Summary of the lesson from the book of Daniel - chapter1

At the beginning of his reign in Jerusalem, King Nebuchadnezzar of babylon ordered his chief Ashpenaz to bring in the most brilliant men in Israel. The men were to be young and from noble families, having physical appeal and showing aptitude in all kinds of areas. These men were to be taught the culture and literature of Babylon. In this passage, Jerusalem represents the 'land of god' and Babylon the 'land of satan'. It shows how satan tries to bend people to his will by forcing them to the act of idol worship. He does this with great shrewdness, by taking the young from their families and showering them wit luxury. The young men were given food from the king's table and the finest wine to drink. He knows tat the old are fixed in their ways and the young are impressionable.

Among these men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishaul and Azariah. They were all given new names by the chief official. Daniel did not object to any of the luxuries on fine education he was given. Nor did he object to his new name, which was an insult to his beliefs. He believed all such things were superficial in nature. None of those depicted who he was as a person. But he would not indulge himself with the royal food and wine. He felt such an act would be an act of treachery to his faith.

The chief feared that if the King saw Daniel looking lean and unhealthy compared to the other men, the king would punish him. Daniel challenged him, telling him to give him and his friends nothing but vegetables and water for 10 days. At the end of 10 days, Daniel and his friends were much healthier and nourished than any of the other men. From this we understand that god provides everything we could ever need, If we just believe in him. Daniel and his friends firm belief in the lord, even in the face of the enemy is admirable and our faith should be independent of the circumstance.

These four men were dear to god and he blessed him with the gifts of knowledge and understanding. From this we see that gods love shows no bounds for those who are not afraid to stand up for him, whatever the situation. The king found Daniel and his friends 10 times more brilliant than anyone else and showered them with riches and high positions at court.

- Anuj