INTRODUCTION: The book of Daniel contains a wonderful set of prophecies that have thrilled and challenged Bible students for hundreds of years. But the book also tells some great stories.

This chapter deals with Daniel as a young man who is taken captive by the Babylonians but refuses to surrender his convictions or belief in the God of Israel. This is a challenge to all young people to hold to the Bible and its teachings even when opposed by the forces of this world.

1. THE PLAN OF THE KING (Daniel 1:1-7 [1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. [3] And the king 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; [4] 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. [6] 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 Abednego.
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1. To Isolate (Daniel 1:1-3 [1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. [3] And the king 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;
   See All...; 1 Kings 19:9-10 [9] And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? [10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
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1. The siege of Jerusalem (Daniel 1:1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
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2. The taking of Jehoiakim (Daniel 1:2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
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3. The taking of the holy vessels (Daniel 1:2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
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1. From the house of the Lord
2. Into the land of Shinar (Genesis 10:10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
   See All...; Genesis 11:1-2 [1] And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. [2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
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3. Into the house of his god
4. The taking of the children (Daniel 1:3And the king 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;
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1. Of the king’s seed
2. Of the princes
2. To Indoctrinate (Daniel 1:4Children 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.
   See All...; Leviticus 18:3After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
   See All...; Jeremiah 10:2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
   See All...); Note: The desire is to indoctrinate those with the most potential.
1. Physical skills – “well favoured”
1. Having good health practices (1 Corinthians 6:12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
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2. Having self-control over physical desires (1 Corinthians 9:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
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2. Achievement skills – “skilful in all wisdom”
1. Knowing the best way to get things done (Ecclesiastes 10:10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
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2. Knowing how to focus and finish what you start (Colossians 3:23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
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3. Knowing to do the best things (1 Chronicles 12:32And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
   See All...; Ephesians 5:17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
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3. Information skills – “cunning in knowledge”
1. Knowing the value of knowledge (Proverbs 24:4-5 [4] And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. [5] A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
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2. Possessing the core knowledge of civilization (Acts 7:22And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
   See All...; Proverbs 10:14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
   See All...; Proverbs 23:12Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
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3. Able to compare/contrast knowledge (Proverbs 1:1-6 [1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; [2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; [3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; [4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. [5] A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: [6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
   See All...; Matthew 13:52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
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4. Analytical skills – “understanding science”
1. Understanding math computation (Luke 14:28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
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2. Possessing scientific understanding (see Job 12:7-9 [7] But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: [8] Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. [9] Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
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3. Able to apply scientific principles (Ecclesiastes 10:10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
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5. Social skills – “ability in them to stand in the king’s palace”
1. Knowing basic etiquette and manners (Luke 6:31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
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2. Able to interact with people (Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
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3. Able to follow and to lead (1 Samuel 18:5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
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6. Learning skills – “whom they might teach the learning … of the Chaldeans”
1. Able to learn on their own (2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   See All...; Proverbs 18:1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
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2. Having made learning part of life (Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
   See All...; Proverbs 15:14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
   See All...; Proverbs 18:15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
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7. Language skills – “whom they might teach … the tongue of the Chaldeans”
1. Able to speak, read, and write (Job 6:25How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
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2. An understanding of the structure of language (Nehemiah 8:8So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
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3. Willing to learn other languages (Acts 21:37-40 [37] And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? [38] Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? [39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. [40] And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
   See All...; Acts 22:1-2 [1] Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. [2] (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
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3. To Intimidate (Daniel 1:5And 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.
   See All...; 1 Samuel 17:42-44 [42] And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. [43] And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. [44] And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
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1. The king’s meat
2. The king’s wine
3. A three-year program
4. To Inoculate (Daniel 1:6-7 [6] 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 Abednego.
   See All...; 2 Kings 18:28-32 [28] Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria: [29] Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand: [30] Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. [31] Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: [32] Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
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1. Taken as the children of Judah (Daniel 1:6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
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2. Given heathen names to separate them from their heritage (Daniel 1:7Unto 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 Abednego.
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2. THE PURPOSE IN DANIEL’S HEART (Daniel 1:8But 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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
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1. Daniel’s Strength of Character (Proverbs 23:7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
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1. He purposed in his heart.
2. He acted on the purpose.
2. Daniel’s Refusal to Compromise (Proverbs 4:23-27 [23] Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. [24] Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. [25] Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. [26] Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. [27] Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
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1. He would not defile himself.
2. He would not give on any points.
3. Daniel’s Request in Courtesy (Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
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1. He requested. Note: The Bible’s usage of the word requested seems to indicate that Daniel handled this with respect.
2. He respected authority.
3. THE PROVING OF THE PULSE (Daniel 1:9-16 [9] Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. [10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: 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. [11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. [14] So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. [15] And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. [16] Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
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1. The Testing of Their Convictions (Daniel 1:9-14 [9] Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. [10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: 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. [11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. [14] So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
   See All...; Luke 9:23-24 [23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. [24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
   See All...; 1 Peter 1:6-7 [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
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1. The favour given to Daniel (Daniel 1:9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
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2. The fear of the prince of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: 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.
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3. The proposal made to Melzar (Daniel 1:11-13 [11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
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1. The participants (Daniel 1:11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
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2. The time: ten days (Daniel 1:12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
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3. The diet (Daniel 1:12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
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1. Pulse (a diet of herbs and vegetables) to eat (2 Samuel 17:28Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
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2. Water to drink
4. The determining factor: their countenance (Daniel 1:13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
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4. The agreement to the test (Daniel 1:14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
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2. The Testimony of Their Countenances (Daniel 1:15-16 [15] And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. [16] Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
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1. Their countenances were fairer and fatter in flesh (Daniel 1:15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
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2. Melzar took away the portion of meat and wine (Daniel 1:16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
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4. THE PROSPERITY OF THE HEBREWS (Daniel 1:17-21 [17] As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [18] Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. [20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. [21] And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
   See All...; Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
   See All...; Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
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1. Intellectual Prosperity (Daniel 1:17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
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1. Learning and wisdom for the four children
2. Understanding in dreams and visions for Daniel
2. Vocational Prosperity (Daniel 1:18-19 [18] Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
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1. Brought before the king (Daniel 1:18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
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2. Highly esteemed for their wisdom (Daniel 1:19And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
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3. Spiritual Prosperity (Daniel 1:20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
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1. In all matters of wisdom and understanding
2. Ten times better than the magicians and astrologers
4. Perpetual Prosperity (Daniel 1:21And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
   See All...); Daniel continued well into the kingdom of the Persians.

CONCLUSION: Daniel and the Hebrew children give us a wonderful example of godly people who will not lower their convictions or compromise because of the pressure of the world. We must learn to stand for right according to God’s truth and not according to the world’s standards.