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"Through the Bible" Week 48. Daniel, a Man of Conviction, Integrity and Prayer. In His writings, Ezekiel utters high praise to the young man who had already established his reputation by the time Ezekiel followed him into Babylon. Ezekiel 14:13, 14, 19, 20 Ezekiel 28:3.
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"Through the Bible" Week 48 • Daniel, a Man of Conviction, Integrity and Prayer
In His writings, Ezekiel utters high praise to the young man who had already established his reputation by the time Ezekiel followed him into Babylon. • Ezekiel 14:13, 14, 19, 20Ezekiel 28:3
We note the marked contrast between the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, and the young Jewish man we know as Daniel.
King Nebuchadnezzar was a man who received some very powerful evidences of the reality and supremacy of the God worshiped by the Jews. • Four youths refused the king's meat and wine, and yet flourished. • The king's dream and interpretation was miraculously revealed to Daniel. • A spectacular rescue • from the human • incinerator.
Even after these three powerful experiences, the most powerful man of his time, Nebuchadnezzar, still didn't get it. • In yet another dream, the king's demise was predicted unless he would repent, but obviously he didn't.
Daniel: • Blessed with good looks and an "aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace." • (1:3, 4)
Daniel: • Given the ability to "understand visions and dreams of all kinds." (1:17) • "Resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." (1:8) • Also known for • flawless integrity.
The name "Daniel" • "Dan" was well known as it had been given to one of the sons of Israel (Jacob). • The descendants of Dan were not faithful in their worship of Jehovah. • Judges 17 and 18.
At the northern most outpost of the land of Israel, the Holy Land, was a group of people who went by the name "Dan" who were heavily involved in idol worship. • A few hundred years later, residing in a pagan city was a seventeen-year-old exile from Jerusalem who refused to eat the meat or drink the wine served at the king's table.
The commonly held belief that American youth forsake their faith while in college, may not be accurate. "Overall, the overwhelming majority (82 percent) of college students maintain at least a static level of personal religiosity in early adulthood and 86 percent retain their religious affiliation." • (Researchers at the • University of Texas)
The word "dan" simply means "judge" - when we add "el" to "dan", what we have is "God is my judge." • The meaning of Daniel's name then is, "God vindicates, and God governs."
Daniel understood and lived up to the meaning of his name - on the one hand, if he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, he would be vindicated, but on the other, he understood that he was being governed by God - "God is my leader."
Daniel was a man of prayer. • When he and all the wise men of Babylon were threatened with death if none of them were able to tell the king both the contents and the interpretation of • his dream, Daniel • called a prayer • meeting.
Daniel was a man of prayer. • Outstanding parts of his prayer: "giving thanks," and "asking God for help."
Daniel was a man of prayer. • Outstanding parts of his prayer: "giving thanks," and "asking God for help." • In a later situation, we see that repentance was also a part of Daniel's prayer.
Daniel was a man of prayer. • Outstanding parts of his prayer: "giving thanks," and "asking God for help." • In a later situation, we see that repentance was also a part of Daniel's prayer. • Another lesson about prayer in Daniel is that patience and perseverance are • required and • rewarded.
Daniel – • a teenager determined to be faithful to the Lord, became a confidant of kings, promoted to one of the highest positions of leadership, numbered among the most righteous men of all time.
