The Yale expositor., 1915-11-11
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER IA
DANIEL IN THE KINGS COURT.

In the faith. quit you like men, be strong.
Il Cor. 1913
This familiar story has been select
ed for the Worlds Temperance Sun.
day"-it Is the first record of his
Babylonian experiences and is an IL
lustrious example of those everlasting
principles which govern a successful
life.
I. Daniels Position, w. ~. Ne
buchadnezzar, on the death of his
father, returned to Babylon from be-
sieging Jerusalem to take the throne.
He carried with him Jehoiakim and
number OF young men, I'm whom was
no blemish" (14). They were perhaps
twelve years old. Among these were
four who had been particularly Sc
lected for pious training and the name
Of each is compounded with the name
of God; Daniels meaning-"God is my
| Judge" They are now alone in a
licentious heather palace and abso-
lutely at the power of the king ano
his court. Their names are now
changed; Daniel becomes Belteshaz-
zar-"favored OF Bel" Such changing
of names is customary in most heath
en- or Mohammedan lands even today.
A still greater danger or temptation
confronts these young men, viz. that
the king appointed them "a daily por-
ton of the kings meat" Gam. Rev. v.
81. To refuse to eat invited ridicule
and perhaps loss of life, but to eat
was to break the Jewish law as Il
food (Deut 12:23-25). See also q
Cor S:7-10; 10:27-2S). Their captiv-
ity had been foretold (II Kings 20:1O,
but a change of location and name
does not involve a change of heart as
many a tempted one has discovered.
These men in spite Of natural appe-
tites, danger of being thought pecu-
liar, or even gratitude to king for lives
preserved refused to eat the kings
meat and to drink his wine.
u. Daniels Purpose, 1878. The
real purpose Of a mans heart not
alone governs his acts but reveals
what he is-God looks upon that when
he judges men (II Cor. OF; SIP;
Luke 1919. Without will (purpose)
there is no character (Acts 11:23).
Daniel purposed 'in his heart" not to
defile himself" No compromise, no
trimming because OF being away from
home, no partnership with the rich
and opulent court. Daniel was to be
''as clean as a hounds TOOTH" Men
who dare to stand alone always find
cooperation, so Daniel found those
who stood by him ". 12). Daniel ex-
ercised great tact in his dealings with
the prince OF the eunuchs but God
had evidenced his protecting and lead
ing care ". 81 enabling him to win
his way and persuade the eunuch to
allow the suggested test ". 12). II
Christian workers would exercise
more tact they would more frequently
attain their desired ends duke 1879.
1t is possible to be so unbendingly
puritanical as to lay us open to a
charge of pharisaical pride. Daniel
illustrates spotless purity, infexible
loyalty mingled with a sweet reason
ableness that always gains its ends.
Daniel had sufficient confidence in his
God and faith in his actions to be will
ing to be submitted to the acid test
Of experience. His was a religion
that could stand without being tied.
~. Daniels Profit (Reward), w. a.
a. Pulse denotes such vegetables as
beans and peas. Their diet was to be
a general vegetable one. Samson as
a Nazarite drank no wine. This age
has yet to fully comprehend the
| o,.I ~
ancient Jewish laws OF sanitation and
diet. Myriads OF men are today dig
ging their graves with their teeth.
The result of this test was that Daniel
and his companions were delivered
from transgressing Gods laws and
the prince of the eunuchs from being
punished bcause of the physical con-
dition of his charges. Beauty, health,
and strength came to Daniel and his
friends with the result OF preferment.
position, and influence at court ".
49,. They STOOD before the king"
| from. 14:10-12; / Cor. 3:10-15; ii Cor.
5.9); (a) because OF their answering
loyalty to God and obedience to his
Word John 14-15: 1926 r. W; (b)
DeCduSc Vi LHelT llIe OI prayer, IOT IL ID
the work of the Holy Spirit to give
unto us wisdom duke 2:15, Acts 6:
10) even as Daniel was thus blessed
". ~ the spirit bestows diverse gifts
q Cor. 12:1-4-1D; (c) and finally be-
cause having a special place In the
purposes and plans OF God their lives
were counted precious in his sight ".
27). Verify, He that doeth the will of
God abideth forever
Temperance AppIIeatlon.-This les
son suggests the value of total alb
stinence.
NO user OF tobacco has ever taken
| first honor at Harvard. "-Longfellow
Temperance and self-control must
begin in the home and be perpetuated
in the strength and power of God
which alone comes through an intelii-
gent knowledge and obedience OF. his
Word. There is no way to win sue
cess except by means of a complete
victory; to compromise is TO fail.