Tower Revisited

DANIEL CHAPTER ONE Part 2 – Bro. David Rice

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DANIEL CHAPTER ONE [Part 2] – By Bro. David Rice

The Value of a Godly Conscience

The opening chapter of this remarkable book describes the captivity of Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, who were four young men among a number of others taken captive from Israel to Babylon at the same time.

The names of these four young Hebrews are “Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah”, which are their Hebrew names (Daniel 1:6). They were given different names by their Babylonian captors, namely Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:7). They were taken captive at an early age, probably their middle to late teen years. Jehoiakim was king of Judah at the time, and this captivity came in the third year of his eleven-year reign.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it” (Daniel 1:1). This was the first of four captivities of Israelites to Babylon, all at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel went captive in the third year of King Jehoiakim. Ezekiel went captive eight years later, during the three-month reign of Jehoiachin. [2 Kings 24:8,12-16; Eze. 1:1-2] Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, a brother of Jehoiakim, went captive at the end of his eleven-year reign. [2 Kings 24:17-18, 25:6-7] That was “the third time” Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:14). The fourth and last captivity, five years later, was of Jews who fled to Egypt after the deportation of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 52:30, 43:7-11).

The dates of these captivities were 605 BC, 597 BC, 587 BC, and 582 BC, respectively. We can assign these explicit dates because God has provided them, by linking these episodes firmly to the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar in the record of Scripture. Nebuchadnezzar, being a king of a broad empire – the first of the series of empires in Daniel’s visions – is firmly dated in history.

Dates for the reign of Nebuchadnezzar are established in several ways. One of the most direct means is a series of eclipses of the moon which were recorded during his long 43-year reign. “We have records of lunar eclipses in years 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 30, 31, 32, 41 and 42 of his long reign, which assign these years to the dates 604, 593, 592, 591, 590, 575, 574, 573, 564 and 563 BC.” *{*The Stream of Time, page 87. This work is available from us on request, in either electronic or printed form. The source for this information is Supplement to The Gentile Times Reconsidered, page 42, Carl Olof Jonsson, Odeon Books, August 1989.} Subsequent research has identified more than two dozen such eclipses. **{**The Gentile Times Reconsidered, Third Edition, 1998, page 182.} Each of these independently dates the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. The united testimony of the collection is beyond reasonable doubt.

Thus firmly has God provided the means for establishing the time of Daniel’s remarkable prophecies, and the history of Israel with which his narrative intertwines. This is valuable evidence for the integrity of the divine record, which, [A]as we noted in our previous issue, is debated by those who have cause to impugn the prophecies of Daniel.

Famous Among His Contemporaries

By the time Ezekiel came to Babylon, Daniel was already famous for his devotion to conscience (chapter one), and for interpreting a dream of Nebuchadnezzar (chapter two), and had been highly elevated in the kingdom. So, though the book of Ezekiel appears before the book of Daniel in our Bibles, the episodes recorded of Daniel began earlier than the narrative of Ezekiel.

Daniel was held in high esteem by his captive Israelite countrymen. Even God commented to Ezekiel about the faith of “Noah, Daniel, and Job,” placing him in very exclusive company (Ezekiel 14:14, 20).

A Test of Conscience

Daniel would be highly favoured of God, as the recipient of remarkable prophecies, by which Daniel would become esteemed by his peers, by Jews ever since his day, by Christians for now almost 2000 years, and during the Millennium by the entire world. Such privilege for a young captive in a pagan kingdom is extraordinary. It is fitting that in preparation for his career, there would be some tests of fidelity, character and loyalty to God and such tests came early.

Daniel and his three friends were bright and promising young men in training for service to the king. As such the king supplied the best of provisions for them, including “a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.” [Dan. 1:5]

But this apparent favour contained a problem for the conscience of these Hebrews, for meat from the king’s table was probably offered to a Babylonian God, and was thus, as Paul terms it, “meat offered to idols.” [1 Cor. 8:10; Acts 15:29] To eat such meat was reprehensible to the Jews then, even as it was in Paul’s day. It would imply a measure of respect or support for false gods which was improper in light of their devotion to Jehovah. Wine from the king’s table was likely offered in libations [or drink offering] to pagan gods also. So “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). This decision was shared by his companions as well.

In itself, this determination meant self-denial, because these choice items from the king’s own provision must have been delightful to the tastes of the day. All men and women of conscience recognize a value to self-denial, for it takes us away from satisfying our natural appetites, and directs the mind and affections to the higher value of the spirit.

On another occasion, later in Daniel’s life, when he was perplexed over a concern of the spirit and wished understanding, he again chooses a time of self-denial. “In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled” (Daniel 10:2, 3). God responded to this sacred attitude and sent his angel Gabriel to provide the vision detailed in chapters 11 and 12. [Dan. 11; 12]

[B]The Prophet Daniel, by Michelangelo

The Apostle Paul and the brethren in Antioch similarly exhibited the value of such abstinence as they sought the will of God in conducting their ministry to the Gentiles. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the holy Spirit said, separate me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:2, 3).

Jesus did the same, when he was driven into the wilderness following his baptism. There he fasted forty days, and meditated on the Scriptures and how to conduct his ministry. Apparently he was miraculously sustained in this circumstance, as was Moses when in Mount Sinai for forty days on two occasions, and Elijah once when he went without food for forty days. We should not suppose God will work such miracles on our part. But we may emulate the spirit of these examples by drawing away from fleshly appetites when seeking spiritual direction.

How Daniel Pursued His Conscience

Verse nine [Dan. 1:9] says “God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel’s meek disposition, sweet temperament, and compliance with the wishes of his masters, endeared him to them. They could see he was not a self-interested person, nor proud and arrogant. Our associates should be able to see the same in us, if we follow the example of our master Jesus. Of him also, during his early years, it was recorded: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

The character of Daniel moved those in charge of him to assist him, especially as Daniel probably did not make many special requests. [C]But Melzar, who was in charge, feared that Daniel and his friends would grow weak and thin, and their condition be charged against him. [Dan. 1:10,11]

So Daniel proposed a test. “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink” (Daniel 1:12). At the end of 10 days, Melzar could judge their appearance and deal as necessary. The diet of “pulse” was a vegetarian diet of lentils, which have both protein and energy, and produced highly satisfactory results so that “at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat” (verse 15) [Dan. 1:15]. So they were allowed to continue their special diet indefinitely.

This continued to be a reminder to them of their relationship to God, as Israelites under the covenant given [to] Israel long before by Moses, and thus nourished their spirit. Their peaceful assurance of conducting themselves worthily before God no doubt caused them to prosper the more as they applied themselves to their learning and responsibilities, so that in due course, they were fit for the exaltation Nebuchadnezzar later gave them.

So with us. Our daily compliance with Godly principles in our life, even if they do not accord with the natural pleasures which others enjoy, give us a sense of nearness to God which puts our minds at peace irrespective of outward conditions. This improves our ability to apply ourselves to our responsibilities, whether it be schooling in our early years, or responsibilities to wife, children and family in our later years. It also improves our dedication to labours for the Lord’s people, our Christian brothers and sisters.

Not A Heavy Yoke

The Christian life is not without its burdens. But they are not heavy burdens, because they are things which Christ sees we can manage, if we apply ourselves to our duties. We do not need to fathom [or figure out] difficult mysteries, or accomplish great deeds, but simply be responsible to the duties we have, do justly, be kind and considerate of others, and “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Thus Jesus said to the crowds who followed him, “Come, unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Another Quality Of Daniel

Daniel was firm in his decision, but he did not manifest a stubborn spirit. When Melzar indicated his concerns, Daniel did not stubbornly refuse and claim principle as a defense. It is usually possible to be firm in our decisions for principle, without being obstinate. Daniel sought a means of abiding by his conscience without harming the interests of others. So should we, whenever possible.

Some years later, during the Persian period of history, we have a contrast of two women who both stood for something proper, but by very different means, with very different results. The two were Vashti and Esther, queens of Ahasuerus, which is the Hebrew name for the king history usually calls Xerxes. Vashti refused the command of the king, and probably had good grounds for concern. The king’s intent was probably contrary to the natural modesty which is a becoming trait of noble women. [Est. 1:10-12] Had she relied more upon her charm and appealed to her king’s calm judgment with tact and a kindly spirit, she may have been more successful. Certainly Esther was when she approached the same King with a matter of even greater concern. [Est. 1:12,17] Note also Abigail’s humble attitude in 1 Samuel 25:23, 24. Her wise conduct quieted the spirit of King David and averted a great loss. [1 Sam. 25:3,10-11,13,21-24,32-33,39,42]

As our text above says, Jesus was “meek and lowly of heart” (Matthew 11:29). Paul appealed to these qualities when counselling the brethren in Corinth: “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you” (2 Corinthians 10:1). He reminds us in Galatians 5:23, “Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Let us remember Daniel’s sweet example, and let others see this spirit in us. With this God Himself will be pleased.

A Picture of the Church

[D]As expressed in the previous issue, Daniel is a picture of the elect Church now being developed during this Gospel Age, which extends from the time of Jesus until the establishment of the thousand-year Kingdom of Christ. As we understand the evidence of Scripture, that Kingdom is but 37 [now 18] calendar years’ future, for 6000 years from Adam appear to expire within the year 2043 AD.

The Church has been through many difficult experiences, from the persecution of early Christians by Jewish leaders who beat and imprisoned them, even stoning some of them as Stephen [Acts chapter 7], killing others with the sword as Herod did to James to please the Jews, and almost did to Peter (Acts chapter 12).

The persecution of Christians intensified with the persecutions under Pagan Rome, which began on a broad scale when Nero accused Christians of sedition against Rome. He burned many of them, wrapped in skins soaked with flammable oils, to give light in his promenades. Nero had already killed the apostles Paul and Peter, by the sword and by crucifixion, as early Christian testimony has it. Nero died soon thereafter, and this active persecution ceased for a time. But it was renewed from time to time by enemies of Christians using the power of Rome as their tool.

10 Years of Special Persecution

But the worst was at the very climax. This was during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who lived from 245 to 313 AD. Here is an extract about this period (from www.reformation.org).

“Beginning in the year 303, the pagan Roman Empire made one last great attempt to exterminate Christianity. This persecution, under the Emperor Diocletian, began on the 23rd of February (303 AD), that being the day the Roman Terminalia was celebrated, and the cruel pagans boasted that they would finally (terminate) Christianity. … The lives of Christians during that time consisted of persecution above ground and prayer underground. This is known in history as the era of the martyrs.

“The main target of the pagans was the New Testament … and the histories of Christ. Even the books written by pagan authors were destroyed because they would reveal a lot about the doctrines and practices of the Apostolic church. There were millions of Christians and many of them had copies of the New Testament. Only about 5,000 manuscripts have survived from that time and the oldest is dated around 350 AD. By being “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) Christians were defeating paganism in the Roman Empire.

“From 303-313, Christian bodies and books were systematically destroyed during this last great pagan persecution. Eusebius tells us that there were innumerable histories of the Life of Christ and the early church. Only one account survived this persecution. … Rome was systematically destroying Christian history so that the next generation of believers would have no idea what their parents believed. … Even Eusebius was imprisoned and it is a miracle that any of his writings have survived. His close friend and mentor Pamphilus was martyred during this time. This persecution lasted 10 years and was ended by the victory of Constantine, and his Edict of Milan (313 AD).”

The Smyrna Phase of the Church

In Revelation chapters two and three, our Lord Jesus gave to John a message for seven churches in Asia Minor which represent the seven stages of the Church of Christ through the Gospel Age, from the days of the apostles (Revelation 2:2) until the second advent of Christ (Revelation 3:20).

Period two was represented in the message to Smyrna. [Rev. 1:11] This period was after the fall of Jerusalem, but still under the rule of the Roman Empire. Jesus’ message to Smyrna included this warning: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison (the prison house of death, Isaiah 24:22, 42:7 [In Tamil Isa. 42:6], 49:9), that ye may be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

The “ten days” refer to the especially bitter persecution of Christians by Diocletian from 303 AD to 313 AD. In prophecy, a day often represents a year, so that this warning of 10 “days” was fulfilled by a persecution of 10 years.

The 10 days of trial in Daniel is a picture of this testing of the Christian Church. They would not offer homage to pagan gods, as Diocletian required, and were willing to suffer the consequences of conscience with quiet fortitude. They yielded their lives in obedience to principle. Even worldly people note this example with respect and admiration. During the Millennium the entire world will appreciate the testimony of these noble martyrs for the cause of Christ.

The persecutions of the Church by Pagan Rome were represented in this first episode of Daniel and his companions. When they are raised to life on earth, as part of the Ancient Worthy [or Heroes of Faith] class who will lead Israel and the world during the Kingdom, no doubt they will be blessed to learn that their humble stand for conscience was so blessed by God as to represent the martyrs of Jesus who gave their lives out of conscience.

Let us always follow a Godly conscience.

Three Years

The three years mentioned in Daniel 1:5 were the first three years of their captivity. These were also the first three years of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, beginning with the year of his accession to the throne.

The Babylonian custom was to number the year of transition to an outgoing king, and count the same year as the “year of accession” of the incoming king. The new king’s official year one would begin with the next New Year’s Day. For the Babylonians this was in the spring of the year, day one of their month Nisanu (whence the name “Nisan” for the same month in Hebrew, ever since Israel’s captivity in Babylon).

Thus the three years of training of Daniel and his companions were (1) The year of accession for Nebuchadnezzar, (2) Year one of Nebuchadnezzar, (3) Year two of Nebuchadnezzar. These three years of training, counting inclusively, were completed in the second regnal year of Nebuchadnezzar. This is the year mentioned in Daniel 2:1, the year Daniel stood before the king and interpreted his dream of the metallic image (of which, [E]more in the next issue).

The Closing

Chapter one ends with the completion of the three year course of training. “And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore, stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in his realm” (Daniel 1:19, 20).

When we finish our course of instruction, and pass our tests of conscience, we will someday stand before our king and serve in his heavenly courts. Three is a symbol of redemption thus Jesus was three days in the grave, the price of his betrayal was 30 pieces of silver, he was anointed by Mary for his impending death with 300 pence of ointment, and on the day of Pentecost 3000 responded to Peter’s message and were redeemed by Christ.

Perhaps the three-year instruction period for Daniel and his friends represents the Gospel Age of Redemption during which the saints are called to obedience and training for their service beyond the veil.

Perhaps also there is a second picture, relative to the faithful who endured the trials of the Church of Smyrna. When the Edit of Milan of 313 AD relieved the Church of her burden, shortly thereafter Christians were elevated to great stature in the Roman Empire by Constantine.

There was a brief resurgence of paganism during the reign of “Julian the Apostate”, a nephew of Constantine, who ruled from 361-363 AD. But thereafter paganism lost its hold over the empire. The war in heaven for spiritual control, between the forces of Christianity and the forces of paganism, was won by Christianity. This fulfilled the prediction of Revelation 12:9, “The great dragon was cast out (of heaven, representing spiritual control), that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceived the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

But other trials were yet ahead for the Lord’s people. More of this in Daniel chapter two.

The final verse of chapter one reads “And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.” [Dan. 1:21] In fact, the last record of Daniel is in the third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1). [F]Evidently the intent of Daniel 1:2 [Dan. 1:21] is that Daniel continued through the remaining years of the Babylonian Empire, and lived to see the next kingdom take the empire.

So the Church lives to see the return of Christ and the inauguration of his power in the earth. Christ has already returned, invisibly, with regal authority, as a fulfilment of Cyrus (compare Isaiah 45:1). As we will see later in our study of Daniel, Christ returned in 1874, and we have been in the Harvest of the Gospel Age since that time. [G](See the following article on “The Harvests.”)

Our returned Lord is even now a conquering king, bringing into judgment the nations and systems of this earth. For this reason, the world has passed through two World Wars, with Armageddon still ahead. Thereafter, Christ’s Millennial reign of peace will be established in the earth, and through it all the nations of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

– By Br. David Rice – From Faithbuilders Fellowship, January 2006.

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Good subject.

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