Word In Life Study Bible
DANIEL—ADVISOR TO KINGS
Dan.1:19
Daniel is believed to have been born about 620 a.d., which means that he grew up during the spiritual and political reforms of King Josiah (c. 640–609 a.d.). Little else is known of Daniel’s background, except that his family probably had connections to the court in Judah (1:3). It was this status as a noble that caused him to be among the Jews who were deported to Babylon (see 1:1).
Daniel, who may have been no more than 15 or 16 years of age, distinguished himself from his fellow exiles by his extraordinary intelligence and wisdom (1:4, 17). Later he used these gifts of God to advise kings and interpret dreams. However, the motivation behind his work seems to have had less to do with displaying intellectual brilliance than with furthering the purposes of God. He had a heart for the Lord (1:8) which he maintained through a habit of prayer (2:17–18; 6:10; 9:3–4).
Daniel’s spiritual commitment and strategic placement enabled him to boldly confront kings with the truths of God (2:28; 4:26, 34–36; 5:23; 6:22). In effect, he served as an evangelist to the rulers of his people’s captors—ironically, at the very time when his own people were undergoing God’s judgment.
In playing this role, Daniel had to overcome prejudice, persecution, and temptation in order to remain loyal to God. The obstacles that he faced from pagan enemies in high places were not unlike those that many Christians encounter today, especially in the workplace. But Daniel’s example offers hope. He shows that it is not only permissible but possible to work in the “secular” world of governments and corporations and still honor God (6:4–5).
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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