Graduation with Honors

They were young men, probably in their teens. They had been brought up under the teaching of the true Jehovah God in their homes in Judah. Now they were captives, far from home, in the heathen land of the Chaldeans. We read of them in the book of Daniel the prophet beginning in chapter 1.

Specially Chosen

Their godly training at home stood them in good stead to cope with the ungodly, pagan atmosphere that surrounded them. Then, too, the outstanding qualities which faith in God developed in them attracted the attention of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. They were specially chosen from among many of the captives and given a three year scholarship in the College of Babylon. Everything was provided for them, including the diet of food they should eat. They were to have "a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:5).

Names Changed

Ashpenaz, the head master, was appointed by the king to specifically see that the curriculum was followed. And, as they began their course it was deemed necessary that their names should be changed from the Godly meanings of each one, to the names derived from heathen idols. To Daniel which means "My God is Judge," was given the name of Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, which means "Jehovah graciously gives," was given the name of Shadrach; to Mishael, which means "Who is like God?" was given the name of Meschach; to Azariah, which means "Whom Jehovah helps," was given the name of Abednego. It would appear that it was an effort to erase the memory of the true God by giving them these idolatrous names—another form of brain washing.

Purpose of Heart

But the young men had something more than the outward qualities that caught the eye of Nebuchadnezzar. There was an inward strength that enabled them to say "NO" to demands which were contrary to their spiritual convictions of being faithful to their King far higher than this earthly monarch. We read in verse 8, "BUT Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, or with the wine which he drank." It was no doubt meat and drink offered to idols which was forbidden by God's Word. Daniel set the example and his friends readily followed. They were not mere nonconformists; it was a stand they took because of a deep sense of what was due to their God.

Divine Wisdom

This strong purpose in the heart was linked with wisdom God gives to those who seek to honor Him. Daniel did not demand his rights, "he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself" (v. 8). This submissive, humble and sincere attitude brought him "into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs" (v. 9). But, Melzar, the one over them, feared to change the menu for he feared for his own life should the change be detrimental. However, no doubt in answer to Daniel's prayers, he agreed to just try them on a diet of pulse (some kind of nutritious grain) and water for ten days and then see how they fared. At the end of the ten days, Melzar found that Daniel and his friends "appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat" (v. 15). God honored their stand and moved Melzar's mind to take away the king's meat and drink and gave them their desired food.

Proper Food

Because of their refusal to partake of the world's fare which would have defiled them and displeased their God; because of their desire for pure, wholesome food and drink, principles are set forth to assure "good success" (Joshua 1:8). When one says, "NO" to the allurements of the world and its king (Satan), and desires "the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), there will be spiritual health and growth. This gave a fitness for the rigors of a three year college course and enabled them to discern truth from error. The change of their names did not affect the purpose of their hearts. They were kept from all the mere philosophies of worldly wisdom because they honored God and fed, so to speak, on His Word.

Examination & Graduation

When the three year course was over, they were brought before Nebuchadnezzar for a thorough, prolonged oral examination. What were the results? Verse 20 tells us, "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm"! They were graduated with Highest Honors!

Example For Us

This example of faithfulness to God, even in the heathen atmosphere of Babylonian idolatry, should be encouraging to the Christian today who is surrounded by the anti-God world of education:

They did not forget the truth of God they learned in their youth;

They had purpose of heart to be true to God by saying "NO" to all that was not truth to Him;

Though the Babylonians changed their names, they did not dishonor the names God gave them, but were true to what He meant to them, and what they meant to Him;

They respected their masters, and acted wisely and humbly before them;

They never tired of the pulse and water (symbolical of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit).

All this formed the basis for their successful schooling and graduation with honors.

After graduation, God used them mightily in many ways. He gave them wisdom as they continued to live a life of daily prayer. He preserved them in the fire of the fiery furnace. He preserved Daniel in the lion's den. And Nebuchadnezzar was truly converted to God (Chapter 4).

"And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus" (v. 21), being used of God in faithful witness to the heathen Babylonians, and as an encouragement to the tried people of then, and now to us, by God using him to write the book that bears his name: "written for our learning:" (Romans 15:4).

Let us ask our God to reveal the lessons He would have us learn from Daniel and his friends.