Today's Thoughts....

 About The Book of Daniel 1

I have been doing a study of Daniel and I find his character to be one of faithfulness and obedience. I can't imagine from the very first day of arriving in Babylon it must have been quite a culture shock to him and his friends as they entered that grand city. 

Judging from the criteria laid out in Daniel 1,  the servants that were chosen had to be the Best of the Best to be fit for the king. From Day 1 Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah refused to let themselves be defiled by the food or wine brought to them but instead requested only water and vegetables for him and his friends. He also added to put them to the test after 10 days to the guard to see if they were fit. 

Of course Daniel and his friends never did anything without going to God first. Prayer was essential and a daily routine for them.

                                      

NOTE:We know the other 3 as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego changed by King Nebuchadnezzar but( Their given names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) King Nebuchadnezzar also changed  Daniel's name to Baltshezzar. 

I guess it could be said they were some of the first recorded vegetarians. Lol I don't know that for sure but I do know that they were determined to "Stick to the Program" no matter the cost. This thought, of course, in that environment was a deadly one as it would have been seen as a defiance to the king. Of course God who was ever present stepped in and made this request possible by changing the mind and heart of the guard.

So my question to you is..

1. Have you found yourself in unfamiliar territory and you didn't know what to do or to say so you avoid it or are you like Daniel and trusted that God would intervene in your behalf?

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Let me know which one applies to you if you'd like. This isn't for debate or judgement.

I have found myself in both camps at times and it would be nice to know I'm not alone.

To finish the chapter things went well for him and his friends because with the help of God they were healthy and in much better condition than the servants who ate the royal food. 

I also find it interesting that only captives they would accept had the following criteria; Young men without; physical defect, handsome and showing aptitude in every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in a king's palace (So they had probably had some sort nobility and position close to king Jehokiam of Judah from where they came. Along with these young men came the treasures from the Temple of God as well. 

The Babylonians did not worship God but many pagan deities or gods so none of these articles held any holy significance other than their monetary value. In a way they were like pirates plundering for their booty to store it away for themselves. 

I will end this here and pick up on Chapter 2 next time. If you have any further insights on this please feel free to share. God Bless🙏