Living and Thriving in Exile: A SOAP Journal based on Daniel 1

S = Daniel 1:3-7, 17-21 

Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego…

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

O = These young men were taken as captives, part hostage and partially intended to be reeducated—fully accommodated to the culture and to serve as leaders within the Babylonian kingdom. They were renamed, by those in power, with names tied to the pagan deities of Babylon. Would they react with anger and bitterness towards their oppressors? No. With humble respect and tactful diplomacy they remained faithful to God and refused to become addicted to the food of the king. One way that ancient kings guaranteed loyalty was to get their court officials used to the lifestyle of living with access to the king’s table. They likely took the warning of Proverbs 23:1-3 to heart,

When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.

While they learned all that the Babylonian culture required, their hearts remained devoted to YHWH, the One True God, and he blessed them with wisdom and influence better than all their peers.

A = First, I recognize my own tendency to try to shape others to fit into my world and to conform to my beliefs. I don’t want to be like the Babylonians in this regard. Second, I recognize my temptation to be so like those around me that I lose my “saltiness” (Matthew 5:13). I need to remain faithful to the Lord’s commands, always finding my identity in Christ (he names me in himself), rather than seeking the approval of popularity and power. Third, I need to make sure that I approach others, even my oppressors, with hard work, humility, and respect. Who knows what influence for Christ I might have as a result?

P = O Lord, may I long for you seek to serve in your kingdom more than I desire my earthly appetites to be filled. May the forgiveness I have received from you, flow forth to those that have offended me. May the hope I have in your presence and your return enable me to work with both integrity and with joy even in dark times and places. May others see your light in me and be drawn to it. Amen.