by Lois Delnay

Created on: September 11, 2008

THE STORY OF DANIEL THE PROPHET

Daniel was a teen-age Jewish prince who lived in Jerusalem during the time that city was captured by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Daniel had been well trained by his parents to know and understand God's Word, and he was confident that God had a plan for his life. He believed the promises of God, and after many years of testing in Babylon, he discovered God's purpose for his life.

When Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem, he captured the king of Judah along with many thousands of people who lived in that city and took them to Babylon. He also took all the silver and gold from the temple and placed it in the house of his own god in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was told that some of his prisoners were of royal blood, so he ordered one of his high officials to select princes from among them and prepare them to serve in the palace. They were isolated from their families and friends and instructed in the language and lifestyle of the Chaldeans. For three years they were to be given a special diet which consisted of the same kind of food and wine that was served to the king, and then they were to be presented to the king.

Daniel and three of his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, were among those chosen for special service and were given into the custody of Melzar, prince of the eunuchs who were in Nebuchadnezzar's personal service. The names of Daniel and his three friends were changed to Chaldean names. Daniel became known as Belteshazzar; Hanania was called Shadrack; Mishael became Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego. The Lord brought Daniel into special favor with Melzar, so when Daniel asked if he and his three friends might be given a diet of cereal and water instead of the specified food and wine, Melzar listened to Daniel. After carefully considering Daniel's request, Melzar said, "I'm afraid to disobey the king's orders! If he sees the four of you looking worse than the other trainees, I'll be in danger of losing my head!" Daniel replied, "Please allow us to try it for ten days, and then compare our appearance with those who have eaten the king's food." Melzar agreed, and at the end of ten days he observed that Daniel and his friends looked so much better than the others he allowed them to continue their diet of cereal and water.

At the end of three years, Nebuchadnezzar sent for all the young Jews who had been trained by Melzar, and when he spoke with Daniel and his three companions, the king was more pleased with them

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