Day 257: Daniel 1-3

Okay, we get 2 days of Daniel that are easier to understand and then 2 days that I think are somewhat challenging. I had some friends who did a 6 month Kay Arthur study of Daniel and they told me how difficult it was. We'll see....

Don't know if it is helpful or not, but here is what my Bible says the purpose of this book is:

To give a historical account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and to show how God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of the nations, and the care of his people.

How demeaning to have your name changed! Daniel meant 'God is my judge' and his new name, Beltshazzar meant 'Bel, protects his life' (Bel was the chief Babylonian god). It was similar for his 3 friends as well.

I love how the first thing Daniel did when given a difficult task (interpreting the king's dream) was to pray. And not only that, but get your friends to pray with you. And then he makes sure he lets the king know that the interpretation is only possible with God's help.

We get some false hope for Nebuchadnezzar when he gives honor to Daniel's God. If only this was enough to turn him around...but the very next thing he did was build a huge idol to be worshiped.

LOVE the fiery furnace story.