The Green Forest tribune., 1917-09-07

The book of Daniel, with the great prophecies, fulfilled and unfulfilled, is one of the most interesting and impor- tant in the Bible. Without a grasp of the prophecies of this book it Is abso- lutely impossible for one to know the New Testament and the times in which we live. Daniel gives an outline of the entire period of time from the passing of supremacy to the Gentiles in Nebu- chadnezzar to the final overthrow of the Gentle dominion, to the establish ment of the millenial kingdom. The course, character and end of Gentle dominion are given. It is that period known in Scriptures as the times of the Gentiles" Ouke 21 :24).
 The book of Daniel falls into two parts: Part 1 Chapters i to @, in which the prophet appears as the di vinely chosen interpreter of dreams; part II Chapters ' to 12), in which the prophet appears as the mouthpiece of God, setting forth in visions, not dreams, the times of the Gentf1es The book Is written in two languages, He brew and Aramaic-chapter :1-23 and chapters 8 to 12 (Hebrew) chapters ? AT :2S (Aramaic). The part which concerns the Hebrews was written in their own tongue and the part which concerns the empires of the world is written in their tongue.
 l. Daniels Home Leaving (vv. 1-4). He was carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in the first siege of Je- rusalem. This was great trial for his own heart. He seems to have been about fourteen years of age. For boy who loved his home and the house of God it was a great trial to be thrust out and dragged away to a foreign country. It was not only a trial to him, but doubtless to his parents also They no doubt were anxious, and sin cerely prayed for him.
 II. Daniels Trials and Difficulties (vv. 5-13). It was the custom for the best of the captives to be selected and trained for service in the land of cap- tivity. They usually selected those of the royal house for such training.
 1. Change of name Among the He brews names were given to children, which were significant Daniel means God is my judge" The significance of the name then vas that all prob lens of life were submitted to God for decision. This was the secret of Dan inlfs iifn fFhic oF h seems to have been instilled into his very life and being. So thoroughly did he imbibe this spirit that in all things he made God arbiter of his plans and purposes. The object no doubt in the change of name was to obliterate his identify him with the heather people. The king of Babylon evidently liked Daniels appearance and scholarship, but was averse to his religion. It is the same today. Nations and individ- uals are perfectly willing to recognize and utilize the scholarship and efficien- cy of Christian ministers and mission aries, but are not willing to embrace their religion. The name which Daniel received by which he was to be known in Babylon was BelteshaZzar, which means BePs Prince. This in its bear ing upon Daniel would be, the chief one, or the one whom Babylon's chief god favors. Back of the change of name was Satan's attempt to wipe out the name of the true God and have these young men lose their separation and become assimilated with the heath en. There is much in a name. Hap oily in this case, however, the change of name did not make change of dis position. Daniel was In Babylon, but he did not do as the Babylonians did. Doubtless, parental discipline in this case had done its work.
 2. His conscience tested (vv. 5-S). It was with reference to the kings meat and the kings wines. It is ever to be borne in mind that conscience is the groundwork of human character. It Is the law which must be followed. No doubt Daniel was taunted and laughed at for his fidelity, just as all men and women today who are loyal to their convictions must experience, for all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
 8. His religious life. This involved his refusal to eat meat and drink wine which was contrary to his teaching. Also 1t involved his praying three times day. This program he Loyalty car ried out, even when it meant death. His praying was not done altogether when those who were opposed to him could see him.
 III. His Success (vv. 14-2D. l. Phy- sical health (v. 15).
 Godly and temperate living pays The kings meat and wine would have been pleasant to the palate, but would have meant compromise of conscience.
 2. Mental growth (v. 20). He was ten times superior to his comrades. It is always true that those who abstain from indulgence in the use of wine have clearer minds and are mentally better equipped for their work than those who indulge.
 B. Social Daniel stood before the king. No higher position of honor could have been given him.
 f. Temporal. He became president of the College of Wise Men and prime minister of the nation. This position he continued to hold through several dynasties.
 5. Spiritual (v. ID. Because of Dan iel's loyalty to God, Nebuchadnezzar's dream was e7ealed to him and he was 1.r,e. thn ,rhnlo hi