• Daniel 1, 3, 6

1. The Selection (v. 3-4)

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz,
chief of his court officials, to bring
into the king’s service some of the
Israelites from the royal family and
the nobility —  (v. 3)
1. The Selection (v. 3-4)
young men without any physical defect,
handsome, showing aptitude for every
kind of learning, well informed, quick to
understand, and qualified to serve in the
king’s palace.
(v. 4)
 ▪ QUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE
IN THE KING’S COURT
a. Physical - young men without any
physical defect, handsome
b. Mental - showing aptitude for every
kind of learning, well informed, quick
to understand
c. Social - qualified to serve in the
king’s palace.
2. The Immersion (v. 4b-6)
He (Ashpenaz) was to teach them the
language and literature of the
Babylonians. The king assigned them a
daily amount of food and wine from the
king’s table. They were to be trained for
three years, and after that they were to
enter the king’s service.
(vv. 4b-5)
▪ THEY WERE BABYLONIZED
a. They were taught heathen
wisdom.
b. They were given heathen
names.
c. They were fed heathen food.
 ▪ WHAT’S IN A NAME?
HEBREW BABYLONIAN
NAME MEANING NAME MEANING

DANIEL GOD is my BELTESHAZZAR BEL protect the king

Refuge (main god)
HANANIAH Jehovah is SHADRACH Decree of moon god
Gracious Akku
MISHAEL Who is like God MESHACH Who is like Akku
AZARIAH Jehovah is my ABEDNEGO Servant of Nego
Helper (Son of Baal - god of
science & literature)
3. The Choice (v. 8-14)
A. CONVICTION VS. COMPROMISE
But Daniel resolved not to
defile himself with the
royal food and wine. (v.8a)
 “If you set to be liked,
you would be prepared to
compromise on anything at
anytime, and you would
achieve nothing.”
- Margaret Tacher -
3. The Choice (v. 8-14)
B. COURAGE VS. COWARDICE
and he (Daniel) asked the chief
official for permission not to
defile himself this way.  Now
God had caused the official to
show favor and compassion to
Daniel. (v.8b-9)
 “Courage is contagious.
When a brave man takes a stand,
the spines of others
are often stiffened.”
- Billy Graham -
3. The Choice (v. 8-14)
C. FAITH VS. FEAR
11 Daniel then said to the guard whom
the chief official had appointed over
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and
Azariah,12 “Please test your servants for
ten days: Give us nothing but
vegetables to eat and water to drink. 
3. The Choice (v. 8-14)
C. FAITH VS. FEAR
13 Then compare our appearance with
that of the young men who eat the
royal food and treat your servants in
accor- dance with what you
see.” 14 So he agreed to this and
tested them for ten days.
(v. 13-14)
 THE DISPLAY–
“Undaunted Courage”
“Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the
blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!
Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects,
governors and royal advisers crowded around them.
They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor
was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not
scorched, and there was no smell of fire on
them.” (Daniel 3:26-28)
 THE DISPLAY–
“Undaunted Courage”
““When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in
an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God, whom you serve continually, been able
to rescue you from the lions?”
My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the
lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found
innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong
before you, Your Majesty.”” (Daniel 6:20,22)
27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone
who has been stealing must steal no longer, but
must work, doing something useful with their own
hands, that they may have something to share with
those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of
your mouths, but only what is helpful for building
others up according to their needs, that it may
benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:27-29
 HOW WAS DANIEL ABLE
TO TAKE A STAND?
1. He knew God is the Sovereign God.
2. He knew God is Faithful (1:15-17)
3. He knew God is the Rewarder (1:18-21)
Conclusion:
God-honoring
conviction,
courage
and faith
yield
God-given
rewards.