The Book of Daniel (Matt Corbitt)
Introduction
Ezekiel made reference to Daniel three different times in his own book,
praising Daniel for his righteousness and wisdom (Bullock 1986, 279). The book of
Daniel provides excellent insight into the interworking of the Babylonian empire
and ancient Chaldean culture (Walvoord 1971, 31). From its onset, the book of
Daniel compels its readers to believe that God is both concerned and present to
aid those who serve Him.
Education: Then and Today
Daniel was a well versed, highly educated writer. He was trained from
childhood in the ways of royal courts (Walvoord 1971, 34). As a result, Daniel knew both
Greek and aristocratic Aramaic and incorporated these languages and dialects
into his work. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Bible encourages believers to study and
learn, specifically in the scriptures. Daniel clearly understood this concept
and studied not only the scripture, but also a broad range of subjects, and thereby
accrued knowledge and wisdom above and beyond his contemporaries. Apostolic
believers and especially leaders are mandated not only to know the scriptures, but
also to be 'worldly wise'. The way Daniel balanced divine and carnal knowledge
should be a standard whereby the oneness Pentecostal movement judges itself
today.
Furthermore, as Moses in
Egypt, Daniel learned the wisdom of the Chaldeans without accepting the false
wisdom intertwined in the culture (Walvoord 1971, 41). Daniel had the ability to tell
the difference and sift between the good and the bad presented to him by his
new surroundings. Daniels unique education both qualified and allowed him to fill
a position that no one else in his generation could. Two things show the
omnipotence and omniscience of God: first, God began to shape Daniel’s
education and life at a young age. Second, God gave Daniel the wisdom to be
able to discern truth from foolishness when being educated by the Chaldeans.
Daniel’s wisdom was known throughout the Babylonian empire and was especially
recognized in the Palestinian Community (Bullock 1986, 280).
Temptation
The food that was served to Daniel in the first chapter could, at the very
least, be considered "rich food". The provisions given to those
destined to attend the king were lavish and considered "delicacies"(Walvoord 1971, 35). Daniel and his three friends
were the only Hebrews to abstain from the king's meat. All of the brethren that
journeyed with them from Palestine succumbed to the enticements and pleasures
of Babylon without protest.
The temptation to give in
to the culture is often overwhelming. Isolation or being removed from the
culture that nourishes one’s beliefs amplifies these temptations. It is far
easier to abstain from meat given to idols when there is no idolatry; it is
quite another to abstain when the savory scent is before you. This is why it is
integral for a strong church culture to provide shelter for the weak among
believers. Of all their brethren, four men were able to resist the king's meat.
Names and Titles
Names and titles are of little consequence in the measurement of
character. This was demonstrated by the name changing that occurred while the
Hebrew children were in Babylon. New, pagan names were thrust upon them- yet, although
their names were changed, they stayed truth to the Hebrew faith (Walvoord 1971, 37). People are often greatly affected
by names and titles, thinking these things carry far more weight then they
actually do.
A title is hollow if the
man who holds it is hollow. A name is hollow if the name does not match what is
on the inside. The internal force of the Hebrew children was great enough to
counterbalance whatever was thrown at them from the outside. This integral
superiority is an ideal that every apostolic should strive for. Integral superiority
is not a false pride, but a full assurance of one’s identity in relation to
God. It is a revelation of self. With this concept clearly understood, the
pressure from the outside hasn't the ability to dent the individual. This
'presence of mind' is exactly what Jesus gathered in the wilderness and
demonstrated boldly in the garden of Gethsemane.
Diet and Nutrition
Modern science is just now catching up with the teachings of Daniel:
and not without a great struggle. Since the 1950's American dietitians have
prescribed a low fat/ high carbohydrate diet for weight loss. This prescription
for weight loss runs contrary to the Bible. Daniel and the Hebrew boys ate a
high carbohydrate diet and gained weight and had a fuller color than their
competition. The 'pulse' they ate was not simply beans and peas, but it was all
manner of the fruit of the ground. These foods were typically not offered to
idols and therefore would have complied with the Hebraic dietary laws (Walvoord 1971, 40).
Prophetic
Foundation
The prophetic meanings of Daniel 1
are perhaps the most subdued of the first six chapters. Yet, this chapter is
the harbinger and foundation for the rest. Chapter 1 shows that God is
intimately involved with those that serve Him, looking out for their best while
positioning them to accomplish His will (AST 2015, Week 2, 41).
Without this understanding, the rest of the book could be readily dismissed. In
a sense, Daniel was using chapter 1 to persuade and instruct the reader that
God is deeply concerned with the affairs of man.
It
is by this foundation that Daniel connects Israel's history with that of both
tragic failure and incredible restoration. The prophecies that come after
chapter 1 find their strength in its narrative. The first chapter of Daniel
could be described as the apologetic work of the book.
Conclusion
Daniel was a man wise beyond his
years and peers, possessing not only wisdom but knowledge. In addition, Daniel
possessed an excellent spirit and exhibited exceptional personal character. Blessed
and inspired by God, he wrote a book that continues to hold rich meaning and
depth thousands of years later. By careful examination and reflection it is
possible to glean great knowledge and wisdom from the design of his writings to
the insights of his prose. Following in the footsteps of Daniel is a high goal
and one that apostolic believers should continually strive to achieve today.
Daniel’s character brought a response from God- a response of personal concern.
From the time of Daniel until today, God is still concerned and present to aid
those who serve Him as Daniel did: in
the world, but not of the world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
AST. Selected Reading.
Sacramento: AST, 2015.
Bullock, C. Hassell.1986. An Introduction to the Old Testament
Prophetic Books. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute.
Walvoord, John F. 1971. Daniel: The Key to Prophetic Revelation.
Chicago: Moody Bible Institute.