Daniel 1

The Book of Daniel begins with a brief introduction on what had taken place before it was written.


1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. Daniel 1:1-2.


Previously, in 2 Kings 24, this was recorded in more detail, and therefore includes that King Jehoiakim became King Nebuchadnezzar's servant, after Judah was beseiged.

What is prominent and stands out most about this passage is that Daniel does not neglect to mention that it was the hand of God that allowed for the King of Babylon to take over Judah. For years Jeremiah stood before the people of Judah and pleaded with them to turn from their ways and to repent, but like the servants in the Parable of The Wicked Husbandmen, (Luke 20:9-16), he was wounded and oppressed. Jeremiah said, "the Lord hath sent utno you all his servants prophetes, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear." (Jeremiah 25:4).

Therefore, because all Judah had not turned from their ways seventy years of exile was theirs, and the Lord took from them, "the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle", and these nations, were to "serve the King of Bablyon seventy years" (Jeremiah 25:10-11).

And so, in the third year of King Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar came and beseiged Jerusalem.

When he took over Judah, he

burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. 10And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about. 11Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. 12But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen. 13And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon. 14And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. 15And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away. 16The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. 17The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work. [2 Chronicles 36]


These articles from the house of God were taken to the treasure house of Nebuchadnezzar's god.

Nebuchadnzzar then instructed the master of his eunuchs, Ashpenaz, to take some of the children of Israel, among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles; and these young men were to have no blemish, to be well favoured, and skilful, wise and cunning in knowledge and understanding science, so they may serve in the king’s palace. Therefore these young men were to be taught the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans. Babylonian customs and methods were to be used in the training and learning of the young men summoned. Therefore, daily provisions of the king’s meat and wine were appointed for three years, this was a test, so that the strongest, most diligent and wisest would stand before the king.

However, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, knew the diet which was most profitable for their bodies, one which would not cause them to dishonour their God nor their law and they purposed that they would not defile themselves. Therefore, the hand of God was over them, His love protected them as a shield and buckler, they remained faithful to God, and in turn He was faithful to them. So is the mercy of God, to those that fear Him. Therefore, God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. As with Esther, centuries later, God was mighty to save, His hand was outstretched to those four Hebrew boys and a way was made that they would be able to glorify and obey Him. The prince of the eunuchs, at first, was afraid that the king would have his head, if Daniel and his companions appeared any worse than those who ate from the required diet. However, Daniel was determined he would not defile himself, therefore he told the prince of the eunuchs to test them for ten days, during which they would only eat pulse (vegetables) and drink water. Their appearance was then to be examined before him and the faith of Daniel was so strong, he was able to say, “And as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” And by the grace of God alone, ten days were consented them concerning this matter. Verse 17 goes on to say:

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.


God is faithful, and because of their faithfulness to Him, at the end of the ten days they were brought before the king and in all matters of wisdom and understanding, they were ten times better than the magicians and astrologers in the king’s realm. God’s mercy and love to the man who fears Him is beyond measure, so much so, that “Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus” Daniel 1:21.

The Book of Daniel

The book of Daniel is filled with many relevant, and astounding prophecies that prove (1) the Truth of God's Word and (2) the vast wisdom and knowledge of the God of the Bible. In this book, we realise that God does reveal His secrets to His friends (Amos 3:7, John 15:15), and that as far as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them (Psalm 103:11). As we study this book together, looking at the prophecies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, it is our prayer that you will be abundantly blessed.

The study of the Bible is superior to all other study in strengthening the intellect...The mind may go deeper and still deeper in its research, gathering strength with every effort to comprehend truth; and yet there is an infinity beyond.(MYP p253)

For the year 2010, we will focus on the book of Daniel, feel free to ask any questions, or to post any knowledge that you may have on the prophecies written in this inspired book. Per week, we will focus on the topics or messages that God is presenting before us in three chapters, as previously mentioned, questions and input are welcomed.


January 1st - March 31st - Chapters 1, 2 & 3
April 1st - June 30th - Chapters 4, 5 & 6
July 1st - September 30th - Chapters 7, 8 & 9
October 1st - 31st December - Chapters 10, 11 & 12.



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