In the last post, we explored how we Christians can respond to cultural changes, drawing on biblical principles to guide our actions and attitudes. Today, we’ll look into the story of Daniel, a young man taken from his home in Judah to the foreign country and city of Babylon. Despite the immense cultural changes he faced, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and integrity.
Though set in a different place and time, Daniel's story is remarkably relevant to today’s cultural landscapes. How did Daniel live in a new country and culture while maintaining his faith in God? That’s an important question, but first, let’s look at Babylon.
What was Babylon?
Babylon was one of the most famous, beautiful, and influential cities in the Babylonian Empire and the known world in ancient times. It was founded about 4,000 years ago, during the third millennium BC. The city was originally an insignificant Akkadian town near a small port on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. It was located near the present-day city of Hillah in Iran (not far from Baghdad).
The city is first mentioned in Genesis 10:8-10, when Nimrod, a grandson of Ham and descendant of Noah, founded the city. The name of the place was Babel. Babylon is mentioned again in Genesis 11:1-9, where we read about the Tower of Babel. At that time, humans attempted to build a tower that reached the heavens. However, God intervened by confusing their language and scattering them across the earth. This story establishes Babylon as a symbol of human pride and defiance against God, a symbol that is used throughout the Bible.
Babylon first became prominent under the Amorite king Hammurabi (c. 1792 to c. 1750 BC). He built the Babylonian empire and made Babylon (the city) its capital. Hammurabi is famous for his code of laws (known as the Code of Hammurabi), one of the world's earliest written legal codes. The code set a precedent for future legal systems around the world.
By the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-563 BC), the city reached the height of its power and influence. The king expanded the Babylonian empire and conquered many other countries, including Judah. In addition, Nebuchadnezzar was credited for extensive architectural achievements, including the Ishtar Gate, the Processional Way, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world—the existence of which has been much debated).
Nebuchadnezzar’s Siege of Jerusalem
Up until Nebuchadnezzar’s siege, the kingdom of Judah had been experiencing a period of moral and spiritual decline. Prophets like Jeremiah warned the people of Judah to repent and return to God. But the prophets’ warnings were not heeded. Judah’s kings and people turned their backs on God, practicing idolatry and other sins.
As a result, God allowed Babylon (then a rising power under King Nebuchadnezzar II) to conquer Judah. The Babylonians besieged Jerusalem (the capital of Judah) and looted the temple, taking many captives, including members of the royal family and nobility. The Israelites’ captivity lasted for about 70 years and had a significant impact on Jewish identity and theology.
It’s here that Daniel’s story begins in the Bible.
Daniel’s Background
Daniel was likely a member of Judah’s upper class, perhaps part of the nobility or the royal family. He was probably well-educated and trained in the traditions and scriptures of Israel. This background provided him with a strong foundation in his faith and values, which carried him through his captivity in Babylon.
The Selection of Daniel and His Friends
Nebuchadnezzar ordered his chief official, Ashpenaz, to choose some young men from the royal family and nobility among the captives. These individuals should be young men without physical defects, handsome, and showing an aptitude for every kind of learning. They should also be well-informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace (Daniel 1:3-4). Daniel, Mishael, and Azariah were among the young men chosen.
These young men were given new Babylonia names: Daniel became Beltshazzar, Hananiah became Shadrach, Mishael became Meshach, and Azariah became Abednego. The purpose of their selection, renaming, and re-education was to train these young men in the language and culture of the Babylonians. They were to be assimilated into the Babylonian culture, religion, and administration (government). This was a three-year program to help these young people forget their own culture/identity and take on a Babylonian identity.
However, Daniel and his friends ended up outsmarting Nebuchadnezzar. They chose to remain faithful to God.
Daniel’s Approach
The Scriptures show us that Daniel and his friends used several methods to maintain their faith:
Refusal to Compromise
The king told Asphenaz that all the young men chosen for this re-education process should eat his food and drink his wine. In most cases, eating the king’s food may be seen as a sign of favor. However, in Babylon, pigs and horses were commonly eaten. In addition, food may have been regularly offered to idols. These may be the reasons why Daniel wanted to try a different diet. Moreover, eating the king’s food may be seen as acceptance of the king’s regard and patronage.
Daniel requested a different diet than the king's, yet made this request with wisdom and respect. He understood that Ashpenaz was required to do precisely what the king commanded. Yet he firmly suggested a 10-day test diet of vegetables (pulses) and water to replace the king’s food. At the end of 10 days, they would see who looked healthier—the young men who had eaten the king’s food or those eating this alternative diet.
At the end of 10 days, Ashpenaz was surprised that Daniel and his friends appeared much healthier than those who had eaten the king’s food. From then on, Ashepanz ensured that all the young people in the program ate vegetables and water.
Consistent Prayer
Later in the book of Daniel (Daniel 6:1-9), we learn about a decree put out by the king. The statute forbade all people from petitioning God or man, aside from the king, for thirty days. If they did, these people would end up in the lions’ den as punishment. Moreover, the law could not be changed once it had been signed. This was a custom of the Medes and Persians (King Darius, who ruled Babylon at this time, was a Mede).
After Daniel was informed about signing the new law, he went home. In his upper room, he knelt and prayed to God. He didn’t do this only to respond to the potential danger before him. In Daniel 6:10, we’re told that Daniel had practiced regular prayer daily since his youth.
Some of the king’s couriers saw Daniel praying and reported this to the king. The king was heartbroken to enforce his decree against Daniel, whom he much appreciated. But the law was signed and must be carried out accordingly. So, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.
Because of his faithfulness, God sent an angel to protect Daniel against the lions. The king was happy that Daniel had survived and let him out of the den. Because Daniel had survived and had no injuries, the king believed in the Lord God.
Daniel & His Friends Stayed True to Their Faith
Throughout their captivity, Daniel and his friends stayed true to their faith. Instead of losing their faith in God because they were captives, the men chose to do good in Babylon, showcasing God’s goodness in a place thought to be decadent and evil.
These young men held on to their faith in God even when faced with death. These friends also found favor with Nebuchadnezzar and the other rulers under whom they lived.
The Bible says that God blessed the four friends with “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (Daniel 1:17a). Daniel was so successful that he remained in power into the first year of King Cyrus’ reign.
How We Can Follow Daniel’s Example
As we’ve learned from Daniel and his friends, we must meet cultural changes with prayer, wisdom, and discretion. Like Daniel, we can use the following methods to determine the best way to deal with cultural changes:
1. Maintain a consistent prayer life: like Daniel, who prayed three times daily regardless of daily pressures, we should establish and adhere to regular prayer routines. A consistent prayer life helps us maintain a strong connection with God. Through consistent prayer, He provides guidance and strength in times of change (Daniel 6:1-28).
2. Seeking God’s wisdom: Daniel sought God’s blessing to study and wisdom to interpret dreams and navigate difficult situations. Christians can also pray for wisdom, as encouraged in James 1:5, and rely on God’s guidance in their decisions, always giving Him the glory for the understanding He provides (Daniel 2:16-19).
3. Trusting in God’s protection: Daniel’s deliverance from the lions’ den demonstrates the power of trusting in God’s protection. As Christians, we are also called to believe that God will protect and provide for us, even in challenging cultural environments (Daniel 6:18-23).
4. Maintaining integrity: Daniel remained true to his values and faith, which led to his influence and success throughout his captivity. We are also to uphold our principles and integrity, using our positions to positively impact those around us and serve as a testament to our faithfulness to God. Maintaining our integrity brings glory and honor to God.
5. Practicing spiritual discipline: Daniel regularly studied the scriptures, prayed, and fasted. He did all of these things to maintain his relationship with God. These disciplines are beneficial for learning about God and maintaining our relationship with Him (Joshua 1:8).
When to Take a Stand Against Certain Cultural Changes?
There are times when taking a stand against cultural changes is necessary. Here are some scenarios where it may be required to take a stand:
Moral & ethical standards are compromised: cultural changes that promote behaviors or practices that are ethically or morally wrong, such as dishonesty, injustice, or exploitation, may require a firm stance. As Christians, we are called to uphold integrity, justice, and righteousness (Micah 6:8).
Religious freedoms are threatened: if cultural shifts lead to laws or social norms that restrict the freedom of worship, sharing faith, or living according to religious convictions, taking a stand can be crucial. In I Peter 5:9, we are told, “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Human dignity is undermined: cultural changes that devalue human life, promote discrimination, or contribute to social injustices call for a response that upholds every person's inherent dignity and worth. The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and should be treated with love and respect.
Truth is compromised: in a culture where relativism or misinformation prevails, it is important to stand for truth and seek to promote honesty and factual integrity. In Colossians 3:9 NKJV, we’re told, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Standing for truth and integrity is a part of our faith, as it was for Daniel in Babylon.
Conclusion
Daniel’s life provides a powerful example of how we can navigate cultural changes while remaining faithful to God. We, too, like Daniel, will face challenges to our faith in the midst of cultural changes. Daniel's story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, use wisdom and discretion, maintain a consistent prayer life, and trust God’s provision and protection.
In the beautiful tapestry of God’s plan, He uses even the most difficult situations to accomplish His purposes. The Babylonian captivity was part of His sovereign plan to refine His people and bring about their ultimate restoration, along with the redemption of humanity.
Similarly, in our lives, God can use challenging circumstances to shape us, draw us closer to Him, and fulfill His greater purposes for us.
God bless,
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by! If you want to leave a comment or a question, please keep it nice and clean! I'll get back to you ASAP! Thanks!