The Book Of Daniel (3)

The Book of Daniel. [3]

Daniel 1:6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Four Hebrew students were introduced into the Babylonian Academy. They were to undergo a 3 year introductery course to the various aspects of Babylonian Acedemia.

The College entrance criteria was straightforward enough,

Daniel 1:4-5 children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [5] 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.

The student body was to include the 4 Hebrew captives. Daniel and his friends were subjected to the same entrance requirements as the youth of the Chaldean nobility.

This was Babylon's Kings College,

Daniel 1:5 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.

Right away the College Principal sought to change the identity of the 4 Hebrew students by giving them Babylonian names,

Daniel 1:6-7 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.

This was a very subtle attempt to brain wash Daniel and his friends into the cultish system by giving them a new identity. The next was an even more sinister plan to make these Hebrew students conform to the Babylonian image. Their diet had to be changed to that of Nebuchadnezzar.

As the Babylonian King hungered and thirsted after pagan values and principles, then the expectation was that the entire student body at Babylon's Kings College would do the same.

Today, there is such a pressure on Bible believing Christian students to conform to the worldly principles and values found in the higher education systems. Christian values and principles are discouraged, while equality legislation, promoting an anti christian agenda is encouraged.

Sadly, some Christian Bible Colleges have descended into brain washing institutions where Biblical standards and values are replaced with immoral practices which make a mockery of God's Word. Cheating and AI embellishment are acceptable tools in achieving appropriate sinful standards.

Daniel and his friends, although in a difficult environment, would not compromise their Biblical standards, principles or values. They were determined to honour God.

1 Samuel 2:30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Blessings in Christ. Rev Mervyn Cotton.