ket85rn
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Daniel 1:6-17
Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names; he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-nego.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king."
So Daniel siad to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king's delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants." So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Some interesting points Beth makes in the study:
About the word for vegetables, from the word zeroa meaning "that which grows from sown seed" So this would include fruits, grains and bread. Daniel and his friends had a very healthy and adequate diet.
She references scholar Joyce Baldwin's observation that by Eastern standards to share a meal was to commit oneself to friendship and was covenant significance. So Daniel and the others' intentional choice to abstain from the king's food was a demonstration of their devotion to the one true God.
We, too, can choose not to 'eat off the world's table'.
Note the places in the scripture here where the sovereignty of God is referenced...
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9/27/2008, 2:42 pm
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GaleB
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Re: Daniel 1:6-17
Again, very interesting scripture. I see here,fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts were Gods foods and delicacies, like meat, wine, choice foods were of their king.
Makes me wonder if root vegetables are not good for us. Yet, carrots have to be good for us right?
Interesting that they were healthy and strong, despite no meats and delicacies of the King. Did you guys discuss this in study? There is a book called Gods Diet, I think if we ate like that, we would all be better off. Reckon?
Gale
Last edited by GaleB, 9/27/2008, 6:50 pm
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9/27/2008, 6:49 pm
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Joleen711
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Re: Daniel 1:6-17
My Bible states for Daniel 1:8 commentary;
Daniel's refusal to eat the king's delicacies had nothing to do with eating of rich food or wine. There were two problems with teh kings menu:
1- it not doubt included food forbidden by the Law and food not prepared according to Mosaic regulations.
2- The meat had probably been dedicated to idols, as was customary in Babylon. To partake of the food would have been to recognize the idols as deities.
Daniel made a commitment to not to defile himself with the kings food.
Because food used in idol worship would cause one to be a participant with such worship. You can see the reference in 1Co 10:20-22
Because of Daniels commitments and perseverence they were blessed by God in many ways. Amazing Faith. What a wonderful example of faith and commitment, and of God's
providence to care for His people!
I wonder how many of us would respond the way that Daniel did.
And only 15 years old. That is unheard of these days. Very rare. Especially in this ugly world we live in.
How can we be a Daniel?
Even those who are young need to make a personal commitment to serve the Lord. We can be steadfast in our purpose to serve the Lord without arrogance. We should look to the Lord for help, and be willing to trust in His providence always.God will bless and provide for those of us who put our trust in Him and His will. He says is Matt. 7:7-11 "to ask and seek and the doors will be opened to you." (paraphrasing)
May the example of others dedication to the service of the Lord inspire each one of
us to "purpose in our heart" not to defile ourselves by the things
of this ugly world!
Wonderful study. I love Beth More and also have a study that we did with her.
Has anyone ever heard of the "Self-Confrontation" study? Its an awesome study as well.
Love this. You gals are great!! Thank you.
Hugs, Joleen
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10/1/2008, 1:10 pm
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ket85rn
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Re: Daniel 1:6-17
Exactly one of the points made by Beth in the study!
Thanks for sharing and so good to see you here, Joleen. 
More to come.....
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10/3/2008, 1:02 pm
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ket85rn
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Re: Daniel 1:6-17
Another point made in the study about the renaming of the four men:
I thought it was interesting that Beth elaborated upon the meanings of the mens' names both old and new and the significance of it...
Daniel means "God is my judge" was renamed Belteshazzar, meaning "Bel will protect";
Hananiah, "Yah has been gracious", renamed Shadrach, "inspired of Aku"; Mishael, "Who is what God is?", renamed Meshach, "belonging to Aku"; and Azariah, "Yah has helped", renamed Abednego, "servant of Nego".
Beth points out that the assignation of new names was a blatant attempt to change the entire identity of the bearer until the life matched the title. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to indoctrinated Daniel and his companions completely into Babylonian culture by renaming them and associating them with his gods instead of the one true God.
But they were resolved to maintain their identities. They had to be deliberate in their resistance to become Babylonian.
She talks about how we must live lives of integrity 'on purpose', and points out that integrity depends on consistency.
To quote part of her lesson:
...we will not reach perfection in this lifetime on planet Earth, but we can certainly reach consistency, Indeed we must, or the enemy will nearly burn us alive. Never forget what a good shot he is. Satan never wastes a fiery dart by aiming at a spot covered by armor. The bull's-eye is located dead center in our inconsistency.
I had highlighted that portion of that day's lesson.
She spoke in the next video session about how we can still be culturally relevant, but still maintain our integrity as Christians.
We need to filter everything through the word of God. God interpreted the Babylonian education for Daniel and his friends, allowing them to learn the language, literature, and customs, but only so He could use them in the midst of it. They became culturally relevant without becoming spiritually irrelevant.
"They retained a God-centered worldview so that ulimately the world could view their God."
She has such way with words doesn't she?
It makes me think of the air freshener i have hanging in my car: just one of those cardboard types, with a drawing of the world on it and inscribed "In it, not of it"
I guess that's our biggest challenge, to be in this world, but knowing that our true home is still waiting for us.
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10/3/2008, 8:51 pm
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