We have come to the transitional period of the Jews' history. It is a fact that Nebuchadnezzar had tried to subdue Jerusalem for three times. And the last was in 586 BC. were Jerusalem was destroyed and people of Israel were deported to Babylon. In 597, Babylon brought the craftsmen, blacksmiths and other important men (including Ezekiel). The first time was in 605 B.C. were the princes of the people had been captive including the 4 young men of Jerusalem: Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah.

A. God is in Control: Dan. 1:1-2, 21

God is using Babylon to punish His people because of their impiety (Hab. 1:5-11)

He had restricted the years of being captives of His people in Babylon for 70 years (Ezra 1:1)

God is in control of the History.

Adam down through successive generations to the times of the apostles we have a plain, unvarnished account of what actually occurred and the genuine experience of real characters. It is a subject of wonder to many that inspired history should narrate in the lives of good men facts that tarnish their moral characters. Infidels seize upon these sins with great satisfaction and hold their perpetrators up to ridicule. The inspired writers did not testify to falsehoods to prevent the pages of sacred history being clouded by the record of human frailties and faults. The scribes of God wrote as they were dictated by the Holy Spirit, having no control of the work themselves. They penned the literal truth, and stern, forbidding facts are revealed for reasons that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend. {4T 9.1}

B. The training

The case of Daniel has a lesson for us. It reveals the fact that a businessman is not necessarily a sharp, policy man. He can be instructed by God at every step. Daniel, while prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon, was a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. Worldly, ambitious statesmen are represented in the word of God as the grass that groweth up and as the flower of the grass that fadeth. Yet the Lord desires to have in His service intelligent men, men qualified for various lines of work. {COL 350.5}

1. Paganizing: Daniel 1:3-7

The history of Daniel is recorded for the special benefit of those who desire to place themselves in the best condition of physical soundness, that they may reach as high a standard of usefulness as Daniel reached. The first chapter of Daniel is one of the most forcible discourses on temperance that could be given. Read it, read it, and as you read, become wise, not in your own conceit, but wise like Daniel and his fellows, whose physical, mental and spiritual understanding increased with their sanctified resolution to adhere strictly to the principles of temperance in eating and drinking. These youth were greatly blessed in their effort to honor and please God by preserving their physical powers so that they would have mental strength, and so that God could mould and fashion them after the divine similitude. We read; "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. . . . And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that kings inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." {BCL 11.3}

2. Diet: Daniel 1:8-16

Daniel understood this, and he brought himself to a plain, simple, nutritious diet, and refused the luxuries of the king's table... They do not have now, and have not had in the past, the right kind of training and education as to the most healthful food to make healthful sinews and muscle, and give nourishment to the brain and nerve powers. {FE 225.2}

C. The Results:

1. Perfect: Daniel 1:4, 17

We have before us the case of Daniel and his fellows, who made the most of their opportunities to obtain an education in the courts of Babylon. When tested by those who questioned both their faith and their knowledge, they were able to give a reason of the hope that was in them, and, as well, to stand the examination as to their knowledge in all learning and wisdom; and it was found that Daniel had understanding also in all visions and dreams, showing that he had a living connection with the God of all wisdom. "In all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel's history is given us for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." Daniel was in close connection with God. When the decree went forth from an angry, furious king, commanding that all the wise men of Babylon should be destroyed, Daniel and his fellows were sought for to be slain. Then Daniel answered, not with retaliation, but "with counsel and wisdom," the captain of the king's guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon. Daniel asked, "Why is the decree so hasty from the king?" He presented himself before the king, requesting that time be given him, and his faith in the God he served prompted him to say that he would show the king the interpretation. "Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." (Read Daniel 2:20-28.) Here the interpretation was made known to Daniel. {FE 373.3}

2. Superior: Daniel 1:18-20

The Lord would have us learn a lesson also from the experience of Daniel. There are many who might become mighty men, if, like this faithful Hebrew, they would depend upon God for grace to be overcomers, and for strength and efficiency in their labors. Daniel manifested the most perfect courtesy, both toward his elders and toward the youth. He stood as a witness for God, and sought to take such a course that he might not be ashamed for Heaven to hear his word or to behold his works. When Daniel was required to partake of the luxuries of the king's table, he did not fly into a passion, neither did he express a determination to eat and drink as he pleased. Without speaking one word of defiance, he took the matter to God. He and his companions sought wisdom from the Lord, and when they came forth from earnest prayer, their decision was made. With true courage and Christian courtesy, Daniel presented the case to the officer who had them in charge, asking that they might be granted a simple diet. These youth felt that their religious principles were at stake, and they relied upon God whom they loved and served. Their request was granted, for they had obtained favor with God and with men. {SpTA05 19.1}