THE ELITE OF JERUSALEM YOUTH

More than the treasures of Jehovah's temple were brought to Babylon. Says the account: "Then the kings said to Ashpenaz his chief court official to bring some of the sons of Israel and of the royal offspring and of the nobles, children in whom there was no defect at all, but good in appearance  and having insight into all wisdom and being acquainted  with knowledge and having discernment of what is known, in whom also there was ability to stand in the palace of the king." - Daniel 1:3, 4.

Who were chosen?  We are told: "There happened to be among them some of the sons of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah." (Daniel 1:6)  This sheds some light on the otherwise obscure background of Daniel and his companions.  For example, we note that they were "sons of Judah," the kingly tribe. Whether they were from the royal line or not, it is reasonable to think that they were at least from families of some importance and influence. Besides being of sound mind and body, they had insight, wisdom,  knowledge, and discernment-all when they were at an age young enough to be called "children," perhaps in their early teens.  Daniel and his companions must have been outstanding-the elite-among the youths in Jerusalem.  

The account does not tell us who the parents of these young people were. Nonetheless, it seems certain that they were godly individuals who had taken their parental responsibilities seriously.  Considering the moral and spiritual decadence prevalent in Jerusalem at the time, especially among  'the royal offspring and the nobles,' it is clear that the sterling qualities  found in Daniel and his three companions did not about by accidents.  Needless to say, it must have been heartbreaking for the parents to see their sons being taken to a distant land. If only they could have known the outcome, how proud they would have been!  How important it is for parents to being their children up "in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah"! -Ephesians 6:4. 

Next time:  A BATTLE FOR THE MIND

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999