DANIEL’S PURPOSE
When studying the life of Daniel, one should make note of Daniel’s purpose. What is a purpose? When it is used as we will see it used it means, “to make a commitment.” What is it that Daniel purposed in his heart? First, we will notice a decree made by King Nebuchadnezzar. “And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king” (Daniel 1:5). The youths were to eat of the king’s food and drink. This would mean that these young ones would be allowed to partake of the best the kingdom had to offer. This would be the best tasting food with the best portions imaginable. These young ones would not starve. Yet, Daniel purposed something in his heart. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank…” (Daniel 1:8a). Again, Daniel and the others would be allowed the best the king had to offer. Why would Daniel make such a decision?
One thing we should remember is that there were certain laws set forth by God considering the things that the Israelites could and could not eat or drink. You can find many of these laws in the book of Leviticus. “And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth” (Leviticus 11:1-2). At this point, God gives a detailed list of the animals that the children of Israel could not eat. The children of Israel could not eat: camels (v. 4), coney (v. 5), hare (v. 6), and swine (v. 7). That’s just the beginning. They could not eat water creatures that did not have scales or fins (v. 10). A list of fowl is given in verses 11-20. The children of Israel also were not to eat animals that died of natural causes or were killed by other animals (Leviticus 7:24; 22:8). These are just some of the laws given by God concerning things of this nature. Animals that had been strangled were off limits as were animals offered to idols.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Nebuchadnezzar was not a Jew. In fact, one would seriously doubt whether or not this king had an inkling of care for the laws of God. More than likely, this food was made from unclean animals or possibly violated some other Old Testament law concerning food preparation. If Daniel and the others had partaken of this food, they would have broken a commandment of God. By breaking this commandment, they would have sinned against God. Therefore, not only did Daniel purpose not to defile himself with the king’s meat and drink, he purposed in his heart to obey God. There is not greater purpose on earth for man to have than to obey God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Some may reply, “Is it good to obey God, but I am not sure that you understand how hard it is. I receive opposition from family, friends, and coworkers.” It is understood that it can be “hard” in a sense to keep God’s commandment. At the same time, consider Daniel. One thing that will be stressed as we continue in this study is that Daniel was not defying a relative or boss. He was defying a king. Open defiance against a monarch such as Nebuchadnezzar was often punished by death. Even in the face of death, he was willing to obey God.
Yet, some will still point out that they have trouble keeping God’s commands out of what is essentially fear. Two things we should quickly note. First, can we say that we love God if we do not keep His commandments? Christ stated, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Furthermore, John wrote, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:2-3). We show our love to God by keeping His commandments are not hard to keep. Second, if we do not obey God for fear of what someone else may do we fear the wrong person. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Sure, Nebuchadnezzar could have killed Daniel but is it Nebuchadnezzar that is able to throw someone into eternal hellfire? God is the only One who can cast someone into Hell and He will not do that to someone who is obedient to His will. When speaking to the church at Sardis Christ stated, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life…” (Revelation 2:10). The phrase “unto death” means, “Be faithful, even if it means you lose your life for being obedient. I will reward you for such faithfulness.”
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