The Exile: Daniel and his Three Friends, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego
Daniel 1 and 3
This week our children are learning about the exile of the Judah and the story of God’s faithful servants Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. The Exile of God’s people into Babylon is the end result of the people’s refusal to remain faithful in their covenant relationship with God. Throughout the prophets, God called out the idolatry and the unjust culture that the people. In short the people had stopped trusting in God and following in his ways. So after an extended time of God’s call to repentance, he sent the Babylonian empire to destroy the city of Jerusalem and carry the people away into a 70 year exile. Among those taken away were Daniel and his three friends. Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were the Babylonian names given to them. Their Hebrew names were Mishael, Hannaniah, and Azariah. Daniel was also given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
These four young men represented a small number of people who remained faithful through this time of exile. They refused to do anything that would dishonor their covenant with God. They refused to eat the king’s food or participate in the false worship of idols. Their refusal created difficult situations for the young men, but over time proved the power of God and also his faithfulness. Below are some questions and themes to help you with your Bible discussions this week.
- What was so surprising about what Daniel and his friends ate compared to the other captives? Most of the captives from Judah ate the meat from the king’s court. Daniel, however, insisted on eating the food he was accustomed to and the food that was commanded by God for him, as a Hebrew, to eat. The result was Daniel and his friends stayed healthy and strong while the others grew weak and sick. This impressed the king’s court and they were given positions of authority.
- What happened when they refused to worship the king’s idols? There was a law that anyone who refused to worship the king would be thrown into the furnace to be burned. Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego refused to worship the king and were taken to the furnace. However, once inside they were not harmed. In fact, when the king looked in he saw four men standing in the fire unharmed. This was the presence of God with his faithful servants there to protect them and rescue them.
- What impact did their faithfulness have on the king? The king continued to be baffled and impressed by these young men. Over time he came to trust in the Lord as well and believe in the God of the Hebrews.
Character trait: Patience
I can wait without getting mad and can take my time to finish a task.
Memory Verse:
You also be patient. Establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:8
