1. 1. Lesson 5 for August 1, 2015
2. 2. Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the kings descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the kings palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:3-4) Daniel and his friends had to follow their faith without the main pillars of Judaism in Babylon: The temple, the priesthood and the sacrifices. Daniels testimony in that strange land was recorded in the Bible: Daniel 1:8. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Daniel 2:47. Truly your God is the God of gods. Daniel 5:12. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding were found in this Daniel. Daniel 6:4. They could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful.
3. 3. God used the exiled believers to testify before the Babylonian kings several times so they could be converted. Daniel 2 He accepted God as being greater than other gods. Daniel 3 He saw Jesus and praised God before his subjects. Daniel 4 He was finally humiliated and converted. Daniel 5 Sadly, he didnt accept God.
4. 4. Through the Hebrew captives the Lord was made known to the heathen in Babylon. This idolatrous nation was given a knowledge of the kingdom the Lord was to establish, and through His power maintain against all the power and craft of Satan. Daniel and his fellow-companions, Ezra and Nehemiah, and many others were witnesses for God in their captivity. The Lord scattered them among the kingdoms of the earth that their light might shine brightly amid the black darkness of heathenism and idolatry. E.G.W. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, on Daniel 2:47)
5. 5. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:3) Daniel was a minister in the previous government. Still he was respected in the new rgime because of his honesty and faithfulness. Darius had confidence in him. He knew Daniel had a strong relationship with God: Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you. (Daniel 6:16). Daniels testimony ended up as a royal decree that read men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. (Daniel 6:26). It doesnt matter where you are or the circumstances around you. God calls you to be a witness by living an upright life in communion with Him.
6. 6. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14) Daniel had several visions about the End Time (Daniel 8:17, 19; 12:4, 9, 13). Those visions have been a living testimony over many generations, so we could strength our trust in Gods Word. The main theme in all those prophecies is the establishment of Gods eternal kingdom on Earth. Jesus used Daniels prophecies when He talked about the signs of His Coming and the preaching of the Gospel in the whole world (Matthew 24:14-16).
7. 7. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. (Jeremiah 29:7) God allowed that several men and women were sent to exile so they could testify there, either actively or passively. They were a blessing for both the people and God and the country they lived in. They knew he was Hebrew. He made his religious convictions public. God protected him and his friends. He testified from important positions to save his and other peoples lives. They didnt know she was Hebrew. She kept her religion secret. God protected her and her family. She testified from important positions to save her and her peoples lives. They knew he was Hebrew. He made his religious convictions public. God protected him and his family. He testified from important positions to save that country and his family.
8. 8. What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose. E.G.W. (Education, cp. 7, pg. 57) Lets give our life to God so He can use us to fulfill His good purpose.