Daniel 1. 1-7 Living in a Foreign Land
Some background material which leaders might find helpful and useful:
Why should we read the book of Daniel (apart from the fact that Richard has chosen it!)? “The book of Daniel is a book full of in-depth theological reflection on the nature of God and his rule in the world. It is loaded with insights into some of the most adult of all Christian problems, such as the problems of evil and persecution, of suffering, and of being Christians in an alien world. For us who face these issues with differing degree of harshness, Daniel offers guidance and help.” (Andrew Reid)
There is no common view as to who Daniel was, and some scholars even go as far as saying that he is merely a literary fiction. But many others (myself included) take the view that he did exist; that he was taken as a young man from Jerusalem; that he spent most of life in the Babylonian Court, and became renowned for his righteousness and wisdom.
Who wrote the book? Again, no common view on this, and the answer probably lies with another question – when was the book written? Some opt for a second century BC date, arguing that the second half of the book shows a remarkable knowledge of events in the second century. Others argue that Daniel (or someone who knew him well) wrote the book in the 6th century BC on the grounds that the book addresses many of the issues Jews were facing in exile and that it contains predictions of what was to happen to God’s people over the next four centuries. Take your pick!
The book itself is complex in its structure. At first reading there seems to be a neat division into stories (1-7) and visions (8-12). Then we see that the third person is used in 1.1 – 7.3 and the first person in 8-12. Subsequent readings … well it gets very complex and you will have to delve into that yourself.
What do we know about the world Daniel lived in?
The book emerges from the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Empire and the subsequent exile (1.1). Just before the exile was a time of great change. The dominant power in the world of the Fertile Crescent had been Assyria but now Babylon was on the rise, threatening both Assyria and Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar (N), crown prince of Babylon, launched a surprise attack on Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC) on the upper Euphrates River and crushed the Egyptians. This was to greatly affect Judah (as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets). There was a brief respite as N received news that his father had died so he hurried back to Babylon to secure the throne. However the next year he returned and subdued Judah, taking back to Babylon a small band of hostages and vessels from the Temple. Some of these hostages were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (1.1-7; 2 Chronicles 36.7).
The ruling parties of those who remained in Jerusalem convinced people that everything would be fine – despite their idolatry and flagrant disobedience to God. Others who listened to Jeremiah prayed to God for mercy. In 601 BC N again attacked Egypt but both sides suffered heavy losses. This encouraged Jehoiakim, king of Judah, to withhold paying taxes but within a short time N, with renewed forces, attached Judah. Jehoiakim died on the eve of the siege and was replaced by his son Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah). He surrender and, with his family, was taken into exile, along with some 10,000 leading figures. Further Temple treasures were taken and placed in the temples of the Babylonian gods. N appointed a vice-regent, Mattaniah (renamed Zedekiah) to rule over Judah. At this time Jeremiah spoke out saying that allegiance to Babylon was the only way to remain secure but his words were not heeded. This time N stormed the city and the temple, palace buildings and great houses were destroyed. Principal Citizens were executed and any remaining upper and middle classes were deported to Babylon. Zedekiah fled but was captured and saw his sons executed in front of him. His eyes were gouged out and he was taken in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 24.18 – 25.21).
2 Kings Chapters 24 and 25 give an account of the 3 Babylonian attacks on Jerusalem.
Living in a foreign land (Daniel 1.1-7)
What do you think went through the minds of the captives as they were marched across the desert? The events leading to this would never be forgotten – siege, famine, city destroyed, relatives killed … and many other atrocities.
What do you make of verse 2: And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand?
Work carefully through the 4 stages of assimilation that N subjected some of the Israelites to (including Daniel and his friends). Why was this such a good plan?
Can you think of any other Old Testament heroes who served at the court of foreign kings?
Although there was nothing wrong with being in a pagan court and learning pagan things, what dangers and traps would these people have to face? Are there any lessons here for Christians who work in overtly non-Christian environments?
God’s plan was to use 70 years of captivity to bring the people back to Himself. Although judgement was severe, God never forgot his previous promises and always preserved a remnant of the nation that was faithful to Him. The reality is that sin has its consequences. Why, after experiencing God’s discipline time after time, did the Israelites still rebel against God? Is there anything we can learn from this?
Consider how the world today seeks to influence and mould the minds of young people. What temptations to conform to the world’s values and standards do young Christians face in our society today? What role can we play, as a church and as individuals? (Romans 12.2; Colossians 2.8)
PRAYER
You might like to focus your prayers on Christians throughout the world who find it difficult to openly express their faith. There are many places where to do so could have serious consequences for themselves and their families.
You night also pray for Christians who you know who find expressing their faith in the work place a real challenge.
ADDITIONAL NOTES INTENDED FOR HOMEGROUP LEADERS BUT AVAILABLE TO ALL:
What do you think went through the minds of the captives as they were marched across the desert? The events leading to this would never be forgotten – siege, famine, city destroyed, relatives killed … and many other atrocities.
They would have remembered the city with its magnificent temple.
They would have wondered what sort of future (if any) awaited them in Babylon.
They would have wondered whether the Lord their God (Yahweh) had been defeated by the Babylonian gods (N proudly displayed in the temple of Marduk the vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. Look at the power of my gods – and at the powerlessness, death and defeat of Yahweh).
Huge questions about the nature of God and his future purposes for them (if any).What do you make of verse 2: And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand?
The Hebrew for Babylonia (2) is “Shinar”, mentioned just a few times in the OT. It was the place where the people built the tower of Babel (Genesis 11), a tower which represented humanity asserting themselves against God and his rule. A battle between a human king and the King of Heaven. So the question: What will God do – indeed, can he do anything? Can God repeat Babel and win again?
Work carefully through the 4 stages of assimilation that N subjected some of the Israelites to (including Daniel and his friends). Why was this such a good plan? (Proverbs 22.6)
1 (3-4a). Chose only those who were good looking, physically perfect, high in intelligence, teachable
2 (4b). 3 years of training in the Babylonian world, a world of priests, expert magicians, astrology and philosophy. Also a huge resource of literature including omens, incantations, prayers, hymns, myths, legends and scientific formulas for skills in glass making, mathematics and astrology.
3 (5). Given the most expensive menu possible as their diet.
4 (6-7). Given new names – names were seen as an important part of your identity.
After 3 years these young men (probably aged 14-18 when taken into exile) would stand before the king. Would they have retained their Jewish identity, or had they now become puppets of this pagan king?Can you think of any other Old Testament heroes who served at the court of foreign kings?
What about Moses, Joseph, Nehemiah and Ezra?
Think of King Solomon who took on many pagan wives.Although there was nothing wrong with being in a pagan court and learning pagan things, what dangers and traps would these people have to face? Are there any lessons here for Christians who work in overtly non-Christian environments?
Temptations – as with Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
Losing your distinctiveness as a follower of God.
Seek you own best interest to preserve your position in your place of work.