Daniel did – look at the last part of verse 8.
prophecies have already been fulfilled literally, and when the Lord Jesus comes
back again all the remaining prophecies will find their fulfilment. The primary 4. THE KIND OF FRIEND HE FOUND (verse 9).
object in this series will be to study the life and ministry of Daniel and the great Very often in times of testing we are afraid to stand out boldly for the Lord. This
events connected with his long period of service for the Lord, rather than to may result in our having to plough a lone furrow in serving the Lord, whereas if we
had taken our stand for Him we would have found someone who would help and
devote time to a comprehensive study of the dreams and visions and their
encourage us, as Daniel did – look up Proverbs 16:7. Although “the prince of the
interpretation. Daniel is three times described as the “man greatly beloved”
eunuchs” was not a believer in God, God used and blessed him to Daniel – look up
(Daniel 9:23; 10:11,19); he was a fine character, with an unblemished record, Proverbs 21:1, and compare Genesis 39:1-6. God is not only sovereign in the lives
and if this fact discourages us then let us remember that his God is our God. of His children, but in the lives of worldly people as well. He can turn them
Turn to Daniel chapter 1 and notice seven things. whichever way He wishes.
1. THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS (verses 3 and 4). 5. THE KIND OF COURAGE HE DISPLAYED (verses 11 to 13).
He was an Israelite, about 18 years of age when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Daniel requested that he and his friends might be allowed to eat vegetables for ten
Judah about the year 606 BC; he was captured and then deported to the days, at the end of which the prince of the eunuchs could examine them to see
fabulous city of Babylon, the most magnificent city in the world. He was of royal whether their health had suffered or not. Daniel was a true Nazarite – look up
descent (verse 3), handsome, a man of culture and outstandingly intelligent Numbers 6:3-7; the Word of God which he had learned as a boy was dwelling richly
(verse 4). Because of these qualities King Nebuchadnezzar chose him and in his heart (Colossians 3:16), and he was emboldened to make this daring
gave orders that he should be trained in all the language and literature of the challenge. What was the answer to his request? – see verse 14. But Daniel not
Chaldeans (verse 4); he was a Jew among Gentiles, living in an alien land, a only challenged the prince of the eunuchs; this was a challenge to God. Would He
believer among unbelievers – and God had a great work to do through him over support and sustain him in this matter? – look up Malachi 3:10. As Daniel trusted
a period of 70-80 years. It was a terrible experience for him to be deported a the Lord He graciously undertook for him and his friends.
thousand miles to Babylon, but – compare Genesis 50:20 with Philippians 1:12. 6. THE KIND OF TESTIMONY HE BORE (verses 15 and 16).
2. THE KIND OF FOOD HE ATE (verses 5 and 8). (1) He bore a testimony in his face (verse 15). It is a wonderful testimony when our
Daniel was put on a three-years’ course of training, and by the decree of the faces reflect the glory of the Lord! – look up and compare Exodus 34:35; Acts 6:15.
king he was to have special food and wine from the king’s table to nourish him. (2) He bore a testimony in his head (verse 17). Look up Proverbs 3:13; James 1:5.
This Daniel refused to accept. Why? Because it had been dedicated to some 7. THE KIND OF GOD HE SERVED (verses 17 to 21).
heathen deity and was therefore abhorrent and defiling to a godly Jew. Instead, (1) He served a God who was overruling in his life. “God gave (them) knowledge…”
he chose to eat only vegetables – look up 1 Corinthians 10:20. He was (verse 17) – and compare verses 18-20, which refer to a period three years later.
determined to live a separated life and not to compromise in the slightest Notice that “God had caused the official to show Daniel favour…” (verse 9) – it was
degree. The tragedy today is that many Christians know little or nothing of the God who did it!
true meaning of separation – look up 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1. It was a (2) He served a God who honoured His servant’s faithfulness – see verse 9, and also
daring thing to do, but God will always compensate His servants when they are read 1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 6:33.
unflinchingly true to Him. (3) He served a God who sustained him through his long life. How wonderfully the
chapter ends (verse 21)! For over 70 years Daniel was faithful to his Lord, and the
3. THE KIND OF COMPANIONS HE CHOSE (verses 6 and 7). same God who enabled him to continue through this long period of time is able to
keep us – look up Jude 24, and compare Acts 26:22.
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