Daniel lived long after God had not only gained some individuals but a nation for Himself. Yet Satan had seduced that nation to forsake God to the extent that their entire testimony had been lost. They were captives in the idol worshiping land that Abraham had come out of a millennium before. Yet God still had a testimony through some young men who served right in the king's palace in Babylon. They rejected every temptation, overcame every challenge, and gained a great victory for God in the midst of almost total defeat.
| Overcoming the World |
| The Dream of the Great Image |
| The Fiery Furnace |
| The Humbling of Nebuchadnezzar |
| The Fall of Babylon |
| The Den of Lions |
When Daniel and his friends were taken as captives to Babylon the tests they faced were not what they expected. Instead of the harsh life of a slave they were brought into the palace to be counselors to the king.
Nebuchadnezzar had just conquered all his enemies to build the greatest empire the world had ever seen. He had even succeeded in capturing and enslaving God's people. He began to wonder what this would lead to in the future and God gave him a dream to show him. The problem was that he could neither understand it or even remember it.
Nebuchadnezzar built a great image for people to worship. This is what can be seen outwardly but behind the scenes Satan was using the pride of the king and the jealousy of the other officials to attack God's faithful followers.
The Humbling of Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar may have obtained the highest position ever in human history. His achievements and power were unequaled so it is not surprising that he became proud. But at the height of his attainment God came in to deal with him in a way that was also unique.
The Babylonians were drunk with the power and riches of their kingdom but when they began to use the vessels from God's temple for their drunken feast they had gone too far. Within hours their empire was over and they were subjects to the rule of another nation.
Daniel had been faithful to both God and man for many years but when a new king came to power Satan used the jealousy of the other palace officials to attack him again. At stake was something far more significant than the victory or failure of one of God's people.