Hall of Faith: Daniel, Sought Wisdom
Last week, we discussed Samuel. He is the last individual mentioned by name in the Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews 11. However, there are many others described in the Hall of Faith that allows us to know who they are. We will be covering these individuals in the following weeks.
In Hebrews 11:33, we are told “who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” We know that Daniel, stopped the mouths of lions.
Daniel, asked for Wisdom and Understanding
Daniel is among the list of those among the Hall of Faith that are described, instead of
mentioned by name. In the Hall of Faith, he is described as “stopped the mouths of lions”. {Hebrews 11:33}
The name Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning God is my judge. Even today this name continues to be a popular name.
Daniel lived during the time of King Nebuchadnezzar. His story is found in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament.
In Daniel 1, we are told that King Nebuchadnezzar sought youths from the children of Israel, whom “was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace”. {Daniel 1:4}
Among those listed by name are Daniel, whom became known by the Babylonian name Belteshazzar. Daniel also had three friends, whom we know under their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
The first thing we are told about Daniel is, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. “ {Daniel 1:8}
Daniel had understanding of dreams and visions. We are also told that Daniel and his three
friends, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm, And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like them.” {Daniel 1:17-21}
Daniel interpreted dreams for King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 2 tells of a dream that none of the magicians, wizards or wise men could decipher. King Nebuchadnezzar became angry that his dream could not be revealed and demanded all of the wise men be killed. Daniel and his friends prayed for deliverance and understanding of the vision. Daniel gave God the glory while revealing the dream to the king.
In Daniel 6, we discover that King Nebuchadnezzar has been overthrown and Darius is king. Daniel is one of three presidents over the kingdom. The others in power wanted rid of Daniel, but could find no reason or fault, because he was faithful. {Daniel 6:4}
The men decided to set him up and had a law passed that for the next 30 days no one could petition any god without being thrown into a den of lions. Daniel, aware of this law, prayed three times a day to God. We are told his windows are open, so although it was against the law, he did not hide his actions.
Daniel was brought before the king and cast into the den of lions. A stone was placed
before the den to seal it, but we are told the king could not sleep that night.
The next morning the king hurried to the den to find Daniel was still alive. Daniel told him “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. “ {Daniel 6:22}
Daniel was taken out of the den and the men who set him up were cast into the den,along with their wives and children.
King Darius acknowledged God by saying,” O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” {Daniel 6:20}
Daniel prospered during the reigns of King Darius and Cyrus the Persian.
So what can we learn from Daniel?
1. Daniel was not afraid to pray to God
2. Daniel sought God’s help
3. Daniel put worshiping God first, even above is own safety
4. Daniel was protected by God while he was in the lion’s den
5. Daniel served as a witness for God to the king
6. Daniel was able to understand dreams and visions with God’s help
7. Daniel asked God for wisdom and understanding
Daniel was not afraid to live a life for Christ. He asked for wisdom and understanding. We live in a time much like Daniel, where our enemies want to see us fail. Yet, we can ask God for wisdom and understanding with whatever we face.
Do you ask God for wisdom and understanding?