Daniel 4

[JLG]

How will the vile person appear and how will he obtain his kingdom in verse twenty-one? (Daniel 11:21)

He will come in during a time of security and take hold of the kingdom by means of smoothness.

 

[JLG]

What will happen to those who are a sleep in the dust of the earth at the resurrection? (Daniel 12:2-3)

They will wake up, some to everlasting life and others to reproach and to everlasting contempt.

As Jesus said, death is like sleep.

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 1
But Daniel resolves in his heart that he does not want to defile himself with the king’s delicacies or with the wine he drinks. So he asks the principal court official for permission not to defile himself in this way.

- Here we are only told about Daniel!

- Is he the one with the stronger mind and will?

- But he knows what he wants!

- It means he has receive a good education!

- But it also means this education influences positively his heart and his mind!

- It is a good example for parents to think about!

- School is not going to educate your child!

- Television or the internet are not going to educate your child!

- The street is not going to educate your child!

- As parents you are the only one who can educate properly your child and if you don’t do it they will receive mainly negative influence!

- So be careful of other influences!

- When it’s too late it’s too late and you can only put the blame on you!

- Of course, if you do your best but it doesn’t work it is another story!

- What is important is to do what we have to do!

- And tell them about the Bible and God has a positive influence!

- But you must also be good examples!

- Don’t do like the Pharisees or the religious leaders!

- It doesn’t work!

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 1
And the true God gives these four youths knowledge and insight into every kind of writing and wisdom; and Daniel is given understanding in all sorts of visions and dreams.

- Thus the four youths are favored by God!

- But Daniel is more favored!

- It means he has something additional!

- Is it his faithfulness?

- His relationship with God?

- We have seen that he was the one who takes the lead to preserve their traditions and faith!

- it is not by luck!

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 2
He asks Arioch the officer of the king?: “Why is there such a harsh order from the king?” Then Arioch informs Daniel about the matter. So Daniel goes in and asks the king to grant him time to tell the interpretation to the king.

- When Daniel learns about what is going on, he goes straight to the king!

- Once again he is not afraid!

- Once again he takes the lead!

- He does everything!

- We remember that the king could see by himself that Daniel and his companions are far better than the rest!

- Thus when Daniel goes to speak to the king, he pays attention to him and he gives him time!

 

[pottersclay]

What is missing here is the practices of the Babylonians.
Yes they did enslave but more importantly is this....they would select the youth they deemed suited to be reconciled in there ways and customs. Change there names and language. In other words to rehabilitate. To become assets members of their society. To inter marry and to take the jewishness out of them.
God shows his faithfulness to daniel as daniel clings to what he knows to be true.

 

[JLG]

Good, but here my topic is only about Daniel the man!

Here is a copy of my thread Daniel chapter 6

Jan 23, 2022
#5

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-babylonian-exile
The Chaldeans, following standard Mesopotamian practice, deported the Jews after they had conquered Jerusalem in 597 BC. The deportations were large, but certainly didn't involve the entire nation. Somewhere around 10,000 people were forced to relocate to the city of Babylon, the capital of the Chaldean empire. In 586 BC, Judah itself ceased to be an independent kingdom, and the earlier deportees found themselves without a homeland, without a state, and without a nation. This period, which actually begins in 597 but is traditionally dated at 586, is called the Exile in Jewish history; it ends with an accident in 538 when the Persians overthrow the Chaldeans.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the Chaldeans, only deported the most prominent citizens of Judah: professionals, priests, craftsmen, and the wealthy. The "people of the land" (am-hares ) were allowed to stay. So Jewish history, then, has two poles during the exile: the Jew in Babylon and the Jews who remain in Judah. We know almost nothing of the Jews in Judah after 586. Judah seems to have been wracked by famine, according the biblical book, Lamentations, which was written in Jerusalem during the exile. The entire situation seemed to be one of infinite despair. Some people were better off; when Nebuchadnezzar deported the wealthy citizens, he redistributed the land among the poor. So some people were better off. In addition, there were rivalries between the two groups of Jews. It is clear that the wealthy and professional Jews in Babylon regarded themselves as the true Jewish people.
The salient feature of the exile, however, was that the Jews were settled in a single place by Nebuchadnezzar. While the Assyrian deportation of Israelites in 722 BC resulted in the complete disappearance of the Israelites, the deported Jews formed their own community in Babylon and retained their religion, practices, and philosophies. Some, it would seem, adopted the Chaldean religion (for they name their offspring after Chaldean gods), but for the most part, the community remained united in its common faith in Yahweh.
They called themselves the "gola," ("exiles"), or the "bene gola" ("the children of the exiles"), and within the crucible of despair and hopelessness, they forged a new national identity and a new religion. The exile was unexplainable; Hebrew history was built on the promise of Yahweh to protect the Hebrews and use them for his purposes in human history. Their defeat and the loss of the land promised to them by Yahweh seemed to imply that their faith in this promise was misplaced. This crisis, a form of cognitive dissonance (when your view of reality and reality itself do not match one another), can precipitate the most profound despair or the most profound reworking of a world view. For the Jews in Babylon, it did both.
From texts such as Lamentations , which was probably written in Jerusalem, and Job, written after the exile, as well as many of the Psalms, Hebrew literature takes on a despairing quality. The subject of Job is human suffering itself. Undeserving of suffering, Job, an upright man, is made to suffer the worst series of calamities possible because of an arbitrary test. When he finally despairs that there is no cosmic justice, the only answer he receives is that humans shouldn't question God's will. Many of the psalms written in this period betray an equal hopelessness.
But the Jews in Babylon also creatively remade themselves and their world view. In particular, they blamed the disaster of the Exile on their own impurity. They had betrayed Yahweh and allowed the Mosaic laws and cultic practices to become corrupt; the Babylonian Exile was proof of Yahweh's displeasure. During this period, Jewish leaders no longer spoke about a theology of judgment, but a theology of salvation. In texts such as Ezekiel and Isaiah, there is talk that the Israelites would be gathered together once more, their society and religion purified, and the unified Davidic kingdom be re-established.
So this period is marked by a resurgence in Jewish tradition, as the exiles looked back to their Mosaic origins in an effort to revive their original religion. It is most likely that the Torah took its final shape during this period or shortly afterward, and that it became the central text of the Jewish faith at this time as well. This fervent revival of religious tradition was aided by another accident in history: when Cyrus the Persian conquered Mesopotamia, he allowed the Jews to return home. This was no ordinary event, though. Cyrus sent them home specifically to worship Yahweh—what was once only a kingdom would become a nation of Yahweh.

 

[JLG]

And this part is particularly interesting:

The salient feature of the exile, however, was that the Jews were settled in a single place by Nebuchadnezzar. While the Assyrian deportation of Israelites in 722 BC resulted in the complete disappearance of the Israelites, the deported Jews formed their own community in Babylon and retained their religion, practices, and philosophies. Some, it would seem, adopted the Chaldean religion (for they name their offspring after Chaldean gods), but for the most part, the community remained united in its common faith in Yahweh. ​

 

[JLG]

I can add what JStates said in this thread n°4 Jan 19, 2022:
Extrabiblical sources suggest that Daniel may have been a eunuch. It would not have been uncommon for a captured slave to have been castrated by his conquerors.


And the additional information I looked for (n°5) Jan 19,2022:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-eunuch.html

The Bible does not say whether Daniel was made a eunuch. However, Daniel served as a slave in Babylon during a time in which many slaves were castrated and made eunuchs. Therefore, some have suggested Daniel was castrated as well. There is no biblical evidence either way, which leaves this issue uncertain.

There are certain indicators from Scripture to support the view Daniel was made a eunuch. First, he was never married. Second, as mentioned, he was a slave in a time and place where castration of slaves was common. Third, 2 Kings 20:18 indicates that some of Hezekiah’s descendants would one day be taken from Israel to serve in the palace of the king of Babylon as eunuchs: “And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” Daniel 1:3 indicates Daniel and his friends were under the authority of the “chief eunuch” (ESV), a man named Ashpenaz. This same verse indicates that these young men were specifically taken in order to serve the king in his palace.

Why would a king have his slaves castrated? Castration was often performed to ensure a king’s advisers did not have children or romantic interests that might tempt them towards betrayal. This procedure was intended to make the subject asexual, disinterested in sex, lacking sexual urges, and unable to produce children.

Of course, it is possible Daniel was not castrated and made a eunuch. First, the reference in 2 Kings 20:18 does not mention Daniel and may not have applied to him. Second, there is no verse that specifically states Daniel was castrated. Third, just because Daniel was single did not necessitate him being made a eunuch. In Matthew 19:12 Jesus says, “For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” God calls some people to remain single for the purpose of serving Him more fully.

While we may wish the Bible was clearer on this issue, it remains uncertain whether or not Daniel was a eunuch. In either case, Daniel’s life stands as a positive example for other followers of God. He remained faithful to the Lord in a pagan culture, served his leaders and nation well, and impacted the lives of many through his faith and through the revelation of many prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled.

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 2
Arioch quickly takes Daniel in before the king and says to him: “I have found a man of the exiles of judah who can make known the interpretation to the king.”
The king says to Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar: “Can you really make known to me the dream that I saw, and its interpretation?” Daniel replies to the king: “None of the wise men, conjurers, magic-practicing priests, or astrologers are able to tell the king the secret that he is asking. But there is a God in the heavens who is a Revealer of secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what is to happen in the final part of the days. This is your dream, and these are the visions of your head as you lay on your bed:

- Daniel first starts by saying that nobody was able to answer the king!

- Then he tells him there is only one who can do it!

- And it is God!

- As we can see, as usual, Daniel explains carefully and with details that it is God who can do it!

- He always highlights God!

- He never speaks about himself!

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar has another vision but nobody can give the interpretation. But Daniel is alarmed for a moment and his thoughts begin to frighten him. The vision is about the king who has become powerful. But because of his pride he will become like a beast eating grass. And after a time he will recover his mind and his power. So Daniel tells the king to change of attitude and turn away from sin. But he doesn’t change anything so twelve months later he becomes mad and starts to behave like an animal eating grass.

- Nebuchadnezzar is warned by God through visions but he doesn’t care so he pays the price!

- It was the same with the Israelites!

- It is the same with humanity!

- And humanity doesn’t care!

- Thus people will have to pay the price when God strikes humanity!

- It will be a shock!

- But the majority never understands!

- It’s always the same!

- So why lamenting!

- When someone doesn’t listen and pays the price even with death, that’s life!

- There is no need to be sad!

- People are adults and thus they make a choice!

- And the way we live shows what we choose!

- Then we can’t say I didn’t know!

 

[JLG]

Looking for Daniel

Daniel 8
Daniel has another vision about the future and the end. He is terrified. Then he feels exhausted and he is sick for some days.

- Do you see the evolution?

- First he is afraid and greatly alarmed and he turns pale!

- Then he is terrified and sick for some days!

- What about us?

 

[JLG]

God and Daniel / Daniel and God

Daniel 1:

- But Daniel resolves in his heart that he won’t defile himself with the king’s delicacies or with the wine He drinks!

- So he asks the principal court official for permission not to defile himself in this way!

- And the true God causes the principal court official to show Daniel favor and mercy!

- God first!

- In any aspect of Daniel’s life!

- In particular food and beverages!

- So Daniel doesn’t wait, he acts straight away!

- He doesn’t let the others act for him!

- And God is always present!

- That’s what we can call a deep and straight relationship!

 

[JLG]

God and Daniel / Daniel and God

Daniel 2:
Then the secret is revealed to Daniel in a vision at night. So Daniel praises the God of heaven. Daniel declares:
“Let the name of God be praised for all eternity,
For wisdom and mightiness are his alone.
He changes times and seasons,
Removes kings and sets up kings,
Gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those with discernment.
He reveals the deep things and the hidden things,
He knows what is in the darkness,
And with him the light dwells.
To you, O God of my forefathers, I offer thanks and praise,
Because you have given me wisdom and power.
And now you have made known to me what we requested of you;
You have made known to us the concern of the king.”

- Daniel never forgets to thank God for everything he receives from him!

- He tells everybody who is God!

- That there is no one like him!

- And it isn’t a small thing that Daniel has received from God!

- It is a present which will save many people!

- It has an incredible value!

- We should never forget to thank God for his creation!

- Even if we can’t get the best of it because of human stupidity and waste!

- But we must get ready to get the best of it in the near future if we understand its value!

- There is so much to learn from God!

- And so many incredible actions to see in the future!

- We can’t even imagine what God will do!

 

[JLG]

____________________________________________________________________

- Get away from this old world of Chaos and prepare for the New World!

- don’t do like the Israelites who stayed in the old world and died!
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God and Daniel / Daniel and God

Daniel 8:

- Daniel has a vision!

- He tries to understand it!

- He hears a voice of a man!

- This man talks to him!

- Daniel is so terrified that he falls facedown!

- He falls asleep!

- The man wakes him up!

- Daniel is exhausted and is sick for few days!

- Each time Daniel has a vision it is as if the scene occurs before him!

- As if it was real!

- Daniel is at the same time inside and outside the vision!

- Thus we get more information about the depth of his relationship with God!

- It is really deep, really close!

- Daniel is able to visualize scenes very few people had the opportunity!- it is not given to everybody!

- When we think about Daniel’s life, we understand why!

- It questions oneself about the depth of our relationship to God and about where it is going!

- Do we build it up or not?

 

[JLG]

____________________________________________________________________
- Get away from this old world of Chaos and prepare for the New World!
- don’t do like the Israelites who stayed in the old world and died
____________________________________________________________________

A very precious man and a top official

Daniel 1:
But the principal court official says to Daniel: “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. What if he should see you looking worse in appearance than the other youths* of your age? You would make me guilty before the king.”

- Daniel is a good listener !

- He takes into account what the principal court official says and his fears !

- Moreover, he listens carefully to God !

- As a consequence, he is the only one to receive visions !

- And he tells these visions with all the details !

- When someone listen carefully to what people say, he shows he cares about their opinions and their feelings !

- So Daniel cares about God and men !

- RESOLUTE / FAITHFUL / GOOD LISTENER !

 

[JLG]

____________________________________________________________________
- Get away from this old world of Chaos and prepare for the New World!
- don’t do like the Israelites who stayed in the old world and died
____________________________________________________________________
A very precious man and a top official

Daniel 2:

Daniel then went to his house and informed his companions Han·a·niʹah, Mishʹa·el, and Az·a·riʹah of the matter. 18 He asked them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions would not be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

- Daniel is definitely a team player!

- He can count on himself but also on others!

- He also shows how he is humble!

- Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance !

- RESOLUTE / FAITHFUL / GOOD LISTENER / PROACTIVE / FAITHFUL / FAITHFUL / DISCREET AND CAUTIOUS / RESOLUTE AND PROACTIVE / TEAM PLAYER AND HUMBLE

- Faithful (3)
- Resolute (2)
- Proactive (2)
- Good listener (1)
- Discreet and cautious (1)
- Team player (1)
- Humble (1)

 

[JLG]

____________________________________________________________________
- Get away from this old world of Chaos and prepare for the New World!
- don’t do like the Israelites who stayed in the old world and died
____________________________________________________________________
A very precious man and a top official

Daniel 5:

Daniel then replies to the king: “You may keep your gifts and give your presents to others. However, I will read the writing to the king and make known its interpretation to him...Then Belshazzar gives the command, and they clothe Daniel with purple and place a gold necklace around his neck; and they herald concerning him that he is to become the third ruler in the kingdom.

- Once again Daniel does his job and tells the vision and its interpretation as told by God!

- Thus he is rewarded!

- And once again he shows himself faithful to God!

- He keeps God’s way going straight away not on the left, not on the right!

- RESOLUTE / FAITHFUL / GOOD LISTENER / PROACTIVE / FAITHFUL / FAITHFUL / DISCREET AND CAUTIOUS / RESOLUTE AND PROACTIVE / TEAM PLAYER AND HUMBLE / HUMBLE / RESOLUTE AND PROACTIVE / HUMBLE / HUMBLE / FAITHFUL AND TEAM PLAYER / FAITHFUL

- Faithful (5)
- Humble (4)
- Resolute (3)
- Proactive (3)
- Team player (2)
- Good listener (1)
- Discreet and cautious (1)

 

[JLG]

Where does it come from?
How does it grow?

Daniel 3

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedne·go answered the king: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it must be, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the burning fiery furnace, O king, and to rescue us from your hand. But even if he does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up.”

- When we speak about Daniel, we can say the same about his three companions!

- They say no to Nebuchadnezzar!

- There is nothing to say, their ideas are clear!

- Whatever may happen, they are resolute!

- They speak with one voice!

- They don’t need to discuss!

- they know who they belong to!

- They know who they worship!

- It is based on a good knowledge of God’s word!

- It is the same when Daniel asks them to pray God to get a vision and its interpretation!

- Strong knowledge and strong communication!

- No superficial knowledge and no superficial communication!

- They can see the lighthouse!

- And it shines at any time in any weather!

- There is no darkness for them!

- They can’t lose their way!

 

[JLG]

If Daniel had had children, how would he have educated them?

Daniel 6:

- Daniel belongs to the top administration of Darius!

- In fact, he is one of the three top officials!

- Thus many are jealous of him!

- But they can’t find anything against him!

- The only possibility was to find something in the law of his God!

- As soon as he hears about the ban on prayers, he goes to pray openly and some men arrest him!

- He is thrown into the lions’ pit!

- God saves him!

- Darius orders all his accusers and their families to be thrown into the lions’ pit!

- At the difference of Daniel, they all die!

- Their children would be proud of their father!

- They would see a living example of faithfulness!

- Of course, they would be terrorized when their father would be thrown into the lions’ pit!

- They would see how Darius would care about him!

- They would see the mental strength of their father!

- They would never forget that!

- They would keep it in their minds forever!