““Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.”might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3-4)(Daniel 1:3-4)

Daniel and his friends had to follow their faith without the main pillars of Judaism in Babylon: The temple, the priesthood and the sacrifices.Daniel’s testimony in that strange land was recorded in the Bible: Daniel 1:8. “Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself.” Daniel 2:47. “Truly your God is the God

of gods.” Daniel 5:12. “Inasmuch as an excellent

spirit, knowledge, understanding… were found in this Daniel.”

Daniel 6:4. “They could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful.”

“Through the Hebrew captives the Lord was made known to the heathen in Babylon. This idolatrous nation was given a knowledge of the kingdom the Lord was to establish, and through His power maintain against all the power and craft of Satan. Daniel and his fellow-companions, Ezra and Nehemiah, and many others were witnesses for God in their captivity. The Lord scattered them among the kingdoms of the earth that their light might shine brightly amid the black darkness of heathenism and idolatry.”

E.G.W. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, on Daniel 2:47)

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3)Daniel was a minister in the previous Daniel was a minister in the previous

government. Still he was respected in the government. Still he was respected in the new régime because of his honesty and new régime because of his honesty and faithfulness.faithfulness.

Darius had confidence in him. He knew Darius had confidence in him. He knew Daniel had a strong relationship with God: Daniel had a strong relationship with God: “Your God, whom you serve continually, He “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” (Daniel 6:16).will deliver you.” (Daniel 6:16).

Daniel’s testimony ended up as a royal Daniel’s testimony ended up as a royal decree that read “men must tremble and decree that read “men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.” fear before the God of Daniel.” (Daniel 6:26).(Daniel 6:26).

It doesn’t matter where you are or the It doesn’t matter where you are or the circumstances around you. God calls you to circumstances around you. God calls you to be a witness by living an upright life in be a witness by living an upright life in communion with Him.communion with Him.

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7)God allowed that several men and women were sent to exile so they could testify there, either actively or passively.They were a blessing for both the people and God and the country they lived in.

“What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose.”

E.G.W. (Education, cp. 7, pg. 57)

Let’s give our life to God so He can use us to fulfill His

good purpose.