STRANGERS IN THE PALACE Judah was captive on three stages, during this time and until the end of the captivity was the darkest period for all the people. They lived in humiliation, strangers away from their country, deprived of worship in the Temple, and losing all dignity in the eyes of the Gentiles. But during that darkness, Daniel and his three companions were like shining stars. God takes care of them and uses them for His kingdom as witnesses of the truth, throughout all the generations. 1. The youths in captivity 1-4. 2. Their choice to serve the king 5-7. 3. Their rejection to the king’s delicacies 8-14. 4. The result of the test 15-16. 5. Their enjoyment of wisdom and understanding 17. 6. They surpass all the wise men 18-21. 1. THE YOUTHS IN CAPTIVITY The book starts by mentioning the first captivity of Judah in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, around the year 605 BC, by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, where he besieged Jerusalem and humiliated its king (2 Kings 24: 1; Jer 22: 19). He took some of the vessels from the house of God and brought them to Shinar to put them in the treasury of the house of his god. “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it” (1). This captivity was in the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim (Dan 1: 1), while in the book of Jeremiah chapter 25: 1 it was mentioned that this captivity took place in the fourth year of his reign. For the Babylonians and the Assyrians base their calculation on the year following the king’s reign, while in Judah, it is calculated starting the year when the king had been enthroned, this is why there is a discrepancy of one year between the two dates1. Some scholars state that the word “came” [1] here in Hebrew means that the start of Nebuchadnezzar’s movement as a the leader of the army to struggle against Necho, King of Egypt in the battle of Carchemish, while what is recorded in Jeremiah refers to his arrival to Jerusalem. Nebuchadrezzar or Nebuchadnezzar is a Babylonian name, which means “Nebo, the protector of the country borders,” or “O god Nebo, guard the borders,” or “O Nebo, preserve the succession of the king.” But the word “Nebo” means “broadcasting” or “press.” Nebo was the god of science and knowledge for the Babylonians2. The father of Nebuchadnezzar is Nabopolassar who founded the neo-Babylonian empire in the year 625 BC and who conquered the Assyrian empire. He sent his son to attack the pharaoh of Egypt in the year 605 BC in the battle of Carchemish (2 Kings 24: 7; Jer 46: 2). Then he came to Jerusalem and besieged it and captured some of its inhabitants, Daniel and his companions were among them. When Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father’s death, he went back to Babylon to be enthroned. Notice that it was never mentioned that 1 Raven: O.T. Introduction, p. 319-320. 2 New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible, p. 655. 44 Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon during the captivity of Jerusalem. Berosus1 mentioned that when Nabopolassar became old and was unable to lead his people, he gave the leadership of the armies to his son Nebuchadnezzar, thus he was a partner with his father in reigning over his people for at least two years. The chronicle of Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned in the books of the first and second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. His trace in Babylon corresponded with what is written in the Holy Bible. “And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, With some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; And he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god” (2). The Babylonian captivity was accomplished on three stages: 1. The first deportation: in the year 606 BC or 605 BC, after the battle of Carchemish in which Nebuchadnezzar had conquered the Pharaoh of Egypt, then he went to Jerusalem, where Daniel and his companions were captured. Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels from the Temple and put them in the temple of Baal in Babylon, and left Jehoiakim on the throne as his successor and submitted to his authority. 2. The second deportation: in the year 598 BC or 597 BC, eight years after the captivity of Daniel. During that time, Ezekiel was captured. The kings of Judah, Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, were revolted against Nebuchadnezzar, then the king came and took the rest of the vessels and treasures from the Temple, and captured King Jehoiakim with some other 10,000 noble men and military men. He did not leave anyone in Judah except the poor people. (Ezek 1: 1-3; 2 Chron 36: 10; 2 Kings 24 :8-20). 3. The third deportation: in the year 588 BC or 587 BC, where the king came for the third time to punish King Zedekiah for his rebellion. “He burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house; all the houses of Jerusalem, that is, all the houses of the great, he burned with fire” (2 Kings 25:9). He also killed the sons of Zedekiah, the last of the kings of Judah, and he cast off the eyes of the king himself and led him bound in chains, thus the temple, Jerusalem, and all the Jewish community were destroyed (2 Kings 25: 1- 7; Jer 34: 1-7). All that was to fulfill the prophecy (2 Chron 36: 14-21), as a group chastisement because of the deviation of the people and their insistence for pagan worship, and their rejection to the voice of God through the prophets. The first captivity was in the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim, according to the Babylonian calendar, which ignores the first part of the year. This was not achieved because of the courage of Nebuchadnezzar nor because of his tight secure army plan, and not by coincidence, but by God’s permission to chasten His people. This is what Daniel the prophet had emphasized. The truth about the defeat of Jehoiakim reveals that this victory was because of God’s will and not because of the power of the enemies2.] St. Jerome God had surrendered the king of Judah, his house and his holy vessels to be delivered by pagan hands to a pagan temple in Shinar. This was not a break in God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants, as written in the psalm, “This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it” (Ps 132: 14). Then He put a 1 Josephus: Contra Apionem 1:19; Antiq. 10:11:1. 2 PL 25:623. 45 condition, “If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I shall teach them” (Ps 132: 12). God is willing to surrender His temple and His holy vessels to pagan hands to stimulate us to repent, to obey Him, and to draw us to His love, to become His temple, the living stones, and the holy vessels, whose portion is heaven. “The land of Shinar” is an old name for Babylon, and also the tower which the old people had tried to build to reach heaven, and there God had confused their languages, and they called the land Babel which means “confusion.” St. Jerome explains, symbolically, the transfer of the vessels of the temple of God by Nebuchadnezzar. He said: [It was not possible that the king of Babylon transferred all the vessels of the house of God and put them in the house of the idol, which he had built. He only transferred part of the vessels from the house of God. These vessels refer to the teachings of the truth. If you study all the works of the philosophers, you will definitely find parts of the vessels of God, for example, you will find in Plato that God is the Creator of the world. Also, Zeno, the head of the Epicureans, mentioned that there are people in Hades and the souls are immortal. Due to the fact that the philosophers mix truth with lies, and defile the good nature with many evils. Therefore, they have seized some of the vessels of the house of God and not all of them1] St. Clement of Alexandria and his disciple Origen have adapted this thought. “Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles’ young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick understanding, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and who they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans” (3-4). Some of the liberal critics think that the name of “Ashpenaz” was not mentioned in the old Babylonian records, and that Ashpenaz was not a historical personality. However, later, one of the scientists of the Assyriology discovered this name engraved on one of the bricks in the ruins of Babylon and it is now kept in the British Museum2. The king established an institute in his palace under the direction of Ashpenaz. This institute had probably many departments, one of which was related to the education of the sons of the Jewish nobles, according to their language. The establishment of this institute to graduate wise men to help the king shows how wise and broad-minded the king was. His choice of some of the youths from the descendants of the kings was for many reasons. One of them was his feeling of a victorious man who carries the noble men not to subdue them but to serve in his palace and manage the affairs of his country. Also, he was pushing them to submit to him and not to be revolted against him, defending their country. This gives the Jews a psychological relief that there is one in the palace who represents them. These youths were characterized by the following: The nobleness of their genealogy. The beauty and strength of their body. 1 PL 25:623-4. 2 W.A. Criswell: Expository Sermons on The Book of Daniel, vol. 1. 46 The craftiness of their wisdom. Their knowledge. Their ability to educate others. Their ability to stand in the palace, to use their wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in their daily work. In spite of their physical health, wisdom, and experience, yet the king wanted them to learn the language and culture of his country, so they may lose the sense of belonging to their own country. He did not destroy their talents, but wanted to direct their energies for the benefit of his palace. What he meant by the “Literature of the Chaldeans” is to learn their language, culture, astronomy, mathematics, magic, and interpretation of dreams. As Moses learned all the wisdom of the Egyptians, so Daniel learned all the wisdom of the Chaldeans. 2. THEIR CHOICE TO SERVE THE KING “And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 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” (5-7). It is very clear that Nebuchadnezzar carried the traits of a king, for he chose youths to be trained in the language and the literature of the Chaldeans, at the expense of the palace. Moreover, they eat from the delicacies of the king, not that he may brag about their beauty, but to counsel him and help him in managing the affairs of the country. He did not despise them because they were foreigners. In this respect, he was far advanced by many centuries, for he was not like King Ahasuerus (who was mentioned in the book of Esther), who appointed men to fulfill their lusts, but he chose youths to serve the society. Why did the king order that they eat from his delicacies? He was quite crafty in this regard, for he appears to be the king who treats generously his captives. However, he wanted, through the luxurious life, to attract them to him so that they may not revolt against him, and so that they may lose the sense of belonging to their country. So he wanted to destroy Judah through violence as well as with gentleness. Training for three years, the number three refers to the resurrection. The Lord Jesus Christ offered us His risen life to raise us to heaven, however, Nebuchadnezzar offered the youths three years of training not to raise them to heaven but to Babylon, so that they may die for their country and live with a new Chaldean thought. The names of the four youths from the tribe of Judah were to remind them of their belonging to God and His presence with them. “Daniel” means “The Lord is my judge.” “Henaniah” means “Jehovah is kind and gentle.” “Mishael” means “who is like God or who resembles God.” “Azariah” means “Jehovah helps him” This shows the concern of the parents of those youths who had even chosen names to connect them to God, as it was mentioned in the book of Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22: 6). 47 The chief of the eunuchs wanted those youths to sever any relationship with their past, their religion and their education. This is why he gave them new names to bring them closer to the Chaldean gods, Baal, the god of the sun, the goddess of beauty and earth, and the goddess of fire. a. He called Daniel “Belteshazzar,” which means “Baal’s prince.” Baal was the main god that the Babylonians worshiped. b. He called Hananiah “Shadrach” which means “Inspired by the god of the sun.” c. He called Mishael “Meshach,” which means “Through Shak,” for the Babylonians worshipped Venus, under this name and he is the goddess of beauty and earth. d. He called Azariah “Abed-Nego” which means “the servant of the goddess of fire.” It is not strange that the king wanted to change their names as he changed their language and education, like what the Pharaoh did with Joseph. (Gen 41). However, he was not able to change neither their hearts nor their thoughts away from God or His people and His holy places. But when the Lord Jesus Christ changed the name of Simon to Peter (Mk 3: 16), and the two sons of Zebedee to the sons of Boanerges, He renewed their inner depths to correspond with their heavenly mission, which He had prepared for them. Daniel carried three names: a. In the Hebrew language, he was called Daniel, for the Hebrews saw in Him God who judges the evil of the pagans. b. In the Chaldean language, he was called Belteshazzar, for the Chaldeans or the Babylonians saw in him hidden power, so they considered him the private prince for their greatest god “Baal.” c. In the heavenly language, he was called, “man greatly beloved” (10:11,19; 9:23). 3. THEIR REJECTION TO EAT THE DELICACIES OF THE KING “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” (8,9). Since Daniel was faithful to God, he was granted grace in the eyes of the chief of the eunuchs. David the Psalmist said: “He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captive” (Ps 106:46). As God had hardened the heart of the Pharaoh to be glorified in the salvation of his people, he also granted grace in the heart of the chief of the eunuchs to be glorified in Daniel and the three youths. The Lord comforts us by touching the hearts of the people around us, either to use their tendency to violence or to change them to gentleness, so that all things work together for our good. The person who was captured because of the sins of his ancestors, was rewarded because of his virtues, for he had put in his heart not to defile himself with the delicacies of the king, but preferred a simple meal to a luxurious one. Therefore the Lord granted him grace and well being in the eyes of the chief of the eunuchs. In 48 difficult circumstances, the saints are loved by the unbelievers, because of God’s mercies and not because of the goodness of the evil people1. St. Jerome “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 said 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 the 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 for ten days” (10-14). Daniel lived in a strange country (the land of captivity), and he could have had a good excuse not to fast. Daniel was in a corrupted environment encouraging sin, for he was in the king’s palace, and he had to eat from the king’s delicacies and drink his wine. He fasted even in his old age (ch. 10), as if his heart did not get old. Note that in Daniel’s fasting: 1. Daniel fasted not only by abstaining from food, but he “purposed in his heart” (8). A spiritual life is enjoying an inner treasure, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6: 21). Thus, a true spiritual life stems from the depth of the heart, that even during the temptation, the believer can overcome it by God’s grace and the strong holy will be inside him. Not only did he purpose in his heart, but also he transformed it into action. Worship starts from inside and it is also translated into action, so that the body shares with the soul, the action with the thought, and one practices his spiritual life with all his hidden and apparent being. 2. Daniel asked the chief of the eunuchs not to defile himself. This request was considered impossible, because it can put him in trouble and may cost him his life. Daniel believed that God is the Lord of the impossibilities who can work in the heart of this pagan man, as long as this matter touches the sanctity of his life and its purity. The chief of the eunuchs changed their names, but he was unable to change their hearts and their holy natures in the Lord. Daniel considered the king’s delicacies defilement. Why? a. Because his brothers were deprived from this luxurious life, so how could he accept to live in the luxury of the palace while his brothers were in need? b. What was offered on the table was unlawful food according to the Mosaic Law, like the meat of strangled and some unlawful animals. However, on the king’s table, there must have been some lawful meat, which Daniel and his companions could have chosen from. c. Those youths were afraid that the king’s delicacies might make them forget their true positions as captives. They did not request the king’s delicacies, but rather their freedom and satisfaction. Their hearts would not rest in a strange palace, but they longed to go back to their own country. No doubt, Daniel and his companions were groaning for all what had happened to God’s people, the temple, and the holy city, so they kept an inner bitterness until God had pity on them and restored their captivity. 1 PL 25:625B. 49 d. Daniel was afraid that some participants at the table have been addicted to the wine, so he completely rejected it, as was written. “Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine, do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly” (Prov 23: 30-31). Daniel probably considered himself a Nazirite to the Lord who does not drink wine or any similar drinks. (Num 6: 2-3). The priests were forbidden to use it before their ministries in the temple, (Lev 10:1-9), as well as the kings, too (Prov 31:4-5). Those youths were in bitter agony because of the captivity, so how can they drink wine, which was a symbol of joy? They did not use it so God may restore them from their captivity. Blessed are those who keep the covenant of their fathers and do not disobey the Law given by Moses, but fear God. In spite of their captivity in a strange land, they were not enticed by delicious meat nor by attractive wine nor by the glory of the princes, but instead they kept their mouths holy and sanctified and praised the Heavenly Father1. St. Hippolytus of Rome Whoever did not want to eat nor drink from the king’s delicacies lest he gets defiled (knowing that the wisdom and teachings of the Babylonians were wrong), surely cannot utter any evil word2. St. Jerome Daniel debated his principle of fasting with courage and gentleness, in the spirit of humility and not with self-righteousness. The true religious life is to practice moderation; so one may not live in humiliation, nor with violence; with no respect for others, or in haughtiness feeling that he is more righteous than others. Daniel was characterized with wisdom, sobriety and faith, knowing that God is the One who works in the hearts of people. There was a hidden element in this debate, which was “God’s interference for our own spiritual good.” It was so obvious from verse 9 that the fruit of this debate was not due to Daniel’s personality but to God’s mercies, who gave him grace in the eyes of the chief of the eunuchs. God is in control of the hearts of those who rule us, even if they are non-believers or tend to be violent. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it whenever He wishes” (Prov 21:1). God wants us to enter into dialogue with Him as Abraham, Moses, David and others did. 3. Daniel and his friends were serious about fasting without weariness for ten days; thus the Lord rewarded them ten times. He gave them a better countenance, and they became in much better health than all the others. This was a gift from God, for it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut 8:3). They knew that the earthly meat does not grant people beauty and strength but rather God’s grace which is granted by His Word3. St. Hippolytus of Rome 1 Scholia on Daniel 1:8. 2 PL 25:625A. 3 Scholia on Daniel 1:12. 50 He gave them knowledge, understanding and wisdom, for the moderate spiritual fasting does not weaken the mind but rather strengthens it and helps it grow. 4. This book presents us a lively picture about the fasting of Daniel, who used to eat only beans, (12), and no meat (Dan.10:3). He abstained form every luxury; he did not drink any wine nor did he anoint himself (Dan 10:3). David the Psalmist practiced fasting the same way, for he said, “My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh is feeble from lack of fatness” (Ps 109:24). Repentance accompanies fasting (Dan 10:2). His faith was so great to the extent that he promised them that he will be in better health, once he eats the fasting food, and he determined the time too. This was not being too hasty in acting, but rather great faith; he despised the delicacies of the king1. St. Jerome 4. THE RESULTS OF THE TEST “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 (beans)” (15-16). We do not know the number of youths who served the king, however only the four names, Daniel and his three friends, were mentioned. Since they were serious in their faithfulness to God, in spite of the difficult circumstances, they were the only ones who deserved to have their names mentioned in the Holy Bible and to be found engraved in the book of life. 5. THEY WERE TALENTED WITH WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING “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” (17). God had fulfilled His promises with His believers, “For those who honor Me, I will honor...” (1 Sam 2:30). Notice that it was written that God gave the young men knowledge in all literature and in all branches of wisdom2] St. Jerome God had selected Daniel, not only from the rest of the people but also from his peers, because He was preparing him for an important prophetic task. St. Jerome mentioned that God had given the four young men knowledge and skills, but He added another gift to Daniel, which was the understanding of all visions and dreams3. Daniel was distinguished with the spirit of prophecy, for God revealed to Him His plan. God had forbidden the use of magic to know the future (Deut 18:10), but He revealed some aspects of the future to His prophets for the edification of the His people and the glory of His holy name. 1 PL 25:625C. 2 PL 25:625C. 3 PL 25:625C. 51 6. THEY SURPASSED THE WISE MEN “Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (18-20). The king could not have tested those youths unless he himself was highly educated and full of knowledge and wisdom. The king was pleased with them, but he did not bring them to the palace just for spending some time nor for having idle talks, but for helping him with the spirit of wisdom and seriousness. God was glorified in His captured children, for they have surpassed their peers, the Chaldeans, who bragged that they were full of wisdom, considering others ignorant barbarians. Now the king admits that their wisdom is nothing compared to the abundant grace of God. “Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus” (21). This does not mean that Daniel did not stay except until the first year of King Cyrus, but this is to emphasize that Daniel was contemporary during the whole period of captivity, for in this year the Jews have returned to Jerusalem. 52 FROM THE INSPIRATION OF DANIEL (1) IN THE BABYLONIAN PALACE May the enemy carry me to the Babylonian Palace, But he cannot cast my soul from heaven! May he offer me all the delicacies and luxuries, but he cannot snatch me from the heavenly table! Because I enjoy the food of the angels! Grant me to abstain from the love of the world, Then bless my body, soul, and mind. Help me with Your heavenly wisdom and reveal to me Your surpassing mysteries! As you were with Daniel in his sojourn in the palace, Let Your grace accompany me wherever I go! Grant me success in every task I undertake!
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