See Jer 29.5-7; Jeremiah wrote to the captives
in Babylon, bringing the Lord’s command to be involved and influential; the
promise was that God would bring peace, and the people would increase. This was
fulfilled in the lives of Daniel and his three friends.
We also see their faithfulness to God in a
hostile environment. Indeed, it is hard to fault Daniel in any way; like the
satraps and governors, we can find no fault in him, see 6.4.
V1-2
Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim, 2 Kings 23.35-24.7; 2 Chr 36.5-8. He
takes some Jews to Babylon, choosing more able Jews, who can serve him. This is
some 20 years before Jerusalem is finally defeated.
Nebuchadnezzar also removes articles from the temple of the Lord, which
Belshazzar later misuses, 5.2-3.
V3-5
Man’s choice, the king’s descendants and nobles; contrast 1 Cor 1.26;
God takes those overlooked by man, and uses them for His glory. Man cannot and
will not do that; for he looks for certain desirable qualities and
qualifications.
Nebuchadnezzar’s purpose is to teach these young men the language and
literature of the Chaldeans, but this is more than just education, for he wants
to destroy their Jewish identity. This includes a special diet, probably of food
previously offered to idols, making it unclean for a Jew.
V6-7
The narrative mentions just four men, but doubtless many more have their
names changed;
Daniel; God will judge; Belteshazzar
Azariah; God has helped; Abed-Nego
Hananiah; Grace of God; Shadrach
Mishael; Who is God?; Meshach.
Their names are changed to remove the testimony to God that they all
carry. In 4.8, Nebuchadnezzar commented that Daniel was given a new name
“after the name of my god.”
In a similar way, Christians face the constant influence of the world, to
silence our testimony. Not only is there the temptation to sin, but there is the
compromise of the world, and the avoidance of our testimony of Christ.
V8
Although many in Babylon are in despair (Ps 137), Daniel has purpose of
heart, a principled stand, meaning that he draws a line at something that was
not acceptable. His stand is also gracious, for “he asked” (requested) not
to eat the special food. There is a challenge here to maintain a consistent
purpose and attitudes, matching our actions.
V9
Daniel’s blameless life has already brought him into favour with the
chief official.
V10
The chief official has a genuine concern for Daniel, thinking that a
change of food would spoil his appearance.
V11-14
Daniel’s response, polite but firm, enables him to maintain his stand,
and encourages his friends to stand with him. The four young men, probably
teenagers at this stage, confidently put themselves in God’s hand. The period
of ten days indicates a time of
trial, compare Rev 2.10.
V15-16
God honours them by a better and healthier appearance than those on the
richer diet; see 1 Thess 4.12; they walk properly, and lack nothing.
V17-20
More blessing from God; they grow in knowledge and skill, as we grow in
spiritual giftings. Nebuchadnezzar finds them “ten times better” than even
the magicians and astrologers, let alone other students. It is clear that
faithfulness to God will be rewarded.
V21 It is significant that Daniel continues in high office for many years.