Topical Bible: Obedience: Daniel

◄ Obedience: Daniel ►

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Introduction

The theme of obedience is prominently illustrated in the life of Daniel, a key figure in the Old Testament. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's commandments, even in the face of adversity, serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and devotion. His life, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, highlights the blessings and divine favor that accompany obedience to God.

Early Life and Captivity

Daniel was among the young men of Judah taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his obedience to God. In Daniel 1:8 , it is written, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." This decision to adhere to dietary laws, even at the risk of displeasing the king, underscores Daniel's commitment to God's commandments.

Faithfulness in Prayer

Daniel's obedience is further exemplified in his dedication to prayer. In Daniel 6, when a decree was issued forbidding prayer to any god or man except King Darius, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day. Daniel 6:10 states, "When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, despite the threat of being thrown into the lions' den, highlights his obedience to God above all earthly authorities.

Divine Protection and Favor

Daniel's obedience brought about divine protection and favor. When Daniel was cast into the lions' den, God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, sparing his life. Daniel 6:22 records Daniel's testimony: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him." This miraculous deliverance not only demonstrated God's power but also affirmed the blessings that accompany obedience.

Wisdom and Revelation

Daniel's obedience also positioned him to receive divine wisdom and revelation. In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar demanded the interpretation of his dream, Daniel sought God's guidance. Daniel 2:19 states, "During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven." Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and visions was a direct result of his faithful obedience and reliance on God.

Influence and Leadership

Throughout his life, Daniel's obedience to God elevated him to positions of influence and leadership. He served under multiple kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. His integrity and faithfulness earned him respect and authority, as seen in Daniel 6:3 : "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's life demonstrates how obedience to God can lead to positions of influence where one can impact entire nations.

Conclusion

Daniel's life is a testament to the power and importance of obedience to God. His unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of persecution and trials, serves as an enduring example for believers. Through his obedience, Daniel experienced divine protection, wisdom, and favor, illustrating the profound blessings that come from a life devoted to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... unruly nation, and disciplining their minds [3449] to habits of obedience and respect ...
the cruelty of that ancient Syrian king, over whom Daniel triumphed, the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

On Obedience, the Formal Object of all the Divine Precepts
... Thus it was not lawful for Daniel to abstain for three days from ... more grievous than
that which commands, because it recedes further from obedience, and because ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxix on obedience the.htm

Daniel's Band
... Those two men, Daniel and John, were choice saints. They rose to the greatest height
of spiritual obedience, and then to the greatest height of spiritual ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/daniels band.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... duty, and to give no heed to lies, and to yield no obsequious obedience to the ... are
always enemies of the Church; let us mark the words of Daniel, and learn ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... of getting obedience, but only with the intention of slaying one faithful man, and
the plot worked according to calculation. What did it matter to Daniel what ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

Its Basis
... a new leaf, thoroughly reform their lives and henceforth walk in obedience to God's ...
of mercy helpless before the claims of the law occurs in Daniel 6.. There ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

"Example of Life and Instruction of Manners. "
... Per contra, Daniel might perhaps be accused of cruelty in his method of ... In Habakkuk
we see obedience to a divine command, apparently impossible of execution ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/example of life and instruction 3.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... As the Lord co-operated with Daniel and his fellows, so He will co-operate with
all who ... Those who walk in the path of obedience will encounter many hindrances. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

I Look Upon all the Four Gospels as Thoroughly Genuine...
... is the very heart and soul of religion, and makes men, like Daniel, of "an ... Obedience,
but more than mere obedience, doing the things which please God well. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter x i look upon.htm

Introduction.
... of Trent (1546), when they were all placed on an equality with, in fact treated
as portions of, the book of Daniel. ... And they were of the Roman obedience. ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/introduction.htm