Evidence shows the Book of Daniel was written by the Prophet Daniel in the 6th Century BC (about 530 BC). The book of Daniel says this in 10 places: Daniel 7:1-2,15,28; 8:1,15,27; 9:2,21-22; 10:1-2; 12:5.
The Bible is under constant attack. As I said in the Prelude to the Book of Daniel the attacks are both Overt and Covert. I will begin with the Overt attacks on the Book of Daniel.
Critics say the Book of Daniel was not written by Daniel and was not written until 165BC, and is a fraud to make it seem Daniel was a prophet. This idea was promoted by Porphyry a 3rd Century Critic of the Bible, he was also a pagan who believed Zeus was real. His argument was that the prophecy was too good to be true. That was the extent of his argument.
If you want to discuss the Authority and Truth of the Book of Daniel I will discuss that. However, now lets look at the first Chapter.
“1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.”
The name Jehoiakim and Nebuchadnezzar set the scene for the Book of Daniel in the 6th century BC. This is when Babylon takes Jerusalem and the Children of Israel captives. They didn’t take everyone, but they did take the nobles, princes, and other certain people to Serve King Nebuchadnezzar.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
Keep those names in mind. The King of Babylon had taken away their Hebrew names and replaced them with Babylonian names.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
Daniel refused to defile himself with the King’s food. Instead he convinced the Chief of the Eunuchs (castrated men) to only feed them Pulse (chick peas, lentils, peas, and beans). After 10 days the Eunuch took a look at them.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
18 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
19 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.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.”
Stay Tuned for the 2nd part of Chapter 1…
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