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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.