BASIC SCRIPTURE READING FOR TODAY 9 MAY 2024

BASIC SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 1: 1 – 21

Daniel 1
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17 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.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

FINISH READING: ODM MANNA BISHOP CHRIS KWAKPOVWE 9 May 2024 PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

Context:

The book of Daniel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that tells the story of Daniel and his friends, who were taken captive by the Babylonians and served in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 1:1-21 sets the stage for the rest of the book, introducing the main characters and themes.

Key Events:

The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and takes some of the Israelites, including Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, to Babylon to serve in his court (Daniel 1:1-7).
The king orders them to be trained in the language and literature of the Chaldeans and to be given food and wine from the royal table (Daniel 1:8-10).
Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the king’s food, which would have defiled them according to Jewish law, and instead ask to be given vegetables and water (Daniel 1:11-13).
After a ten-day test, they are found to be healthier and stronger than the other youths who had eaten the king’s food (Daniel 1:14-16).
As a result, they are allowed to continue their vegetarian diet and are found to be ten times wiser than the king’s magicians and enchanters (Daniel 1:17-21).

Key Themes:

Faithfulness to God’s laws and principles, even in the face of opposition
Trust in God’s guidance and wisdom
The importance of standing firm in one’s convictions

Key Characters:

Daniel: the main protagonist of the book, a young Israelite who serves in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Daniel’s friends and fellow captives
King Nebuchadnezzar: the king of Babylon who conquers Judah and takes Daniel and his friends captive

Key Verses:

Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.”
Daniel 1:17 – “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

Daily Declarations:

I declare that I will stand firm in my faith and convictions, even in the face of opposition.
I declare that I will seek wisdom and understanding from God, and trust in His guidance.
I declare that I will be faithful to God’s laws and principles, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Morning Confessions:

Lord, help me to be faithful to You and to stand firm in my convictions.
Give me wisdom and understanding, and help me to trust in Your guidance.
Thank You for the gift of faith and for the strength to stand firm in the face of opposition.