What enabled Daniel to face his circumstances in Babylon? Have you ever considered his circumstances and what enabled him to walk through them? Daniel exuded confidence in Yahweh and wisdom beyond his years when he faced some very difficult decisions. One of the things we know is Daniel read Jeremiah and based on his response, viewed Jeremiah as a legitimate prophet whose words were to be heeded. Based on what Jeremiah had written he knew Israel was to be in Babylon for 70 years.
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans – 2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:1-2 (NKJV)
So what did Daniel do with this information? Daniel turned this knowledge into intercession. He took this scripture as a word from Yahweh and presented it before Him in repentance and intercession to see the nation returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. Have you ever wondered whether Daniel used any other scriptures for intercession? Look at the passage below.
10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NKJV)
This reference to the 70 year return period that we know Daniel read is nestled right alongside the verse that every good charismatic knows. In context the verse is an encouragement to settle and be at home in Babylon because Yahweh has a larger purpose so will look after them there before bringing them back to Jerusalem, their land and true home.
To know one verse meant to know the other and I suspect Daniel used this verse to remind Yahweh of His commitment to look after the Israelites, one of whom was Daniel. So what is the application for us? I don’t believe we can simply take verses out of context and seek to apply them to our lives. However, while the scriptures were not written to us, we weren’t around then, they were written for us and we are responsible to discern how to apply them to our lives.
The Holy Spirit will give or quicken passages to us. I know I have a number, one of which is Isaiah 30:15. He brought this verse to life for me decades ago.
15 For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not, Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV)
The phrase the Holy Spirit has used over and over again to encourage me is this, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” It is an assurance that when I calm my heart before Him I will function out of rest and make wise choices. One that is paired with it is in Proverbs.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known. Proverbs 14:33 (NKJV)
The phrase He gave me here is this, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.” When I abide in the place of quiet confidence wisdom rests in me and 1 Corinthians 1:30 tells me that Jesus has been made wisdom unto me so I know in this state Jesus is resting in my heart and my confidence is deepened. So what has He given you from the scriptures to establish your heart in Him? Are you regularly applying it? Do you need to ask Him?
