By B. E. Avery (England)
Daniel is introduced to us in the first chapter of the book that bears his name. He had been carried away into Babylon, his prospects of ‘advancement’ among his own people seemed lost and he was to face many difficulties. In touch with Israel’s God, he was able to turn these same difficulties into opportunities to serve God and be a blessing to others. All was not lost, for the king of Babylon was to give him and to others, the opportunity to serve in his palace.
Preparation began quickly. A new language had to be learned, new names applied and they were introduced to a special diet. In a new country with new studies too — everything to encourage an enthusiastic adaptation to change. We are told in v8 that Daniel had a heart exercise “to obey God rather than men,” Acts 5.29. He, therefore, politely requested Melzar, the prince of the eunuchs, not to bring him the food which would cause him to be defiled. This caused Melzar great concern and he explained his fears to Daniel. He thought that the diet of pulse and water would soon show itself in the thin, pale faces of the participants and he would be in serious trouble. Daniel suggested a ten day trial period and Melzar agreed. Of course, God honoured His servants and rather than being worse looking, the very opposite had taken place! It is no surprise as we draw the spiritual lesson that a diet of pulse (vegetables or seed food), typical of the Word of God and water, typical of the Holy Spirit, will always produce healthy Christians. The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in his realm.
In chapter two the king had a remarkable dream, which he appeared to have forgotten, unless he decided to hide the facts to authenticate the interpretation. None could help, so he commanded that all the wise men should be slain. Daniel, on being informed of this, asked the king for time and he would make known the interpretation. What faith! Perhaps he was remembering Gen.40.8 as he would have known Joseph’s history. Fellowship was added to faith as he and his companions joined in prayer. So as we have a problem, united prayer, laying hold on God with unflinching faith, can be followed by praise. Worship is to be followed by witness.
Daniel was brought before the king and is introduced as “a man of the captives of Judah,” v25. He was maintaining his separation. In v26 the question is asked, “art thou able?” How easily Daniel could have answered, “Yes, but no!” He points out that God is making known to the king His plan for the ages ahead. This humble attitude is continued in v30, “as for me …” The reader should read these verses and grasp the thoughts of Daniel at this auspicious time. “… maketh known to thee …”, v29. Note how all the glory is given to God. Compare v10 with v28, “there is not a man upon the earth …”, “… there is a God in heaven …” Daniel was taking a leaf out of Joseph’s experience here. He was another man of God in a strange land with the rulers’ dreams to interpret! Note Gen.41.16, “it is not in me,” Joseph cries, “God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Note also v25, “what God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh” — not me!
Pharaoh’s dream has to with the coming 14 years, Nebuchadnezzar’s with the rest of time ahead, at least over 3,600 years. Both interpreters show much humility and give glory to God. Satan fails to spoil their usefulness and testimony, through pride. We wonder how many of us would have stood this test.
At the end of ch.2, Daniel is given the opportunity for promotion, but hands it over to his three friends. What a lovely spirit he shows again.
He had more difficulties to face throughout his long life in captivity but he was faithful to God in later years as he was in his youth. May we too be given grace to serve our God, Daniel’s God, whom we have come to know in a more intimate way through the work of His Son, our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit and the complete canon of Holy Scripture.