Prophets and Kings
by Ellen G. White
Chapter 39: In the Court of Babylon
Among the children of Israel who were carried captive to
Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years' captivity were Christian
patriots, men who were as true as steel to principle, who would not be
corrupted by selfishness, but who would honor God at the loss of all things. In
the land of their captivity these men were to carry out God's purpose by giving
to heathen nations the blessings that come through a knowledge of Jehovah. They
were to be His representatives. Never were they to compromise with idolaters;
their faith and their name as worshipers of the living God they were to bear as
a high honor. And this they did. In prosperity and adversity they honored God,
and God honored them. {PK
479.1}
The fact that these men, worshipers of Jehovah, were
captives in Babylon, and that the vessels of God's house had been placed in the
Temple of the Babylonish gods, was boastfully cited by the victors as evidence
that their religion [480] and customs were superior to the
religion and customs of the Hebrews. Yet through the very humiliations that
Israel's departure from Him had invited, God gave Babylon evidence of His
supremacy, of the holiness of His requirements, and of the sure results of
obedience. And this testimony He gave, as alone it could be given, through
those who were loyal to Him. {PK
479.2}
Among those who maintained their allegiance to God were
Daniel and his three companions—illustrious examples of what men may
become who unite with the God of wisdom and power. From the comparative
simplicity of their Jewish home, these youth of royal line were taken to the
most magnificent of cities and into the court of the world's greatest monarch.
Nebuchadnezzar "spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he
should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of
the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in
all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as
had ability in them to stand in the king's palace. . . . {PK 480.1}
"Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah." Seeing in these youth the promise of
remarkable ability, Nebuchadnezzar determined that they should be trained to
fill important positions in his kingdom. That they might be fully qualified for
their lifework, he arranged for them to learn the language of the Chaldeans and
for three years to be granted the unusual educational advantages afforded
princes of the realm. {PK
480.2}
The names of Daniel and his companions were changed [481]
to names representing Chaldean deities. Great significance was attached to the
names given by Hebrew parents to their children. Often these stood for traits
of character that the parent desired to see developed in the child. The prince
in whose charge the captive youth were placed, "gave unto Daniel the name
of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and
to Azariah, of Abednego." {PK 480.3}
The king did not compel the Hebrew youth to renounce their
faith in favor of idolatry, but he hoped to bring this about gradually. By
giving them names significant of idolatry, by bringing them daily into close association
with idolatrous customs, and under the influence of the seductive rites of
heathen worship, he hoped to induce them to renounce the religion of their
nation and to unite with the worship of the Babylonians. {PK 481.1}
At the very outset of their career there came to them a
decisive test of character. It was provided that they should eat of the food
and drink of the wine that came from the king's table. In this the king thought
to give them an expression of his favor and of his solicitude for their
welfare. But a portion having been offered to idols, the food from the king's
table was consecrated to idolatry; and one partaking of it would be regarded as
offering homage to the gods of Babylon. In such homage, loyalty to Jehovah
forbade Daniel and his companions to join. Even a mere pretense of eating the
food or drinking the wine would be a denial of their faith. To do this would be
to array themselves with heathenism and to dishonor the principles of the law
of God. [482]
{PK 481.2}
Nor dared they risk the enervating effect of luxury and
dissipation on physical, mental, and spiritual development. They were
acquainted with the history of Nadab and Abihu, the record of whose
intemperance and its results had been preserved in the parchments of the Pentateuch;
and they knew that their own physical and mental power would be injuriously
affected by the use of wine. {PK
482.1}
Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents
to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught that God would hold them
accountable for their capabilities, and that they must never dwarf or enfeeble
their powers. This education was to Daniel and his companions the means of
their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences of the court of Babylon.
Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious
court, but they remained uncontaminated. No power, no influence, could sway
them from the principles they had learned in early life by a study of the word
and works of God. {PK
482.2}
Had Daniel so desired, he might have found in his
surroundings a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate habits.
He might have argued that, dependent as he was on the king's favor and subject
to his power, there was no other course for him to pursue than to eat of the
king's food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere to the divine teaching,
he would offend the king and probably lose his position and his life. Should he
disregard the commandment of the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and
secure for himself intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects. [483]
{PK 482.3}
But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was dearer
to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer
than life itself. He determined to stand firm in his integrity, let the result
be what it might. He "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." And in this resolve he was supported by his three companions. {PK 483.1}
In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act
presumptuously but in firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be
singular, but they would be so rather than dishonor God. Should they compromise
with wrong in this instance by yielding to the pressure of circumstances, their
departure from principle would weaken their sense of right and their abhorrence
of wrong. The first wrong step would lead to others, until, their connection
with Heaven severed, they would be swept away by temptation. {PK 483.2}
"God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with
the prince of the eunuchs," and the request that he might not defile
himself was received with respect. Yet the prince hesitated to grant it.
"I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your
drink," he explained to Daniel; "for why should he see your faces
worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me
endanger my head to the king." {PK 483.3}
Daniel then appealed to Melzar, the officer in special
charge of the Hebrew youth, requesting that they might be excused from eating
the king's meat and drinking his wine. He asked that the matter be tested by a
ten days' trial, the [484] Hebrew youth during this time
being supplied with simple food, while their companions ate of the king's
dainties. {PK 483.4}
Melzar, though fearful that by complying with this request
he would incur the displeasure of the king, nevertheless consented; and Daniel
knew that his case was won. At the end of the ten days' trial the result was
found to be the opposite of the prince's fears. "Their countenances
appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the
portion of the king's meat." In personal appearance the Hebrew youth
showed a marked superiority over their companions. As a result, Daniel and his
associates were permitted to continue their simple diet during their entire
course of training. {PK
484.1}
For three years the Hebrew youth studied to acquire
"the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." During this time they
held fast their allegiance to God and depended constantly upon His power. With
their habits of self-denial they united earnestness of purpose, diligence, and
steadfastness. It was not pride or ambition that had brought them into the
king's court, into companionship with those who neither knew nor feared God;
they were captives in a strange land, placed there by Infinite Wisdom.
Separated from home influences and sacred associations, they sought to acquit
themselves creditably, for the honor of their down-trodden people, and for the
glory of Him whose servants they were. {PK 484.2}
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial
of the Hebrew youth, and their purity of motive; and His blessing attended
them. He "gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and
Daniel had understanding [485] in all visions and dreams."
The promise was fulfilled, "Them that honor Me I will honor." 1
Samuel 2:30. As Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic
power came upon him. While receiving instruction from man in the duties of
court life, he was being taught by God to read the mysteries of the future and
to record for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events covering
the history of this world till the close of time. {PK 484.3}
When the time came for the youth in training to be tested,
the Hebrews were examined, with other candidates, for the service of the
kingdom. But "among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah." Their keen comprehension, their wide knowledge,
their choice and exact language, testified to the unimpaired strength and vigor
of their mental powers. "In all matters of wisdom and understanding, that
the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the
magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm;" "therefore
stood they before the king." {PK 485.1}
At the court of Babylon were gathered representatives from
all lands, men of the highest talent, men the most richly endowed with natural
gifts, and possessed of the broadest culture that the world could bestow; yet
among them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. In physical strength and
beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. The
erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses,
the untainted breath—all were so many certificates of good habits,
insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those who are obedient to her
laws. [486]
{PK 485.2}
In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his
companions were far more successful than their fellow students; but their
learning did not come by chance. They obtained their knowledge by the faithful
use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They placed
themselves in connection with the Source of all wisdom, making the knowledge of
God the foundation of their education. In faith they prayed for wisdom, and
they lived their prayers. They placed themselves where God could bless them.
They avoided that which would weaken their powers, and improved every
opportunity to become intelligent in all lines of learning. They followed the
rules of life that could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They
sought to acquire knowledge for one purpose—that they might honor
God. They realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion
amid the false religions of heathenism they must have clearness of intellect
and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher.
Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen,
they walked with God as did Enoch. {PK 486.1}
True success in any line of work is not the result of chance
or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God's providences, the reward
of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and
a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities;
success depends upon the use made of them. {PK 486.2}
While God was working in Daniel and his companions "to
will and to do of His good pleasure," they were working out their own
salvation. Philippians 2:13. Herein is revealed [487] the
outworking of the divine principle of co-operation, without which no true
success can be attained. Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and
without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's
grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will
and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. {PK 486.3}
As the Lord co-operated with Daniel and his fellows, so He
will co-operate with all who strive to do His will. And by the impartation of
His Spirit He will strengthen every true purpose, every noble resolution. Those
who walk in the path of obedience will encounter many hindrances. Strong,
subtle influences may bind them to the world; but the Lord is able to render
futile every agency that works for the defeat of His chosen ones; in His
strength they may overcome every temptation, conquer every difficulty. {PK 487.1}
God brought Daniel and his associates into connection with
the great men of Babylon, that in the midst of a nation of idolaters they might
represent His character. How did they become fitted for a position of so great
trust and honor? It was faithfulness in little things that gave complexion to
their whole life. They honored God in the smallest duties, as well as in the
larger responsibilities. {PK
487.2}
As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, so He
calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In the smallest as well as the
largest affairs of life, He desires us to reveal to men the principles of His
kingdom. Many are waiting for some great work to be brought to them, while
daily they lose opportunities for revealing faithfulness to [488]
God. Daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness the little duties of
life. While they wait for some large work in which they may exercise supposedly
great talents, and thus satisfy their ambitious longings, their days pass away.
{PK 487.3}
In the life of the true Christian there are no
nonessentials; in the sight of Omnipotence every duty is important. The Lord
measures with exactness every possibility for service. The unused capabilities
are just as much brought into account as those that are used. We shall be
judged by what we ought to have done, but did not accomplish because we did not
use our powers to glorify God. {PK 488.1}
A noble character is not the result of accident; it is not
due to special favors or endowments of Providence. It is the result of
self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the higher nature, of the
surrender of self to the service of God and man. {PK 488.2}
Through the fidelity to the principles of temperance shown
by the Hebrew youth God is speaking to the youth of today. There is need of men
who like Daniel will do and dare for the cause of right. Pure hearts, strong
hands, fearless courage, are needed; for the warfare between vice and virtue
calls for ceaseless vigilance. To every soul Satan comes with temptation in
many alluring forms on the point of indulgence of appetite. {PK 488.3}
The body is a most important medium through which the mind
and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that
the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading
of the physical powers. His success here often means the surrender of the [489]
whole being to evil. The tendencies of the physical nature, unless under the
dominion of a higher power, will surely work ruin and death. The body is to be
brought into subjection to the higher powers of the being. The passions are to
be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The
kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in the
life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon
immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of
himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and
powers, of "the rulers of the darkness of this world," and of
"spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12. {PK 488.4}
In that ancient ritual which is the gospel in symbol, no
blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The sacrifice that was to
represent Christ must be spotless. The word of God points to this as an
illustration of what His children are to be—"a living
sacrifice," "holy and without blemish." Romans 12:1; Ephesians
5:27. {PK 489.1}
The Hebrew worthies were men of like passions with
ourselves; yet, notwithstanding the seductive influences of the court of
Babylon, they stood firm, because they depended upon a strength that is
infinite. In them a heathen nation beheld an illustration of the goodness and
beneficence of God, and of the love of Christ. And in their experience we have
an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation, of purity over
depravity, of devotion and loyalty over atheism and idolatry. {PK 489.2}
The spirit that possessed Daniel, the youth of today may
have; they may draw from the same source of strength, [490]
possess the same power of self-control, and reveal the same grace in their
lives, even under circumstances as unfavorable. Though surrounded by
temptations to self-indulgence, especially in our large cities, where every
form of sensual gratification is made easy and inviting, yet by divine grace
their purpose to honor God may remain firm. Through strong resolution and
vigilant watchfulness they may withstand every temptation that assails the
soul. But only by him who determines to do right because it is right will the
victory be gained. {PK
489.3}
What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they
bade farewell to their childhood home, little did they dream what a high
destiny was to be theirs. Faithful and steadfast, they yielded to the divine
guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose. {PK 490.1}
The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men,
God desires to reveal through the youth and children today. The life of Daniel
and his fellows is a demonstration of what He will do for those who yield
themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose. {PK 490.2}
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"Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"
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