The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 73

Vore. 6-21.-Moral l1eroism. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (ver. 8). I. THE VAilYING CONDITIONS OF IMMORTALITY. The reference iR to subjective immor- tality, i.e. in the memories of men. The principal stable condition seems to be the possession of soul-power (see Luke i. 80; ii. 40). But this may develop itself: 1. .Evilly. The immortality then is one of infamy. 2. Continuously; e.g. Daniel, through a long life. 3. Specially at a crnis. These thoughts are suggested by the little we know of the three Hebrew children. One heroic resoive made lhem immorlal. But how much in their antecedents did that heroism imply? Picture the parental ouHure of the Jerusalem home, etc. The lesson, Live not for fame; but to do that which God may think worthy of being held in everlasting remembrance. II. 'l'HE ELEMENTS OF MODAL HEROISM. Describe the offence in the king's portion. (1) Food forbidden by the Mosaic Law. (2) Food consecratecl by presentation to idols. In moral heroism there will be one, or some, or all of these constituent elements. 1. Resistance; i.e. to strong and overwhelming temptation. 1n this case: (1) 'l'he tempted were away from home. (2) Early religious associations had been broken down, Note the change of names (ver. 7), and the significance of it. (3) There was temptation to regard the matter as a trifle, of no account; but great principles are often involved in the trivialities of life. ( 4) To regard the circumstances as peculiar. (5) To be afraid of undue self-assertion. It might have seemed to Daniel that he was about to be righteous over-much. (6) The heroic act was against their own interests. (7) And imperilled the lives of others. 2. A certain obscurity of origin. "Purposed in his heart." The resolution took its rise in the depths of the soul, like a river in the hills far away. 3. Furtitude. Daniel thoroughly and irre- vocably made up hiR mind. 4. Gentleness. No mock-heroics with him; but, having made up his mind, combined the suaviter in modo with the fortiter in re. "He requested," etc. (ver. 8). 5. Perseverance. Defeated temporarily with ABhpenaz, Daniel tried Melzar. 6. Wisdom. Proposed only an experiment for ten days. 7. Inspiration. Daniel's resolve seems to have stirred up the others. III. THE PREVENTIONS OF GoD. (Ver. 9.) When men resolve on the right, they soon find that God has gone before them to prepare the way (Ps. xxi. 3). (See a grand and suggestive sermon from this verse in 'Westminster Chapel Pulpit,' 1st series, No. 2, by Rev. S. Martin.) IV. THE BEQUENOEB OF GoD, Very encoura.,cr:i.ng is it to know that God is alike our vanguard and our rearguard on our moral way. In this case (and always is it so more or less) the sequences were: 1. Physical health and vig01J,r, Not miraculous. 2. Intellectual attainment and strength. 3. Moral and spiritual power. For proof, see after-history. 4. Continued prosperity and influence. (Ver. 21; Job xvii. 9.)-R. Vera. 1, 2.-Decadence of Israel. I. THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSIBILITY LODGED IN KINGS. We sometimes speak of Oriental monarchs as holding an irresponsible sceptre, by which we simply mean that there is no earthly tribunal before which they can be cited; yet, in reality, they are the appointed guardians of a nation's well-being, and are responsible to the snpreme Sovereign of heaven. The morals, the religion, the temper, the habits of a monarch have always been eminently contagious. Evil results of vice in a private individual are restricted within a circle comparatively narrow. But the influence of a king radiates in a thousand directions, as from the apex of a pyramid. Pea.ce or wa.r, order or ana.rchy, liberty or thraldom, godliness or impiety, abundance or famine, in the empire depend largely on the personal character of the sovereign. Without a copious supply of Divine wisdom, this elevated position is not to be envied. A true king should aspire to be eminently holy. II. AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR AMENDMENT. Jehoiakim had inherited by nature qua.lities both bad and good. To him had been entailed the evil example of his ancestor Manasseh, and the noble pattern of his father Josiah. Here was a grand opportunity for making a wise choice--an opportunity for stemming the ebbing tide of prosperity, and averting the anger of Jehovah. His father's excellent counsellors had advised, admonished, warned. Special prophets ha.d brought counsel and remon- strance from the source of heavenly wisdom. Sufficient time was allotted for reflection, decision, amendment. For three years in succession the grea.t Husbandman visited 32 THE BOOK OF DANIEL. [CH, I, 1-21.