Series:
Living for God in a World that Has Forgotten Him
Daniel 1:1-21KJV
THE BOOK OF DANIEL
Lesson One
A MIND THAT WAS MADE UP
Standing for God in a World That Wanted Compromise
I believe this first lesson provides an excellent foundation for the entire series. As we continue through Daniel, we’ll see how the faithfulness established in chapter one prepares us for the fiery furnace, the lions’ den, and some of the greatest prophetic revelations found anywhere in Scripture.
Chapter 1
Jehoiakim’s captivity
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them 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. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
Refusing the king’s portion, they thrive on vegetables and water
8 But 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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And 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. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Their wisdom
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 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. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. (Dan 1:1-21)
Daniel Chapter 1 (KJV)
(I want to encourage every reader to slowly read the entire chapter before beginning the study.)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
—Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Introduction
The Book of Daniel is unlike any other book in the Old Testament.
It combines history, prophecy, personal testimony, miracles, and God’s sovereign plan for the future into one remarkable book. Daniel lived during one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history. Jerusalem had fallen. The Temple treasures had been carried away. Thousands of Jews had been taken captive into Babylon.
From a human perspective, it appeared that God’s people had lost everything.
Yet Daniel teaches us one of the greatest truths in all of Scripture:
God is still on His throne even when His people are in captivity.
Kings come and go.
Empires rise and fall.
Cultures change.
But God never changes.
Daniel’s life reminds us that it is possible to live faithfully for God even in a culture that has forgotten Him.
That message is just as relevant today as it was over 2,600 years ago.
About the Book
Author:
Daniel
Meaning of Daniel’s Name:
“God is My Judge.”
Date Written:
Approximately 536 B.C.
Historical Setting:
The Babylonian Captivity
Theme:
God Rules Over the Kingdoms of Men.
Key Verse
“But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets…”
—Daniel 2:28 (KJV)
Why Study Daniel?
Daniel teaches us…
- How to remain faithful in a corrupt culture.
- How God works even when we cannot see Him.
- Why prophecy proves the Bible is God’s Word.
- What the future holds for this world.
- Why Jesus Christ is coming again.
Before God reveals future prophecy, He first shows us a faithful servant.
The first six chapters emphasize Daniel’s life, while the last six chapters emphasize Daniel’s visions.
Character always comes before revelation.
Key Thought
“The greatest victories are won long before the battle begins. They are won when a believer settles in his heart that obedience to God is never open for negotiation.”
Today’s Lesson
As we walk through Daniel chapter one, we discover three life-changing truths that teach us how believers can stand faithfully in an ungodly world.
I. GOD SOMETIMES ALLOWS DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GREATER PURPOSES
Daniel 1:1–7 KJV
“The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand…”
Chapter 1
Jehoiakim’s captivity
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them 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. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
One of the first truths we learn is that Babylon did not defeat God.
God allowed Babylon to conquer Judah.
Nebuchadnezzar thought he had won a military victory.
In reality, he was unknowingly accomplishing God’s sovereign purpose.
This reminds us that nothing ever catches God by surprise.
The captivity was not evidence of God’s weakness.
It was evidence of God’s holiness.
For generations, Judah had ignored God’s warnings through Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, and many other prophets. Eventually, God’s discipline arrived exactly as He promised.
A. God’s discipline is always motivated by love.
The Lord disciplines His children to restore them, not destroy them.
Daniel 1 — Daniel entered one of the greatest cities on earth
When Daniel and the other captives were brought to Babylon, they encountered architecture designed to overwhelm the visitor.
Nebuchadnezzar II transformed Babylon with enormous walls, monumental gates, temples, palaces, and the famous Processional Way. The Ishtar Gate was decorated with glazed blue bricks and images of lions, bulls, and dragon-like mušḫuššu creatures.
That gives Daniel 1:4 extra atmosphere:
“…whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”
Babylon wasn’t merely trying to relocate these young men. The whole environment communicated, “Babylon is powerful; Babylon’s gods have won; your old life is behind you.”
Yet Daniel 1:8 says:
“But Daniel purposed in his heart…”Nebuchadnezzar could change Daniel’s address, education, language, and name—but he could not change the God who possessed Daniel’s heart.
A. God’s discipline is always motivated by love.
B. God’s sovereignty is never interrupted by man’s rebellion.
Even pagan kings unknowingly fulfill God’s purposes.
A. God’s discipline is always motivated by love.
B. God’s sovereignty is never interrupted by man’s rebellion.
C. God’s people can still serve Him in difficult places.
Daniel lost his homeland.
He lost his freedom.
He lost everything familiar.
But he never lost his God.
Pastor’s commentary
Many believers wonder why God allows painful seasons.
Daniel reminds us that God’s greatest work often begins in places we never wanted to go.
Sometimes God changes our circumstances.
Sometimes He changes us within our circumstances.
Either way, He is accomplishing His perfect will.
Christ Connection
Just as Daniel was taken into a foreign land according to God’s purpose, Jesus Christ willingly entered this sinful world according to the Father’s perfect plan to accomplish our redemption.
As we walk through Daniel chapter one, we discover three life-changing truths that teach us how believers can stand faithfully in an ungodly world.
I. GOD SOMETIMES ALLOWS DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GREATER PURPOSES
Daniel 1:1–7 KJV
II. GOD HONORS THOSE WHO SETTLE THEIR CONVICTIONS BEFORE THE TEST COMES
Daniel 1:8–16
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
Daniel 1:8 (KJV)
The turning point of Daniel chapter one is found in one small word:
“But.”
Refusing the king’s portion they thrive on vegetables and water
8 But 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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And 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. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Babylon had changed Daniel’s address.
Babylon had changed Daniel’s education.
Babylon had changed Daniel’s language.
Babylon had changed Daniel’s name.
But Babylon could not change Daniel’s heart.
The greatest battlefield is never around us—it is within us.
Long before Daniel stood before Nebuchadnezzar, he had already bowed before God.
His victory did not begin in the king’s palace.
His victory began in his heart.
The phrase “purposed in his heart” means that Daniel had already settled the matter before the temptation ever arrived. He had made a firm decision that his loyalty belonged to the Lord above all else.
Today, Christians face a modern Babylon every day. The world continually pressures believers to lower their standards, silence their convictions, and blend in with the crowd. Daniel reminds us that while the world may influence our surroundings, it never has to control our hearts.
A. Convictions Are Formed Before the Crisis
Daniel did not wait until the meal was placed before him to decide what he believed.
He had already determined to obey God.
That is one reason so many Christians fall into temptation today—they wait until temptation arrives before deciding what is right.
Joseph had already settled the issue of purity before Potiphar’s wife tempted him.
Joshua had already settled whom he would serve before he declared,
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Every Christian should determine beforehand:
- I will worship God.
- I will remain faithful to my spouse.
- I will tell the truth.
- I will live honestly.
- I will honor Christ regardless of the cost.
Waiting until temptation arrives is usually too late.
A. Convictions Are Formed Before the Crisis
B. Convictions Are Built Upon God’s Word
Daniel did not refuse the king’s food because he wanted to be different.
He refused because God’s Word had already spoken on the matter.
His authority was not public opinion.
His authority was not Babylonian culture.
His authority was not personal preference.
His authority was the Word of God.
The same is true for believers today.
Our culture constantly asks,
“What do you think?”
God asks,
“What does My Word say?”
The Bible is still our final authority.
When Scripture speaks, God’s people should obey.
A. Convictions Are Formed Before the Crisis
B. Convictions Are Built Upon God’s Word
C. Convictions Are Strengthened by Faith
Daniel knew there could be consequences.
He could lose his position.
He could lose his future.
He could even lose his life.
Yet Daniel believed something greater than Babylon’s power.
He believed God’s promises.
Faith is not believing that nothing bad can happen.
Faith is believing God remains faithful no matter what happens.
Daniel trusted that obedience is always safer than compromise.
That remains true today.
A Spiritual Insight
One of the greatest battles every believer faces is the temptation to compromise just a little.
Satan rarely begins by asking us to reject God completely.
Instead, he whispers,
“Just this once.”
“No one will know.”
“Everyone else is doing it.”
“It really doesn’t matter.”
That is exactly how spiritual compromise begins.
Daniel understood that little compromises eventually become great failures.
A heart wholly devoted to God is the strongest defense against a corrupt world.
Pastor’s Commentary
Every day our children and grandchildren are surrounded by a modern Babylon.
Schools, entertainment, social media, workplaces, and even popular culture constantly pressure them to redefine truth according to the world’s standards.
Our greatest responsibility is not merely teaching them Bible stories.
It is helping them develop biblical convictions.
Convictions are not inherited.
They must become personal.
Parents, grandparents, and church leaders must model a faith worth following. When the next generation sees genuine faith lived out consistently, they are far more likely to stand when their own tests come.
Faith Builder
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I already settled that Jesus Christ is Lord of every area of my life?
- Are my convictions based upon God’s Word or the opinions of others?
- Is there an area where I have slowly allowed compromise to enter my life?
- Would those closest to me recognize that I belong to Christ by the way I live?
Christ Connection
Daniel refused to defile himself because he desired to honor God.
Jesus Christ is the only One who lived a completely undefiled life.
Where Daniel stood faithfully as a sinner saved by God’s grace, Jesus stood as the sinless Son of God.
Hebrews tells us that Christ was:
“Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners…” (Hebrews 7:26)
Because He remained perfectly obedient, He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Through His death and resurrection, He not only forgives our failures but also gives us the power, through the Holy Spirit, to stand faithfully in an unfaithful world.
Daniel’s convictions were not ignored by God. The Lord always notices a heart that is wholly devoted to Him. In the closing section of the chapter, we will discover that God delights in honoring those who faithfully honor Him, even when the world seems to overlook them.
As we walk through Daniel chapter one, we discover three life-changing truths that teach us how believers can stand faithfully in an ungodly world.
I. GOD SOMETIMES ALLOWS DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GREATER PURPOSES
Daniel 1:1–7 KJV
II. GOD HONORS THOSE WHO SETTLE THEIR CONVICTIONS BEFORE THE TEST COMES
Daniel 1:8–16
III. GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO HIM
Daniel 1:17–21
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…”
Daniel 1:17 (KJV)
Their wisdom
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 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. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. (Dan 1:1-21)
One of the most encouraging truths in all of Daniel chapter one is this:
God never overlooks faithful obedience.
The world often rewards popularity.
God rewards faithfulness.
Daniel and his three friends had no idea what God had planned for their future. They simply chose to obey Him one day at a time.
Because they remained faithful in a seemingly small matter, God entrusted them with much greater responsibilities.
Our Lord later taught this same principle:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
(Luke 16:10 KJV)
God is looking for faithful people more than gifted people.
Talent may open a door.
Character keeps it open.
A. God Gives Wisdom to the Faithful
Daniel did not become wise merely because he attended Babylon’s schools.
Verse 17 says plainly,
“God gave them knowledge and skill…”
Their education came from Babylon.
Their wisdom came from God.
There is a tremendous difference.
The world can teach information.
Only God can give wisdom.
Today we live in an age overflowing with knowledge, yet starving for wisdom.
People know how to build computers but struggle to build strong families.
They know how to communicate across the world but often cannot communicate across the dinner table.
True wisdom begins with fearing the Lord.
As Proverbs declares,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
(Proverbs 9:10 KJV)
Daniel never separated education from his relationship with God.
Neither should we.
A. God Gives Wisdom to the Faithful
B. God Opens Doors No One Else Can Open
Verse 19 tells us Nebuchadnezzar personally interviewed these young men.
Imagine standing before the most powerful ruler on earth.
Yet Daniel was not intimidated.
Why?
Because he had already learned that the God of Heaven rules over earthly kings.
Notice the amazing conclusion:
“…among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah…”
God elevated them above every other student in Babylon.
Not because they sought promotion—
But because they sought obedience.
Promotion ultimately comes from the Lord.
Psalm 75 reminds us,
“Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west… But God is the judge…”
(Psalm 75:6–7 KJV)
When God opens a door, no person can shut it.
When God prepares a servant, no obstacle can prevent His purpose.
A. God Gives Wisdom to the Faithful
B. God Opens Doors No One Else Can Open
C. God Uses Faithful Lives for Generations
The chapter closes with an interesting statement.
“And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.”
At first glance it seems like a simple historical note.
It is much more.
Daniel outlived kingdoms.
He served under multiple kings.
He witnessed the fall of Babylon.
He lived to see God’s promises begin to unfold.
Governments changed.
Leaders died.
Empires disappeared.
Daniel remained faithful.
His influence lasted for decades because his walk with God lasted for decades.
Many people begin well.
Far fewer finish well.
Daniel teaches us that the greatest testimony is not simply how we begin the Christian life—
It is how faithfully we finish it.
A Spiritual Insight
Faithfulness is rarely spectacular.
It is usually quiet.
It is choosing God day after day.
Prayer when no one is watching.
Reading the Bible when life is busy.
Remaining honest when dishonesty would be easier.
Keeping your marriage vows when the world laughs at commitment.
Serving Christ year after year.
The Christian life is not won in one dramatic moment.
It is won by thousands of daily decisions to obey Jesus Christ.
That is exactly how Daniel lived.
Pastor’s Commentary
As I look across our churches today, I am convinced that God is not primarily searching for celebrities.
He is searching for faithful servants.
Our churches need men like Daniel who cannot be bought.
Women like Daniel who cannot be intimidated.
Young people who are willing to stand alone if necessary.
Senior adults who continue serving until the Lord calls them home.
Some believers may wonder if anyone notices their quiet service.
Perhaps you teach a Sunday School class.
Perhaps you faithfully pray for missionaries.
Perhaps you serve behind the scenes where few people know your name.
Take heart.
God sees every act of faithfulness.
The applause of Heaven is far greater than the applause of earth.
Never underestimate what God can accomplish through one life that is completely surrendered to Him.
Faith Builder
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- Am I seeking God’s wisdom more than the world’s approval?
- Am I being faithful in the responsibilities God has already given me?
- If God examined my life today, would He find consistency or compromise?
- What legacy of faithfulness am I leaving for my family?
Christ in Daniel Chapter One
Daniel points us to Jesus Christ in several beautiful ways.
Daniel remained undefiled in a pagan world.
Jesus Christ remained completely sinless in a sinful world.
Daniel was taken from Jerusalem into Babylon to fulfill God’s purpose.
Jesus left Heaven and came into this fallen world to fulfill the Father’s plan of redemption.
Daniel’s wisdom came from God.
Christ is the Wisdom of God.
Daniel stood before earthly kings.
Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Daniel’s life preserved hope for Israel.
Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world.
Ultimately, Daniel’s faithfulness points us beyond Daniel to the perfect faithfulness of our Savior.
Only Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will, and through faith in Him we receive forgiveness, righteousness, and the power to live faithfully in an unfaithful generation.
Memory Verse
Daniel 1:8 (KJV)
“But 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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Looking Ahead
Lesson Two
The God Who Reveals Secrets
Daniel Chapter 2
In our next study, we will watch a pagan king lose sleep over a troubling dream while discovering that the God of Heaven alone knows the future. We will explore Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the great image representing the kingdoms of the world, and the coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ that will never be destroyed.
I believe this first lesson provides an excellent foundation for the entire series. As we continue through Daniel, we’ll see how the faithfulness established in chapter one prepares us for the fiery furnace, the lions’ den, and some of the greatest prophetic revelations found anywhere in Scripture.
In Christ,
Darrell
