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There is some speculation (as there is with many books of the Bible) as to who actually wrote the book of Daniel. So, let’s first dispel this myth that Daniel might not have written it. We can believe with assurance that it was indeed Daniel because these words came straight from the mouth of Jesus.
“So when you see the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand), 16 “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains!
Matthew 24:15-16 HCSB
David Guzik gives a very interesting background of the people and events taking place during the life of Daniel.
Similarly to Jeremiah when he was in captivity, Daniel and his crew experienced much the same. They are in a new land with new laws and new rituals. They were living in complete captivity. In fact, the name changes they were given indicated a sort of “brainwashing” taking place in order to integrate them into Babylonian culture.
“A key factor in the “brainwashing” process of the Babylonian training was a name switch. This was to link the inductees with local gods rather than let them continue to support their former religious loyalty. Daniel means “God is my judge,” but became Belteshazzar, or “Bel Protect the King.” Hananiah, “the Lord is Gracious,” was changed to Shadrach, “Command of Aku,” another Babylonian god. Mishael, meaning “Who is like the Lord?” was given the name Meshach, “Who is what Aku Is?” Finally, Azariah, “the Lord is my Helper,” became Abed-nego, “Servant of Nego,” also called Nebo, a god of vegetation.” -John MacArthur
John MacArthur
Imagine… you are taken away from your home to live in a completely different culture as a slave to their society under a completely different name where everyone believes in a different god and the one true God is not worshipped. This is such a foreign concept to us… no pun intended.
Seriously though, how would you respond? Would your faith persevere? Would you compromise to make life easier and more comfortable? How do you respond to exile? Oh, these are relevant questions!
When the world we know and trust caves in, how will we respond? Is our faith adaptable or is it dependant upon our circumstances? Do we value our “Christian rights” more than the suffering that Jesus promised we would endure? Yes, I know, these are all difficult and challenging questions. The answers are not natural to the flesh. We can’t simply “make up our minds” and act accordingly. We have wrestling and struggle. We have pain and grief. We have catastrophic upheaval.
However, the practical example of such answers is found in the life of Daniel. What is the primary concern of Daniel in Chapter 1?
Conviction. His decisions were all about clinging to His God when everyone else was going against the grain. When the tide pulled him toward the shore, Daniel paddled deeper into the sea. But probably the most fascinating aspect to Daniel was his ability to discern the battles he was called to fight. He let the name changes happen – no big deal. However, he would not budge on the food issue because it was his conviction. He believed it so much that he was willing to be tested and potentially killed for this decision.
Daniel determined that he would not defile himself and then we read of how God blessed him.
Daniel 1:17 HCSB God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.
Daniel 1:17 HCSB
A lack of conviction leads to a lack of faith which leads to compromise which then places us in a position to miss God’s blessing. Daniel was determined. Are you determined today? Do you trust that when you place your confidence in His faithfulness, He will protect and deliver you?
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Thank you for this deep dive at the beginning of knowing Daniel!