CHAPTER 1

Daniel a Captive in Babylon

Daniel authored his book in the 6th century. The theme of thisprophetic book is, "God is in Control." Daniel was among the Hebrewcaptives taken to Babylon by king Nebuchadnezzar, when he overthrewJerusalem.

The prophecies of Daniel thus provide a divinely constructedbridge from the precipice of time to the boundless shores ofeternity a bridge over which those who, like Daniel, purpose intheir hearts, to serve God.

The historical section of the book of Daniel reveals, in the moststriking manner, the true philosophy of history. This sectionstands as a preface to the prophetic section. By providing adetailed account of God's dealings with one nation, Babylon,the book enables us to understand the meaning of the rise andfall of other nations out lined in the portion of the book.

The philosophical and historical component of the book of Danielmake it easy to understand the story, as it relates to the meaning of therise and fall of other nations as revealed in the book. Without this clearunderstanding, the role of Babylon and succeeding nations in the divineplan, cannot be fully understood or appreciated.

History shows Daniel facing the wise heathen king Nebuchadnezzar,monarch of the most powerful nation of the time. In Jeremiah 27:6, Godcalled Nebuchadnezzar His servant. He also called other heathen rulers toperform His will; among whom were the Persian kings Darius and Cyrus.(More detailed account in later chapters.) Little did Daniel know that hehad a part to play in God's divine plan. He was to play that pivotal role insecuring the submission of the king's will to the will of God, to make thedivine will of God possible.

God needed a loyal one in the court of Babylon who would be a truerepresentative of the principles and policies of heaven. Daniel was the man.The circumstances that brought about Daniel a Hebrew captive, to thefavorable attention of the king of Babylon, was providential. Furthermore,the fact that the king came to acknowledge Daniel first and then his God,indicates God's plan to use humans in accomplishing His work on earththrough human agents.

God could use Daniel because he was a man of impeccable character,a man whose primary business was to honor God. Daniel 1:8 says "Danielpurposed in his heart" ... and God allowed him to find favor in the eyesof the officials of Babylon. This decision on Daniel's part paved the wayfor the demonstration of physical and intellectual superiority. God gavehim and his friends wisdom, skill and knowledge in all learning. Theseattributes made them "ten times better" than their rivals in personality,physique and intellect, and thereby won the respect and confidence ofNebuchadnezzar.

The succeeding events of chapters 2, 3 and 4, brought Nebuchadnezzarto acknowledge the inferiority of humans. He declared, "Of a truth itis that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealerof secrets." When brought before the king as one who could interpretdreams, Daniel acknowledged God as the revealer of secrets.

Do not miss opportunities to witness for the hope in Jesus, give Himthe praise and acknowledgements for battles fought and victories won. LetGod be praised and honored, not self. What has Daniel experience taught?Even in times of greatest trials, remember who is in charge.

Daniel's faithfulness to God landed him in a den of hungry lions.How did he get there when the king himself admitted Daniel had anexcellent spirit in him and made him chief of the officers? Daniel, aforeigner, was now chief officer. What great honor, but this promotionalso made Daniel a target for his rivals. These jealous officers decided toget rid of him permanently by setting a trap requiring him to cease hisdaily prayer routine. They knew he would not stop praying regardless ofoutside resistance.

The unsuspecting king honored the request these caviling men askedof him. This was what they needed. Daniel was finished, or so theythought. The thought of hungry lions did not intimidate Daniel even fora...