Daniel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

DANIEL 1

DANIEL IS STEADFAST BEFORE THE KING

During the reign of King Jehoiakim, Judah is overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Babylon besieges Judah, plunders the temple, and takes many of the Judean people captive. Among the captives is a young man named Daniel.

Nebuchadnezzar selects some of the most competent, attractive, noble, and wise Israelites from among the exiles to serve in his palace, instructing them to learn the culture and literature of Babylon. Among those chosen are Daniel and three others: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

These men are given Babylonian names to assimilate them into the culture. For clarity, we will refer to them by their most commonly known names: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Despite pressure to conform to Babylonian customs, Daniel remains faithful to Jewish law and refuses to defile himself with food from the king’s table. Daniel and his friends propose an alternative diet of vegetables and water for ten days, trusting that God will provide for them. At the end of the ten days, they appear healthier than those who ate the king’s food.

Recognizing their wisdom, Nebuchadnezzar finds Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be ten times more capable than his magicians and enchanters. God grants wisdom and understanding to Daniel and his friends, allowing them to gain favor with the king. Despite being in captivity, these four men remain steadfast in their faith and become influential figures in Babylonian leadership.

STUDY QUESTIONS

The names of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were changed by the Babylonian officials. Why do you think this was significant (Daniel 1:6–7)?

Do you think Daniel’s refusal to eat food from the king’s table was solely about following Jewish food laws, or was it a way to display God’s power and abilities? How did this decision demonstrate Daniel’s faith?

After acknowledging Daniel’s abilities as ten times greater than the magicians (Daniel 1:20), why do you think Nebuchadnezzar still called on them for help with his dream (Daniel 2:2)? How can we often forget God’s goodness and power in our own lives?