Kids Blog-Daniel's training in Babylon
Last week, kids learned that Daniel and his three friends chose to trust and obey God in the middle of difficult circumstances.
Bible Story: Daniel and his three friends
Bible Verse: To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Daniel 1:17
When the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar's hand, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered his chief court official to bring into the king's service some of he Israelites from the royal family and the nobility. Daniel and his three friends were among those young men who were handsome, intelligent, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. They were to be trained for three years, learn the language and literature of the Babylonians and eat food and wine from the king's table.
However, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. The Babylonians did not worship the One True God Daniel worshipped. They worshipped false gods, offered food as gifts to their idols and poured wine to their sacrifices. The Babylonains also ate meat that the Jews were not allowed to eat. Daniel wanted to obey and honor God by following God's Word and not defilling himself with the royal food and wine. God graciously had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel even though he was taken to a foriegn land. When the official was worried that Daniel might look worse than the other young men because he does not eat royal food and drink, Daniel asked him to please test him for ten days. For next ten days, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah only ate vegetables and drank water. At the end of ten days, to everyone's surprise, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food! God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning and Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. When the chief official presented them to the king, he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. In every matter of wisdom and understanding, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom because God blessed them abundantly.
Daniel and his three friends chose to trust and obey God's Word even when their lives could face danger. Just as they served the LORD with godly character, integrity and faithfulness, let us ask God for His help so we will be courageous and make choices that honor him and reflect His character.
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