September 14

Daniel 1-3 (biblegateway.com)

Faithfulness in Exile

After the prophetic calls for repentance and visions of restoration in Joel 3, Daniel 1–3 introduces God’s people in exile, demonstrating faithfulness under foreign oppression and God’s power to deliver His servants in the midst of trials.

Daniel 1–3 begins with the exile of Judah’s elite to Babylon, setting the stage for God’s people to navigate life in a foreign land. In Daniel 1, Daniel and his friends refuse to defile themselves with the king’s food, choosing obedience to God over cultural conformity, and God honors their faithfulness with wisdom and favor. Daniel 2 shifts to King Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream, which none of his wise men can interpret. Daniel, by God’s revelation, interprets the dream, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over kingdoms and history. Daniel 3 recounts the famous fiery furnace incident, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to an idol, and God miraculously preserves them, showing His power to save those who remain steadfast in faith.

Introduction to Daniel

The Book of Daniel, written in the sixth century B.C., records both the personal experiences and the prophetic visions of Daniel, whose name means “God is my Judge.” Taken into exile in 605 B.C. during the reign of King Jehoiakim, Daniel was among the young men of noble birth chosen to serve in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Though far from home and surrounded by the pressures of Babylonian culture, Daniel remained faithful to God. His steadfast devotion is seen in familiar accounts such as the fiery furnace, the handwriting on the wall, and the lions’ den. When Persia later conquered Babylon in 539 B.C., Daniel was once again elevated to a position of influence, continuing to serve faithfully into the reign of Cyrus.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the book of Daniel is not placed among the Prophets but within the Writings, highlighting its distinctive combination of narrative and apocalyptic vision. Yet Jesus Himself referred to Daniel as a prophet (Matt. 24:15), confirming his role as God’s spokesman.

The Hebrew Bible is traditionally divided into three sections: the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings (also called the Hagiographa). The Prophets include eight books, arranged as follows: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the Twelve (the Minor Prophets). The Writings comprise eleven books: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. In most Christian Bibles today, however, Daniel is placed among the Major Prophets, following Ezekiel.

The book of Daniel divides naturally into two sections: the historical accounts of chapters 1–6, which show God’s deliverance of His faithful servants, and the prophetic visions of chapters 7–12, which reveal God’s sovereignty over the course of human history and His ultimate plan of judgment and redemption.

Daniel’s message remains clear: earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but the Lord rules over all. His sovereignty directs history toward the final triumph of His kingdom. The book not only assured its first hearers that their suffering was not meaningless, but it also calls believers today to trust in God’s control, remain faithful in times of testing, and live with hope in the coming fulfillment of His promises. From beginning to end, Daniel proclaims that God’s power and presence sustain His people, and that His kingdom is everlasting.

Daniel 1: Faithfulness in a Foreign Land

In the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign over Judah (605 B.C.), Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem, capturing the city and taking some of the sacred articles from the temple to the land of Shinar (v. 1–2). Among those deported to Babylon was Daniel, a young man of noble birth, along with others considered promising candidates to be trained in the culture, language, and service of the Babylonian court. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile, the first in a series of disciplinary actions foretold by God for His covenant people due to their persistent disobedience.

Following the deportation, Nebuchadnezzar commanded Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility, young men who were physically without defect, handsome, intelligent, quick to learn, well-informed, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace (v. 3–4). These young men were to be trained in the language, literature, and customs of the Chaldeans, preparing them for positions of influence in the Babylonian administration.

The training involved mastering the language of the Babylonians (or Chaldeans). The traditional Babylonian language, Akkadian, was written in cuneiform and used for much of Babylonian literature. However, the ruling Chaldean dynasty primarily spoke Aramaic, the diplomatic lingua franca of the time, which Daniel and his peers may have already known. The term “language of the Chaldeans” may also refer to the specialized priestly guild of diviners, who had become synonymous with the Chaldeans.

The literature studied likely included a combination of general scribal training and specialized texts used by diviners. These writings, some of them already over a millennium old by Daniel’s time, contained observations of omens, dreams, and astronomical phenomena, often framed in “if-then” formulas. Others recorded rituals, exorcisms, or methods of divination to interpret or neutralize potential dangers. Daniel appears to have been trained alongside these professionals, yet he remained faithful to God rather than adopting Babylonian religious practices. Remarkably, many of these texts have been uncovered by archaeologists in Mesopotamian libraries, especially at Nineveh and Babylon, giving us insight into what Daniel would have encountered (J. J. Collins, Daniel: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel, Hermeneia, p. 143).

Through this intense cultural and spiritual training, Daniel and his companions faced a high-pressure test of loyalty, wisdom, and trust in God. Everything about their education, from the language and literature to the daily routines of court life, was designed to pull them away from their covenant identity and assimilate them fully into Babylonian culture. The expectation was not only to learn Babylon’s wisdom but to adopt its worldview, serving the king with undivided allegiance. For young exiles, far from home and surrounded by powerful influences, the temptation to compromise would have been overwhelming. Yet Daniel overcame this pressure by drawing clear lines of obedience, choosing faithfulness to God even at personal risk. His steadfastness shows that true wisdom is not merely intellectual skill but the ability to remain anchored in God’s truth when the surrounding culture pushes in the opposite direction.

For believers today, the parallel is striking. We also live in a world that seeks to shape our values, loyalties, and identity through education, media, and social expectations. Like Daniel, we are called to engage with our culture without surrendering our faith, to resist conformity when it conflicts with God’s Word, and to trust that God’s sovereignty is greater than the pressures we face (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:13–16). Daniel’s story reminds us that faithfulness in small daily choices is what equips us to stand firm in greater trials, and that God honors those who remain steadfast even in the most hostile environments.

The king assigned them a daily portion of food and wine from his own table and set a three-year training period, after which they were to enter the king’s service (v. 5). Among these young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah (v. 6). The chief official gave them new names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego (v. 7).

The rations from the king’s table signified dependence on the state rather than genuine intimacy with the monarch. Such provisions, referred to by the Persian loanword patbag, were commonly allotted to royal hostages, skilled artisans, diplomats, and ranking officials. They typically included fine bread made from barley and wheat, along with wine. While these provisions seemed luxurious, they posed a serious problem for Daniel. The food and drink did not conform to the Mosaic Law: the meat may have been ceremonially unclean or previously offered to idols, and the wine was likely undiluted, contrary to Jewish custom. Accepting such food would not only risk defilement but also symbolize assimilation into Babylonian culture.

Therefore, Daniel “resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank” (v. 8). This decision reflected his deep commitment to honor God above all else. By deciding in advance to follow God’s standards, Daniel resisted compromise and maintained his identity as God’s servant, even in a foreign land. In response, God graciously intervened, granting Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of Ashpenaz, the chief official (v. 9). This was remarkable, since Ashpenaz feared the consequences if Daniel and his friends appeared unhealthy compared to the others (v. 10).

To address this concern, Daniel proposed a ten-day test: he and his companions would eat only vegetables (seed-bearing foods, possibly including legumes and grains) and drink water (v. 11–13). This solution displayed both conviction and humility, trusting God to demonstrate His faithfulness. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier and stronger than those who had eaten the royal food (v. 15). Their success showed not merely the benefits of diet but the sustaining power of God. As a result, the official permitted them to continue their chosen way of life (v. 16).

At the conclusion of their education, the king found that these four young men were ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom in matters of wisdom and understanding (v. 17–20). Daniel remained in the Babylonian court until the first year of King Cyrus, serving faithfully in a foreign land while remaining committed to God (v. 21).

God’s blessing on Daniel and his companions extended beyond their health and appearance; it encompassed exceptional knowledge and wisdom, which set them apart from the Babylonian magicians and enchanters (Dan. 1:17, 20). Their intellectual gifts enabled them to serve effectively within the royal court, becoming instruments of God’s truth and influence even in a pagan environment (Jer. 29:5–7). While Daniel’s unique gift for interpreting visions and dreams is only introduced here (1:17), it foreshadows his later role in revealing God’s plans to kings, much as Joseph had done in Egypt (Gen. 40:8; 41:16). This shows that culture and learning, when submitted to God, can equip His people to make a faithful impact on the world without compromising obedience to Him.

Daniel 1, therefore, illustrates the profound truth that God honors those who choose obedience and remain faithful under pressure. From the very beginning of exile, Daniel and his companions made deliberate moral choices to honor God in their diet, conduct, and loyalty, demonstrating that faithful decisions matter and that God blesses obedience without coercion. Believers today are called to emulate this courage, wisdom, and steadfastness, standing firm in their convictions even in foreign or hostile environments.

Daniel’s example challenges Christians to resist conformity to worldly pressures, to honor God in practical daily choices, and to trust Him to provide protection, favor, and blessing. At the same time, it rebukes compromise or neglect of moral responsibility, reminding us that obedience is both a daily choice and a source of divine empowerment, shaping our character and our witness in the world.

Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, the king experienced a troubling dream that left him unable to sleep (v. 1). Dreams in the ancient Near East were often seen as messages from the gods, particularly for rulers, as they could signify events affecting the nation. Nebuchadnezzar’s unrest shows the seriousness with which he regarded this vision. In his anxiety, he summoned the wise men of Babylon, including magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans (v. 2–3).

When Nebuchadnezzar confronted his wise men, he demanded not only an interpretation of his dream but also that they recount the dream itself (v. 4–9). This was an extraordinary and humanly impossible request, as no one could know another person’s dream without divine revelation. The astrologers, magicians, and Chaldeans protested that such knowledge was beyond human ability, admitting that only the gods knew such secrets and that the gods did not dwell among humans (v. 10–11). In making this claim, they inadvertently highlighted the unique power of Israel’s God, who not only knows all things but also reveals them to His servants.

Nebuchadnezzar’s anger at their inability to fulfill his command escalated quickly. He issued a decree for the execution of all the wise men of Babylon, extending the threat to include Daniel and his companions (v. 12–13). This illustrates the perilous situation in which God’s servants sometimes find themselves and sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention. Upon learning of the decree, Daniel acted with courage and wisdom. He requested an audience with Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, to understand the reason for the executions (v. 14). Daniel then boldly sought time to interpret the dream himself (v. 15–16). His approach demonstrates careful discernment, tact, and faith: he did not act presumptuously, but he trusted God to provide the revelation needed to accomplish the task. The episode underscores that what is humanly impossible, like knowing the king’s dream and its meaning, can be accomplished through God’s power working in His faithful servants.

Recognizing that human wisdom was insufficient to meet the king’s demand, Daniel returned home and enlisted the help of his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, praying together for God’s mercy to reveal the mystery (v. 17–18). That night, God answered their prayer and revealed the dream to Daniel in a vision (v. 19). In response, Daniel offered heartfelt praise, acknowledging that wisdom and might belong to God alone (v. 19–23). He confessed that God knows the end from the beginning, governs the destiny of nations, and removes or sets up kings according to His will (v. 21). The vision affirmed that all true knowledge comes from God, who reveals “deep and hidden things” and rules over both light and darkness (v. 22).

Daniel’s song of thanksgiving demonstrates that solutions to seemingly impossible challenges come only through reliance on God, not human ingenuity. Before approaching the king, he exalted God’s wisdom, power, and faithfulness (v. 23). Believers today can take encouragement from his example: in moments of crisis, we should seek God’s guidance in prayer, depend fully on His wisdom, and express gratitude when He acts. God’s providence extends over all human events, assuring His people that He remains in control even when circumstances seem perilous or earthly rulers appear overwhelming.

Having received from God the revelation of the king’s dream and its interpretation, Daniel approached Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, and informed him that he was ready to interpret the dream (v. 24). Arioch promptly took Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar, mistakenly claiming credit for having found someone who could meet the king’s demand. Daniel, however, remained humble and deferred all credit to God.

When questioned by the king (v. 26), Daniel acknowledged that no human wisdom could reveal what the king had dreamed. Whereas the Babylonian wise men, magicians, and astrologers could not uncover the secret (v. 27), Daniel’s God, the sovereign Creator of heaven, had revealed the mystery to him (v. 28). This emphasizes that divine revelation, not human skill, is the source of true knowledge. Daniel humbly clarified that he was not inherently wiser than others; the insight came solely from God’s action.

Daniel explained that the dream was prophetic in nature, concerning future events and the course of Gentile kingdoms until God’s ultimate plan is fulfilled (v. 29–30). The revelation was given in a form that Nebuchadnezzar could understand, not as spiritual truth for his own salvation, but to demonstrate that the God of heaven governs the rise and fall of rulers and nations. Daniel’s careful words highlight God’s sovereignty over human history and contrast the impotence of pagan practices with the power of the one true God.

Notably, throughout this encounter, Daniel’s humility and concern for others are evident. He interceded for the wise men whose failure had been exposed (v. 24), and he credited God alone for the revelation (v. 27–28).

Daniel then recounted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (v. 31-35): a massive statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay. The image was awe-inspiring and majestic, making the king himself seem small in comparison. Each section of the statue was clearly distinct, highlighting differences in strength and composition. While the statue appeared mighty, a rock “cut out without hands” struck its feet, causing the entire image to shatter and vanish like chaff before the wind. The rock then grew into a great mountain, filling the whole earth.

After recounting the dream, Daniel turned to the interpretation (v. 36). The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom (v. 37-38). God had granted him dominion, power, and glory, extending over people, animals, and the land. Yet Daniel emphasized that this authority ultimately came from the “God of heaven,” who raises up and removes kings according to His will.

The chest and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of bronze, and the legs of iron represented successive kingdoms that would rise after Babylon (v. 39–40). Each was different in character, less splendid in appearance but greater in strength, until the fourth kingdom, which was described as crushing and shattering all others. The feet and toes, a mixture of iron and clay, symbolized division and instability, showing that the final stage of this earthly power would lack true cohesion (v. 41–43).

Finally, Daniel described a kingdom unlike the others: a stone “cut out without hands” struck the statue, destroying it completely, and grew into a great mountain that filled the whole earth (v. 44–45). This kingdom, established by God Himself, would never be destroyed or left to another people. While earthly empires rise and fall, God’s kingdom endures forever.

From the perspective of later Scripture and history, interpreters have understood the successive empires to be Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, with the eternal kingdom pointing ultimately to the reign of Christ. But Daniel 2 itself leaves these kingdoms unnamed, stressing instead the sovereignty of God over all nations and the certainty of His eternal rule.

Nebuchadnezzar was so astonished at the accuracy of Daniel’s revelation that he fell on his face and paid homage to him, even ordering that offerings be made in Daniel’s honor (v. 46). Though this response was misguided, it showed the king’s recognition of divine power at work through Daniel. He then confessed that Daniel’s God is “God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries,” acknowledging Yahweh’s supremacy over other deities and His sovereignty over earthly rulers (v. 47).

Nebuchadnezzar proceeded to appoint Daniel to a high position in the government and rewarded him with royal gifts, placing him over the province of Babylon itself (v. 48–49). At Daniel’s request, his three friends were also promoted, enabling them to serve as administrators under his oversight. In this way, God preserved and elevated His faithful servants in a foreign land, positioning them to act as mediators between the king and the exiles from Judah, in keeping with His plan for their welfare.

Daniel 2 reminds us that God is supremely sovereign, holding the rise and fall of kingdoms in His hands, yet He invites His people to faithfully engage with His plans. Daniel’s response, prayer, reverent dependence, and courageous action demonstrate that God’s wisdom is accessible to those who earnestly seek Him. Though He orchestrates history, our choices and obedience matter; God calls us to act faithfully, trust His guidance, and rely on His revelation. For us today, this chapter challenges believers to face life’s uncertainties with prayerful hearts, bold faith, and confident trust in God’s providence, knowing that He works all things according to His perfect will and invites us to participate in His unfolding plan with courage and wisdom.

Daniel 3: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace

After being identified as the head of gold in chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar then orders an image of gold to be erected. Although the specific timing is not known, it had to follow the events recorded in chapter 2 because Daniel’s three companions were in a position of authority to which they had been appointed. Also, although the exact form of the image is not described in the text, its purpose as an object of worship and a test of loyalty is clear.

King Nebuchadnezzar set up a large golden image on the plain of Dura and called together the satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to attend its dedication (v. 1–2). The image was enormous and impressive, intended to display the king’s power and authority. Its golden appearance may have symbolized the strength and permanence of his kingdom. By gathering representatives from all levels of government, Nebuchadnezzar made the dedication a public act of loyalty to him and his rule (v. 2).

The herald then proclaimed that when the sound of musical instruments was heard, all peoples, nations, and languages were to fall down and worship the golden image (v. 4–5). Anyone who refused would immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace (v. 6). This decree left no room for exemption and created a direct choice between obedience to the king’s command and the penalty of death. The combination of music, public gathering, and threat of punishment ensured widespread conformity, setting the stage for the testing of those who remained faithful to God.

When the music sounded, all the peoples, nations, and languages present fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up (v. 7). The king’s decree achieved its intended effect, as the assembled officials obeyed without hesitation. Yet not all complied, and this soon became the cause of conflict.

Certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews of failing to serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods or bow to the golden image he had set up (v. 8). Their accusation was not general but pointed, naming Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego specifically (v. 12). By calling attention to their disobedience, the accusers presented the matter as not merely a private religious choice but as an open act of defiance against the king’s authority and decree. They emphasized that these men, though appointed by the king himself to positions of responsibility, had disregarded his command.

When Nebuchadnezzar heard this, he summoned the three men and confronted them directly (v. 13–14). In a mixture of fury and disbelief, he questioned whether the report was true, giving them another chance to obey. He repeated the command in detail, instructing that when they heard the sound of the instruments, they must fall down and worship the image he had made. Then, heightening the challenge, he warned that if they refused, they would be immediately cast into the blazing furnace, and he asked, “And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” (v. 15). The king’s question framed the confrontation as a contest between his power and the power of any god who might intervene.

Their response was remarkable in both clarity and courage. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king respectfully but firmly, declaring that they had no need to defend themselves in this matter (v. 16). They affirmed their confidence that the God whom they served was able to deliver them from the blazing furnace and from the king’s hand (v. 17). Yet, even more striking, they added that even if God chose not to rescue them, they would not serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods or bow down to the golden image he had set up (v. 18).

This declaration highlights unwavering faith in God’s power and sovereignty. Their loyalty to God transcended fear of death, submission to human authority, and even the natural desire for self-preservation. Their statement also shows a balanced faith: they trusted fully in God’s ability to save, while at the same time yielding the outcome to His will. This kind of faith does not bargain with God for deliverance but rests in obedience regardless of the consequences.

The king, filled with fury, ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be bound and cast into the fire (v. 19–23). The extreme intensity of the furnace made it so deadly that even the soldiers who carried out the command perished from the flames. This detail emphasizes the impossibility of human survival and sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention. What was intended as an instrument of certain death instead became the place where God’s power would be revealed. The scene also demonstrates the high cost of faithful obedience, as the three men were willing to suffer the most severe penalty rather than compromise their allegiance to God.

Nebuchadnezzar and his officials observed that the three men were walking freely in the furnace, unharmed, and a fourth figure appeared with them, “like a son of the gods” (v. 24–25). The men were unbound and moving about in the midst of the blazing fire. This extraordinary presence affirms God’s sovereignty over life and death, showing that His protection is not constrained by human power or impossible circumstances. The fourth figure represents God’s active presence with His faithful servants, a tangible reminder that He remains with His people even in the most extreme trials.

When the king approached the opening of the furnace, he called to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and commanded them to come out (v. 26). As they came forth, the king saw that not a hair on their heads was singed, their garments were not burned, and there was no smell of fire on them (v. 27). This miracle served as a public testimony of God’s glory, making His intervention evident not only to the king but to the entire court and, by extension, the broader empire.

In response, Nebuchadnezzar spoke to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, acknowledging that their God had sent His angel, or His presence, to deliver His servants who had trusted in Him, and that no one else could perform such a rescue (v. 28). He then issued a proclamation throughout the Babylonian kingdom, commanding that anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would be punished, because no other god could save in this way (v. 29). Nebuchadnezzar further honored the three men by promoting them to positions of authority within the province of Babylon (v. 30).

Theologically, Daniel 3 affirms God’s supremacy over human authority and His active presence with those who trust Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplify steadfast faith under pressure, showing that obedience to God is non-negotiable, even in life-threatening circumstances. Their story encourages believers to prioritize God’s commands above societal or political demands. The miraculous deliverance also reveals that God’s glory is made manifest through trials, displaying His power and faithfulness to both His people and the watching world.

Practically, Daniel 3 teaches that faithfulness to God may require courage to resist societal or cultural pressures, and that prayerful trust in God is more powerful than panic or fear. God is able to preserve and deliver His people in ways beyond human expectation, and He can use even hostile authorities to display His glory and promote the welfare of His servants. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, believers are called to maintain integrity, witness boldly for God, and leave the results in His hands, confident that He holds the ultimate power over life, death, and history.

Conclusion:

Daniel 1–3 showcases God’s faithfulness, the call to obedience, and the courage to stand firm in the face of worldly pressure. Daniel and his friends exercised their God-given free will to refuse compromise, choosing God’s ways over the alluring but defiling practices of Babylon. Their example reminds us that faithful living involves intentional choices, discernment, and unwavering commitment to God, even when society or circumstances demand conformity.

In the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated absolute trust in God, boldly declaring that He could save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to idolatry. This teaches us that obedience is a matter of choice, grounded in trust in God’s character rather than guaranteed outcomes. God’s miraculous deliverance confirmed His power and brought glory to His name, revealing that He honors steadfast faith and sustains those who choose to stand for Him.

For believers today, Daniel 1–3 challenges us to exercise our free will to honor God in thought, word, and deed, standing firm in integrity and worshiping Him alone under pressure. It also serves as a rebuke against pride, conformity, and yielding to the world’s demands. Our choices matter: by deliberately choosing obedience and trust, we reflect God’s holiness, demonstrate faith in His providence, and position ourselves to experience His sustaining presence and ultimate vindication.