1:6-8 Patrick Marks
Daniel asks not to defile themselves with the food offered to idol worship. Intimidation, bribery and fear that the Babylonian philosophy was better and abandon their identity and beliefs as Hebrew followers of God.
Babylon is the type for Satan's kingdom here, and uses the same method. Abandon the identity of being as a child of God and being able to be self gratifying and become an agent of the world.
Take away your people, resources, and provide social pressure to become part of it.
Deut 6:6-9
6¶“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8“You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Prov 22:15 - child is foolish and physical discipline will drive it away
Daniel made up his mind - purposed - evaluated situation Biblicaly, and then chose rationally whether he would be influenced.
Nebuchadnezzar would kill any dissent. Overseer feared for his life. Daniel loved God more. Daniel did not protest, but politefully said Please, let me try an alternative.
Daniel chose to not be of Babylon when in in Babylon.
Daniel Ch 2:14-23
1. Bad things will happen to you, often caused by other people. God allows them for his glory and your growth. You have no right to react to others in anxiety and anger.
Daniel responed in discernment and discretion, and prayed to God for help, grace and wisdom.
You have no right to question God or the situations he places you in. You only have the right to submit to his will. Call out to him. Unload your stress on him.
2. Don't chose selfish drama. You are not that special. Call out to God in humility.
God did not take away the stress. He gave a way through it for his glory. If God allows you to suffer loss in this life, it is not God's fault, it is for you to show faith in waiting on him.
vs 19 Bless God, intentional act of adoration. - Gratefulness in loss.
Affirm your relationship to him.
God is your eternal hope, even when you suffer temporal/temporary loss.