Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 7-8
Daniel 1:19-20 (NIV); The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding
about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and
enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Judah continued to stray further away from the God of their forefathers. The Babylonians conquered
the Assyrians and Egypt snuck in to take control of Judah. Babylon took over when Jehoiakim was
king and Nebuchadnezzar ordered the first group of exiles to be taken from Judah. Among these boys
were Daniel and his three friends. These young men were the kind of characters that God can use as
the remnant through which to propel the promise. Defying the king’s aim to indoctrinate them, these
boys clung to holiness and were given divine aid, finding success and favour with Nebuchadnezzar.
Throughout their time in Babylon, these men lived lives of extreme integrity, showing the kings of
Babylon that there is no God besides Yahweh. And not only was his life a testament to God’s power,
sovereignty and faithfulness, but God gave Daniel words to speak forth regarding the future of
the remnant and the coming of the Messiah. Despite being torn from his home and thrown into an
enticingly wealthy pagan culture, Daniel was one who followed God his entire life, leaving a lasting
legacy for all believers. Again we see God’s promise to Abraham in action – the whole earth is being
blessed by his offspring as the stories of Daniel have strengthened the church throughout the ages.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Daniel and his friends’ lives were full of many adventures – the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar’s
dreams, the writing on the wall, the lion’s den, etc. Ask God how He wants to encourage and
strengthen you through one of these stories. (See Daniel 3-6)
2. In listening prayer, ask God how He wants to use you today to be a light in an ungodly or
spiritually apathetic environment?
3. Search your heart on the issue of integrity. Are you honest and dependable or do you go back on
your word? Is your character consistent or do you live a double life? Confess any lack of integrity
and ask God to help you to operate with total integrity of character.
