Any despot wants to know How do I keep the conquered conquered? If Nebuchadnezzar placed a military presence in conquered lands it would stretch resources and breed antagonism. His policy was to deport the elite of the conquered’s youth to Babylon and make them Babylonian. They then could be his agents to influence their country-men to tow the Babylonian line. Nebuchadnezzar’s strategies to make the Israelites Babylonian are the same strategies the world, under the influence of the devil, uses to make Christians worldlings (2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:25-26). 

 

 

1. The Strategy of Isolation (1:3-4a). Nebuchadnezzar used isolation from God’s people to soften up Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah for Babylonian indoctrination.    

 

The world, under the influence of the devil, will attempt to isolate Christians from Christian influence. Isolated Christians are more likely to give in to pressure to compromise Godly standards. Where did the devil tempt Jesus? In the wilderness! Do you find yourself isolated regularly? Be careful! Know the devil’s strategy. Guard your fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). Nebuchadnezzar’s isolation strategy was a forerunner to ...    

 

2. ... The Strategy of Assimilation (1:4-7). Absorbing deportees into Babylonian society and culture. Nebuchadnezzar sought to give them: 

• A New Education (1:4). Daniel and colleagues were trained at Babylon University and taught the Babylonian language, literature, worldview. If they thought like Babylonians they would behave like Babylonians.

 

The world, under the influence of the devil, seeks to educate Christians in ungodly ways (Romans 12:1-2).

• A New Nutrition (1:5). Food/wine from the king’s table. An appeal to their flesh to make them think 

The world, under the influence of the devil, offers Christians a diet that appeals to the sinful nature – moral/sexual/culinary freedom.

• A New Identification (1:7). New names to remove references to Yahweh and emphasise Babylons gods: Daniel (Elohim is my Judge) changed to Belteshazzar (May Bel protect his life); Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) changed to Shadrach (Aku is exalted); Mishael (Who is like Elohim?) changed to Meshach (Who is like Aku?); Azariah (Yahweh is my helper) changed to Abednego (Servant of Nebo).

The world, under the influence of the devil, seeks to confuse the Christian regarding his or her identity, or distract the Christian from their true identity as a child of God.

  

Pressure, pressure everywhere! How should a Christian resist such strategies of isolation and assimilation? By God’s grace, by doing what Daniel and his colleagues did …

  

… resolve not to defile yourself! Despite pressure they did not compromise their principles, which were God’s principles. Neither should Christians! Holiness today is preparation for battles tomorrow.

 

 

Christian, are you feeling the heat? The world, under the influence of the devil, will attempt to isolate you, or exploit your isolation, then assimilate you into ungodly ways. Resolve now to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Resolve now not to defile yourself and sin. Resolve now to stand for God and His ways.