Speaking Chaldean

Daniel 1:1-4

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Now, the Lord gave the Israelites into King Nebuchadnezzar's hands. Nebuchadnezzar, according to Daniel 2:1, was a very young man, having just began his reign at this time. Among his first actions is carrying off the people, the king of Israel, and some of the vessels of the house of the Lord to decorate the temple of his god. It is important to note that the god of King Nebuchadnezzar does not seem to be the same as the one served by the Israelites. He will further clarify his beliefs about God in the next chapter. But for now, we see the vessels of service carried off. Also notice the king of Israel taken captive; this is important to note for from this royal line Jesus would come. See the provision of God over this situation. God caused it and he will cause his will to be done to accomplish all his purposes in Isaiah 46:10. Here are the Hebrew children also who would need to be trained for service in their new king's house. For a young man and a stranger to the ways of Israel, Nebuchadnezzar sure knows a lot.

It is important to note that Daniel came to a similar conclusion in Daniel 2:21. God removes kings, sets up kings, changes the times and seasons so that his purposes will stand, and his name glorified. God had purposed destruction of the nation Israel for their sins against him and the people. Look, here is a young agent of his will to carry these purposes out. The situation is almost like king Nebuchadnezzar identifies with the servant vessels. You may be asking, what are the vessels of service unto the Lord. They certainly ought to have been the king of Israel, the young princes of the people, and the vessels in the house of the Lord. So much does King Nebuchadnezzar identify with the vessels of service, he is willing to take the king captive to show him the meaning of this. The king of Israel should have known it was his duty to serve the Lord by governing the people, but he did not. The king of Babylon launches a very funny sort of attack here. He besieged the city of Jerusalem. The things he takes are only what are necessary. Now this is a funny sort of military strategy and one which we will see again repeated at a future date. The people had been taken captive at the Lord's orders. When you have been taken captive, make sure it is at his command; then, he will keep you in the captivity. See the pagan ruler at God's service versus the Lord's people who were not.

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

Notice the prince of the eunuch's name, Ashpenaz. How many do we know on ancestory.com today who are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent? Have you ever wondered where in the world these came from? History does not seem to know. This particular line of Jewish descent should have come from the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth according to Genesis 10:3-5. However, Ashkenazi Jews can trace their bloodline to include a strong middle eastern descent which is not found in the other Jewish descendants. Furthermore, the children of Noah should have been settled long ago among the sea-faring nations of the Gentiles. Look at the king's orders for this eunuch to take the Jewish youths under his wing to teach them along with his other duties. As we see later, Daniel's testimony yielded fruit. I can hear some of you know asking how anyone could have a testimony under such circumstances. Hold onto your horses for a few minutes. Had this man, Ashpenaz, become incorporated into the Jewish line through the house of faith, he could very well have become much more than just a leader among eunuchs. See what man purposed him to be versus for what God had called him. He came from having no purpose to walking in his calling. This is how the barren woman with no children now has many according to Isaiah 54:1. The house is full and running over because of the Lord.

Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Someone shout speaking Chaldean. The ability to speak Chaldean is linked to understanding this strange land's concept of service and treasure both of which the Israelites had lost. What was lost must be learned again before they could go on from this place. Their blessing was dependent on their obedience. This is why rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft in 1 Samuel 15:23. The devil will take you places you never thought you would go and will keep you there for a long time. The children of Israel thought they were worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; in reality, they were only worshipping themselves, someone, or something that nothing to do with him at all. The God of the Scripture told them to submit themselves to all authority whether to the Lord or unto their rulers as appointed by God according to 1 Peter 2:13-15. As they treated the Lord, so they treated their people both in their care and those around them. This is why king Nebuchanezer had to teach his future rulers to speak Chaldean. See, God knew there was now some people in the house who had gotten things wrong and could easily mess up everyone. Cultural mixing was an inevitable consequence of the Babylonian captivity. For the Jewish people, this would be a corrective experience. For the Chaldeans, it would be one of generational learning. How many of you know that when God brings some old ways into the house, if he does not work this thing, then everyone there will be messed up.