Daniel 1
Hosea contains the words of the prophet Hosea, who was active during a time when the northern kingdom of Israel was politically unstable and spiritually corrupt. Chapter 1, in particular, presents the relationship between God and Israel through the prophet’s family story (marriage and children), showing God’s love and sorrow, along with promises of restoration.
1verseIn the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
2verseThe Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god. He brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3verseThe king spoke to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring and of the nobles:
4verseyouths in whom was no defect, but well-favored, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.
5verseThe king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years, that at its end they should stand before the king.
6verseNow among these of the children of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
7verseThe prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
8verseBut Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9verseNow God made Daniel find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.
10verseThe prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink. For why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? Then you would endanger my head with the king.”
11verseThen Daniel said to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
12verse“Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
13verseThen let our faces be examined before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king’s delicacies; and as you see, deal with your servants.”
14verseSo he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.
15verseAt the end of ten days, their faces appeared fairer and they were fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate of the king’s delicacies.
16verseSo the steward took away their delicacies and the wine that they were given to drink, and gave them vegetables.
17verseNow as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18verseAt the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19verseThe king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.
20verseIn 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 who were in all his realm.
21verseDaniel continued even to the first year of King Cyrus.
The Symbolism of Hosea’s Marriage and Children’s Names
God commands Hosea to marry an immoral woman, Gomer, and they have two sons and one daughter. Each child’s name (Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, Lo-ammi) stands for the judgment that will come upon Israel and God’s sorrow. 'Jezreel,' meaning 'to be scattered,' represents the downfall of the kingdom of Israel; 'Lo-ruhamah' means 'not shown mercy'; and 'Lo-ammi' means 'not my people,' reflecting the reality that the people of Israel have turned away from God’s covenant.
A Dual Message of Judgment and Restoration
In the latter part of Chapter 1, along with the declaration of judgment, God’s ultimate promise of restoration is also presented. The contrast stands out: where they were called, 'You are not my people,' there comes a blessed declaration again, 'You are the children of the living God.' This is a chapter that shows both God’s judgment and love, and also His unchanging grace.
Points to Ponder
- As you reflect, consider how the pain and hope with which God looks upon Israel are revealed through the prophet’s real life.
- Remember that God speaks of judgment, but at the same time, He never lets go of the hope of restoration.
Applying It to Myself
- Reflect on whether you have ever resisted God’s will in your own life, and seek the grace to turn back to God again.
- God is the one who can restore even a relationship that has grown distant, and as you begin the day, remember that you are also within the call of His love.
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