Daniel 1 Commentary
Daniel is one of the exilic prophets whose long and unique ministry runs parallel to Jeremiah’s and Ezekiel’s ministries. Jeremiah is probably the oldest of the three and his calling starts during the reign of King Josiah. Ezekiel is probably only a lad this time but he grows and becomes a prophet in exile, preaching to the exiles in Babylon.
Daniel is also exiled but during an earlier raid on Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. His calling is unique because he is not preaching to the people. His sermons are not preached but they are lived! His audience is also unique: the emperors and high officials of the Babylonian empire, including emperors of succeeding empires.
Yes, they are sermons but they are also lessons. How do I live in the world without being of the world? How do I keep myself undefiled? These are some of the key thoughts from this chapter. Daniel has answered these questions quite splendidly!
Trust the LORD’s menu of vegetables! The world thrives on choice meat from the king’s table. Forget the meat and focus on the vegetables! Yes, you can compete in the world of corruption and extreme greediness. But greatness is never Daniel’s ambition. That too is yet another lesson from this chapter!
This chapter scolds the saint for his or her ambitions to get as much choice meat as possible. The prayer request is for more choice meat. Success comes from choice meat. Babylon has defined the success ladder and it is by way of choice meat from the king’s table. The saint has fallen for it. Ponder the facts presented in this chapter and see how trust in the LORD can elevate ‘vegetables’ beyond choice meat. But again, should elevation be your ambition? We know from this chapter that elevation is a by-product of holiness.
We learn of the grave dangers that lie ahead because of Daniel’s choices. But who cares? Daniel and his friends? No. Are you ready to miss out on a huge contract if corruption is the only way to it? There are many thoughts generated by this chapter and they all beg the same answer from each one of us. Will we trust the LORD’s menu?
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