Read Daniel 2:1-16. What crisis do the Hebrews face because of the dream that the Lord gives to the king? Dreams were taken very seriously in the ancient world. When a dream seemed foreboding, it often indicated an impending disaster. Thus, it is understandable why Nebuchadnezzar becomes so anxious about a dream that, to make things … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 2:1-16, Acts 17:28, Dan. 2:17-49, Psalm 138:1-8, John 15:5, Deut. 32:4, 1 Pet. 2:4. Memory Text: “Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might’ ” (Daniel 2:20, ESV). In the waters around Greenland are icebergs of many sizes. Sometimes the small ice floes move … Continue reading –>
Novel Approach to Evangelism By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission Discouraged about people slamming the door in your face? Worried that the book sent in a mass mailing will end up in the trash? University student Samuel Naumann has a unique way of sharing Seventh-day Adventist literature in Germany — and it appears to be winning … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more favored of fortune than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt; yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 1:17-21. What is the key to the success of the four men? (See also Job 38:36, Prov. 2:6, James 1:5). After three years of training in the “Babylonian University”, the four Hebrews are brought before the king for the final examination. They are not only healthier than the other students, they surpass them in knowledge and wisdom. … Continue reading –>
Daniel and his companions are chosen for royal service because they fit within the profile established by Nebuchadnezzar. According to the king, palace officers must have “no blemish” and be “good-looking” (Dan. 1:4, NKJV). Interestingly, sacrifices and people serving in the sanctuary should have no “blemish” (Lev. 22:17-25, Lev. 21:16-24). The Babylonian king seems to compare himself to … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 1:7-20. We see two factors at work here: Daniel’s free will and the intervention of God. What important principle also exists here? It appears that the four Hebrew captives do not object to their Babylonian names. Most likely there is nothing they can do about it, apart from using their Hebrew names among themselves. … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 1:1-21. What pressures are put on these young men to conform? Upon arrival in Babylon, these four young men have to face a most serious challenge to their faith and convictions: they are selected to undergo special training in order to serve the king. Ancient kings would often recruit some of their best captives … Continue reading –>
At first glance the book of Daniel begins with a somber note of defeat. Judah has capitulated to Nebuchadnezzar and the temple vessels have been taken from Jerusalem to the land of Shinar. The word Shinar appears in the Bible in Genesis 11:2 as the location of the tower of Babel. Shinar is an ominous sign, as … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Kings 21:10-16; Daniel 1:1-21; Gal. 2:19-20; Matt. 16:24-26, 2 Cor. 4:17; James 1:5. Memory Text: “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17, NKJV). The Bible does not shy away from showing the weaknesses of fallen … Continue reading –>
