Daniel chapter 1

Chapter 1

“The Lord Gives and the Lord takes away, The Lord Gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord”Blessed be the name of the Lord”

Dan. 1:9, 17 The Bible does not teach that God helps those who help themselves, but he rewards those who are moved by faith (Heb. 11:6). He gave Israel and the vessels to Babylon See Isa. 39:2-6.1Sa 10:9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.1Ki 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.Dan 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:

Dan 5:18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:Act 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ;

Daniel 1-17• God Punishes those who Rebel Against His Will (Dan. 1:1,

2). The prophets warned about rebellion: Moses (Deut. 6:10-25); Samuel (1 Sam. 15:22-23) John (Rev. 2-3). Whether on national level or personal God’s wrath comes to bear to those who challenge his authority (Rom. 1:32).

• God Favors Those Who Cherish His Word (Dan. 1:8, 9). Able was favored over Cain (Gen. 4); Noah over the whole world (Gen. 6); Abram over other patriarchs (Gen. 12); Jacob over Esau; Joseph over brothers; David over cowering soldiers; Daniel over the king’s edicts.

• God Develops Those Who Follow His Commandments (Dan. 1:17) God developed Moses into a great leader – took 40 years but he did it. He developed Saul into a great evangelist; Timothy into a great preacher, etc… The parable of the talents offer hope for those who are seeking to improve upon their abilities and serve warning to those who carelessly waste their gift (Matt. 25:14ff) – remember the verses surrounding “God gave?”

Daniel’s Challenge• Language - Akkadian

Akkadian Alphabet

• Royal rations v. 5, 8, 13, 15, 16, 11:26

Daniel’s Challenge

Change of Names

Daniel God is my judge

Belteshzzar Bel protect his life

(Marduk)Hananiah Yahweh has

shown grace Shadraach the command

of Aku (moon god)

Mishael Who is what God is?

Meshack Who is what Aku is?

Azariah Yahweh has helped

Abednego Servant of Nebo, son of

Marduk

Hebrew Meaning Babylonian Meaning

Daniel’s Challenge

7 Unique Pressures Facing Youth Today

• Media Bombardment• Moral choices at an earlier age – 1 of 5 Jr. high

have had sex• The real possibility of no future• No moral consensus holding society together -

nothing to violate• The difference in structure of the home • Unprecedented freedom - home alone no

supervision • Emotional softness - the inability to cope with pain

because of the immediacy of attaining what one wants – one reason suicide is # 2 for teen death.

Daniel’s CommitmentHOW DANIEL REMAINED TRUE TO HIS COMMITMENT

• He did it with politeness - Dan 1:8b Note that “he requested” He did not “demand”, but respected the authority of those over him

• He did it with God’s help - Dan 1:9 God gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of eunuchs Similar to how Joseph found favor in prison - cf. Gen 39:21

• He did it through persistence - Dan 1:10-11 He did not give up after the refusal by the chief of the eunuchs He tried something else, going to the steward directly over them

• He did it through willingness to test his faith - Dan 1:12-15 He was confident that God’s way was the right way He was willing to demonstrate the superiority of God’s way

Daniel’s Compensation 1:17-21

• Knowledge• Skill in matters of governance

• Understanding in Visions and Dreams• Preeminence

Faith’s CompensationCharacter Faith’s Action God’s ResponseAbel Offered a better sacrifice (Gen. 4;4) God respected his

offeringNoah Trusted God, was a just man (Gen.

6;9)Saved from the flood

Abraham Left his father’s house and family and went to Moriah (Gen. 12:1-4)

God established his offspring forever

Joseph Resisted Potipher’s wife (Gen. 39:8) Made Prince of EgyptMoses Choose to serve God rather than

Pharaoh, (Exd. 2:11)Deliver of Israel

Joshua Believed God could deliver Canaan to Israel. (Num.13:17)

Led Israel into the promised land, defeated God’s enemies

David Slew Goliath because he insulted God of Israel (1 Sam. 17)

Made king of Israel, forefather of the Messiah.