Book Study Wk 17 10/17: pg 122-128: A Dramatic Turn Of Events

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  • ithinkisee
    ithinkisee

    A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

    17 A dejected Darius returned to his palace. No musicians were brought in before him, for he was in no mood for entertainment. Instead, Darius lay awake the whole night, fasting. “His very sleep fled from him.” At dawn, Darius hastened to the lions’ pit. He cried out in a sad voice: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you are serving with constancy been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:18-20) To his amazement—and utter relief—there was an answer!

    18 “O king, live on even to times indefinite.” With this respectful greeting, Daniel showed that he did not harbor feelings of animosity toward the king. He realized that the real source of his persecution was, not Darius, but the envious high officials and satraps. (Compare Matthew 5:44; Acts 7:60.) Daniel continued: “My own God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not brought me to ruin, forasmuch as before him innocence itself was found in me; and also before you, O king, no hurtful act have I done.”—Daniel 6:21, 22.

    19 How those words must have stung Darius’ conscience! He knew all along that Daniel had done nothing to merit being thrown into the lions’ pit. Darius was well aware that the high officials and satraps had conspired to have Daniel put to death and that they had manipulated the king to achieve their selfish ends. By their insisting that “all the high officials of the kingdom” had recommended the passing of the edict, they implied that Daniel too had been consulted in the matter. Darius would deal with these devious men later. First, however, he gave the command to have Daniel lifted out of the lions’ pit. Miraculously, Daniel had not suffered so much as a single scratch!—Daniel 6:23.

    20 Now that Daniel was safe, Darius had other business to attend to. “The king commanded, and they brought these able-bodied men who had accused Daniel, and into the lions’ pit they threw them, their sons and their wives; and they had not reached the bottom of the pit before the lions had got the mastery over them, and all their bones they crushed.”—Daniel 6:24.

    21 Putting to death not only the conspirators but also their wives and children may seem unreasonably harsh. In contrast, the Law that God gave through the prophet Moses stated: “Fathers should not be put to death on account of children, and children should not be put to death on account of fathers. Each one should be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16) Nevertheless, in some ancient cultures, it was not unusual for family members to be executed along with the wrongdoer, in the case of a serious crime. Perhaps this was done so that family members would not be able to seek revenge later on. However, this act against the families of the high officials and the satraps was certainly none of Daniel’s doing. Likely, he was distressed over the calamity that these wicked men had brought upon their families.

    Nevertheless, in some ancient cultures, it was not unusual for family members to be executed along with the wrongdoer :The Society says if we don't take our kids to the meetings and out in service and study with them at home that we are essentially sentencing them to death at Armageddon.

    22 The scheming high officials and satraps were gone. Darius issued a proclamation, which stated: “From before me there has been put through an order that, in every dominion of my kingdom, people are to be quaking and fearing before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and One enduring to times indefinite, and his kingdom is one that will not be brought to ruin, and his dominion is forever. He is rescuing and delivering and performing signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for he has rescued Daniel from the paw of the lions.”—Daniel 6:25-27.

    SERVE GOD WITH CONSTANCY

    23 Daniel set a fine example for all modern-day servants of God. His conduct was always above reproach. In his secular work, Daniel “was trustworthy and no negligence or corrupt thing at all was found in him.” (Daniel 6:4) In a similar way, a Christian should be industrious with respect to his employment. This does not mean being a business cutthroat who eagerly pursues material wealth or who steps on others to climb the corporate ladder. (1 Timothy 6:10) The Scriptures require that a Christian fulfill his secular obligations honestly and in a whole-souled way, “as to Jehovah.”—Colossians 3:22, 23; Titus 2:7, 8; Hebrews 13:18.

    24 In his worship, Daniel was uncompromising. His custom of praying was a matter of public knowledge. Furthermore, the high officials and satraps well knew that Daniel took his worship seriously. Indeed, they were convinced that he would hold to this routine even if a law forbade it. What a fine example for present-day Christians! They too have a reputation for putting God’s worship in first place. (Matthew 6:33) This should be readily evident to onlookers, for Jesus commanded his followers: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.”—Matthew 5:16.

    25 Some might say that Daniel could have avoided persecution by praying to Jehovah in secret for the 30-day period. After all, no particular posture or setting is required in order to be heard by God. He can even discern the meditations of the heart. (Psalm 19:14) Nevertheless, Daniel viewed any change in his routine to be tantamount to compromise. Why?

    26 Since Daniel’s custom of praying was well-known, what message would have been conveyed if he suddenly discontinued it? Observers might well have concluded that Daniel was fearful of man and that the king’s decree superseded Jehovah’s law. (Psalm 118:6) But Daniel showed by his actions that Jehovah received his exclusive devotion. (Deuteronomy 6:14, 15; Isaiah 42:8) Of course, in doing this Daniel did not disrespectfully flout the king’s law. Yet, neither did he cower by compromising. Daniel simply continued to pray in his roof chamber, “as he had been regularly doing” prior to the king’s edict.

    27 Servants of God today can learn from Daniel’s example. They remain “in subjection to the superior authorities,” obeying the laws of the land in which they live. (Romans 13:1) When the laws of man conflict with those of God, however, Jehovah’s people adopt the position of Jesus’ apostles, who boldly stated: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) In doing so, Christians do not promote insurrection or rebellion. Rather, their aim is simply to live peaceably with all men so that they “may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion.”—1 Timothy 2:1, 2; Romans 12:18.

    What exactly ARE the superior authorities?

    28 On two occasions Darius commented that Daniel was serving God “with constancy.” (Daniel 6:16, 20) The Aramaic root for the word translated “constancy” means to “move in a circle.” It suggests the idea of a continuous cycle, or something that is perpetual. Daniel’s integrity was like that. It followed a predictable pattern. There was no question about what Daniel would do when faced with tests, whether large or small. He would continue in the course he had already established decades earlier—that of loyalty and faithfulness to Jehovah.

    29 God’s present-day servants want to follow Daniel’s course. Indeed, the apostle Paul admonished all Christians to consider the example of God-fearing men of old. Through faith, they “effected righteousness, obtained promises,” and—evidently a reference to Daniel—“stopped the mouths of lions.” As servants of Jehovah today, let us display the faith and constancy of Daniel and “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”—Hebrews 11:32, 33; 12:1.

    [Footnotes]

    The word “accused” is a translation of an Aramaic expression that may also be rendered “slandered.” This highlights the malicious intent of Daniel’s enemies.

    WHAT DID YOU DISCERN?

    · Why did Darius the Mede decide to use Daniel in a high position?

    · What devious plot did the high officials and satraps devise? How did Jehovah rescue Daniel?

    · What did you learn from paying attention to Daniel’s example of faithfulness?

    [Study Questions]

    17, 18. (a) What shows that Darius was distressed over Daniel’s situation? (b) What happened when the king returned to the lions’ pit the following morning?

    19. How had Darius been deceived and manipulated by the high officials and satraps?

    20. What happened to Daniel’s malicious enemies?

    21. In dealing with family members of wrongdoers, what contrast existed between the Mosaic Law and the laws of some ancient cultures?

    22. What new proclamation did Darius issue?

    23. What example did Daniel set regarding his secular work, and how can we be like him?

    24. How did Daniel prove himself to be uncompromising in the matter of worship?

    25, 26. (a) What might some conclude about Daniel’s course of action? (b) Why did Daniel view a change in his routine to be tantamount to compromise?

    27. How can servants of God today be like Daniel in (a) being in subjection to the superior authorities? (b) obeying God as ruler rather than men? (c) striving to live peaceably with all men?

    28. How did Daniel serve Jehovah “with constancy”?

    29. How can servants of Jehovah today benefit from Daniel’s faithful course?

    [Full-page picture on page 114]

    [Full-page picture on page 121]

    [Picture on page 127]

    Daniel served Jehovah “with constancy.” Do you?

  • ozziepost
    ozziepost

    Very ho-hum from what I can see. Same old, same old, eh?

  • blondie
    blondie

    Putting to death not only the conspirators but also their wives and children may seem unreasonably harsh. In contrast, the Law that God gave through the prophet Moses stated: “Fathers should not be put to death on account of children, and children should not be put to death on account of fathers. Each one should be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16) Nevertheless, in some ancient cultures, it was not unusual for family members to be executed along with the wrongdoer

    Ezekiel 9:5-6 (NWT)

    5

    And to these [others] he said in my ears: "Pass through the city after him and strike. Let not your eye feel sorry, and do not feel any compassion. 6 Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women YOU should kill off—to a ruination

    Numbers 16:27 (nwt)

    27

    Immediately they got away from before the tabernacle of Ko´rah, Da´than and A·bi´ram, from every side, and Da´than and A·bi´ram came out, taking their stand at the entrance of their tents, together with their wives, and their sons and their little ones.

    ***

    it-2 p. 1167 War ***

    The seven nations of Canaan, named at Deuteronomy 7:1, 2, were to be exterminated, including women and children. Their cities were to be devoted to destruction. (De 20:15-17)

    ***

    w68 10/15 p. 637 Why God Decreed Extermination for the Canaanites ***

    The Canaanite religion was extraordinarily base and degraded, their "sacred poles" evidently being sex emblems and many of the rites of their "high places" involving gross sexual excesses and depravity. No wonder God ordered their extermination! If even the women and children were allowed to remain, they would entice the Israelites to practice immoral, false worship.—Ex. 23:24; 34:12-17; Num. 33:52; Deut. 7:3-5; 20:16-18.

  • AuldSoul
    AuldSoul

    And let's not forget Achan (and family)!

    Joshua 7:22-26 At once Joshua sent messengers, and they went running to the tent, and, look! it was hidden in his tent with the money underneath it. So they took them from the midst of the tent and brought them to Joshua and all the sons of Israel and poured them out before Jehovah. Joshua, and all Israel with him, now took A´chan the son of Ze´rah and the silver and the official garment and the bar of gold and his sons and his daughters and his bull and his ass and his flock and his tent and everything that was his and they brought them up to the low plain of A´chor. Then Joshua said: “Why have you brought ostracism upon us? Jehovah will bring ostracism upon you on this day.” With that all Israel went pelting him with stones, after which they burned them with fire. Thus they stoned them with stones. And they proceeded to raise up over him a big pile of stones, down to this day. At this Jehovah turned away from his hot anger. That is why the name of that place has been called Low Plain of A´chor, down to this day.

    Wow! Ancient cultures really did do that! His wives were part of "everything that was his," too. What did the paragraph say, again?

    ...the Law that God gave through the prophet Moses stated: “Fathers should not be put to death on account of children, and children should not be put to death on account of fathers. Each one should be put to death for his own sin.”

    So much for observing the Law of Moses, eh?

    Putting to death not only the conspirators but also their wives and children may seem unreasonably harsh.

    Yeah. It does seem that way to me. Unreasonably harsh. Just like the current practices of the bOrg and its agents.

    AuldSoul

  • M.J.
    M.J.

    A really good one comes up in 2 weeks. Get ready, UBMs.

  • Check_Your_Premises
    Check_Your_Premises

    Hey MJ, do you have any idea how to go about getting a copy of that goofy charter, that supposedly fulfilled prophecy, that says they worship Jesus?

    There has to be a way to do that!

    CYP

  • jgnat
    jgnat

    What stood out for me in this week's study is that the WTBTS "filled in the blanks" and paints Daniel as the perfect JW. He never missed a meeting. He was constant and regular in his attendance. And when opposers rose up against him, he clung ever tighter to his schedule.

    Sound like any JW you know?

    I always liked Daniel as a model, since I am a fellow civil servant. The issues he faced, I face too. Infighting and backstabbing. Fickle and transitory leadership. One outstanding feature of his life that I noticed is like all good civil servants he said, "The King is dead, long live the King." He fulfilled his responsibilities with panache and grace. I also note that the WT book downplays that Daniel served obviously "pagan" Kings with no qualms.

  • Leolaia
    Leolaia

    The part about kids being executed along with their parents is used by the Society to support their belief that worldly children will die at Armageddon without hope of resurrection. I touched on this a little yesterday:

    http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/12/100179/1726262/post.ashx#1726262

    Note also:

    *** w50 11/15 p. 463 Questions from Readers ***

    We cannot be dogmatic about this matter, as God is the judge. However, if Jehovah God expresses an adverse judgment against certain individuals, and does this through his King Christ Jesus at Armageddon, there must be some sort of finality to God’s decision. If so, those destroyed by the judgment of God in the battle of Armageddon are really destroyed. Ezekiel chapter 9 appears to refer to Armageddon, and verse 6 states, "Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark." Those unmarked by a favorable reception of God’s warning receive no mercy from him. This is no injustice on God’s part. If it were a case of absolute justice he would spare no one, as everyone, young or old, is an imperfect sinner. It is only through the exercise of his love and mercy that anyone is preserved through Armageddon or is resurrected.

    Children are affected by the course of their parents, and parents are warned that their iniquity is visited on their offspring unto the third and fourth generation. (Ex. 20:5, 6) Parents are commanded to instruct their children in God’s way, and if in these last days parents refuse to heed the divine instruction and warning they bring destruction upon themselves and their small children at Armageddon. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4) According to justice God can leave such children dead, for, as Ezekiel showed, all die in their iniquity. (Ezek. 3:17-19; 33:1-6) Parents should remember that their wrong course unfavorably affects their children and may bring their offspring to destruction at Armageddon, just as a right course on the part of parents may put their small children in the way of preservation during Armageddon and opportunity for eternal life in the new world to follow.

    *** w51 5/1 p. 286 Questions from Readers ***

    For seventy-one years The Watchtower has been publishing the warning of God’s Word, and since 1919 Jehovah’s witnesses have been active as never before in giving world-wide witness, in this time of judgment when the enthroned King is separating the nations as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. Abuse and persecution come upon them from both adults and children under the influence of their elders. So it is because we now live in a period of judgment that we say all persons are on trial. And because children are present they too come in for judgment.

    ***w65 3/15 pp. 165-166 Who Will Be Resurrected—Why? ***

    At the Flood all those people outside Noah’s ark, namely, the men, the women, the children and babies, the Nephilim or the hybrid offspring from the marriage of disobedient angels and human daughters of men, all such then living were suddenly executed by God’s direct act and were thus destroyed forever. So it will be with all persons on earth who are not in harmony with God’s kingdom at the fast-approaching battle of Armageddon.

  • heathen
    heathen

    Good catch there blondie . LMAO ...... That would kill me if somebody spoke up and said , " you know that isn't right the God of Israel was known to command the execution of women and children ."

    Rather, their aim is simply to live peaceably with all men so that they “may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion.”—1 Timothy 2:1, 2; Romans 12:18.

    yah right , they are experts at finding fault with just about everything and do nothing but moan and complain over every little thing , they treat each other like dirt and those that aren't even members the same .

  • M.J.
    M.J.
    Hey MJ, do you have any idea how to go about getting a copy of that goofy charter, that supposedly fulfilled prophecy, that says they worship Jesus?

    http://www.macgregorministries.org/jehovahs_witnesses/charterscans/wt_chartscans.html

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