Daniel the Prophet – Daniel 1 part 1
Have You Purposed In Your Heart?
We will begin a series going through the prophetic book of Daniel. We will see in Daniel chapter one, the firm resolve that Daniel and his three companions had to stand for the right while in the most powerful nation at that time.
The Story of Daniel the Prophet 13: Although Daniel lived twenty-five hundred years ago, he is a latter-day prophet. His character should be studied, for its development reveals the secret of God’s preparation of those who will welcome Christ at his appearing. His prophecies should be understood, for in them is the key which unlocks history to the end of time. The Saviour himself bore witness to this. When the disciples asked, “What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?” he said, “When ye see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet …whoso readeth, let him understand.” In this we have the divine permission to read and understand the prophecies of Daniel. These prophecies are intended, therefore, to warn a people of the coming of Christ. {SDP 13.1}
Note: The context of Daniel 1 takes place under the first siege of Jerusalem by Babylon. There were three sieges of Jerusalem by Babylon in total (see 2 Kings 24 and 25 for confirmation). We know that Daniel 1 is the first siege because Jehoiakim was the king reigning, according to Daniel 1:1, and Daniel 1:2 tells us that only part of the vessels of the house of God were taken down to Babylon. The entirety of the vessels from the temple were not taken until the second siege of Jerusalem under king Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8-17).
1. Read Daniel 1:3-4. The purpose of Nebuchadnezzar bringing those well favored children down to Babylon was to influence them to be like the Babylonians. Let’s analyze the three main things Nebuchadnezzar used to accomplish his goal. What were the three primary things Nebuchadnezzar used to influence Daniel and the three Hebrew boys to become like the Babylonians?
a) Daniel 1:3, 4
b) Daniel 1:5
c) Daniel 1:6-7
Note: The book of Daniel and the book of Revelation are one and the same book. Just like in the days of Daniel, Babylon in these last days will use these same three things to cause God’s saints to compromise their faith. Let us confirm this in the following points.
2. Modern-day Babylon primarily represents the Papacy (Revelation 17:1-6; Revelation 13:1-11). Which animal makes up the majority of the beast in Revelation 13:2?
3. Which nation does the leopard represent, and what was that nation known for? Daniel 7:5-6; 8:5-7, 20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:22
Note: It is a well known fact that Roman Catholicism has one of the largest educational systems in the world, and it is one of the largest churches in the world by membership. However, according to the Bible, this system’s education and doctrinal teachings lead to sin and error (Note that Jezebel is a symbol of the Papacy – Revelation 2:20; 2 Peter 2:1). Furthermore, worldly, secular education has influenced and is influencing many people to turn against Jesus and His truth.
4. Compare Daniel 1:4 with Proverbs 22:6. Why did Nebuchadnezzar choose children and youth to be educated in Babylon’s customs?
5. By contrast, Proverbs 22:6 is also a positive scripture; Daniel and his companions stood firm against corruption largely because of their upbringing. What hope is there for children and youth who do not want to depart from their spiritual upbringing? 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Prophets and Kings 482: Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught that God would hold them accountable for their capabilities, and that they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers. This education was to Daniel and his companions the means of their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences of the court of Babylon. Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court, but they remained uncontaminated. No power, no influence, could sway them from the principles they had learned in early life by a study of the word and works of God. {PK 482.2}
6. In addition to changing their education, Nebuchadnezzar also changed the diet of the majority of the Hebrews. What beverage did Nebuchadnezzar serve, and what beverage is modern Babylon serving (literally and spiritually)? Daniel 1:5; Revelation 18:2, 3
7. In a spiritual sense, wine in the Bible refers to false doctrines and error (Isaiah 28:7; Proverbs 20:1). What effect does wine have, which is why modern day Babylon is serving it? Proverbs 31:4-5; 20:1
8. Just as Nebuchadnezzar served meat, the world teaches that a meat-based diet is optimal for one’s health. Read Proverbs 23:1-3, 20-21. What admonition is given in verse two?
Answer: Restrain and moderate your appetite as if a knife were at your throat hindering you to eat or swallow; Secondly, being gluttonous is just as dangerous as putting a knife to your throat because both kill!
9. Notice how Proverbs 23 is reminiscent of the scene in Daniel 1. How does the Bible describe meat in Proverbs 23:3?
10. What groups are conflated together? Proverbs 23:20-21
Note: Proverbs 23 is teaching us that we must carefully guard our health. Notice that the drunkards are classed with meat eaters. Both of these groups we should stay away from because partaking of fermented wine and flesh-foods cloud our judgment and the supposed “health benefits” of them are deceptive. Ancient Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar served these items to becloud the senses of the Hebrew captives and in the world today, some are being deceived by false doctrines; others are being deceived by the food they eat, which causes them to make wrong decisions.
11. Nebuchadnezzar also changed the names of the Hebrews. A name, in scripture, is a symbol of character (Exodus 34:5-7; Genesis 32:27-29). Does modern Babylon (the Papacy, the beast power) seek to change people’s names? What name is given to these individuals who compromise with God’s truth? Revelation 13:17; 14:11
Note: We just saw the comparison between the two Babylons and how education, diet, and the reinforcing of a demoralized character was used and is being used to cause people to compromise their walk with God. Now, let us turn our attention to Daniel and the three Hebrews who chose to do what is right in spite of their surroundings.
12. What did Daniel purpose in his heart? Daniel 1:8
Prophets and Kings 482: Had Daniel so desired, he might have found in his surroundings a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate habits. He might have argued that, dependent as he was on the king’s favor and subject to his power, there was no other course for him to pursue than to eat of the king’s food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere to the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably lose his position and his life. Should he disregard the commandment of the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and secure for himself intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects. {PK 482.3}
Prophets and Kings 483: But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer than life itself. He determined to stand firm in his integrity, let the result be what it might. He “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.” And in this resolve he was supported by his three companions. {PK 483.1}
13. What diet did Daniel and his companions choose to eat? What was the original diet God gave to man? Daniel 1:12; Genesis 1:29; 3:18
The Ministry of Healing 296: Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet. {MH 296.1}
14. What did Melzar think would be the result of this diet, which many people still believe today? Daniel 1:10
15. What was the end result of following God’s way in the area of health? Daniel 1:15, 17
16. If we want to be saved, we must choose, like Daniel, not to defile our bodies. Besides putting substances into our bodies that are unhealthy, how else can a person be defiled?
a) Titus 1:15, 16
b) James 3:6
17. What will God do if we are disobedient and choose to defile our bodies? 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Revelation 21:27
18. Like Daniel and his companions, we must have a strong resolve or purpose to do what is right if we will obtain heaven. Based on Psalm 17:3-5, what should we purpose to do?
19. Why is it that our purposes to do right often fail? Proverbs 15:22
20. From whom must we obtain this counsel to succeed in the path of righteousness? Isaiah 9:6