STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL

November 3, 2020

DANIEL AND HIS COMPANION. Dan. 1:1-21

God is all-knowing, and he is in charge of world events Dan. 2:21-22, 29; 4:17, 34. God overrules and removes rebellious leaders who defile him. Daniel was born in the middle of Josiah’s reign (2Kg. 22, 23). He grew up during the King’s reforms, this implies that he knew Jeremiah or rather heard about his prophecies Dan. 9:2, Jer. 25:12. Daniel was taken captive to Babylon and served in the king’s court. He and his three friends are examples of dedication and commitment. They determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. 

  1. Dan. 1:6-7 “Now among these were of the children of Judah…Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names; …”
  2. Daniel means “God is my judge”, Hananiah means “Yahweh has acted graciously-The grace of God”, Mishael means “Who is what God is-He that is strong”, and Azariah means “Yahweh has helped-The Lord is a help”. They were children of Judah, the royal tribe, and of the house of David.
  3. Their names were changed. “Their Hebrew names (-el for God or –iah for Yaweh) were replaced with reference to Babylonian deities like Nabu or Marduk (also called Bel)” – Logos study Bible” Belteshazzar signifies the keeper of the hidden treasures of Bel, Shadrah-The inspiration of the sun which the Chaldeans worship, Meshach- Of the goddess Shah, under which name venus was worshipped, and Abed-nego-The servant of the burning fire, which they worshipped also” M. Henry. The  HCSB Study Bible says, Belteshazzar –“Bel Protect Him”, Shadrach-“The Command of Akku”; Meshach-“Who is What Aku Is” and Abednego-“servant of Nebo”
  4. Giving names to captives was a sign of being put under subjection Gen 41:45, 2Kg. 23:34; 24:17.
  5. These captives were dedicated to their gods. 1Cor. 10:19-21. Idols are nothing, but be careful so that you don’t become partakers with demons behind the idols. As a believer in Christ, your natural standard is nothing. 2Cor. 5:16-17.
  6. Names are important as you will see throughout the Bible. Jabez decided to reverse the evil attached to his name in the presence of God 1Chro. 4:9-10. However, some names had to be changed for reasons best known to those connected, and sometimes to God. Gen. 17:5-8, 15-16; 32:24-28; 35:9-11, 16-18.