24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 Forwhoeverwantsto savehislifewill loseit,butwhoeverloseshislifefor My sakewill findit. 26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?…
Matt 16:25 AMP. or whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].
Also in Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
John 12:25 Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
In Revelation 12:11 Messiah again speaks of not loving our physical earthly lives above Him. And they loved not their lives unto the death –
Meaning that they did not so love their lives that they were unwilling to die as martyrs. They did not shrink back when threatened with death, but remained firm in their attachment to their Savior, and left their sacrificial death as a testimony to the truth and power of faith.
In the well known chapter of Hebrews 11:33 where the heroes and heroines of faith/trust/batak are recorded. Verse 33 says who by faith [that is, with an enduring trust in God and His promises] subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions…
Closed the mouths of lions,
is a reference to Daniel and the story we are quite familiar with.
The following historical information may not only be of interest but help to explain the reason for the strong faith exhibited by Daniel in the lions den and his 3 companions who were thrust into the fiery furnace. Both are extra-ordinary accounts of faith filled men whose lives were lived in exile and under tight control of idol worshippers.
Many in the west are unfamiliar with any government /royal kingdom that operate under strict rules with penalties that include death/torture for breaking the conditions by which all citizens and or foreigners in exile there, are to live their lives. Regimes that enforce unrighteous regulations are notably those who serve false gods and not the true living Creator of the universe. Many of these so called gods are the fallen angels who followed Lucifer and are still, like their master, deceiving the masses into false religions, idol and demon worship; an ongoing issue recorded all through the Bible.
Like Daniel and the 3 who did not fail their testing times, we are to stand firm on what we know to be the Way the Truth and the Life. Scripture warns us that times are at hand when every persons faith will be tested.
When faith is tested, we can expect to be tempted, however we can also expect to be strengthened; even when it brings out our shortcomings and inadequacies. In this respect, testing is a positive and good thing because it allows us to see where our lives need improvement. Only when our beliefs are tested can we truly know ourselves and if we are principled men and women of integrity; and that He is our Father and we are truly His children.
Matthew 4:1-11
The story of Messiahs’ testing/temptation, shows how the Son of God/Son of Man was to fulfill His calling by only using His power in obedience to His Heavenly Father’s purposes and plans; and we are encouraged that “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.
Testing proves the quality of our faith and of our character, by confirming the integrity of our beliefs and values; thus building confidence in our Heavenly Father and imparting to us a greater strength of resolve.
We know that there will be times when we will be put to the test and have to stand strong in our faith in Him. When that time comes, we must remember His promise to us to be strengthened and that He will be with us.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:3
Going from the verse in Hebrews 11:33 to the Book of Daniel 3:8-30, readers are introduced to three young men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
This account takes place about 600 years before Messiah was born during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who besieged Jerusalem and took captive into exile, many citizens of Israel. Among them were four young men from the tribe of Judah who, after they were living in captivity, they were given new names. Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was renamed Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was named Abednego.
As well as being fellow Hebrew captives, they were also Daniels’ friends. The four young Hebrews soon proved themselves to be exceptionally wise, they found favor with King Nebuchadnezzar when Daniel was found to be the only man capable of interpreting one of his troubling dreams. The king placed him in a high position serving as chief governor over the whole province of Babylon, including over all of the wise men of the land. Then at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as Daniel’s advisors.
These brave believers in the Most High God held on to their faith even when threatened with death by fire. Their lives serve as inspiration for those whose faith is challenged or those who face persecution, torture and hardship for their beliefs.
But why were they so courageous?
Why did they not try to save their own lives?
Sometimes martyrdom fulfills the Father’s plan and other times divine intervention better accomplishes His purpose.…
The lesson for believers is that we must be ready and willing to serve the Lord whether in life or by physical death.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge golden image built as a symbol of his power and glory. He then commanded his people to bow down and worship this image whenever they heard the sound of his musical herald.
Those who disobeyed the order would be thrown into an immense, blazing furnace.
According to classical historians, Nebuchadnezzar was, the man responsible for making Babylon one of the wonders of the ancient world, and was credited with building the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Interestingly ‘Nebuchadnezzar’ seemingly wasn’t his name, because the second ‘n’ was apparently an error?
His Babylonian name was Nabū-kudur-usur, if so, he should be called Nebuchadrezzar. The ‘mistake’, supposedly by author of the Book of Daniel, has become the most frequently known name by which the Babylonian king is now referred to.
Nebuchadnezzar, like most absolute rulers, insisted on his subjects coming to the gold statue of himself and paying homage to it, and by association, to worship Nebuchadnezzar himself.
Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worshipped only the One True God, they refused to bow down to the false idol and by association to the king.
3:12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
For some reason, Daniel is not on the list, so he avoids this punishment, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are summoned to appear before the king; yet, they remained courageous in the face of Nebuchadnezzar’s demand to bow down in front of the golden statue. They said:
Daniel 3:16-18: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if he does not, let it be known to you O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Not only did they refuse to bow down to his idol, but they just call him ‘Nebuchadnezzar‘ not prefixing it with ‘King’, and they did not finish what they said with ‘live forever;’ and the letter ‘O’ in most translations is not there in the original Aramaic. Their reply was, lo chashechin and in the KJV it’s translated as: “we are not careful to answer you.” which is basically the meaning of lo chashechin saying in a blunt fashion: “we do not need to answer you.” In a way it’s a disrespectful answer, like saying,
“I don’t have to answer to you.”
But note they add the word pitegam
which is rendered:
on this matter.
Pithegam is not a matter but a decree, a demand or command.
The word matter is pithegam which is: a decree.
The three Hebrews were not defying the king in everything, only in this specific decree. There is a lesson for us here, that when we are living under leadership that is not in line with scripture, we are only obligated to obey unless it is in directly against the command of our Heavenly Father.
When Nebuchadnezzar heard that the three Hebrews had refused to worship his idol he was furious. He summoned them and would normally have had them cast into the furnace immediately, but instead he gave them a second chance. However, by doing this, he gave himself a challenge in front of everyone; was he going to face disgrace and embarrassment by backing down to their God?
The three young Hebrews may have known that Nebuchadnezzar respected their God, which in turn may explain the attitude toward him. What the young men told Nebuchadnezzar was, “If our God is able, He will deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire.” The next word should read as then, not and. Then he will deliver us from your hand /or your power.
The word deliver is shazav
which means: to rescue,
but in this form, it would really be inciting the king because they were saying: If our God is able he can rescue us from the fire, then we will really be rescued from your power…. or in other words:
If our God is able he can rescue us from the fire we’ll never have to submit to your power and it will prove who’s really in charge.
Then they added a final insult to the one who dared to defy their God. But even if He doesn’t choose to rescue us, we are still not going to worship your gods.
For the three men the emphasis was not that they were confident that they would be saved from the fire, but rather on their commitment that they wouldn’t bow down to any other god/idol.
All through the history of the ecclesia, right to the present day there are Christian believers similar to these three young Hebrew men who took their stand in faith for God, but they’re not delivered. Many have been thrown to lions, burned at the stake, tortured, shot, hung, beheaded and many other horrors. Just as the 3 Hebrews, they stood strong saying: “My God can rescue me, but even if He doesn’t, I am not about to deny Him.” Have we ever had to face such a decision, or maybe we are about to?
Nebuchadnezzar was furious and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into the flames. The blast from the flames was so hot, it killed the soldiers who had put them in.
Then he was amazed marveled at what he saw:
“But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25, ESV
Calling the men to come out of the furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerged unharmed, and not even a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing didn’t even smell of smoke.
This made such a huge impression on Nebuchadnezzar that he made a declaration saying:
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28, ESV
Due to the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the King made a decree that the rest of the Israelites in captivity were now to be protected from harm and that they were guaranteed freedom of worship; furthermore they all three received a royal promotion.
The most important fact is that being Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish, they were forbidden by the Ten Commandments to worship any ‘graven image’, because it is a form of idolatry, these men could not in good conscience kneel before the Babylonian king’s statue. There are rare instances within Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish law that mandate an individual to sacrifice their own life rather than engage in something that violates the commandments written in the scriptures.
They were still determined to die rather than bow to the idol, even if God did not raise them from the dead.
Yehareg ve’al ya’avor
“Let him be killed rather than transgress”
refers to the requirement to give one’s life rather than transgress a law.
Although ordinarily one is permitted to transgress halakha when a life is in danger, certain situations require an individual to give one’s life.
There are three sins for which one is always required to die rather than transgress:
idolatry
sexual misconduct such as incest, adultery, homosexuality, or bestiality
murder
Adultery and idolatry are also excluded; according to most authorities, a person must give up their life rather than violating these prohibitions. The Talmud (not scripture) also says that if the violation would be public — and especially if it’s a time when the ruling authorities are seeking to get Jews to violate the Torah’s commandments — one must give up your life rather than commit even the smallest infraction.
The first exception, idolatry, is extrapolated from Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might,” meaning that one should even surrender one’s life rather than serve any divinity aside from God.
For us the meaning of the story of the fiery furnace is that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship a graven image/idol of the Babylonian king, for the simple clear reason that God forbids it; and for their faith and loyalty, they are saved from the oven or furnace. The story also reveals God’s power directly to Nebuchadnezzar and offers a moral lesson to everyone living under tyrannical regimes and also to those rulers who would try to set themselves up higher than the One True Living God.
In chapter 6 we read of Daniel also defying a kings decree.
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Praying 3 x a day refers to the 3 daily requirements:
shacharit the morning prayer
minchah the afternoon prayer
and ma’aariv the evening prayer
These date back to the time of the patriarchs and are referenced in Daniel 6.
Apparently the king Darius Daryavesh the Mede didn’t want to deliver Daniel over to the lions. Daniel would have been in his 80’s. However the new Persian law forced him to deliver Daniel up to his accusers since no decree or edict once issued by the king could be revoked. Verses 15/16 15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.
Has anyone ever wondered why the importance of the lions?
Why a lion pit?
Below is a picture that shows King Darius’s son Artaxeres II standing before the figure of the goddess Anahita riding on a lion.
Anahita is the Sun God of ancient Persia and the protector of Persia. (Persia is modern day Iran.)
Mithras, or the lion is the symbol of the Persian identity depicting strength and unity.
That unity was very important as the Persian Empire was made up of many conquered nations, but each conquered nation shared in the governmental structure of the Persian Empire.Daniel was one of its three presidents who was a prince of the Judean Empire.
The lion symbolized the strength of the Persian Empire and it’s this strength that would maintain the united Empire together with the conquered nations. They believed that there was strength and power in unity. For this unity to be kept, all those who were a part of it had to agree and worship one primary god and in this case Anahita was picked and the picture shows her riding on the lion.
The Lion and Sun Motif of Iran
On the left is King Artaxerxes II he is facing the goddess Anahita who sits on top of a lion.
In the background to Anahita can be seen the clear display of the sun which is a representation of the ancient Iranic god Mithras, the sun emanates 21 rays, the same symbol which is used by varous ancient Iranic cults among the Kurds of Iran, Iraq and Turkey. The 21 rays related to the festival date of Mehregan (Festival of the Sun-god Mithra) which takes place from the 16th to the 21st of Mehr of the Iranian calendar.
If anyone violated or placed another god above Anahita, they would have to face the wrath of the lions and this is the reason why the lion’s den was kept.
These lions were kept to punish anyone who desecrated the authority of the reigning god or goddess.
That is why it was so easy to set Daniel up and get King Darius to sign the proclamation that no one could worship any other god than Anahita!
This was not simply a battle in the physical realm but it was in the spiritual realm too. If Daniel survived being thrown into the lion’s den, it meant that the whole religious order, if not the existing governmental structure of the kingdom would be under threat. This is the reason why King Darius ordered everyone to worship Jehovah, Daniels’ God. All the elite of Darius’ kingdom witnessed their sun god Anahita challenge Daniels God Jehoveh and there was no comparison. At the same moment he was thrown into the lion’s den, Daniels’ God Jehovah supernaturally
closed the mouths of the lions.
Research shows and scripture suggests that there must have been very many lions in there.
This is because the servants of Anahita were thrown into the same den afterwards and they with their families numbered almost 300 and the Bible says they were devoured before they hit the ground!
Once in the lion’s den is it a possibility Daniel, who in his wisdom, understood the secrets of God, exercised some scriptural dominion, (Genesis), over the lions and they became docile and full of shalom?
However one thing is certain, King Darius knew that Daniel had a personal relationship with the Creator God of the universe; and not only that Daniel would be protected by this God Jehovah but also because this God clearly loved Daniel. This was a great deal more than could be said for false goddess Anahita, who did nothing to either save or protect her servants when they were thrown to the lions.
It appears King Darius was so impressed with Daniels dedication to God that he adds something very revealing. He said that
God will deliver him.
The Aramaic word used here for deliver is shazav
which means
to rescue or deliver,
but it is a deliverance made out of love and affection!
Scripture records that King Darius is really saying,
‘that if your God loves you so much, He will not let you suffer this fate.’
It could be true to say that sometimes God will not only deliver us out of a trial because He loves us, but He will also act to protect His Name and good reputation revealing what kind of Righteous and Loving God He is.
Both Daniel and the 3 Hebrew youths were very aware of the fact that they had all been raised to know and keep the 10 commandments; and to not deny the living God, nor to bow in worship to any other idol even unto their own death.
We need to understand the Hebraic mindset and that they were prepared to die, having no fear. They were full of faith in Gods’ ability for the outcome, whatever that may be.
They trusted their Heavenly Father that because they had been faithful in their obedience to His commandments, to not to bow and worship any idol; that He would either deliver them from the lions and fire by a miracle, or raise them from the dead if they burned or were mauled. Or, they would simply die and be in His presence. Either way was win-win situation for them all.
Belteshazzar/Daniel, Hananiah/Shadrach, Mishael/Meshach, and Azariah/Abednego is what every one of us is going to need in the days that lie ahead, and starting today, not in somewhere off in the distant future.
We need to ask ourselves the very serious questions..
Do we truly love Him?
Are we keeping His commandments? because…
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.
John 14:15
And echoed by Messiah in
Mark 12:30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” John 14:21
That includes those given in Deuteronomy 6:5 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Are we loving our lives more than Him?
Is our faith unshakable unto death?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God; we need to stay in His Word and remain strong in the Lord and the power of His might. NOW is the hour of preparation, keep your lamps filled family, and keep your eyes on Him the author and finisher of our faith…keep looking up for our redemption our deliverance and our exodus is drawing very nigh!
Messiah is coming
He is even at the door….
שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם,
Shalom aleikhem
chaverim and mishpachah!
Peace to friends and family.
Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.
Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.
You are very precious in His sight.
Not sure ..you can be…
SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,
SAY IT RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.
Phonetic Spelling: daw-nee-el is pronounced Dah-nee-eyl in the Hebrew text of the Bible.
This name is composed of two words:
– דני (dah-nee) and אל (eyl).
The Hebrew word דן (dahn) Via דין ( din ): means a judge.
and
אל (eyl) Via אל ( ‘el ):
Daniel 5:12 HEB: דִּ֣י ר֣וּחַ ׀ יַתִּירָ֡ה וּמַנְדַּ֡ע וְשָׂכְלְתָנ֡וּ NAS: [This was] because an extraordinary spirit, KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, INT: whom spirit an extraordinary knowledge and insight
that sustained him when his faith was tried and tested
by facing hungry lions.
Daniel chapter 3 records the story of the three young men that are thrown in fire because they refused to worship the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar made. King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1
There is a promise made by Messiah Himself recorded in Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Here is a spiritual law in connection with the laws of opposition. We are at war and there has been no real peace on the earth since Jesus time.
When nations declare war, everything changes. Preset protocols are initiated and security systems are enforced and all military and defenses are put on high alert. Life without war is impossible in both the natural and spiritual realms until Messiah establishes His rule and reign of Shalom/Peace in the Millennial Kingdom which is here in part and yet still to be fulfilled by His return/second coming.
Daniel was a man living by faith in a hostile world. The same could be said of believers in Messiah today.
When John saw Messiah open the seals was it a future event??
In Revelation 6–7 Jesus Christ opens the book with seven seals. As each seal is opened, John sees a representation of an event or events in the earth’s history. Chapter 6 records the opening of the first six seals.
The seven seals are one of a series of end-times judgments from God. The seals are described in Revelation 6:1–17 and 8:1–5.
have trouble. But take heart! … I have overcome the world.”
In this world we will have tribulation.
Note in the verse He is telling us so that IN HIM we will have peace/shalom not in the world. The peace we will know is inside us in our spirit, a deep inner knowing that when our lives are lived IN HIM we are safe and secure. The world cannot and will not provide the peace we need.
The end times began when Messiah Jesus came. There has been no peace since then, wars and rumors of wars, pestilences and famine have been all been ongoing and will continue until He returns.
Rev 5:1 only Messiah is worthy to open the seals.
One of the Elders comforts John with the great news that there is someone worthy to break the seals and read the book. The Lamb of God is equal to the task.
Here we read of a new song in Rev. 5:9 And they are singing a new song, saying “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You bought for God with Your blood some from every tribe and nation.
Only Messiah is worthy and able to open the seals because of His newly resurrected status.
We are in a battle and connected to both realms/kingdoms. We are supernatural eternal spirits in natural physical bodies which will decay, it is not a supernatural body, not yet. It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral and spiritual areas of life. Spiritual Health is the balance between the physical parts of our bodies and all the things and forces surrounding us. To maintain good health we must have sufficient internal strength to fight off the things that are external.
Everything outside our physical life is designed to cause our death, including other humans. If we have enough inner strength to fight, we help to produce the balance needed for health. The same is true for the mental life we have to fight. This struggle produces the mental balance we identify as thought. We are to take captive all thoughts…2 Cor. 10:5
Morally it’s the same, because anything that does not strengthen our morals is the enemy of virtue within us. …If there be any virtue…Phil. 4:8….Whether we overcome and produce virtue depends on the level of moral excellence in our lives….
However we must fight to reach that standard, because morality does not occur by accident or chance, or by itself, it is acquired. This also means that anything which is not spiritual can lead to a downfall.
Again…Jesus/Yeshua said,
in the world you will have tribulation… John 16:33
However He also said, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
We must learn to fight against and overcome the things that come against us and in that way produce the balance of holiness in our lives; if we do, then it will create in us a positive attitude when we meet opposition.
Without holiness no man can see God. Heb. 12:14
In context: Hebrews 12:13-15
New American Bible Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for thatholiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.
Here we see the danger of roots of bitterness that can grow when peace holiness and grace are lacking…
Everything Adonai says is out of His Holiness.
Psalms 89:36; Amos 4:2;Ps. 60: 8.
God in His Holiness spoke and like the psalmist, we can take joy in His promise and the Nehemiah 8:10 joy of the Lord is our strength.
Holiness is the balance between my/our nature and the law/directions for living/teaching of God/Torah, as expressed in and through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus.
Excellent Spirit –
YATARA’ RUCHA רוח יתירא
in Aramaic
Resh vav cheth yod taw yod resh aleph
Daniel was a godly man forced to serve a pagan Persian king whose belief system was Zoroastrianism, which is one of the oldest monotheistic religions dating back to ancient Iran 3,500 years ago. It’s similar in some ways to the Hebrew faith and yet still very different. The Zoroastrianism god is known as Ahura-Mazda (as in the make of the car). This god is considered the supreme deity and the name means Wise Lord. The belief is that this Ahura -Mazda is almighty but not omnipotent; the emphasis on duty to protect nature puts it in the pantheistic fold of religions.
Although not by any Hebrew standard Godly, Darius was a spiritual man and he saw an excellent spirit in Daniel.
Chapters 2 through 7 in Daniel are written in Aramaic and the remaining portions are in Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls have revealed five copies of the Book of Daniel and all are in perfect harmony.
In Aramaic the word excellent is yatara
which is slightly different than the word in Hebrew:
yetarand infers more of the idea of: an abundance;
whereas the Aramaic word
yatara carries the idea of pre-eminence.
This suggests a
yatar rucha or excellent spirit
is one where:
the Spirit of God’s desires, is pre-eminent over a persons flesh/carnal life and desires.
King Darius was very perceptive and he noticed something different in Daniel compared to all the other wise men because Daniel seemed to be more focused on his relationship with God than the other wise men did. The other wise men were continually seeking the king’s favor, yet Daniel was seeking only the favor of his God. Darius recognized Daniel was a man whose spirit was pre-eminent over his flesh.
Daniel would speak of new and wiser things from his God, innovations that would bring about a transformation whereas all the other wise men were repeating the same old things.
Did Darius see a man who was not focused on making an impression but one who would speak the truth of God?
Maybe he could sense Daniels rucha or his spirit/mind?
Whatever the reason, the king recognized that there was something different about Daniel that was pure and holy; and this was no doubt due to the fact that Daniel had a pure heart and pure motives.
Daniel, was a man who had every reason to hate his employer, who was also his king and was now trying to replace his God too. Daniel had to divide and separate within the context of the existing relationships and by establishing boundaries for that which was the preeminent focus of His life and calling. His excellent spirit was the deciding factor and resulted in his elevation before both God and man. Our Heavenly Fathers’ patterns are threaded throughout His Word. When we recognize them we will understand how He is leading us and dealing with us for His Glory.
Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
It may be true to say that if a person who loves Jesus with all their heart and has anexcellent spirit, ayatar rucha, other people will notice but the individual will probably not even be aware of it.
In 607BC, when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon their identity was to be totally changed by being brainwashed and if necessary, beaten into total submission.
All their hopes were now forced to focus around the ruler Nebuchadnezzar who was also now to be their god: and any dreams of a future family life taken away.
Some 70 years later Belshazzar, while drunk sees the writing on the wall and being terrified, was advised to call for this now elderly seer who may by the Spirit of God, be able to interpret this phenomena.
On meeting Daniel he asks,“Art thou Daniel, which art of the captivity of Judah …”
This once young prince of Judah was now a very old resident of Babylon, yet there was no change at all to the man of faith inside because his character and the qualities that endeared him to his captors; those that made him stand out, had been formed when he was very young, not in Babylon but in the court of Josiah.
Daniel was a handsome young man; and had the bearing of a person of noble birth, as one from a royal line, dignified but not arrogant; being well educated, and both knowledgeable and wise. Because he could manage himself, he could also manage others, his discerning ways were superior to those of his peers.
Furthermore he was full of courage and faith in His God, which supported this bravery. Equally notable was that he was unwavering and from youth to old age, his outlook and conduct as a man of faith never really changed and due to this steadfast loyalty to his God, his enemies could not take advantage of him.
He must have retained humility to the degree that great rulers promoted him to positions of great power and never felt threatened. They could make use of his insight without being afraid his ego would challenge their leadership.
The one attribute that set Daniel apart which was repeated 3 or 4 times was an excellent spirit, and seems to be the key to really knowing him.
What does an excellent spirit mean?
Basically, that wherever he went and the way he conducted himself and his attitude to life, made an lasting impression on people.
Because he had an excellent spirit in him, he showed respect and dignity to others; He was able to solicit a tender affection from men who were brutal and hardened in cruelty by the careful way that he answered people. He could turn away the wrath of kings and change the attitude of courtiers.
Something noble shone forth from him and they saw in him a disposition that was warm and appealing, by maintaining that throughout his whole life: it never left him and neither did the favor of those around him.
This favor was said of both Samuel, and Messiah, that they grew in favor with God and men. And Daniel had the same spirit, because he pleased God and men doing the right thing and in the right way.
It is noteworthy that Daniel and Ezekiel were of similar age and both spent their childhood and early teenage years in Jerusalem. They carried Jeremiah’s mantle together into the Babylonian captivity even though they lived around 50 miles or 80 kms apart.
In a nutshell, Daniel’s life began around 626BC born of royal stock. His relationship to King Josiah although close is not certain. Following the rediscovery of the book of the Law, the palace walls echoed with the words and prophecies of Jeremiah so His childhood was lived in an era of spiritual regeneration/revival.
Josiah was killed in battle when Daniel was around 15 years old, and 3 years later the conquering king of Babylon arrived in Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar forced the Jewish academics and intellectuals to relocate to Babylon. These included Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who were all very gifted young princes. They were selected to serve as royal court officials. They were made eunuchs which was a very cruel act to the self worth of any man and especially to ones so young. It meant that even though they were of a royal blood line they now had no possibility of royal offspring.
The city that Daniel found himself was the one that had come to dominate the world.
Daniel, was already an accomplished scholar, further achieved remarkable proficiency in many disciplines, along with his three colleagues. We may be more familiar with them as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego who was already an accomplished scholar,
A royal decree was issued to slay all the wise men of the kingdom for their failure to help Nebuchadnezzar recall a mysterious dream he had seen. Daniel heroically averted this when with less than 24 hours to live, the 4 of them pleaded before the Lord to interpret the dream. Their request was granted and Daniel was able to remind the king of his dream, and also gave him a remarkable vision of the future.
King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed that he promoted Daniel to the governors position over the whole province of Babylon and also to be prime minister over all the wise men of Babylon, whose lives were also spared.
Daniel served the One True God and he prayed and worshiped God faithfully every day. There is something about a person when their light is shining that causes them to be noticed.
The wisdom and favor with the king given to him by God caused jealousy in the hearts of the 120 Princes, who tried to find fault with Daniel however the only thing they could find was to pick on was his religion. He was faithful to his God and to the king and all he did was blessed so the Princes planned to trick the King. They suggested that the King make a decree that for 30 days that no one be allowed to ask anything of anyone else except of the King and the penalty for breaking this decree was the offenders were to be cast into the lions den.
Here we have a spiritual principle, which shows that Daniel was not rebellious, but he was faithful to his God. There are times when we must obey God over human civil rulings when it violates what the Scriptures decree.
We should obey God rather than man…
Acts 5:29
The scheming Princes found Daniel praying as he always did and told the King who, realizing he had been deceived, tried to find a way out, but he couldn’t as the men reminded him that his own decree was irreversible. Finally the King summoned Daniel and told him, I believe your God is able to save you, and I hate to do this, but I must cast you into the lions den.
The King fasted and prayed all night, until morning and with a sorrowful voice he called out, “Daniel, was your God whom you serve, able to deliver you?”
Daniel replied, from the lion pit,“Oh King, my God sent an angel to shut the lions mouth and I am safe.”
The King was relieved and angry at the same time; relieved that Daniel was alive but angry at the Princes. He ordered them and their wives to be cast into the lions den; their bodies did not reach to the den’s floor before the lions killed them.
The third chapter of Daniel tells another account of King Nebuchadnezzar who made an image of gold to be worshipped and any failure to do so would result in being cast into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow down to the statue and some of the Chaldeans reported their rebellion.
The King was angry but gave them a second chance to worship the image.
They stated, Be it know to you oh King, our God is able to deliver us, but if NOT, we will not serve your gods.
Infuriated by their non compliance, he commanded that they be bound and cast into the burning furnace, however as the people watched, they clearly saw not only the three men but also a fourth figure walking around in the fire.
The king became fearful and called them to come out, he realized that their God had sent an angel to protect and deliver them. When they emerged from the furnace, they were not harmed, their hair wasn’t singed, nor did they even smell of smoke. Because of this miracle, the King promoted them with honor making a new decree with penalties, that no one was to speak against the Hebrew children’s One True God.
We may all have had people we thought were our friends, and then they planned evil against us, perhaps they snared us into a pit, betraying our trust and bringing great sadness to our lives….but God’s plan is to bring us new life in Messiah Jesus. He can restore what has been lost or stolen from us in every area and relationship and with our loving Heavenly Father the new is always better. He has a good plan for each of us and will bless those who are faithful to keep His commands and serve Him, charging His angels to protect and watch over us. It is up to us to keep our relationship with our Father in Heaven consistent and to be like Daniel, who was faithful to pray and worship Him every day. Reading His Word and building ourselves up in our faith and courage by feeding daily on fresh manna, getting to know Him and the reason we are here and what He wants us to do.
Continue to be faithful family and know that the choices we make to love and serve Him with our whole heart, mind and strength really do matter. We know not one of us is perfect, only He alone is perfect, yet He is continually working on us, with us and through us, to become mature/perfection in His eyes, by our willing obedience and fulfilling the task He has placed before us; and like Daniel staying humble, that excellent spirit may come to indwell us too!
Daniel purposed in his heart …we can too!
Understand that Messiah is returning soon for those who have repented of their sins, been washed in His Blood and fully received Him into their life. All we have to do is Ask, Seek, Knock and the door of salvation shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9.
Shalom shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
You are loved, appreciated and prayed for..
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen
In Matthew 16:24-26
Anahita is the Sun God of ancient Persia and the protector of Persia. (Persia is modern day Iran.)
On meeting Daniel he asks,
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