It is 605 BC and the disobedience of the country of Judah has consequences. Israel had made an alliance with Egypt, even though they were to depend on God. Isaiah 31:1What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. 2 In his wisdom, the Lord will send great disaster; he will not change his mind. He will rise against the wicked and against their helpers. 3 For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! When the Lord raises his fist against them, those who help will stumble, and those being helped will fall. They will all fall down and die together.[1]
Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt and Judah had allied themselves with Egypt, so they, too, were attacked. Jerusalem is attacked first and thus begins the destruction of the nation. Nebuchadnezzar seizes the wisest, strongest, and most powerful people in each land he conquers and deports them to Babylonia. This serves three purposes: it gives the government an unending supply of capable people; it further cripples the conquered nation, rendering them helpless; and it ensures the conquered nation will not want to retaliate because their own loved ones live in the conquering land.[2]
Daniel and his friends are among these deportees. They are young men most likely from the royal court and in their upper teens. They had nothing to do with the political decisions made but felt the consequences of them. It is much the same with us in this pandemic situation. Most of us are just trying to live our lives but the corona virus has interrupted what was normal. Daniel’s life would be turned upside down and we feel much the same.
How can Daniel act as a model for us during this time? He was wise enough to turn to the Lord for help. We can do the same. 2 Chronicles 20:6“O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”[3]
To hear more about Daniel and his situation listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/following-the-lord
[1,3] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
[2] Commentary from The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society