Pastor Peter's Bible Insights

"Daniel was called, prepared, matured, and blessed of God. With the possible exception of Moses and Solomon, Daniel was the most learned man in the Old Testament and the most thoroughly trained for his important role in history and

Chapter one begins with Daniel at the tender age 13 or 14, taken by force from his

parents' home and marched over 900 miles around the Fertile Crescent to Babylon. The prominent feature of this chapter is Daniel's decision to be in Babylon but not like the Babylonians. His conviction as a teenager not to defile himself sets him apart and

Vs. 1 Jehoiakim had been appointed a vassal king of Neco II of Egypt after the battle between Josiah and Neco in the Iyron pass at Meggido. Josiah died in that battle. II Chronicles 35:20-25, II Chronicles 36:1-8

Following the defeat of the Egyptians at Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar swept through

the cities of Syria and the coastal strongholds of Tyre and Sidon, turning the Levant

cities into vassals of the Chaldeans. In the fall of 605 BC Jerusalem is offered peace

frontier," is recalled to Babylon to assume the throne after his father's death in 604

BC. Before he returned, he looted the temple treasury and took hostage 70 young men

of royal and high ranking decent. His purpose was to secure the submission of

"Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and all that your fathers have laid up in store to this day shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left," says the Lord. "And some of your sons who shall issue from you, whom you shall beget, shall be taken away; and they shall become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon." Isaiah 39:6-7

Vs. 2 Shinar is the Biblical name for the Province of Babylon (Gen 10:10; 11:2). Daniel attributes Jehoikim's capture to the Lord, not Nebuchadnezzar.

Numerous vessels of gold & silver used in the offerings and sacrifices were taken to Babylon. Ezra's partial list accounts for 5400 items. Ezra 1:9-11

Vs. 3 The name Ashpenaz has been found on ancient Babylonian monuments. One

of these, in the Berlin Archaeological Museum says, "Ashpenaz, master of eunuchs in the time of Nebuchadnezzar."

Vs. 5 The plan for the deported youth was train them to look, think, speak and eat like

Vs. 6 God specializes in placing men and women in critical places where they can

Vs. 7 The name changes are a shocking attempt to degrade men who lives are

dedicated to Jehovah. Daniel never uses his pagan name in his writing except when

Vs. 8 God is looking for people who will make up their minds to serve Him. Hesitation

Vs. 9 When God's favor is upon his children, they can do the impossible.

Vs. 12 The old KJV of the Bible uses the word "pulse" in this verse. Pulse is better

Vs. 18 Three years after coming to Babylon, Daniel and his friends graduated with

Vs. 21 Cyrus came to power in Babylon on October 11 or 12, 539 BC. Daniel spent

his life at court. After completing his training in Babylon at age 17, he served kings and

their kingdoms into his eighties. Outside the old city of Susa in the country of Iran, a

sacred site is still venerated by Muslims and Christians as the tomb of Daniel.



		Pastor Peter's Bible Insights Daniel Chapter One



"Daniel was called, prepared, matured, and blessed of God. With the possible exception of Moses and Solomon, Daniel was the most learned man in the Old Testament and the most thoroughly trained for his important role in history and literature." John Walvoord Chapter one begins with Daniel at the tender age 13 or 14, taken by force from his parents' home and marched over 900 miles around the Fertile Crescent to Babylon. The prominent feature of this chapter is Daniel's decision to be in Babylon but not like the Babylonians. His conviction as a teenager not to defile himself sets him apart and marks him as God's point man in Babylon. Vs. 1 Jehoiakim had been appointed a vassal king of Neco II of Egypt after the battle between Josiah and Neco in the Iyron pass at Meggido. Josiah died in that battle. II Chronicles 35:20-25, II Chronicles 36:1-8 Following the defeat of the Egyptians at Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar swept through the cities of Syria and the coastal strongholds of Tyre and Sidon, turning the Levant cities into vassals of the Chaldeans. In the fall of 605 BC Jerusalem is offered peace terms and surrenders. Nebuchadnezzar, whose name means "Nebo, protect my frontier," is recalled to Babylon to assume the throne after his father's death in 604 BC. Before he returned, he looted the temple treasury and took hostage 70 young men of royal and high ranking decent. His purpose was to secure the submission of Jerusalem. He reigned for 43 years. "Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and all that your fathers have laid up in store to this day shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left," says the Lord. "And some of your sons who shall issue from you, whom you shall beget, shall be taken away; and they shall become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon." Isaiah 39:6-7 Vs. 2 Shinar is the Biblical name for the Province of Babylon (Gen 10:10; 11:2). Daniel attributes Jehoikim's capture to the Lord, not Nebuchadnezzar. Numerous vessels of gold & silver used in the offerings and sacrifices were taken to Babylon. Ezra's partial list accounts for 5400 items. Ezra 1:9-11 Vs. 3 The name Ashpenaz has been found on ancient Babylonian monuments. One of these, in the Berlin Archaeological Museum says, "Ashpenaz, master of eunuchs in the time of Nebuchadnezzar." Vs. 4 The battleground for our future is always our children. Plato wrote: "The education of youth in Persia began at age 13." Xenophon wrote: "The education of youth in Persia ended at age 17." Vs. 5 The plan for the deported youth was train them to look, think, speak and eat like Babylonians. Vs. 6 God specializes in placing men and women in critical places where they can significantly influence a culture. Vs. 7 The name changes are a shocking attempt to degrade men who lives are dedicated to Jehovah. Daniel never uses his pagan name in his writing except when quoting someone else. Daniel "God is my judge" to Belteshazzar "Bel, protect my life" Hananiah "Jehovah is gracious" to Shadrach "I am fearful of god" Mishael "Who is He that is God" to Meshach "I am despised before my god" Azariah "The Lord is help" to Abednego "Servant of Nebo" Vs. 8 God is looking for people who will make up their minds to serve Him. Hesitation and procrastination keep people from being used by God. Vs. 9 When God's favor is upon his children, they can do the impossible. Vs. 12 The old KJV of the Bible uses the word "pulse" in this verse. Pulse is better translated "vegetables." Vs. 18 Three years after coming to Babylon, Daniel and his friends graduated with honor and entered into the king's personal service. Vs. 21 Cyrus came to power in Babylon on October 11 or 12, 539 BC. Daniel spent his life at court. After completing his training in Babylon at age 17, he served kings and their kingdoms into his eighties. Outside the old city of Susa in the country of Iran, a sacred site is still venerated by Muslims and Christians as the tomb of Daniel. Chapter Two Daniel Main Page

	This site is written and produced by Rev. Peter McLewin 2001, all rights reserved.

			Pastor Peter Bible Insights