Post by Admin on Apr 3, 2014 3:51:28 GMT -5
I will sing unto Yahweh as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have any being
In the year 605 BC Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire invaded Palestine, and Yahweh gave him victory over Jehoiachim, king of Judah (as He promised in 2 Kings 23:27), for Jerusalem had become idolatrous and an abomination unto Him (Jeremiah 11, 13:27). Both the priests and the people were evil at hearts. After the death of King Josiah, who was described as the most faithful and dedicated of all the kings that had reigned over God’s people (2 Kings 23:25), including David himself (2 Samuel 12:7-15), spiritual and moral degradation occurred rapidly, and God was obliged to destroy the kingdom only 22 years later. In spite of Josiah’s moral leadership and spiritual revival, Judah had declined so far as a nation, that a deep and national change was no longer possible.
Subsequently, God allowed this Babylonian king who reigned from 605BC to 562 BC to besiege Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels of the holy temple which he carried away, to Shinar and lodged in the temple of his god Bel, the chief god of the Babylonians (fulfillment of Isaiah 39:6). He also took as captives choice princes of Judah, thus commencing the seventy-year captivity of Judah predicted by Jeremiah as the word of Yahweh was given to him in Jeremiah 25:11-12. These young, good-looking, healthy, well-mannered and educated men of manifold wisdom were Nebuchadnezzar’s choice to have in his palace for training in royal etiquette, and to be taught the culture and language of the Chaldeans, making them useful in his royal service. Among them were Daniel and his three Hebrew friends who were chosen to fulfill Isaiah 39:7
On their arrival to Babylon, during the preparation for their royal inductions, these four choice princes were legalized as citizens and renamed with Babylonian names by their overseer Ashpenaz, a prince of the Eunuch.
Daniel (God is my Judge) was renamed Belteshazzer (Bel {chief god of Babylon} protect his life). Hananiah (The Lord has been gracious) was renamed Shedrach (Servant of Aku, that is the moon god). Mishael (Who is equal to God) was renamed Meshach (The shadow of the prince or who is this?). Azariah (The Lord has helped) was renamed Abednego (Servant of Nego, that is the god of wisdom or the morning star).
Giving names to captives or foreign slaves was a sign of them being under subjection (Genesis 41:45 2 Kings 24:17)
Under these stipulations by the king, were these young men chosen:
(1) They must be princes (verse 3)
(2) They must be youths (verse 4)
(3) Without physical blemish (verse 4)
(4) Handsome, good in appearance (verse 4)
(5) Well educated - skillful in wisdom (verse 4)
(6) Skillful in knowledge (verse 4)
(7) Proficient in science (verse 4)
(8) Refined and polished so as to be able to stand before the king (verse 4)
As citizens of Babylon they were given official responsibilities, but as dedicated Hebrew citizens they resolved to maintain their customs and remained loyal to Jehovah. For three years they were privileged to partake of luxurious royal dishes and fine wines that were specifically allocated for their consumption, but they refused to defile themselves with the Babylonian eating practices. So they despised the royal treatments and maintained God’s law and righteous principles.
Who knows, apparently these foods were even offered as oblation to the king’s idols, or they were forbidden according to health laws. Therefore, to eat such foods would have been utter disobedience to God’s laws and to drink such wines would have dulled their minds because of the intoxicating effect.
Daniel had made up his mind from the beginning not to be defiled; neither would he compromise his conviction, even if it resulted in his death. As a young man, he stood for righteousness as he was taught. He remained faithful to his belief, and maintained his allegiance to Abba Father and the laws that were instilled in him. He appeared to be the chief spokesman among the four (verse 8, 11-17).
His portrayal should be an example to all Believers. Faithfulness is required of us under all circumstances and in every situation we are involved. Many believers are always confronted with temptations but our faithfulness would reward us with strength and stability to firmly stand and progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trials. Jehovah will securely set us upon our high places and enable us to run through troops and leap over walls that are set up to be impediments in our pathway. Those who have not decided to remain true to the “Living Word” will find it difficult to resist sin or avoid confirming to the ways of the world.
Our allegiance to Yahweh will usher us into His unprecedented favor, which will surround us a shield (Psalms 5:12). When our ways please God, He will make even our enemies to be at peace with us, as He did with Daniel in verse 9. (Proverbs 16:7)
The closer we get to the end of days, the more we need the bright hope of the early church that radiated from the sepulchers and arenas of persecution to radiate in our lives today.
As we open to Luke 21 we find Jesus explaining how to impact our lost world for Him on a daily basis. We can make a choice, that makes our life able to powerfully display Him to a watching world; and that choice is to live in hope as these young men. When we live in hope we redeem our time, for the present days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Daily, life when filled with hope makes every moment count for eternity.
As Believers, hope should be alive in us guiding our thoughts and decisions in life. We should be marked among lost friends and relatives by our living hope which should be dis-played for their observation. If not, now is a great time to start doing so. Living in hope can redeem time, and invest it for eternity.
Daniel and his friends though they were objects of the king’s special attention, their faithfulness to Jehovah assured them of His mercy and favor.
Apparently, there were certain things of the king’s table that had been forbidden according to Yahweh’s law, hence he did not want to break it and be defiled. Possibly the meat was not butchered properly (Lev. 3:17, 7:26, 17:10-14, 19:26) and it was offered to idols (Ex. 34:15, 1 Cor. 10:20), so Daniel approached his immediate supervisor Melzar with grace and dignity, and proposed an experimental ten-day diet, during which they would partake of vegetables and water.
This was to prove the end results of their health, in comparison to those who were daily enjoying varieties of opulent royal dishes. This proposal was agreed upon, so they were left to partake of their own dietary meals for that time frame. At the end of the trial period, much to the amazement of his supervisors, these four appeared to be of a healthier and fairer countenance than the others who enjoyed the king’s delicacies.
This test was a challenge to Daniel’s faith in Yahweh. He knew with His divine intervention and special blessings they would not look any worse with the right food than others who did not obey the dietary and health laws he was taught.
God was on their side. He blessed them because they took a stand for a proper diet (verses 8-16). Hebrews 15:5 says God never forsakes the faithful, and Romans 8:31 says if God is for you who can be against you. As Believers, we have to vehemently stand for truth at the table of the enemy. There should be no compromise; we have to be either on the Lord’s side or the devil’s. There is no demilitarized zone on the battlefield.
In Deuteronomy 11:26-28, Jehovah says He has set before His people a blessing and a curse. A blessing if we obey His commandments and a curse if we but turn to worship other gods and disobey Him. Jehovah’s commandments in their purity are there to enlighten our eyes. Those young men knew this fully well, because their ancestors were given these very commandments on Mount Sinai through Moses, and were admonished to diligently teach them to their young ones (Deut. 6:7).
Obviously, these teachings infiltrated their minds and directed their lives, and because they maintained the nurturing they received from them, they found favor with Jehovah. If we endeavor to be committed unto Jehovah He will commit Himself to help us through every changing scenes of life. Our faithfulness to Him and His ways will qualify us to inherit His goodness and mercy. He will always remain with us and give us the help and grace that is needed for us to accomplish His will.
These young men were endowed with manifold wisdom from Jehovah. At the final examination, when they stood before Nebuchadnezzar they excelled in knowledge. They boldly stood before the king and endured the test of their intellect, as they surpassed the brilliance of all the magicians and astrologers of the Babylonian kingdom. The demonstration of their intelligence was a testimony of Yahweh’s grace and His omniscience.
Clearly in this scenario, it is seen that the weapons of our warfare are not made carnal, we must bring our lives into conformity to the word of God (2 Cor. 10:4).
Though we may live in the midst of Satan’s throne, where there is total paganism, we have to stand up for the truth so we may progress in the face of sacrifice. Believers do not need pre-eminence or popularity in this world system, because its doctrines are not in alignment with the Word of God.
Paul in his letter to the Galatians said, walking in the Spirit, averts fulfillment of fleshly desires (Gal. 5:16). It takes the grace of Jehovah for such accomplishment and only by faith in Him can we obtain it.
Grace is a generous gift from Abba, which we are not entitled to (Ephesians 2:8), and if we do not have faith in Him, such gift shall be refrained from us, because our walk is not pleasing unto Him (Hebrews 11:6)
Daniel, because he was continually active in the works of the Lord was endowed with a special gift in understanding all visions and dreams – the gift of interpretation, similarly like the ministerial gift which is mentioned in (1 Cor. 12:10, 30; 14:26-28). It was simply divine skill and understanding that was imparted by Yahweh.
This young man’s step was ordered in the word of Yahweh therefore, iniquity had no dominion over him. He and his friends were later delivered from the oppression of man as they kept Yahweh’s precepts. They experienced glorious deliverance during perplexed times. As they called upon the Great El Shaddai, He attended to the voice of their supplications and delivered them from deceitful tongues.
They have left golden trails of perfect examples for us to follow. Obedience will guarantee us favor with Yahweh. He will reward us with supernatural wisdom so we may function with prudence and find out knowledge of witty invention as did Daniel. Great and precious gifts come from Him who knows no shadow of turning or inconsistencies (James 1:17).
He will always come through for us as He did with Daniel, if we will only obey and trust Him. He is not unreachable. Jesus said in John 15:7 if we abide in him and His word abide in us whatever we ask of him we will receive. Do we need any more confirmation? Ok let us look at John 14:13-14, these were Jesus words, but we must love Him to be inheritors of His promises, and if we love Him we will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21), then both Yahweh and Yeshua shall reside in us through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Daniel’s decision to not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine was more than just for his health. The food allowed by God is to keep us separate from the world although we are in it.
The Hebrew word kadesh / kiddush means set apart. By keeping the eating requirements of God, the Hebrews kept themselves set apart, which is proven by the fact that the three Hebrew boys are the only ones mentioned in chapter who did not bow down to the statue of the king. As a result they were miraculously saved before this king’s eyes, (aside from Daniel in the lions den.)
So many others were there in captivity that obviously did bow down to the statue, and they had probably given up the ordained eating requirements and compromised the laws of Jehovah, which allowed them to assimilate into the Babylonian culture. By being absorbed into Babylon they lost their identity for a time and didn't experience the miracles that the ones who purposed in their heart to not defile their body (be set apart) for God, did receive.
Like us today, we are called to "come out of her", and be set apart for God. If we purpose in our heart to live holy, we will then experience His power in our lives.
Though these young men were in Babylon, Babylon was not in them and so should we be in this world system. Daniel remained in Babylon all his life. He even lived to witness the return of the first set of exiles to Judah in 538 BC
In the year 605 BC Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire invaded Palestine, and Yahweh gave him victory over Jehoiachim, king of Judah (as He promised in 2 Kings 23:27), for Jerusalem had become idolatrous and an abomination unto Him (Jeremiah 11, 13:27). Both the priests and the people were evil at hearts. After the death of King Josiah, who was described as the most faithful and dedicated of all the kings that had reigned over God’s people (2 Kings 23:25), including David himself (2 Samuel 12:7-15), spiritual and moral degradation occurred rapidly, and God was obliged to destroy the kingdom only 22 years later. In spite of Josiah’s moral leadership and spiritual revival, Judah had declined so far as a nation, that a deep and national change was no longer possible.
Subsequently, God allowed this Babylonian king who reigned from 605BC to 562 BC to besiege Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels of the holy temple which he carried away, to Shinar and lodged in the temple of his god Bel, the chief god of the Babylonians (fulfillment of Isaiah 39:6). He also took as captives choice princes of Judah, thus commencing the seventy-year captivity of Judah predicted by Jeremiah as the word of Yahweh was given to him in Jeremiah 25:11-12. These young, good-looking, healthy, well-mannered and educated men of manifold wisdom were Nebuchadnezzar’s choice to have in his palace for training in royal etiquette, and to be taught the culture and language of the Chaldeans, making them useful in his royal service. Among them were Daniel and his three Hebrew friends who were chosen to fulfill Isaiah 39:7
On their arrival to Babylon, during the preparation for their royal inductions, these four choice princes were legalized as citizens and renamed with Babylonian names by their overseer Ashpenaz, a prince of the Eunuch.
Daniel (God is my Judge) was renamed Belteshazzer (Bel {chief god of Babylon} protect his life). Hananiah (The Lord has been gracious) was renamed Shedrach (Servant of Aku, that is the moon god). Mishael (Who is equal to God) was renamed Meshach (The shadow of the prince or who is this?). Azariah (The Lord has helped) was renamed Abednego (Servant of Nego, that is the god of wisdom or the morning star).
Giving names to captives or foreign slaves was a sign of them being under subjection (Genesis 41:45 2 Kings 24:17)
Under these stipulations by the king, were these young men chosen:
(1) They must be princes (verse 3)
(2) They must be youths (verse 4)
(3) Without physical blemish (verse 4)
(4) Handsome, good in appearance (verse 4)
(5) Well educated - skillful in wisdom (verse 4)
(6) Skillful in knowledge (verse 4)
(7) Proficient in science (verse 4)
(8) Refined and polished so as to be able to stand before the king (verse 4)
As citizens of Babylon they were given official responsibilities, but as dedicated Hebrew citizens they resolved to maintain their customs and remained loyal to Jehovah. For three years they were privileged to partake of luxurious royal dishes and fine wines that were specifically allocated for their consumption, but they refused to defile themselves with the Babylonian eating practices. So they despised the royal treatments and maintained God’s law and righteous principles.
Who knows, apparently these foods were even offered as oblation to the king’s idols, or they were forbidden according to health laws. Therefore, to eat such foods would have been utter disobedience to God’s laws and to drink such wines would have dulled their minds because of the intoxicating effect.
Daniel had made up his mind from the beginning not to be defiled; neither would he compromise his conviction, even if it resulted in his death. As a young man, he stood for righteousness as he was taught. He remained faithful to his belief, and maintained his allegiance to Abba Father and the laws that were instilled in him. He appeared to be the chief spokesman among the four (verse 8, 11-17).
His portrayal should be an example to all Believers. Faithfulness is required of us under all circumstances and in every situation we are involved. Many believers are always confronted with temptations but our faithfulness would reward us with strength and stability to firmly stand and progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trials. Jehovah will securely set us upon our high places and enable us to run through troops and leap over walls that are set up to be impediments in our pathway. Those who have not decided to remain true to the “Living Word” will find it difficult to resist sin or avoid confirming to the ways of the world.
Our allegiance to Yahweh will usher us into His unprecedented favor, which will surround us a shield (Psalms 5:12). When our ways please God, He will make even our enemies to be at peace with us, as He did with Daniel in verse 9. (Proverbs 16:7)
The closer we get to the end of days, the more we need the bright hope of the early church that radiated from the sepulchers and arenas of persecution to radiate in our lives today.
As we open to Luke 21 we find Jesus explaining how to impact our lost world for Him on a daily basis. We can make a choice, that makes our life able to powerfully display Him to a watching world; and that choice is to live in hope as these young men. When we live in hope we redeem our time, for the present days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Daily, life when filled with hope makes every moment count for eternity.
As Believers, hope should be alive in us guiding our thoughts and decisions in life. We should be marked among lost friends and relatives by our living hope which should be dis-played for their observation. If not, now is a great time to start doing so. Living in hope can redeem time, and invest it for eternity.
Daniel and his friends though they were objects of the king’s special attention, their faithfulness to Jehovah assured them of His mercy and favor.
Apparently, there were certain things of the king’s table that had been forbidden according to Yahweh’s law, hence he did not want to break it and be defiled. Possibly the meat was not butchered properly (Lev. 3:17, 7:26, 17:10-14, 19:26) and it was offered to idols (Ex. 34:15, 1 Cor. 10:20), so Daniel approached his immediate supervisor Melzar with grace and dignity, and proposed an experimental ten-day diet, during which they would partake of vegetables and water.
This was to prove the end results of their health, in comparison to those who were daily enjoying varieties of opulent royal dishes. This proposal was agreed upon, so they were left to partake of their own dietary meals for that time frame. At the end of the trial period, much to the amazement of his supervisors, these four appeared to be of a healthier and fairer countenance than the others who enjoyed the king’s delicacies.
This test was a challenge to Daniel’s faith in Yahweh. He knew with His divine intervention and special blessings they would not look any worse with the right food than others who did not obey the dietary and health laws he was taught.
God was on their side. He blessed them because they took a stand for a proper diet (verses 8-16). Hebrews 15:5 says God never forsakes the faithful, and Romans 8:31 says if God is for you who can be against you. As Believers, we have to vehemently stand for truth at the table of the enemy. There should be no compromise; we have to be either on the Lord’s side or the devil’s. There is no demilitarized zone on the battlefield.
In Deuteronomy 11:26-28, Jehovah says He has set before His people a blessing and a curse. A blessing if we obey His commandments and a curse if we but turn to worship other gods and disobey Him. Jehovah’s commandments in their purity are there to enlighten our eyes. Those young men knew this fully well, because their ancestors were given these very commandments on Mount Sinai through Moses, and were admonished to diligently teach them to their young ones (Deut. 6:7).
Obviously, these teachings infiltrated their minds and directed their lives, and because they maintained the nurturing they received from them, they found favor with Jehovah. If we endeavor to be committed unto Jehovah He will commit Himself to help us through every changing scenes of life. Our faithfulness to Him and His ways will qualify us to inherit His goodness and mercy. He will always remain with us and give us the help and grace that is needed for us to accomplish His will.
These young men were endowed with manifold wisdom from Jehovah. At the final examination, when they stood before Nebuchadnezzar they excelled in knowledge. They boldly stood before the king and endured the test of their intellect, as they surpassed the brilliance of all the magicians and astrologers of the Babylonian kingdom. The demonstration of their intelligence was a testimony of Yahweh’s grace and His omniscience.
Clearly in this scenario, it is seen that the weapons of our warfare are not made carnal, we must bring our lives into conformity to the word of God (2 Cor. 10:4).
Though we may live in the midst of Satan’s throne, where there is total paganism, we have to stand up for the truth so we may progress in the face of sacrifice. Believers do not need pre-eminence or popularity in this world system, because its doctrines are not in alignment with the Word of God.
Paul in his letter to the Galatians said, walking in the Spirit, averts fulfillment of fleshly desires (Gal. 5:16). It takes the grace of Jehovah for such accomplishment and only by faith in Him can we obtain it.
Grace is a generous gift from Abba, which we are not entitled to (Ephesians 2:8), and if we do not have faith in Him, such gift shall be refrained from us, because our walk is not pleasing unto Him (Hebrews 11:6)
Daniel, because he was continually active in the works of the Lord was endowed with a special gift in understanding all visions and dreams – the gift of interpretation, similarly like the ministerial gift which is mentioned in (1 Cor. 12:10, 30; 14:26-28). It was simply divine skill and understanding that was imparted by Yahweh.
This young man’s step was ordered in the word of Yahweh therefore, iniquity had no dominion over him. He and his friends were later delivered from the oppression of man as they kept Yahweh’s precepts. They experienced glorious deliverance during perplexed times. As they called upon the Great El Shaddai, He attended to the voice of their supplications and delivered them from deceitful tongues.
They have left golden trails of perfect examples for us to follow. Obedience will guarantee us favor with Yahweh. He will reward us with supernatural wisdom so we may function with prudence and find out knowledge of witty invention as did Daniel. Great and precious gifts come from Him who knows no shadow of turning or inconsistencies (James 1:17).
He will always come through for us as He did with Daniel, if we will only obey and trust Him. He is not unreachable. Jesus said in John 15:7 if we abide in him and His word abide in us whatever we ask of him we will receive. Do we need any more confirmation? Ok let us look at John 14:13-14, these were Jesus words, but we must love Him to be inheritors of His promises, and if we love Him we will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21), then both Yahweh and Yeshua shall reside in us through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Daniel’s decision to not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine was more than just for his health. The food allowed by God is to keep us separate from the world although we are in it.
The Hebrew word kadesh / kiddush means set apart. By keeping the eating requirements of God, the Hebrews kept themselves set apart, which is proven by the fact that the three Hebrew boys are the only ones mentioned in chapter who did not bow down to the statue of the king. As a result they were miraculously saved before this king’s eyes, (aside from Daniel in the lions den.)
So many others were there in captivity that obviously did bow down to the statue, and they had probably given up the ordained eating requirements and compromised the laws of Jehovah, which allowed them to assimilate into the Babylonian culture. By being absorbed into Babylon they lost their identity for a time and didn't experience the miracles that the ones who purposed in their heart to not defile their body (be set apart) for God, did receive.
Like us today, we are called to "come out of her", and be set apart for God. If we purpose in our heart to live holy, we will then experience His power in our lives.
Though these young men were in Babylon, Babylon was not in them and so should we be in this world system. Daniel remained in Babylon all his life. He even lived to witness the return of the first set of exiles to Judah in 538 BC
