Be Still And Know

Daniel 1.17 NLT 'God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.' The book of Daniel transports us to the time when Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, invaded Judah and took thousands of its residents into exile. This happened in the 6th Century BC. God had clearly prophesied that this would happen if the people failed to obey him, and Babylon’s victory was complete and humiliating. To be dragged hundreds of miles away to a completely unfamiliar place and culture represented Judah’s total failure. But King Nebuchadnezzar recognised that amidst the exiles were some very gifted young men. He chose four of them, who were strong, healthy and good-looking, and trained them up for service in the royal palace. They were Daniel and his three friends – who we know best by their adopted Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The four exiles clearly fitted into their new life really well. We are told that they had an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of