Daniel 1:17 NKJV
“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
The LORD is so good at backing His purposes to the glory of His name. Whether He does that by counteracting the forces of evil or by revealing His matchless power over a matter, history has no record of anyone facing it off successfully with the LORD. The Prophet Isaiah noticed that even “…when the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isa 59:19 NKJV). Hallelujah! When Pharaoh tried so hard to ‘prove’ his might against the Israelites at the Red Sea, for example, they ended up being sung at by Moses, saying, “I will sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Exo 15:1 NKJV).
Years later, the LORD again showed Himself mighty on behalf of Jacob’s descendants while in captivity in Babylon. He made a clear distinction between those who honoured His name and those who turned to other gods. Following their righteous decision not to defile themselves with the King’s food (which was first offered to idols), Daniel and his Hebrew brothers did not go empty-handed, spiritually speaking. Our text of reference indicates that “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams”! Hallelujah!
In fact, “…in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he [King Nebuchadnezzar] found them TEN times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (Dan 1:20 NKJV). Hallelujah! Yes, Babylon’s magicians and astrologers were wise, but God’s gift of wisdom and triumph to those who were not afraid of His name and His cause stood out. It is not in vain to be on the LORD’s side, especially when everything around is not only pointing to the opposite but dishonours Him. Oh, David knew better and said, “Those who look to Him [the LORD] are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed” (Psa 34:5 BSB).
Pst. Emmanuel