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A Call to Stand Apart
For three years the Hebrew youth concentrated on Chaldean
studies. During this time they remained loyal to God and depended
constantly on His power. Along with practicing self-discipline, they
combined goal setting with focus and hard work. It was not pride
or ambition that brought them into the king’s court, into fraternity
with those who didn’t know or respect God; they were prisoners of
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war in a foreign country, placed there by Eternal Wisdom. Separated
from home influences and spiritually minded friends, they tried to
conduct themselves with distinction for the honor of their oppressed
homeland and for the honor of Him whom they served.
The Lord approved the firmness, altruism, and pure motives of
the Hebrew youth and gave them His blessings. He gave knowledge
and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had
insight into all visions and dreams.
verse 17
. The promise was
fulfilled: “Those who honor me I will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
. As
Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic
power came upon him. During the time that Daniel was learning the
duties of court life from his teachers, God was teaching him to read
the mysteries of the future and to record events covering the history
of this world until the close of time.
At the examinations at the end of the training period, the He-
brews were tested for placement in government service. But “among
them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah.”
Daniel 1:19
. Their keen comprehension,
their extensive knowledge, their precise and articulate language,
testified to the unimpaired strength and vigor of their mental ability.
“In 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 in his whole kingdom.”
verse 20
.
Brilliant students, representing every country, the most talented,
highly intelligent, and culturally educated youth in the world, could
not compare with the young Hebrews. Strongest, most handsome,
most knowledgeable, and with the quickest recall—they stood at the
top, living testimonials of healthful living.
Though far more successful in the examinations than their fellow
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students, Daniel and his friends’ academic success did not come
from chance. They did well because of the disciplined use of their
abilities, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They chose to con-