06/04/2026
Sunday, June 7th Sermon and sermon questions:
Be On Alert!
(Daniel 1:1, 3–5, 8–13, 15, 17)
Dear Lord,
As we begin our adventure into the Book of Daniel, let us understand the importance of the stories it offers and how we should learn from them to guide us in these troubled times. Help us hear and learn, Lord, what Daniel has to teach us. In Christ’s name through the Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Unfortunately, we cannot begin this understanding without first understanding a little history and background. First, most scholars believe this is more folklore than a story about an actual person or persons (Daniel and his three friends). One reason for this belief is that although the author of Daniel seems to set the story in the sixth century BC during the period between Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and Cyrus of Persia, who conquered Babylon in 538 B.C., upon closer examination, the reality is that the author has a superficial and even inaccurate understanding of events during that time frame. However, he does seem to have a clear grasp on events that occurred nearly 400 years later. This included a list of instruments mentioned later in the book that were not in existence in the 6th century. Also, the use of Persian names and phrases, rather than Babylonian. In addition, normally, when a real person is highlighted, there is a genealogy provided showing their family. All that is mentioned in the opening is that “Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility: young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans” v 3 & 4. Finally, there is the fact that Daniel is not mentioned in any other books of that time, but was mentioned in two of the books of the Apocrypha in 200 B.C. The importance, then, it seems, is that the author placed Daniel when he did in history to demonstrate how one resists without bringing conflict. Another important aspect is understanding the genres the writer is using. Chapters 1-6, often referred to as the “court lessons or stories,” use the Haggadah, which means “descriptive” or “narrative,” to provide a moral lesson. Chapters 7-12 are apocalyptic, which is not so much about the end of times as about enlightenment. However, Daniel is often compared to or associated with the Book of Revelation. Neither of these genres offers any real historical accuracy. Thus, the idea of folklore is to provide moral understanding and enlightenment.
Often, when I say something like this about a story in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, I get some pushback along the lines of the idea that the Bible is God’s Word and thus true and complete. It most certainly is, but it also contains all sorts of genres, from poetry to drama to narrative to apocalyptic to songs, etc. Thus, this could include folklore that provides a valuable lesson to readers and is probably based in part on real characters, but may not necessarily be historically accurate. It is OKAY! Our focus should be on the lesson, rather than on the accuracy of the information. Daniel and his three friends represent all the young Jewish men taken into captivity and thus into exile who endured their fate in the hands of the Babylonians (or Persians). What is important is what they did, how they did it, and what they stood for. Remaining faithful to the One God.
So, let us begin our understanding of chapter one, keeping in mind the background that got us to it. We have the historical reference to King Nebuchadnezzar and his taking captive young Israelites. He chose those from royalty or high society who were educated and capable of learning, but they were also young, making them easy to indoctrinate into Babylonian society. At least that appears to have been the plan. But imagine with me, if you will, what it must have been like for young Daniel and his companions as they approached and entered the city of Babylon, where the remaining features of the tower of Babel still stood, extending higher into the sky than many modern skyscrapers. It was a major religious and administrative center, home to ziggurats and the city’s chief god, Marduk, who was considered the supreme deity of the Babylonians. The city’s name, Bābilim in Akkadian, meant “gate of the gods,” reflecting its sacred importance. Babylon was known for its grand temples, palaces, and public works. It was a hub for religious festivals, astronomy, and literature, and its citizens valued cultural and artistic achievements. The city’s skyline was dominated by massive ziggurats, some gold-plated, towering stepped temples, and other monumental structures. The main entrance, the Ishtar Gate, was covered in glazed tile with a deep cobalt blue color baked into the brick using a copper-rich glaze. In addition to this impressive jewel-like finish tile, there were life-sized golden reliefs of lions and other exotic creatures lining the walls. The city must have felt not only like a massive fortress surrounding our young captives in a realm of the unknown, but also otherworldly to them.
Remember also that Daniel and the three had been used to some luxury, being of either royal or at least upper-class backgrounds. However, despite their upbringing and the privileges it might have brought, this would have no doubt felt overwhelming. In addition, unlike many of the other captives who were brought to Babylon in chains and shackles, these young men were offered a portion of the king’s rations and given a place to live in the palace. They were being groomed to be part of Babylonian society. We are never really given any understanding of why Nebuchadnezzar chose to do this, but again, this is a story, folklore, so perhaps that understanding is unnecessary. But whether Daniel understood he was being defiant or whether something in his faith and conscience helped him discern what was going on was wrong, is never clear either. However, whatever inspired him to approach the palace master Ashpenaz, refusing to ‘defile’ himself, he did.
There are some biblical speculations of why this assimilation into the culture did not work. Daniel refused the rich foods being served at the palace banquets. Some believed this was because, for instance, the meat would surely have been offered to the gods as sacrificial gifts before being given to the palace residents to eat. Daniel believed in the One true God and would not be “polluted” with such food. However, no doubt the vegetables, fruits, and nuts he would accept had also been offered in some sacrificial manner as well, so there may be more to it than that. Additionally, wine was not forbidden in the Israelites' daily diet.
One theory is that it was about an issue of royal largeness (excess) and wealth. Wealth stolen from the nations conquered by Babylon. Perhaps it felt wasteful, indulgent, and corrupt to partake of such luxury at the expense of their own people. Throughout biblical history, control of food, especially large amounts of it, is symbolic of power. Adding to the prominence of food as a symbol of privilege, wealth, and foreign indulgence.
However, feasting is also looked upon as a celebration of a joyous occasion. For those who are in this place against their will, this might not seem a joyous occasion. Therefore, in their hearts, they should be mourning their loss, not feasting in excess.
One final thought is that, related to food being a symbol of controlling the lives of those it is offered to, Daniel may have seen this as a denial of the King’s implicit claim that he was sole provider, as for Daniel, the One God was the God of provision, not earthly kings. Thus, he refused the excess offered and instead chose a healthy, minimalist approach. Knowing God would use what they ate to fulfill God’s plan.
This was most certainly an act of rebellion. However, it was done with such grace and honesty that it did not seem like rebellion. In addition, Daniel was willing to offer a compromise. If they weren’t (he and his friends) in equal if not better health in 10 days, they would eat the King’s indulgences. And to be frank, Ashpenaz took a big chance in allowing Daniel and his friends to do so. For if they had ended up sickly and unwell, it would have been a price he would have had to pay. But instead, verse 15 tells us, “At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations.”
Often in the summer, I will take a week or two and do what is known as a Daniel fast. I do it in the summer because that is when the freshest vegetables and fruits are available. A Daniel fast involves giving up all meat and most dairy for that period, eating mainly raw foods, and sticking to vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes. Drinking only water or fresh juice. I have never felt hungry or deprived on this fast, and I usually come out the other side feeling healthier and refreshed.
And similar to Daniel, I feel Gods hesad, God’s loving favor, and mercy. This is important because Daniel seemed to understand that, by doing what he did, God would be with him. And because of this Daniel and company win their first context. Not in knowledge or wisdom, but in physical appearance. And as a result, Daniel appears before the King triumphant in his choice not to defile himself, by doing what he felt God was leading him to do.
Thus, we must always remain alert in a world that can be troublesome at times. Remember the prowling, roaring lion? Importance of being alert and prepared. When we are challenged or threatened by the things happening around us, we must prevail. Actively being nonconforming with what the world says is right, or “hip”, or the newest trend, or whatever. Nonconforming from what we eat, to what we wear, to what we say. Let’s look at it from a different perspective. That ol’ Satan, prowling around. Tempting us and swaying us. Thus, like what the emperors of today are doing, setting before us things and ideas to defile us and drive a wedge between God and us. These enticements can be disguised as a necessity, such as food. Therefore, as the faithful are called to resist conformity to what the world implies, what evil desires we want, we must think through new approaches in which we resist the food and wine of kings and begin to work with those exiled peoples whom these kings had intended to control or dehumanize. In doing so, we are prepared to put on our Godly armor and resist hypocrisy, falsehoods, and deception.
Therefore, as we begin our journey through Daniel, we see that faithfulness does not always require loud confrontation. Like Daniel, we are called to remain alert, discerning, and steadfast when the world seeks to shape our values and loyalties. By trusting in God's provision and guidance, we can resist the temptations and deceptions around us with wisdom, grace, and courage. May we leave today committed to standing firm in our faith, confident that God will strengthen and sustain us in every challenge. Amen.
Now, let us turn our attention to the Holy Meal that will never disappoint or lead us astray, as we come to the table Jesus has prepared for us….
Sermon Questions for Be On Alert:
1. Daniel resisted the king's food without creating conflict. What can we learn from his approach to standing firm in faith while remaining respectful toward others?
2. What are some modern-day "food and wine of the king" temptations that encourage Christians to conform to the values of the world rather than the values of God?
3. Why do you think Daniel trusted God enough to risk refusing the king's provisions? Have you ever faced a situation where trusting God required courage?
4. The sermon emphasized being alert to deception and temptation. What practices help you stay spiritually alert in your daily life?
5. Daniel's actions demonstrated faithfulness in small decisions before he was entrusted with greater responsibilities. How can faithfulness in everyday choices strengthen our walk with God?
6. The sermon suggests that resistance to worldly influences does not always have to be loud or confrontational. What are some practical ways Christians can faithfully resist unhealthy cultural pressures today?
