Among the children of Israel who were carried captive
to Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years'
captivity were Christian patriots, men who were as true as
steel to principle, who would not be corrupted by selfishness,
but who would honor God at the loss of all things. In the
land of their captivity these men were to carry out God's
purpose by giving to heathen nations the blessings that
come through a knowledge of Jehovah. They were to be
His representatives. Never were they to compromise with
idolaters; their faith and their name as worshipers of the
living God they were to bear as a high honor. And this
they did. In prosperity and adversity they honored God,
and God honored them.
The fact that these men, worshipers of Jehovah, were
captives in Babylon, and that the vessels of God's house
had been placed in the Temple of the Babylonish gods, was
boastfully cited by the victors as evidence that their religion
and customs were superior to the religion and customs of
the Hebrews. Yet through the very humiliations that Israel's
departure from Him had invited, God gave Babylon evidence
of His supremacy, of the holiness of His requirements,
and of the sure results of obedience. And this testimony
He gave, as alone it could be given, through those who
were loyal to Him.
Among those who maintained their allegiance to God
were Daniel and his three companions--illustrious examples
of what men may become who unite with the God of
wisdom and power. From the comparative simplicity of
their Jewish home, these youth of royal line were taken to
the most magnificent of cities and into the court of the
world's greatest monarch. Nebuchadnezzar "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; children in whom was no blemish, but
well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in
knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had
ability in them to stand in the king's palace. . . .
"Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. " Seeing in these youth
the promise of remarkable ability, Nebuchadnezzar determined
that they should be trained to fill important positions
in his kingdom. That they might be fully qualified for
their lifework, he arranged for them to learn the language
of the Chaldeans and for three years to be granted the
unusual educational advantages afforded princess of the realm.
The names of Daniel and his companions were changed
to names representing Chaldean deities. Great significance
was attached to the names given by Hebrew parents to their
children. Often these stood for traits of character that the
parent desired to see developed in the child. The prince
in whose charge the captive youth were placed, "gave unto
Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach;
and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego."
The king did not compel the Hebrew youth to renounce
their faith in favor of idolatry, but he hoped to bring this
about gradually. By giving them names significant of
idolatry, by bringing them daily into close association with
idolatrous customs, and under the influence of the seductive
rites of heathen worship, he hoped to induce them to
renounce the religion of their nation and to unite with the
worship of the Babylonians.
At the very outset of their career there came to them a
decisive test of character. It was provided that they should
eat of the food and drink of the wine that came from the
king's table. In this the king thought to give them an expression
of his favor and of his solicitude for their welfare. But
a portion having been offered to idols, the food from the
king's table was consecrated to idolatry; and one partaking
of it would be regarded as offering homage to the gods
of Babylon. In such homage, loyalty to Jehovah forbade
Daniel and his companions to join. Even a mere pretense
of eating the food or drinking the wine would be a denial
of their faith. To do this would be to array themselves
with heathenism and to dishonor the principles of the law
of God.
Nor dared they risk the enervating effect of luxury and
dissipation on physical, mental, and spiritual development.
They were acquainted with the history of Nadab and Abihu,
the record of whose intemperance and its results had been
preserved in the parchments of the Pentateuch; and they
knew that their own physical and mental power would
be injuriously affected by the use of wine.
Daniel and his associates had been trained by their
parents to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught
that God would hold them accountable for their capabilities,
and that they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers.
This education was to Daniel and his companions the means
of their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences
of the court of Babylon. Strong were the temptations surrounding
them in that corrupt and luxurious court, but
they remained uncontaminated. No power, no influence,
could sway them from the principles they had learned in
early life by a study of the word and works of God.
Had Daniel so desired, he might have found in his surroundings
a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate
habits. He might have argued that, dependent as
he was on the king's favor and subject to his power, there
was no other course for him to pursue than to eat of the
king's food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere to
the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably
lose his position and his life. Should he disregard the commandment
of the Lord he would retain the favor of the
king and secure for himself intellectual advantages and
flattering worldly prospects.
But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was
dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly
potentate--dearer than life itself. He determined to stand
firm in his integrity, let the result be what it might. He
"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." And in this resolve he was supported by
his three companions.
In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act
presumptuously but in firm reliance upon God. They did
not choose to be singular, but they would be so rather than
dishonor God. Should they compromise with wrong in
this instance by yielding to the pressure of circumstances,
their departure from principle would weaken their sense of
right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first wrong step
would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven
severed, they would be swept away by temptation.
"God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love
with the prince of the eunuchs," and the request that he
might not defile himself was received with respect. Yet
the prince hesitated to grant it. "I fear my lord the king,
who hath appointed your meat and your drink," he explained
to Daniel; "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."
Daniel then appealed to Melzar, the officer in special
charge of the Hebrew youth, requesting that they might
be excused from eating the king's meat and drinking his wine.
He asked that the matter be tested by a ten days' trial, the
Hebrew youth during this time being supplied with simple
food, while their companions ate of the king's dainties.
Melzar, though fearful that by complying with this request
he would incur the displeasure of the king, nevertheless
consented; and Daniel knew that his case was won. At the
end of the ten days' trial the result was found to be the
opposite of the prince's fears. "Their countenances appeared
fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat
the portion of the king's meat." In personal appearance the
Hebrew youth showed a marked superiority over their
companions. As a result, Daniel and his associates were
permitted to continue their simple diet during their entire
course of training.
For three years the Hebrew youth studied to acquire
"the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." During
this time they held fast their allegiance to God and depended
constantly upon His power. With their habits of self-denial
they united earnestness of purpose, diligence, and steadfastness.
It was not pride or ambition that had brought them
into the king's court, into companionship with those who
neither knew nor feared God; they were captives in a
strange land, placed there by Infinite Wisdom. Separated
from home influences and sacred associations, they sought
to acquit themselves creditably, for the honor of their down-trodden
people, and for the glory of Him whose servants
they were.
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial
of the Hebrew youth, and their purity of motive; and
His blessing attended them. He "gave them knowledge
and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding
in all visions and dreams." The promise was fulfilled,
"Them that honor Me I will honor." 1 Samuel 2:30.
As Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of
prophetic power came upon him. While receiving instruction
from man in the duties of court life, he was being taught
by God to read the mysteries of the future and to record
for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events
covering the history of this world till the close of time.
When the time came for the youth in training to be
tested, the Hebrews were examined, with other candidates,
for the service of the kingdom. But "among them all was
found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah."
Their keen comprehension, their wide knowledge, their
choice and exact language, testified to the unimpaired
strength and vigor of their mental powers. "In all matters
of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of
them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians
and astrologers that were in all his realm;" "therefore stood
they before the king."
At the court of Babylon were gathered representatives
from all lands, men of the highest talent, men the most
richly endowed with natural gifts, and possessed of the
broadest culture that the world could bestow; yet among
them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. In physical
strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment,
they stood unrivaled. The erect form, the firm, elastic
step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses, the
untainted breath--all were so many certificates of good
habits, insignia of the nobility with which nature honors
those who are obedient to her laws.
In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and
his companions were far more successful than their fellow
students; but their learning did not come by chance. They
obtained their knowledge by the faithful use of their powers,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They placed themselves
in connection with the Source of all wisdom, making
the knowledge of God the foundation of their education.
In faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their
prayers. They placed themselves where God could bless
them. They avoided that which would weaken their powers,
and improved every opportunity to become intelligent in
all lines of learning. They followed the rules of life that
could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They sought
to acquire knowledge for one purpose--that they might
honor God. They realized that in order to stand as
representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism
they must have clearness of intellect and must perfect
a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher.
Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in
touch with the Unseen, they walked with God as did Enoch.
True success in any line of work is not the result of chance
or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God's providences,
the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance.
Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are
not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success
depends upon the use made of them.
While God was working in Daniel and his companions
"to will and to do of His good pleasure," they were working
out their own salvation. Philippians 2:13. Herein is revealed
the outworking of the divine principle of co-operation, without
which no true success can be attained. Human effort
avails nothing without divine power; and without human
endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make
God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is
given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute
for our effort.
As the Lord co-operated with Daniel and his fellows, so
He will co-operate with all who strive to do His will. And
by the impartation of His Spirit He will strengthen every
true purpose, every noble resolution. Those who walk in
the path of obedience will encounter many hindrances.
Strong, subtle influences may bind them to the world; but
the Lord is able to render futile every agency that works
for the defeat of His chosen ones; in His strength they may
overcome every temptation, conquer every difficulty.
God brought Daniel and his associates into connection
with the great men of Babylon, that in the midst of a nation
of idolaters they might represent His character. How did
they become fitted for a position of so great trust and honor?
It was faithfulness in little things that gave complexion to
their whole life. They honored God in the smallest duties,
as well as in the larger responsibilities.
As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, so
He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In the
smallest as well as the largest affairs of life, He desires us
to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom. Many are
waiting for some great work to be brought to them, while
daily they lose opportunities for revealing faithfulness to
God. Daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness
the little duties of life. While they wait for some large
work in which they may exercise supposedly great talents,
and thus satisfy their ambitious longings, their days pass
away.
In the life of the true Christian there are no nonessentials;
in the sight of Omnipotence every duty is important. The
Lord measures with exactness every possibility for service.
The unused capabilities are just as much brought into
account as those that are used. We shall be judged by what
we ought to have done, but did not accomplish because we
did not use our powers to glorify God.
A noble character is not the result of accident; it is not
due to special favors or endowments of Providence. It is
the result of self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the
higher nature, of the surrender of self to the service of God
and man.
Through the fidelity to the principles of temperance
shown by the Hebrew youth God is speaking to the youth
of today. There is need of men who like Daniel will do and
dare for the cause of right. Pure hearts, strong hands, fearless
courage, are needed; for the warfare between vice and virtue
calls for ceaseless vigilance. To every soul Satan comes with
temptation in many alluring forms on the point of indulgence
of appetite.
The body is a most important medium through which
the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of
character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his
temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical
powers. His success here often means the surrender of the
whole being to evil. The tendencies of the physical nature,
unless under the dominion of a higher power, will surely
work ruin and death. The body is to be brought into
subjection to the higher powers of the being. The passions are
to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the
control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified by
divine grace, is to bear sway in the life. Intellectual power,
physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon immutable
laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand
conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations,
conqueror of principalities and powers, of "the rulers of the
darkness of this world," and of "spiritual wickedness in
high places." Ephesians 6:12.
In that ancient ritual which is the gospel in symbol, no
blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The
sacrifice that was to represent Christ must be spotless. The
word of God points to this as an illustration of what His
children are to be--"a living sacrifice," "holy and without
blemish." Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:27.
The Hebrew worthies were men of like passions with
ourselves; yet, notwithstanding the seductive influences of
the court of Babylon, they stood firm, because they depended
upon a strength that is infinite. In them a heathen nation
beheld an illustration of the goodness and beneficence of
God, and of the love of Christ. And in their experience we
have an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation,
of purity over depravity, of devotion and loyalty over atheism
and idolatry.
The spirit that possessed Daniel, the youth of today may
have; they may draw from the same source of strength,
possess the same power of self-control, and reveal the same
grace in their lives, even under circumstances as unfavorable.
Though surrounded by temptations to self-indulgence, especially
in our large cities, where every form of sensual
gratification is made easy and inviting, yet by divine grace their
purpose to honor God may remain firm. Through strong
resolution and vigilant watchfulness they may withstand
every temptation that assails the soul. But only by him who
determines to do right because it is right will the victory
be gained.
What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As
they bade farewell to their childhood home, little did they
dream what a high destiny was to be theirs. Faithful and
steadfast, they yielded to the divine guiding, so that through
them God could fulfill His purpose.
The same mighty truths that were revealed through these
men, God desires to reveal through the youth and children
today. The life of Daniel and his fellows is a demonstration
of what He will do for those who yield themselves to Him
and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose.