Lessons from Daniel 1

The book of Daniel opens with the scene of Israel’s deepest degradation and misery. It was written in the context of the fall of Jerusalem and the deportation of the Jews to Babylon.

As the book opens, we are introduced to a young Daniel being taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC.

The author begins by describing time and place. It is the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon has besieged Jerusalem (Daniel 1:1-2).

The author narrates events that took place stating that Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon captured Hebrews and vessels belonging to the temple.

Daniel and three other Hebrew boys (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) are among the Hebrew captives that have been brought to Babylon.

In Daniel 1:3-7, “the young Hebrew men (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) are taken for training”…