SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Daniel 1:1 through 3:30

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“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. 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.” (Daniel 1:19-20)

BACKGROUND

As the prophets Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah had warned, Israel’s continued sinning eventually led to God’s judgment, and the Babylonians were the instrument God used to administer that judgment. In 605 B.C., the armies of King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah. Daniel, a young man at the time, was among the first group of Jews carried into exile after Nebuchadnezzar’s armies plundered and subdued Jerusalem. 

Living in a pagan and idolatrous culture, Daniel maintained his integrity and allegiance to the one true God. His faithful service to the Lord in a land and culture not his own makes him an exemplary figure in Scripture.

Sometime after the overthrow of Babylon in 539 B.C., Daniel recorded his experiences and prophecies for his fellow exiles, reminding them that God had orchestrated the events of world history according to His sovereign will, and encouraging them with God’s promises of restoration in the final stage of His Kingdom. The first six chapters of the Book of Daniel are historical in nature and concern Daniel’s life in Babylon under three administrations. The remainder of the book records Daniel’s revelations concerning Israel and various world empires. 

Chapters 1-3 of the Book of Daniel are a part of the historical narrative that opens the book. Nebuchadnezzar commonly enrolled the brightest and most talented youth from conquered nations in a program indoctrinating them in the language and culture of Babylon, with the intent of equipping them to serve in his realm. The text for this lesson recounts the challenges Daniel and other Jewish captives encountered in their early years in the Babylonian kingdom, revealing how they proved their commitment to God, and how He stood with them and delivered them in times of crisis.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. Chapter 1 begins the account of Daniel and his three companions who were among the captives taken to Babylon. As part of their indoctrination, the young men were given a specialized diet that included a daily provision of “the king’s meat.” However, Daniel and the others named did not want to defile themselves by eating of this meat, likely because it had been offered to idols and so was unlawful for a Jew to eat. What did Daniel request of the person in charge of their care, and what was the outcome? Daniel 1:8-15
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   Daniel requested a menu adjustment from the prince of the eunuchs. However, if this official were to disobey the command regarding the captives’ diet, his disobedience could incur severe punishment, so he refused the request. Daniel then proposed to Melzar, the under-steward directly in charge of the four Hebrews, that they be given pulse (dried legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, or beans) and water instead of the prescribed diet for a trial period. This was agreed to, and at the end of the ten-day test period, Daniel and his three friends appeared “fairer and fatter in flesh” than the other candidates. This clearly was the hand of God, for a vegetarian diet would not have made a visible difference in such a brief period. Therefore, Melzar allowed them to continue with this diet.
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2. Daniel and his companions in exile held strongly to their principles. Verse 8 indicates that Daniel “purposed in his heart” not to defile himself by eating the specific foods provided for them by the command of the king. What can we learn from this account regarding the importance of establishing and staying true to our religious convictions? 
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   Several points will likely be made as your group discusses this question. These could include the following:

• It is best to establish godly convictions before a confrontation or crisis arises. Taking a stand for righteousness is not an impulsive whim; it requires making a purposeful decision to turn away from sinful or questionable behavior in whatever form it presents itself, and then relying on God to help us maintain that commitment.
• Seemingly insignificant decisions can have great impact. The choice made by these young men only concerned what food they would eat, but it was pivotal. Had they not made the determination to please God, their account would not be in Scripture. Daniel might never have written his prophecies, become an example of righteousness, or been in a position to influence kings.
• There is value and strength in surrounding ourselves with spiritually like-minded individuals. No doubt, Daniel and his friends drew support from each other. 
• God blesses those who do not compromise their faith. In the end, the dietary modifications were permitted throughout the remainder of the three-year program. God honored the purpose of the Hebrew youths to remain undefiled and gave them knowledge, skill, and wisdom far exceeding their counterparts in the program (see verse 20).
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3. Like Daniel, we live in an environment where ungodliness and immorality are pervasive. What are some aspects of society that could destabilize your Christian values or potentially “defile” your conscience? What are some steps you can take to avoid being contaminated?
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   The age of your students will influence their responses to this question, and there probably will be a variety of answers. These could include: ungodly content on the internet, unbiblical worldviews presented in an academic setting, music with inappropriate lyrics, sensual advertisements, pornography, actions or activities that are prohibited in God’s Word or that would reflect poorly on one’s Christian testimony, etc.
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   In response to the second question, your group should mention methods of avoidance such as:

• Making a choice to stay away from situations or things that could present a temptation.
• Guarding our minds and hearts by resisting ungodly input. 
• Choosing our close friends from among those who will encourage godly living.
• Using the Word of God as a defense against unrighteous perspectives and beliefs.
• Leaning on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
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  The second question could also provide an opportunity to point out that maintaining our integrity in an ungodly environment is much easier once we have received the experience of sanctification. When we have devoted ourselves to God and set ourselves apart for His purpose and glory, we have a deep desire to please Him in every aspect of life. We are not merely conforming to a set of rules, but we behave with integrity through the transforming power of God. We have a desire to receive instruction, a readiness to obey God’s Word, and a motivation to please Him. 
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4. Chapter 2 recounts King Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream and the impossible demand he made of his wise men regarding its interpretation. Daniel and his companions were not among the wise men initially summoned before the king, but according to verse 13, they were among those to be slain. In what ways was the providential care of God apparent in this incident? Daniel 2:14-19
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   God’s providential care can be seen in the fact that Daniel was granted access to the king, where he promised to show the king the interpretation if he were granted some time, and the time was given. Daniel and his friends prayed, and God’s revelation regarding the dream’s meaning came to Daniel in a “night vision” (verse 19), thus preserving the four Hebrews (and all the wise men) from death by the king’s edict. 
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   As a follow-up, perhaps some in your class would be willing to share times in their own lives when they were aware of the providential hand of God over them. You may wish to think of a personal example to begin the discussion.
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5. Verses 24-45 of Daniel 2 describe Daniel’s confident claim regarding the king’s dream and his subsequent interpretation of it. The image in the dream was a prophecy of the future Gentile world powers. Looking back through the history of the world, what can we conclude about earthly governments? Why is verse 34 important to us as believers?
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   Your group should reach the conclusion that earthly kingdoms, no matter how dominant and impressive they may seem in their era, will one day pass away. 
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   In verse 34, the stone cut without hands that destroyed the last kingdom represented the Messiah and King of kings, Jesus Christ, who will one day destroy all Gentile world powers, and whose Kingdom will never be destroyed. As believers, this is the hope we focus upon as we view the unrest, trouble, and violence in our current world.
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6. Chapter 3 describes King Nebuchadnezzar’s self-glorifying image, the edict for all to bow down to it, and the refusal of the three Hebrews to do so. The wording in verses 8 and 12 implies that the “certain Chaldeans” who brought the charges against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were resentful that these conscripts from a conquered nation held positions above them in authority. What three charges did the Chaldeans make against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and how did Nebuchadnezzar react to the accusations? Daniel 3:12-13
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   The Chaldeans’ charges against the Hebrews were that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had no regard for the king, that they did not serve the king’s gods, and that they refused to worship the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
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   According to verse 13, King Nebuchadnezzar reacted with “rage and fury.” Ask your group why they think he was so enraged. The resulting discussion should bring out that all three accusations struck a blow at Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and authority. They were clearly designed to arouse the king’s anger, which was exactly his response. 
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7. Though King Nebuchadnezzar was enraged when informed that the three Hebrews had not bowed, he offered them a chance to reverse their position (see verse 15). However, he made clear that if they refused again, they would immediately be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. What are some of the rationalizations the Hebrews could have come up with in order to obey the king and avoid this terrible fate had their trust in God not been so strong?
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   Your class will likely come up with some of the following:

• We will go ahead and bow down, but we will not really worship — we’ll just close our eyes and look like we are.
• God will understand why it is necessary for us to obey the king in this matter. He would not expect us to put our lives at risk.
• We are appointees of King Nebuchadnezzar, so we must obey him.
• We would not hurt anyone by bowing, so it should be all right just this once.
• If we are killed, we won’t be able to help the rest of our companions here in Babylon.
• We are foreigners in another culture, so we need to align ourselves with their customs as a matter of respect.
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  The point of generating these potential excuses is to help your group see that the enemy of our souls will always provide multiple reasons, excuses, or justifications for wrong actions. However, explaining wrong behavior does not make it acceptable in the sight of God. No matter how reasonable the justifications may sound, compromising our spiritual principles will always bring disastrous results in the end. 
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  Class discussion could be amplified by asking for examples of situations from daily life where one could be pressured to compromise, and the types of justifications that could be offered as an excuse for doing so.
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8. The threatened punishment for not bowing before Nebuchadnezzar’s image was immediately enacted. The fact that the three Hebrews were “bound in their coats” and the furnace was heated “exceeding hot” (verses 21-22) shows that everything was done to ensure the three men would be quickly and completely consumed. What details found in Daniel 3:20-27 prove the supernatural nature of the three Hebrews’ deliverance?
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   The supernatural nature of their deliverance is indicated by the following details:

• Verse 22 – The three Hebrews survived inside the furnace, while those who cast them in perished from the heat.
• Verse 25 – Though the ropes binding them were consumed, the Hebrews were unhurt by the flames and walked about in the midst of the fire.
• Verse 25 – Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth Man in the furnace with the three Hebrews.
• Verse 27 – When the three men were called to come out of the flames, their hair was not singed, their clothing was intact, and there was no smell of smoke upon them.
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  Wrap up discussion of this question by pointing out that Nebuchadnezzar was moved to great respect for the God of the Hebrews by what he witnessed that day. This was evidenced by his edict that anyone who spoke negatively of their God would be executed, “Because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (verse 29). This extreme turnaround by Nebuchadnezzar was a result of God allowing the three Hebrews to go through an extreme trial. In the aftermath, the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to positions of higher importance in the realm than they had previously held.
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9. While the deliverance of the three Hebrews from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace was a mighty miracle, not every believer throughout the ages of history has been delivered. Many have suffered intense persecution and have given their lives for their faith. Why do you think God miraculously intervenes for some of His followers, but not for others?
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   Class discussion should lead to the understanding that God has a perfect, unique purpose for each life. He sees the big picture, operates in accordance with His divine plan, and knows precisely the timing for each piece of His plan to fit together. We will not always understand why God allows what He allows. We may not always understand why some have to suffer while others seem to go through life without any significant opposition for their faith. However, we can and must trust that every circumstance works together for eternal good. Some good supplemental verses to use in conjunction with this discussion are Romans 8:18, 28, 35-39.
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10. How might the experiences and example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in today’s text help you deal with the challenges in your life? 
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    Discussion of this question should revolve around the fact that, like the young Hebrews, we can thrive in our walk with God in spite of circumstances if we maintain a purpose to live to please God, and faithfully adhere to that commitment no matter what takes place around us.

CONCLUSION

Do we hold so strongly to our faith in God that whatever happens, we will do what He says? Such conviction helps us overcome temptation and gives us wisdom and stability in changing circumstances. Let’s purpose to prayerfully live out our convictions in everyday life and trust God for the results!