Go To Babylon!
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GO TO BABYLON! Daniel 1:1-7
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Transcript of Go To Babylon!
GO TO BABYLON!
Daniel 1:1-7
GO TO BABYLON!
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego” (ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
In this passage, Daniel informs us of how he & his three
companions came to be in the Babylonian Court.
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In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign (i.e., 605 BC), the
LORD gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand.
GO TO BABYLON!
In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign (i.e., 605 BC), the
LORD gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand.
There is a “problem” right here in the authenticity of
Scripture.
GO TO BABYLON!
In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign (i.e., 605 BC), the
LORD gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand.
There is a “problem” right here in the authenticity of
Scripture.
Jeremiah says that the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign was
the first year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.
GO TO BABYLON!
In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign (i.e., 605 BC), the
LORD gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand.
There is a “problem” right here in the authenticity of
Scripture.
Jeremiah says that the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign was
the first year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.
Thus, according to Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar is not even a
king until a year after Daniel says that he is.
GO TO BABYLON!
In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign (i.e., 605 BC), the
LORD gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand.
There is a “problem” right here in the authenticity of
Scripture.
Jeremiah says that the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign was
the first year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.
Thus, according to Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar is not even a
king until a year after Daniel says that he is.
“The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of
Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king
of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of
Babylon)” (Jer 25:1, ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
However, according to the Babylonian method of counting
a king’s reign, a king’s first year did not begin until he had
been on the throne for a full year.
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However, according to the Babylonian method of counting
a king’s reign, a king’s first year did not begin until he had
been on the throne for a full year.
The year a king ascended to the throne was called “the year
of ascension.”
GO TO BABYLON!
However, according to the Babylonian method of counting
a king’s reign, a king’s first year did not begin until he had
been on the throne for a full year.
The year a king ascended to the throne was called “the year
of ascension.”
Daniel, having been trained in the wisdom of Babylon,
logically uses the Babylonian method to count the years of
Jehoakim’s reign.
GO TO BABYLON!
However, according to the Babylonian method of counting
a king’s reign, a king’s first year did not begin until he had
been on the throne for a full year.
The year a king ascended to the throne was called “the year
of ascension.”
Daniel, having been trained in the wisdom of Babylon,
logically uses the Babylonian method to count the years of
Jehoakim’s reign.
Therefore, the fourth year of Jeremiah would be the exact
same year as the third year of Daniel.
GO TO BABYLON!
Babylonian Method Jewish Method
Year of Ascension First Year
First Year Second Year
Second Year Third Year
Third Year (Dan 1:1) Fourth Year (Jer 25:1)
WHY WOULD GOD SEND HIS PEOPLE AWAY
FROM THE PROMISED LAND?
GO TO BABYLON!
He had promised Abraham that his descendants would live
there forever.
GO TO BABYLON!
He had promised Abraham that his descendants would live
there forever.
Gn 17:7-8.
GO TO BABYLON!
He had promised Abraham that his descendants would live
there forever.
Gn 17:7-8.
If, as God promised, Canaan was to be an "everlasting
possession," why would he give it to Nebuchadnezzar so
freely?
GO TO BABYLON!
The simple answer is: SIN.
GO TO BABYLON!
The simple answer is: SIN.
God’s promises are conditional (e.g., 1 Jn 1:7).
GO TO BABYLON!
The simple answer is: SIN.
God’s promises are conditional (e.g., 1 Jn 1:7).
God’s promise of giving the Israelites Canaan was quite
conditional.
GO TO BABYLON!
The simple answer is: SIN.
God’s promises are conditional (e.g., 1 Jn 1:7).
God’s promise of giving the Israelites Canaan was quite
conditional.
"If in spite of this you will not listen to me, but walk contrary
to me . . . . I will scatter you among the nations, and I will
unsheathe the sword after you, and your land shall be a
desolation, and your cities shall be a waste" (Lev 26:27, 33,
ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
The simple answer is: SIN.
God’s promises are conditional (e.g., 1 Jn 1:7).
God’s promise of giving the Israelites Canaan was quite
conditional.
"Those of you who are left shall rot away in your enemies'
lands because of their iniquity, and also because of the
iniquities of their fathers they shall rot away like them (Lev
26:39, ESV).
WE LEARN THREE IMPORTANT LESSONS
HERE.
GO TO BABYLON!
One: God judges sin.
GO TO BABYLON!
One: God judges sin.
Individuals who persist in sin will face the judgment of God.
GO TO BABYLON!
One: God judges sin.
Individuals who persist in sin will face the judgment of God.
"The soul who sins shall die" (Ezek 18:4, ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
In this passage, God isn’t judging the sins of individuals, he
is judging the sin of an entire nation.
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
In this passage, God isn’t judging the sins of individuals, he
is judging the sin of an entire nation.
God has a long history of judging entire nations.
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
In this passage, God isn’t judging the sins of individuals, he
is judging the sin of an entire nation.
God has a long history of judging entire nations.
The Flood came upon all the world because of the iniquity of
the world (Gn 6-8).
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
In this passage, God isn’t judging the sins of individuals, he
is judging the sin of an entire nation.
God has a long history of judging entire nations.
The Flood came upon all the world because of the iniquity of
the world (Gn 6-8).
God sent fire upon Sodom & Gomorrah because those two
cities were wicked (Gn 19).
GO TO BABYLON!
Two: God judges the sins of nations.
In this passage, God isn’t judging the sins of individuals, he
is judging the sin of an entire nation.
God has a long history of judging entire nations.
The Flood came upon all the world because of the iniquity of
the world (Gn 6-8).
God sent fire upon Sodom & Gomorrah because those two
cities were wicked (Gn 19).
The Book of Revelation depicts God’s judgment upon the
Roman Empire.
GO TO BABYLON!
Three: Sometimes people suffer for the sins of others.
GO TO BABYLON!
Three: Sometimes people suffer for the sins of others.
From what we read in this book, it certainly appears that
Daniel & his three companions were devout, upright young
men.
GO TO BABYLON!
Three: Sometimes people suffer for the sins of others.
From what we read in this book, it certainly appears that
Daniel & his three companions were devout, upright young
men.
In this chapter, they refuse to eat the king’s food (we’ll discuss
why later).
GO TO BABYLON!
Three: Sometimes people suffer for the sins of others.
From what we read in this book, it certainly appears that
Daniel & his three companions were devout, upright young
men.
In this chapter, they refuse to eat the king’s food (we’ll discuss
why later).
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to bow down to
Nebuchadnezzar’s image, choosing to be thrown into a fiery
furnace instead.
GO TO BABYLON!
Three: Sometimes people suffer for the sins of others.
From what we read in this book, it certainly appears that
Daniel & his three companions were devout, upright young
men.
In this chapter, they refuse to eat the king’s food (we’ll discuss
why later).
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to bow down to
Nebuchadnezzar’s image, choosing to be thrown into a fiery
furnace instead.
Daniel himself refused to pray to Darius & was, therefore,
cast into a den of lions.
GO TO BABYLON!
Many people have suffered because of the sins of others.
GO TO BABYLON!
Many people have suffered because of the sins of others.
Abel died because of Cain’s evil thoughts.
GO TO BABYLON!
Many people have suffered because of the sins of others.
Abel died because of Cain’s evil thoughts.
The child born to David & Bathsheba died because of
David’s great sins.
GO TO BABYLON!
Many people have suffered because of the sins of others.
Abel died because of Cain’s evil thoughts.
The child born to David & Bathsheba died because of
David’s great sins.
Jesus suffered greatly because of the sins of us all.
GO TO BABYLON!
Many people have suffered because of the sins of others.
Abel died because of Cain’s evil thoughts.
The child born to David & Bathsheba died because of
David’s great sins.
Jesus suffered greatly because of the sins of us all.
Stephen died because of the hardness of heart of the
Sanhedrin.
WHY WOULD GOD ALLOW PEOPLE TO
SUFFER BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF
OTHERS?
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
Job suffered greatly—the loss of livelihood, children, heath.
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
Job suffered greatly—the loss of livelihood, children, heath.
Three friends showed up & urged Job to admit his sin.
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
Job suffered greatly—the loss of livelihood, children, heath.
Three friends showed up & urged Job to admit his sin.
The more those friends urged Job to admit wrongdoing, the
more he persisted in saying that he was clean of guilt.
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
Job suffered greatly—the loss of livelihood, children, heath.
Three friends showed up & urged Job to admit his sin.
The more those friends urged Job to admit wrongdoing, the
more he persisted in saying that he was clean of guilt.
Yet, he begs God to show up so that God can answer Job’s
questions as to why these things were happening to him.
GO TO BABYLON!
To a large degree, we can never answer that question, for
God alone understands.
Job suffered greatly—the loss of livelihood, children, heath.
God shows up in a whirlwind & says to Job: “Who is this
that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress
for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it
known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of
the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who
determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who
stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or
who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang
together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:2-
7, ESV).
GOD’S BASIC MESSAGE: JOB, I KNOW
MORE THAN YOU DO.
GO TO BABYLON!
While only God fully understands why innocent people
suffer for the sins of others, he has revealed some things
that help us make some since out of it.
GO TO BABYLON!
First, all humans are subject to being in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
GO TO BABYLON!
First, all humans are subject to being in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
“I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the
battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the
intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and
chance happen to them all” (Eccl 9:11, ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
First, all humans are subject to being in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
“I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the
battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the
intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and
chance happen to them all” (Eccl 9:11, ESV).
The context of Ecclesiastes 9:11 is why good things come to
those who haven’t worked for them, but the flip side of the
coin is also true—Sometimes, evil happens to those who
haven’t “earned” it.
GO TO BABYLON!
Second: God may be seeking to make us stronger.
GO TO BABYLON!
Second: God may be seeking to make us stronger.
“We know that for those who love God all things work
together for good, for those who are called according to his
purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to
be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might
be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:28-29,
ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
Second: God may be seeking to make us stronger.
“We know that for those who love God all things work
together for good, for those who are called according to his
purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to
be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might
be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:28-29,
ESV).
The “good” in v 28 is not some “silver lining.” Paul is not
saying that God takes bad things & turns them in to good
things.
GO TO BABYLON!
Second: God may be seeking to make us stronger.
“We know that for those who love God all things work
together for good, for those who are called according to his
purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to
be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might
be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:28-29,
ESV).
The “good” in v 28 is not some “silver lining.” Paul is not
saying that God takes bad things & turns them in to good
things.
The “good” is, rather, being conformed to the image of Jesus.
GO TO BABYLON!
The Babylonian Exile is a prime example of how God can
take suffering at the hands of others & turn it in to
something good.
GO TO BABYLON!
The Babylonian Exile is a prime example of how God can
take suffering at the hands of others & turn it in to
something good.
Prior to the Babylonian Captivity, the Jews struggled greatly
with idolatry.
GO TO BABYLON!
The Babylonian Exile is a prime example of how God can
take suffering at the hands of others & turn it in to
something good.
Prior to the Babylonian Captivity, the Jews struggled greatly
with idolatry.
But, after the Captivity, we never again read that they
struggled with it.
GO TO BABYLON!
The Babylonian Exile is a prime example of how God can
take suffering at the hands of others & turn it in to
something good.
Prior to the Babylonian Captivity, the Jews struggled greatly
with idolatry.
But, after the Captivity, we never again read that they
struggled with it.
Who can say what Daniel & his three companions would
have been like without the Captivity?
Would Daniel have faced the lion’s den?
Would the three companions have willingly gone to a fiery
furnace?
GO TO BABYLON!
John Hick, a well-known philosopher, has declared that
this is a world of "soul making," i.e., without the pain we
suffer in this world, we could never be what God wants us
to be.
GO TO BABYLON!
Third: Suffering makes us capable of providing comfort to
others.
GO TO BABYLON!
Third: Suffering makes us capable of providing comfort to
others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us
in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those
who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we
ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor 1:3-4, ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
Third: Suffering makes us capable of providing comfort to
others.
2 Cor 1:3-4.
The affliction of which Paul speaks in context is suffering
because of the sins of others--he speaks of persecution he is
facing for the cause of Christ.
GO TO BABYLON!
Third: Suffering makes us capable of providing comfort to
others.
2 Cor 1:3-4.
The affliction of which Paul speaks in context is suffering
because of the sins of others--he speaks of persecution he is
facing for the cause of Christ.
Those who have gone through a specific trial are often able
to provide more comfort to those going through the same
trial than are those who haven't faced it themselves.
GO TO BABYLON!
Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels from the house
of God & placed them in the house of his god.
GO TO BABYLON!
Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels from the house
of God & placed them in the house of his god.
It was a common sign of force in antiquity to take the
treasures of a conquered people.
GO TO BABYLON!
Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels from the house
of God & placed them in the house of his god.
It was a common sign of force in antiquity to take the
treasures of a conquered people.
It would especially be fitting to take the vessels used in the
worship of a foreign god who failed to protect his people &
use them in the service of the god who gave the conquerors
victory.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring
some of the youths without blemish from the royal family
& the nobility to Babylon to be trained in their wisdom &
thus to serve in the king's palace.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring
some of the youths without blemish from the royal family
& the nobility to Babylon to be trained in their wisdom &
thus to serve in the king's palace.
It was quite common for men who would be working in the
palace to be eunuchs, since they would be working in close
proximity to the queen.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring
some of the youths without blemish from the royal family
& the nobility to Babylon to be trained in their wisdom &
thus to serve in the king's palace.
It was quite common for men who would be working in the
palace to be eunuchs, since they would be working in close
proximity to the queen.
However, there is some debate as to whether or not Daniel
was made a eunuch.
GO TO BABYLON!
A eunuch was prohibited from being in the congregation of
Israel.
GO TO BABYLON!
A eunuch was prohibited from being in the congregation of
Israel.
"No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is
cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD" (Deut 23:1,
ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
A eunuch was prohibited from being in the congregation of
Israel (Deut 23:1).
Many, therefore, believe that Daniel would have resisted
being made a eunuch with the same force that he resisted
eating the king’s food.
GO TO BABYLON!
A eunuch was prohibited from being in the congregation of
Israel (Deut 23:1).
Many, therefore, believe that Daniel would have resisted
being made a eunuch with the same force that he resisted
eating the king’s food.
However, if Daniel knew he was never going back to
Jerusalem, would he have put up such a fight.
GO TO BABYLON!
It’s possible that Ezek 14:20 implies that Daniel had
children.
GO TO BABYLON!
It’s possible that Ezek 14:20 implies that Daniel had
children.
“If Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it [Jerusalem], as I live,
declares the Lord God, they would deliver neither son nor
daughter. They would deliver but their own lives by their
righteousness” (ESV).
GO TO BABYLON!
It’s possible that Ezek 14:20 implies that Daniel had
children.
“If Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it [Jerusalem], as I live,
declares the Lord God, they would deliver neither son nor
daughter. They would deliver but their own lives by their
righteousness” (ESV).
Since we know that Noah & Job had children, this may
imply that Daniel also had children, but it may simply be a
figure of speech.
GO TO BABYLON!
Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best in his court--wise youths
of royal stock. Since Daniel is from the tribe of Judah, it's
certainly possible that he was a member of the royal
family.
GO TO BABYLON!
Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best in his court--wise youths
of royal stock. Since Daniel is from the tribe of Judah, it's
certainly possible that he was a member of the royal
family.
The king wants beauty in his court--beauty was highly
regarded in the ancient world.
GO TO BABYLON!
The youths were to be skilled in the knowledge of
Babylon.
GO TO BABYLON!
The youths were to be skilled in the knowledge of
Babylon.
The vast library of Ashurbanipal (704-681 BC--just prior to
Daniel's day) contained 22,000 clay tablets.
GO TO BABYLON!
The youths were to be skilled in the knowledge of
Babylon.
The vast library of Ashurbanipal (704-681 BC--just prior to
Daniel's day) contained 22,000 clay tablets.
Thus, the knowledge of the Babylonian was quite vast.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
There are a couple logical explanation as to why the king
would want the youths to eat his food:
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
There are a couple logical explanation as to why the king
would want the youths to eat his food:
This was likely to reduce their moral barrier—once they saw
that the king’s food was good, how bad could the rest of
Babylonian thought/customs be?
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
There are a couple logical explanation as to why the king
would want the youths to eat his food:
This was likely to reduce their moral barrier—once they saw
that the king’s food was good, how bad could the rest of
Babylonian thought/customs be?
This could also be a form of psychological brain-washing.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
There are a couple logical explanation as to why the king
would want the youths to eat his food:
This was likely to reduce their moral barrier—once they saw
that the king’s food was good, how bad could the rest of
Babylonian thought/customs be?
This could also be a form of psychological brain-washing. If so, the king is trying to remove everything about their former life.
GO TO BABYLON!
The king also declared that the youths would have a daily
portion of his food.
The king's food would have likely been food that only he
could afford--rare, exotic, fine foods.
There are a couple logical explanation as to why the king
would want the youths to eat his food:
This was likely to reduce their moral barrier—once they saw
that the king’s food was good, how bad could the rest of
Babylonian thought/customs be?
This could also be a form of psychological brain-washing. If so, the king is trying to remove everything about their former life.
The fact that the youth’s names are changed suggests that this may be
a form of brain-washing.
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
GO TO BABYLON!
Old Names New NamesDaniel Belteshazzar
Hananiah Shadrach
Mishael Meschach
Azariah Abednego
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
The purpose of this was to remove YHWH from their
thoughts.
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
The purpose of this was to remove YHWH from their
thoughts.
It was quite common in antiquity for names to have a divine
name in them.
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
The purpose of this was to remove YHWH from their
thoughts.
It was quite common in antiquity for names to have a divine
name in them.
"Yeshua"--Joshua (Hebrew)/Jesus (Greek)--means "YHWH
saves."
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
The purpose of this was to remove YHWH from their
thoughts.
It was quite common in antiquity for names to have a divine
name in them.
"Yeshua"--Joshua (Hebrew)/Jesus (Greek)--means "YHWH
saves."
"Daniel" means "my judge is God"--"el" was the Hebrew for
"God."
GO TO BABYLON!
The names of these four youths are changed.
The purpose of this was to remove YHWH from their
thoughts.
It was quite common in antiquity for names to have a divine
name in them.
"Yeshua"--Joshua (Hebrew)/Jesus (Greek)--means "YHWH
saves."
"Daniel" means "my judge is God"--"el" was the Hebrew for
"God.“
Think about how many Hebrew names & places have “el” in
them—e.g., Bethel.
GO TO BABYLON!
The new names Ashpenaz gave the youths pointed to the
supposed victory the Babylonian "gods" had given over
the Hebrew God.
Belteshazzar means "protect his life";
Shadrach means "command of Aku (the moon god);
“Mesach means "who is what Aku (the moon god) is?";
Abednego means "servant of Nebo."
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