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Lessons from Babylon and Daniel Introduction: The Origin of Babylon The story of Babylon begins from the first book of the Bible in Genesis 11, where humanity, despite having learned lessons from the sin of the first world and experiencing God’s grace through Noah, sought to build a tower for their own comfort, safety, and pride, aiming to use their growth and strength to do according to their mind‑set rather than God’s will. So, as a consequence God scattered the people, and confused their language which they had as their strength. (Gen.11:1‑9) The place where they had settled became known as the land of the Chaldeans, from which God later called Abraham. (Gen.11:31; 12:1) Babylon, thus became a powerful symbol of human pride and opposition to God’s kingdom. Babylon is not only literal but also symbolic of false systems opposing God’s will. In Revelation Babylon represents false Christendom and corrupt worldly influences. Jesus, during His Second Presence, calls His people to "come out of Babylon" (Revelation 18:4) urging them to reject false doctrines and worldly ties. The history of literal Babylon foreshadows spiritual Babylon; those who gain knowledge and blessing from God but misuse it for pride face His inevitable judgment. The destruction of this system is foretold in Revelation chapter 19; God uses this name as a symbol, from Genesis to Revelation, for us to have faith in His justice, which will be done, and the obedience we need to have to demonstrate our faithfulness. Daniel and Babylon: God’s Providential Plan Daniel’s book shows key insights into how God works through faithful servants even in pagan kingdoms. Initially the Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was given authority to execute God’s will in His providential plan. Yet, Babylon failed to glorify God due to pride. (Daniel 1:2) This failure set the stage for the rise of the Medo‑Persian Empire, which God used to accomplish His purposes. (Daniel 6; Jeremiah 51) The Fall of Babylon History records that Babylon fell unexpectedly when the Medes and Persians diverted the Euphrates River. (Jer.50:38; 51:36‑37) This event foreshadows Rev.16:12, where the drying of the Euphrates symbolizes preparation for God’s final judgment against false systems. "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius the Median took the kingdom…" (Dan.5:30‑31) As prophesied "Thus saith the LORD…I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry." (Jer.51:36) "That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: that saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd." (Isaiah 44:27‑28) The gates were left open. (Isa.45:1‑2 prophecy) The city fell without resistance. God’s providence ensures the deliverance of His people, just as the Israelites were freed from Babylon after 70 years of exile. (Jer.25:11‑12; 29:10‑14) Daniel Stayed in Babylon The question arises: why did Daniel remain in Babylon even after its fall to the Medo‑Persian Empire? "Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks." (Jer.50:8) "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense." (Jer.51:6) Was he disobedient to God’s command to "come out of Babylon"? Certainly not! The Scriptures show that Daniel’s faithfulness continued throughout his lifetime, and that God fully approved of his course. Daniel’s Faithful Continuance From the Book of Daniel, we learn that he continued in service under both Babylonian and Medo‑Persian rule. "So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian." (Dan.6:28) His long service was not an act of rebellion but of submission to the divine will. Even in his youth Daniel understood from Jeremiah’s prophecy that the captivity in Babylon was God’s plan and not merely the result of political defeat. "This whole land shall be a desolation…these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years." (Jer.25:11) "For thus saith the LORD…after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you." (Jer.29:10) Therefore, Daniel did not resist the Babylonian authority nor show patriotic rebellion in favour of Jerusalem. He honoured the king, recognizing him as an instrument in God’s hand—just as Jeremiah had instructed. God’s Final Approval of Daniel In Daniel 12 the angel of the Lord assures him: "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (Dan.12:13) Here God confirms that Daniel’s life was complete and blessed. He would "stand in his lot"—that is, receive his portion and reward in the resurrection of the faithful. This closing benediction shows clearly that Daniel never disobeyed God but fulfilled his divinely appointed mission faithfully to the end. To prove this, Daniel chapter 6 records that he continued his prayers openly before God, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, even though he knew about the plot against him and the royal decree. When the decree was made forbidding prayer to any but the king, Daniel remained steadfast. "He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed…as he did aforetime." (v.10) This act was not rebellion, but steadfast faith. It is understood the first six chapters of Daniel record the sequence of his life experiences, while the last six chapters contain the visions revealed to him by God. The ninth chapter describes an event that occurred prior to the sixth chapter. At the close of chapter 5, when Babylon was captured, Daniel was already engaged in prayer and study of Jeremiah’s prophecy, realizing that the seventy years of desolation were completed. This background helps us see that Daniel’s prayers in chapter 6 were not acts of fear or defiance, but of faith and understanding. He recognized God’s plan through Jeremiah’s words and therefore gave priority to God above all earthly decrees, proving his unwavering faithfulness throughout his life. Again the question of why didn’t he follow this prophecy of Jeremiah to come out of Babylon? To understand this we have to see the importance of Daniel Chapter 6. Prophecy of Cyrus The sixth chapter of Daniel is one of the most important sections in the entire book. It is already known the prophet Isaiah had foretold God would use Cyrus to rescue the Israelites from Babylonian captivity and to accomplish His divine purpose. However, it is worth noting that the name "Cyrus" may have been an editorial addition in later scriptural compilations; Jeremiah never used the name of King Cyrus when he completely prophesied about Babylon’s rise and fall, and Daniel, when he prayed in the 9th chapter after the Medo‑Persian captivity, did not record there King Cyrus’ prophecy as revealed in Isaiah, rather, he quoted Jeremiah’s prophecy of the seventy years. Also in the fifth and sixth chapters Daniel uses only his title (King) as a name rather Cyrus. Isaiah’s prophecy naming Cyrus was given nearly 150 years before these events took place. (Isa.44:28; 45:1) Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that later inspired scribes or prophets, after witnessing the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy through Cyrus, may have added his name to confirm the divine accuracy of the prediction. Ezra chapter 1 records how King Cyrus issued the decree to release the Israelites and support the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem. This historical act clearly identified him as the ruler spoken of by Isaiah, fulfilling God’s will. Thus, the inclusion of Cyrus’s name in some passages serves as a confirmation by later editors who recognized, after the event, that this was indeed the man foretold by Isaiah. The original manuscripts and prophetic sequence suggest that these references were likely an editorial clarification, preserving the record of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word. Now the prophecy was fulfilled—Cyrus captured Babylon, just as foretold. During this time Cyrus had God’s spirit to witness the faithfulness of Daniel, being deeply impressed by his wisdom, integrity and devotion to God. However, for Cyrus to become the instrument through whom God would deliver His people, a great change of heart had to occur within him. The narrative in Daniel chapter 6 reveals that, although King Cyrus recognized Daniel’s noble character, he was initially bound by the laws of the kingdom. Even when he realized that Daniel’s accusers were moved by envy and malice he was unable to reverse his own decree, because the law of the Medes and Persians could not be altered. "Then the King commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions." Despite his limitations, the king’s concern and respect for Daniel were evident. He fasted through the night and anxiously awaited the morning to see if Daniel’s God had delivered him. When Daniel was found unharmed, Cyrus recognized the power of the true God and proclaimed His greatness throughout the empire. This remarkable experience marked the turning point in Cyrus’s understanding—preparing his heart for the divine mission later recorded in Ezra 1:1‑4, where he issued the decree to free the Israelites and rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem. Thus, the deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den not only demonstrated God’s protection of His faithful servant but also paved the way for the deliverance of Israel, fulfilling God’s purpose through Cyrus. Daniel’s Divine Mission in His Later Years This reveals the true reason why God allowed Daniel to remain in Babylon until the end of his life; it was part of the divine plan for him to prepare the way for Israel’s deliverance. Through Daniel’s influence and position in the Medo‑Persian government, the necessary laws and decrees were arranged to favour the Israelites, enabling them to return and rebuild their homeland. All these arrangements can be clearly traced in the Book of Ezra, where the details of Israel’s restoration are recorded. Daniel’s elevated position, gained through the events of Daniel chapter 6, allowed him to serve as God’s chosen instrument for the "post‑work" of Israel’s restoration after their period of chastisement in Babylon. A Parallel with Joseph in Egypt This work of Daniel has a beautiful parallel in the life of Joseph in Egypt.
These positions typify deeper spiritual lessons :
Spiritual Lessons for the Saints Daniel’s steadfastness teaches us how to remain faithful under pressure and loyal to God’s Word, even while serving under earthly powers. His life was guided by the prophecies of Jeremiah, which he diligently studied and understood. As recorded in Daniel chapter 9, his prayerful meditation upon Jeremiah’s seventy‑year prophecy strengthened his faith and enabled him to act in harmony with God’s will during the events of chapter 6. This provides a powerful example for consecrated believers today to:
Through Daniel’s example, we learn how God prepares and uses His servants, both in times of trial and times of restoration, to accomplish His grand purpose. In Daniel’s life we see the perfect harmony between prophecy and obedience, faith and works, trial and triumph. His story reminds us that those who trust in God’s Word and act in harmony with His prophecies will always find divine favour and ultimate victory. Daniel finished his course with divine approval. His faithfulness under trial stands as a timeless example for all who seek to understand and obey the will of God. "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." (Dan.12:12) AS |
