Daniel Week 3: Adonai Gives
WEEK 3 | Daniel 1:17-21
Days 1-2 Central Passage Father, open my eyes to see the truth in Your Word that I may know and love you more deeply.
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. — Daniel 1:17-21 ESV
OBSERVE DETAILS
Ask and answer simple w-questions v when? where? who? what? how?
1. GOD gave
What does God give the four youths?
What does God give to Daniel?
2. Review
What was the King’s command as to the youths’ giftings and the content of their education? (Dan 1:4)
For how long were the youths educated (Dan 1:5)?
3. The KING
How did the King find Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah compared to the other youths?
How did the King evaluate Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah?
After Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah entered his service, how did the King evaluate their wisdom and understanding in comparison to all the magicians and enchanters of his kingdom?
4. Without consulting the historical context facts yet, who do you think King Cyrus might be?
OBSERVE DICTION
Ask: Which words/phrases might provide clues to the author’s message? What do they literally mean?
Ex. learning > knowledge, thought Ex. skill > intelligence, prudence, wisdom
Ex. wisdom > skill, shrewdness Ex. understanding > acting upon knowledge
Ex. magician > an engraver knowledgeable in Babylonian sacred writings (Fruchtenbaum); likely a diviner who provided answers after using an inscribed chart or magical design, perhaps with star positions (Archer)
Ex. enchanter > an astrologer and necromancer (Fruchtenbaum); an “incantation priest” who communicated with the spirit world (Harman)
Historical Context – The magicians and enchanters were occultic advisors who determined the will of the gods or the outcome of events using practices forbidden by God. The Babylonians regarded dreams and visions as revelations from the gods and so to determine their meanings the king’s wise men consulted dream manuals. These lengthy manuals listed historical dreams and the events that followed them. They were arranged systematically to make access to an answer for any eventuality somewhat easier.
How to Read Your Bible – Part of learning to read the Bible is to use other verses, chapters, or whole books of the Bible to help you understand the text you are studying. In our Historical Context of Week 1, we learned that God communicated to Israel she had reached the point of no return and was heading into exile due to the sins of the nation and of King Manasseh. Read 2 Kings 21:1-18 for Manasseh’s history of idolatry. Then read what God says about occultic sins in Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Record notes below to create your own “Historical Context.”
OBSERVE STRUCTURE
Ask: Where does the passage shift in organizing its elements? What sign words are used? What repetitions?
Lord gave v2; God gave v9; God gave v17 – This repetition opens the conflict, follows the shift, & opens the resolution.
But Daniel v8 -- But or other sign words of contrast indicate a shift or pivot in the text.
Below is a chiasm, a structure that can observed by noting a repetition pattern that is then repeated again but in reverse order. This chiasm was adapted from one found at chiasmusxchange.com on Daniel 1.
v1 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim, king of Judah
v3-4 wisdom, knowledge & understanding learning
v 5 they were to stand before the king
v6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah
v 7 chief of the eunuchs gave them names
8 Daniel resolved he would not eat the king’s meat or wine
9-10a Ashpenaz feared the king who assigned their food and drink
10b appearance will be worse
12 test for ten days
13 Daniel proposed the appearance of youth who eat king’s food be observed & the appearance of the four be observed
14 tested them for ten days
15a appearance was better, fatter in flesh
15b than all the youth who ate the king’s food
16 steward took away food & wine
17 God gave learning and skill in all literature and wisdom
19b and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
19b Therefore, they stood before the king (meaning they were assigned position in the king’s court)
20 wisdom and understanding...found ten times better
21 Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus
INTERPRET
Ask: Why did the author choose to include these details, use these words, make these figurative comparisons, and organize all these elements with this structure?
1. In Week 1, we read -- “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.” -- We learned that God intentionally delivered Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands, but from Nebuchadnezzar’s perspective placing the vessels of Israel’s God in his god’s treasury proved his god’s superiority.
How did the Babylonian gods require their magicians and enchanters to determine their will? What did they have to do to receive revelation?
What does this reveal about the “love” of the Babylonians’ gods for the people?
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are found to have ten times the wisdom and understanding than the counselors of Babylonian gods. What is the reader to conclude about Israel’s God? Consider His love as well as His power.
God has already given the youth His Word. Why would God also give them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom?
Quote to Ponder – In J.J. De Bruyn’s article “A Clash of Gods: Conceptualising Space in Daniel” he writes how God seems to be defeated in the camp of Marduk, later called Bel. He writes:
“Marduk is suddenly challenged by Yahweh from within Marduk’s own city. The challenge comes from...a ‘clash of foods or battle of the banquet’.... eating vegetables is a way for Daniel and his friends to set themselves apart as vessels through which Yahweh can act in Marduk’s god-space. “
2. Last week we answered the question “What revelation from God did Daniel act upon?” with “The Word of God.” Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah knew the Word of God and they obeyed it together. Consider verses 9, 17, and 21.
How does God’s reward for and positioning of all four young men reveal His purpose for these “vessels” whom He placed in Marduk’s god-space?
What do you think might be God’s strategy for gifting Daniel with understanding into every kind of vision and dreams?
Historical Context – Daniel was taken to Babylon in the first deportation in 605 B.C. He was trained for three years and then began his official service to King Nebuchadnezzar, serving the King until the King’s death in 562 B.C. Then Daniel served other Babylonian kings until the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 B.C. In Daniel 10:1, we learn that Daniel was still alive in the third year of Cyrus’ reign. For over sixty years, then, Daniel served God faithfully in exile, and at the end of his service, he saw Cyrus issue the decree that allowed the Jews to return to Israel (Ezra 1:1-3).
3. The NASB translates verse 21 as “And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king.” Why do you think Daniel included this detail about the end of his service to conclude this first story?
Prayer Review the chiasm on Daniel 1. It is a helpful tool for seeing the story “from above” so to speak. Reflect on how Daniel, with great writer’s intent, shows us that God is sovereign over each person and god of this opening narrative. He sees ALL from above. Use space below to record your thoughts.
Praise your and Daniel’s God! He knows His servants and every friend and foe in their lives. Ask Him to help you know and obey His Word to prepare you, as He prepared Daniel & his friends, to be His vessel in this world.
Days 3-5 Deeper Daniel Father, open my eyes to see the truth in Your Word that I may know and love you more deeply.
1 How blessed [divinely favored] is the one who does not follow [walk in] the advice of the wicked,
or stand in the pathway with sinners,
or sit in the assembly of scoffers. +
2 Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; +
he meditates on his commands day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by flowing streams;
it yields its fruit at the proper time,
and its leaves never fall off.
He succeeds in everything he attempts.
4 Not so with the wicked!
Instead they are like wind-driven chaff [worthless].
5 For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment,
nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly.
6 Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly,
but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.
Psalm 1 NET
When you read a poem, you do not stop at the end of every line. You stop at an end punctuation just as you normally would do when reading a sentence and slightly pause when you see a comma just as you normally would do.
Read Psalm 1 above following those reading practices. The end mark (. ; !) are bolded for you in purple.
When you finish, label each sentence at its end mark as positive or negative. The first two are done for you.
How many sentences were about the faithful covenant keepers ____? How many were about the wicked ____?
1. The Law
What is the attitude of the covenant keepers toward God’s commands? (v1-2)
What is the attitude of the wicked? (1bc)
2. The Life
Describe the life of one who loves God’s Word (v3). Consider what characterizes it.
Describe the life of the wicked (v4). Consider what characterizes it.
Quote to Ponder – “Allow one thing in your life unjudged that you know to be contrary to the word of God, or that you fear is not in line with God’s will for you, and you will soon find your spiritual eyes become darkened, your spiritual susceptibilities deadened, and no real progress made in your soul, but rather a steady decline. But where there is faithfulness in separation from that which is opposed to the mind of God; where His word is allowed to sit in judgment on all your ways, you will learn that ‘the path of the just is as a shining light, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.’ The Word will illumine each step before you as you take the one already pointed out."
Ironside, Harry A. Lectures on Daniel the Prophet. p.21
3. Note the descent of the wicked in verse one from walk, to stand, to sit, and then his final descent in verses 5 and 6b. Contrast this to the ascent of the covenant keeper in 6a. Why do you think Psalm 1 was positioned as the “gateway” to the other Psalms? Consider that besides the path of ascent and descent, there is no third path for the trajectory of our lives.
Example of A Psalm 1 Life for One Who Found Pleasure in Obeying the Lord’s Commands
Daniel and his friends were told to eat the king’s food, but to eat this food would violate God’s Word.
Daniel and his friends chose to obey the commands of God.
God gave Daniel favor and compassion so he and his friends could obey God and remain in the training program.
In ten days, Daniel and his friends were of better appearance than the other youths who ate the king’s food.
God gave Daniel and his friends learning and skill. He gave Daniel insight into vision and dreams. For three years they all applied the learning and skill God gave them.
The king spoke to Daniel and his friends and put them in his court.
As servants of the King’s court, their wisdom and understanding was ten times better than the kings’ magicians and enchanters.
Over sixty years pass and Daniel sees the beginning of the end of the exile when King Cyrus decrees the Jews may return to their homeland.
Quote to Ponder – Tanner, author of Daniel said, “What we must be careful to see is the relationship between [Daniel’s] obedience and the resulting use God made of his life” (146). In Daniel 1:21 we read Daniel “continued” and this one way we can see that Daniel was faithful as a teen and this decision began his ascent into a lifetime of faithfulness.
4. Make a list of “One Who Found Pleasure in Obeying the Lord’s Commands” that is based on a portion of your life. Reflect on a key decision or series of decisions you made to obey God, perhaps something that could have been a descent or decline if you had not chosen to obey. It might include some off paths before a complete turn to repent. List your ascent to faithfulness and be sure to include God’s faithfulness at key points on your journey. Continue on your own paper if needed.
Pray to be a Usable Vessel in God’s Kingdom
Our Father in heaven, hallowed [holy] be your name.
Enjoy praising God for His holy character at work in you.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Ask God to make use of your life for His kingdom.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Ask God to provide for how he will make use of your life for His kingdom.
and forgive us our debts,
Confess any sin that forestalls any use He wills to make of you in His kingdom.
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Unforgiveness is a sin that hinders God’s use of you in His kingdom. Search your heart and forgive those who sinned against you.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Ask God to give you the strength to stand firm against temptation from your flesh, the world, and Satan.
Group Reflection Faithful in Exile
Directions – Today’s reflection is a bit different. Leaders, discuss the information with your group on this page in a general conversation for about 10-15 minutes. Then divide into twos for sharing. See bottom section for directions.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
The world is an external enemy.
When I act on the lies of the world, I am believing a lie about God.
God is not my joy. He does not fulfill my needs. God tempts me. He does not judge. God does not accept me. He is holding out on me. God is impotent to help with my addictions/problems/health/obstacles. He is not good. God wants me to be happy and comfortable. He would not want me to obey _____ if it means I will suffer. God does not know what’s best for me. He is not fair.
When I act on the lies of the world, I am believing a lie about myself.
I am happy when I can do as I please. I must be in control. I need things or a certain person or position to be fulfilled. I am a failure. I am too hurt to trust God or others. I am too much for God, too much for others. I am damaged goods. I am a hypocrite. I cannot withstand this temptation. I am superior to _________. I do not sin as much as ______ does. I know what is best for me.
To stand firm against the lies of the world, God’s Word says I must...
1. Know the Word.
2. Consistently EVALUATE my choices against the Word. Am I exchanging temporal delights for eternal rewards?
Ex. Lust of Flesh – Is pornography worth the damage to heart and mind and soul? Is it worth the loss of my wife? My relationship with God?
Ex. Lust of the Eyes - Is a big house worth the time and money taken from my God-given relationships? My relationship with God?
Ex. Pride of Life - Is cheating in my business worth the loss of my reputation as a Christian? My relationship with God?
3. Choose to obey God, trusting He wants your best.
Duos Time – Share your answers to the prompts below with one person in the group. Then listen to them share.
One area of struggle for me is ________. The lie I am believing about God is ________. The lie I am believing about myself is ________. If I do not stand firm against _______, then I could lose _______________________________.
Prayer
Pray with your duo partner. Praise your and Daniel’s God! He knows His servants and every friend and foe in their lives. Ask Him to help you know and obey His Word to prepare you, as He prepared Daniel & his friends, to be His vessel in this world.
Pray for those obeying Christ’s command to be baptized. (Baptism Sunday Sept 28th!)
Pray for our youth and our staff to stand firm in Christ.
God’s joy & strength to you!