The Book of Daniel
Daniel 1:1-16
[Deuteronomy 28:47-52]
A. The Historical Background — 1:1-7
1. The Deportation — 1:1-2
a. The Babylonians were God’s tool for the punishment
b. Two reasons for the judgment (II Chr 36:21, Jer. 44:20-23)
1.The Israelites failed to keep the Sabbatical years
2. Idol worship
2. The Selection — 1:3-7
a. Ashpenez chose men with specific qualifications (v3-4)
b. They were given the king’s food and wine (v5)
c. Given new names (v6-7)
1. Daniel - Belteshazzar- ‘May Bel Protect His Life’
2. Hananiah- Shadrach, -‘The command of Aku’
3. Mishael -Meshach ‘Who is what Aku is?’
4. Azariah -Abed-nego- ‘The Servant of Nebo’
B. The Testing of Daniel and His Friends — 1:8-16
1. Daniel’s Request of the Commander — 1:8-10
a. Daniel made a commitment not to defile himself (v8)
b. He had a good reputation with the commander (v9)
c. Ashpenez refused because he didn’t want to die (v10)
2. The Request of the Steward — 1:11-16
a. The steward reported to Ashpenez, not the king (v11)
b. Examine us after ten days of vegetables and water (v12-13)
c. The steward agreed (v14)
d. After ten days they were fatter and healthier looking (v15)
e. So they maintained the diet for the 3 year period (v16
