Daniel 1
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” (v. 17)
It is a notable thing when God blesses His servants with special gifts, as he did here with Daniel and the three Hebrew children. The knowledge and skill that they had superceded the best of Babylon, and rightly so, because it came from God! Even their countenances were better than all the wise men of Babylon, and yet these were captives of Israel, serving a heathen king. Verses 19 and 20 tell us that there were none like them in the entire kingdom, and that they were, in fact, ten times better than anyone the king had in his service, anywhere and at any time. These men, though in captivity, were exalted to places of honor among the enemy, why?, Because they served the Living, Loving God of gods, the Lord God Almighty.
There is victory in Jesus, even in captivity. We Americans worry so much about insurrections and civil acts against our country, but the Lord is still there for us, whatever predicament we find ourselves in. We need to trust in the same God that Daniel trusted in. His blessing is for all men, but it is more so on those who serve Him diligently and honestly. The greater blessing comes upon the greater servant, as if it were earned, though it is not. You see, they that are the closest to us get the benefits that we afford them; as we reach out our hand of blessing, those that are in reach reap the greatest blessing, and then some is left for the followers afar off. That is the way it is with our Lord, we must walk close to Him, and with Him to get the handfuls of blessings. As the Lord scatters the blessing among the multitudes, we are able to snatch it from His hand in greater quantities than those who walk behind and pick up what has fallen. These men had special knowledge and skill in the “arts” because they sought the greater blessing of walking with God.
There were many other Israelites that were brought to Babylon, but we hear nothing of them at all, except these four. There was a reason for that. Their faith brought them to a place of honor. Those who walk the closest to the Lord, trust Him the most because they walk in the assurance of His shadow, and in the safety of His presence. Many of the other Israelites bowed to the pressure, and forfeited the greater blessing of God.
