A Closer Look: Daniel, the Faithful Prophet
Let’s set the scene. It’s approximately 600 B.C. and Babylon has attacked Judah and taken over, taking the Jewish people into Babylon as exiles. A command comes for the best among the nobility and royal family to be taken. The healthy, handsome, skillful, educated, quick learners. They were to be taken to serve in the King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace (Daniel 1:3-5). At this time, Daniel was one of those who was taken to the palace under this order. Besides fulfilling the above specifications, Daniel was also a prophet who could interpret dreams and is now well known for being faithful to God.
The Real Daniel Fast
During Daniel’s three-year training, he was supposed to eat the best food and wine from the king’s very own table. But he and three other fellow exiles refused.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.
Daniel 1:8
The guard in charge of them was concerned–why should I listen to these four’s request only to present them as lacking compared to the others? The king would have my head for that! But God moved the guard’s heart to be sympathetic toward Daniel. So he agreed to test them on a diet of water and vegetables for ten days.
Not surprisingly, after ten days Daniel and his friends ended up healthier and more fit than all the other young men who had eaten the royal food.
In addition to being healthier physically, the king found that no others compared to them in other ways as well. These men from Judah were ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters throughout his whole kingdom, with all kinds of wisdom and understanding.
Daniel’s Obedience to God
Daniel especially, became so distinguished and impressed the king so much that he wanted to place Daniel over the entire kingdom. His successes were so great that other officials sought for a way to get rid of him. They said to King Darius,
“[We] have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lion’s den.”
Daniel 6:7
Daniel once again refused to do this as well, despite knowing the consequences. He went to his room and got down on his knees. He prayed to God three times a day as he had always done. The officials found him praying and brought him before the king who favored Daniel, but could not go against the edict that he himself had issued.
Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Unwillingly, he gave the order for Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. In the morning, he rushed there to see what had become of Daniel. Did his God rescue him? You probably know the story–when King Darius called out to Daniel, a voice came back.
Not only was Daniel an example of faith, he was an example of patience and trust. No matter the situation, Daniel obeyed God's commands.
