Today we start a new and entirely different book — Daniel. Its setting is in “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24). That covers many years. We’re in it today. It started at about B.C. 607 or 2,600 years ago and will continue until the Lord appears. (“E” on your chart). It all took place after the ten tribes of Israel had been taken captive by Assyria — and have never been heard of since then. The remaining two tribes, Judah and Benjamin were taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Judah was the Royal tribe; and the kings were taken too. Our chapter tells of Daniel, one of the Royal family. These four young men would have been around 17 years old.
V.3-4 The king decides to use these Hebrew captives to train, with a group of his own, with the best education. Verse 4 gives a list of 6 requirements which they had to possess. What an opportunity for these young fellows.
V.5 The king plans what they should eat — the best — the king’s own menu, and, no doubt, the best wines available.
V.7 In order to help make these Hebrew captives forget their own background, all are given foreign names.
V.8 But Daniel had a secret in his heart — he belonged to GOD. He would not eat the meat that probably had been offered to idols. He would not defile himself.
V.10-14 The official is afraid to change the king’s plans; he would lose his life if he did. Daniel says a remarkable thing; it wouldn’t have been fair to put the responsibility on the man who would be serving the food. Daniel suggests that the man also bring him some cereals, and see how things went for ten days. Very wise suggestion.
V.15-16 The four young fellows have rosier cheeks and are fatter than all the others.
V.17 The secret is told — God honored those who honored Him!
V.19 Not only were they physically superior but in intelligence, they were ten times smarter!
V.21 This verse tells a lot without saying it — Nebuchadnezzar, the king had passed into history. His successor, King Belshazzar was killed by another Empire, the Medo-Persian. But the first three words of our verse tell us what the Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14. Take good notice of it.