Topical Bible: Civil Minister: Daniel

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Introduction:
Daniel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his unwavering faith and exemplary service as a civil minister in the courts of Babylon and Persia. His life and ministry are chronicled in the Book of Daniel, which provides insight into his role as a statesman, prophet, and servant of God. Daniel's account is a testament to the power of faith and integrity in the face of adversity.

Background:
Daniel was a young Jewish noble taken into captivity during the Babylonian exile, around 605 BC, when King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. He was selected for his intelligence and potential to serve in the king's court. Daniel, along with his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, was trained in the language and literature of the Chaldeans (Daniel 1:3-4).

Role as a Civil Minister:
Daniel's role as a civil minister began under King Nebuchadnezzar, where he quickly distinguished himself through his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. His interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2) not only saved the lives of the wise men of Babylon but also led to his promotion as ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men (Daniel 2:48).

Daniel's integrity and faithfulness were evident when he refused to defile himself with the king's food and wine, choosing instead a diet of vegetables and water. God honored his commitment, granting him and his friends exceptional knowledge and understanding (Daniel 1:8-17).

Service Under Successive Kings:
Daniel continued to serve faithfully under successive rulers, including Belshazzar and Darius the Mede. During Belshazzar's reign, Daniel interpreted the mysterious writing on the wall, predicting the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28). For this, he was clothed in purple, given a gold chain, and proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom (Daniel 5:29).

Under Darius, Daniel's exceptional qualities led to his appointment as one of the three administrators over the kingdom. His integrity and competence made him the target of jealousy among other officials, who conspired to trap him through his devotion to God. Despite the decree prohibiting prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day, resulting in his being thrown into the lions' den. God miraculously delivered him, leading to Darius's decree honoring the God of Daniel (Daniel 6:26-27).

Prophetic Ministry:
In addition to his civil duties, Daniel was a prophet who received visions concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. His prophecies, such as the vision of the four beasts (Daniel 7) and the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27), have been subjects of extensive theological study and interpretation.

Character and Legacy:
Daniel's life exemplifies steadfast faith, integrity, and wisdom. His ability to navigate the complexities of serving in a pagan government while remaining true to his faith serves as an enduring model for believers. His account demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as well as the impact of a life devoted to God's purposes.

Key Verses:
· "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself." (Daniel 1:8)
· "Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:48)
· "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. And also before you, O king, I have committed no crime." (Daniel 6:22)

Daniel's life and ministry continue to inspire believers to live with integrity and faithfulness, trusting in God's providence and power.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 2:48
Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:1-3
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
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Library

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... who can come to the help of civil rulers who ... about us between those spirits sent
to minister to us in ... For "three full weeks" Daniel mourned and prayed, and for ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Of Civil Government.
... Hezekiah; others of governors, as Joseph and Daniel; others of ... Wherefore no man can
doubt that civil authority is, in ... says Paul, "for he is the minister of God ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Christian State
... 19:19; Isaiah 9:6,7; 60:3; Zechariah 9:10; Daniel 7:14 ... of Man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister and to ... 3. He was a civil reformer from the inside. ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiii the christian state.htm

Human Government.
... Civil and family governments are indispensable to the securing of ... and giveth it to
whomsoever he will." Daniel 5:21. ... of the same: for he is the minister of God ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Harmless Fires
... application of Christian principle to social and civil life brings ... the same person
an angel in Daniel 3:28 ... the ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm

The Congregationalists.
... Daniel Appleton White: New England Congregationalism in its Origin ... on a close union
of the civil and ecclesiastical ... to it not only from the minister, but from ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... but has our settled Church and minister, but this ... Four of them, Rector Timothy Cutler,
Tutor Daniel Brown, Rev ... preparation of men for service in civil office and ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

Introduction
... If it be thus in matters civil, much more in ecclesiastical ... to Christ's body, so
a jewel to a minister's crown ... not as lamps or tapers, but) as stars (Daniel 12:3 ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... Compton, Matthew M. Dance, Ethelbert Drake, Daniel Hall, James ... to his character as
an evangelical minister, may seem ... As far as it respects civil affairs we ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

Herod and Peter.
... directed the exercise of that power, which civil governments claim ... Daniel was preserved
in a den of lions, and ... The minister of providence was an angel, to whom ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm