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We have seen that placed in a strange land, Daniel and his three friends are determined to live under God’s word in exile. It has led them to a ten-day vegan diet. The result, in verse 15, is that they look better nourished than the rest, and they are allowed to continue to abstain from the king’s food.
We are meant to see this as God’s miraculous provision. We have already seen God’s hand at work for the exiles (see v. 9), and here God is vindicating the exiles’ stand for Him. Even in exile, God is in control for the benefit of His people.
In verse 17 we see that the Lord is providing for future events. The exiles are given knowledge and understanding that will mean that they can serve in Babylon. Further, Daniel is given the ability to interpret dreams. In a future chapter we will see that this ability will cause God’s people to be rescued from death, and cause Nebuchadnezzar to come to understand the gospel. Once again we see that God is in complete control.
There is no promise here that if we live in obedience to God’s word, things will go well for us in this life. Here we learn that as we are to trust God is in control we live in the world.
In verses 18 to 20 the four exiles are examined by the king. They pass their viva, and are shown to be the top students. Again we see that God’s hand is at work in the lives of Daniel and his friends.
The writer adds an important comment for us in verse 21. Daniel remains there until the first year of King Cyrus. It was in that year (see Ezra 1:1) that the exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem. So we know that Daniel will live through the seventy years of exile.
We will see Daniel continuing to stand firm for the Lord, obedient to His word right through the exile period. His faithfulness will be seen even when he is threatened with death (in chapter 6). Faithfulness on what appear less significant issues (like food and drink here in chapter 1) builds towards faithfulness on what appear bigger issues (like the idolatry of chapter 6).
Reflection
What are the seemingly trivial issues where you face pressure to conform to the world?
Scripture
About this Plan
The story of Daniel and his three friends is well known and well loved. But the account of these four men, in a far away land, is so much more than the lion’s den and a fiery furnace that we remember from Sunday school. In forty days, experienced Bible–teacher Justin Mote, shows us God’s goodness, provision and sovereignty, even when the situation seems out of control.
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