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Sunday School Lesson
In a me-first society, there is a lack of personal commitment to any worthwhile cause or purpose. With this inward focus, many individuals seem to think that the world revolves around them. This center of the universe mentality does not allow the outward application of love and compassion. This lack of commitment is carried over into all areas of life. There has, obviously, been a break-down of the marriage relationship. The love for one's own children is lacking in many situations, resulting in abuse and neglect of those for whom we have a God-given responsibility. The nation of Judah had neglected the worship that had been established under the leadership of King David and his son, King Solomon. The degraded rituals that had developed finally reached the point of setting up idol worship in the sanctuary of Jehovah - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their forefathers. The heavenly father - the creator of the universe - sent prophets to this wayward nation, with messages that called for repentance, and returning to the worship that had been established. At best, these messengers were ignored. Many were abused and killed, because they were faithful in presenting their heart-cry to the nation. This attitude continued until judgment came. This judgment was administered by the Assyrians on the northern kingdom, and by the Babylonians on the southern kingdom - the kingdom of Judah. When the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem, the first of three groups of captives was carried to Babylon. At this time, the symbols of worship were removed, and carried into the house of idols. Daniel 1:2. This fact was prophesied by Isaiah. 2 Kings 20:16-18. The royal instruction was given to the officer in charge of the gathering of selective slaves. He was to bring "certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.' Daniel 1:3b, 4. This group was to be given special treatment. "And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king." Daniel 1:5. The exact number of captives is not clear, but of this group, four are named - Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Daniel 1:6. The prince of the eunuchs gave these Jewish boys Babylonian names. Daniel 1:7. Thus, the intent seemed to have been to remove them as far as possible from their Jewish roots, as they were taught the customs and language of the Babylonians. The record is clear concerning the attitude of one of these young men - Daniel. He seemed to have been the spokesman for this small group. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank…" Daniel 1:8a, b. It is possible to do the right thing the wrong way. However, this was not the case with these young men - "therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." Daniel 1:8c. The record tells us that "God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs." Daniel 1:9. Even with this positive attitude toward his charges, this man knew that his life was on the line regarding their care. "And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king." Daniel 1:10. Daniel showed respect to this man, and to his position. He proposed a 10 day experiment. "Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, 10 days: and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants." Daniel 1:11-13. We are told that "he consented to them in this matter, and proved them 10 days". Daniel 1:14. At the end of the experimental period, "their countenances appeared fairer and fatter of flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat." Daniel 1:15. With this positive results, we are told that "Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that thy should drink; and gave them pulse". Daniel 1:16. There is no indication that these four captives had received any special instruction in the teachings of the law of God that had not been given to all of the other members of this group. However, there seemed to have been some kind of personal intent in the hearts and minds of these young men that was missing in the others who were now away from home. Time marches on. All of these captives were given the necessary training for the tasks that would fall their lot as part of the Babylonian kingdom. "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." Daniel 1:17. The proof of the pie is in the eating. The end of this time of training came, and the individuals were brought into the presence of the king for the final test. Daniel 1:18. "And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king." Daniel 1:19. The assessment was given. "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them 10 times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel 1:20. Daniel served under kings of three dynasties that ruled that region. Daniel 1:21.
These young men must have been quite well trained in the things of the law and sacred writings before they were dragged from their homeland. No doubt, they were familiar with the Proverbs. They knew that "before honour is humility". Proverbs 15:33b. How well-versed are we in the holy scriptures? Have we allowed the divine principles to guide our thoughts and actions? If this has not been the case up to this point, why not commit to using the divine word as a guide for your life? You can know peace that has been promised to those who will allow Jesus Christ of Nazareth to be the Lord of his or her life. John 14:27. Please make this choice, today.
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