Have you heard the story
of the four young men who were plucked from Judah and planted in Babylon? They were healthy and strong, and good-looking too; yet they were pulled right out of the Judean soil. The powerful army of Babylon marched right in and captured them. King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that the royal family and the noblest young men be picked from Judah and brought to serve him. He took the youth who were highly educated and indoctrinated them into the Babylonian culture. ***Sounds a lot like today*** His first objective was to change their identity. If they didn't know who they were then they would be easy to lead. He had them educated in Babylonian literature and Babylonian history too, then he changed their language and their birth names. Daniel became Belteshazzar, and his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azaraih became Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago. And even though they were offered pleasantries, there was one thing this king could not take - the fear of the Lord that was hidden in their hearts. Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and the wine given to him by the king. He asked for permission not to eat the unacceptable foods, and was given favor by the staff who was attending to him. Daniel and his friends, drank only water and ate only vegetables, and yet over ten days, they grew even more healthy and strong. When the attendant saw this, he agreed to continue on - he no longer feared the consequence of being beheaded. God’s grace was extended, by their faithful God, who gifted them abundantly with an unusual aptitude. These young men must have been like Solomon, because scripture says, "they could understand every aspect of literature and wisdom." They exhibited excellent judgment, and after only three years - they were entered into the king's royal service. But there was something different about Daniel. God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. Tomorrow I will look at Daniel Chapter 2 which has and interesting title, "Nebuchadnezzar's Dream."
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