Daniel-The March to the Lions' Den

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

King Darius the Mede agreed to set up a rule saying no one in the kingdom may pray to anyone except the king for thirty days.

The satraps and administrators had so much fun spying on me and telling the king that I had prayed to my God. 

Of course I did.

The king was upset. He realized the satraps and administrators tricked not only me but him as well. There was absolutely nothing that could be done.

He turned to me. "Daniel. I am so sorry. I will try to do everything I can, but at this moment I must follow the law."

I think I even saw tears forming in his eyes. He turned away. "Take Daniel to the lions' den as is written in the decree."

The guards did not deal harshly with me. They didn't grab my arms or drag me down the corridor. They let me walk with dignity. I think, they, too, realized the horrible thing that the satraps and administrators had done.

We had quite the parade through the city. Babylonians stopped their work to watch us go by. The lions den was a distance away. 

The satraps and administrators followed, all of them. Giggling and sniggering. They didn't hide their mocking words. Instead they tried to get the people to mock me with them.

To tell the truth, I didn't let any of it bother me. I kept in mind what God had done for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I also kept in mind what God had done for Moses and the Israelites when they escaped Egypt, Joseph while he was in captivity, David as he fled King Saul, and a host of others--all helped by God. 

God doesn't promise to spare our lives, He promises to be our tower of strength, a place to hide, a place to find joy, our Father who listens and expects to be worshipped no matter what happens.

King Darius did not join the parade. He stayed in the palace. His eyes pooling with tears showed how sorry he was for allowing the satraps and administrators to trick him. 

We walked outside the palace toward the lions' den. I could hear their roars even from this distance. The animals were kept in a starving mode for times such as this.

Because of their hunger, the lions became ruthless and violent. No one lasted more than a minute after being thrown into the den.

I am prepare to die, though. I will never, under any circumstances or threat, give up my faith in God. 

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. What decree did the king sign into law?
2. What did Daniel do?
3. Why the the satraps and administrators tell on Daniel?
4. What was the king forced to do?
5. Where was Daniel taken?

A Psalm To Sing In Times of Trouble

By Mary Vee
From Psalm 44

From the Psalms the Exiles Sang

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Most of the Jews from Judah have been taken as prisoners to Babylon. A few weeks ago we heard about Daniel and his friends Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. God told Daniel they would be there for seventy years.

In the Old Testament we often see songs sung by the people to God about their situation. While in exile, the Jews continued to sing songs, praises and cries to the Almighty God. 

This is a good Psalm for us to remember when we are facing trouble. This is their song found in Psalm 44:





Our fathers have told us, O God what you did in days long ago. You drove out the nations giving our fathers a place to live. 

It wasn't by our fathers' sword or anything thing else they did, the victory was yours. You did this because you loved them.

When we have battles, we don't trust in our bow or sword. You and you alone bring the victory over our enemies. We will praise your name forever.

But times have changed. You have humbled us.

For your sake we face death all day long. 

Rise up and help us.

Redeem us because of your unfailing love.


(from Psalm 74)

Remember the people you purchased of old.
You, O God, are my king from of old. You bring salvation upon the earth

(from Psalm 79)
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance. hey have defiled your holy temple. They have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

(from Psalm 80)
Here us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine before Ephraim, Benjaamin, and Manasseh. Awaken your might. Come and save us. 

(from Psalm 89)

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever. With my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

I will say that your love stands firm forever. That you establish your faithfulness in heaven itself. 

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord. Your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. 

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord/ Who is like the Lod among the heavenly beings?

O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen

(from Psalm 137)

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs. Our tormentors demanded songs of joy. They said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

How can we sing he songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? 

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1. Where are the Jews?
2. Why are they there?
3. What are they asking of God?
4. Which Psalms are included here?

Nebuchadnezzar-How Did Three Men Survive the Fiery Furnace?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expected their obedience.

Three of the men did not obey me. I became so angry that these Jews dared to defy me that I ordered the fiery furnace heated seventy hotter to punish them. 

Do you know what those three men did? They didn't beg for their lives. They didn't weep. At least they didn't have a defiant face. They stood respectfully and accepted the punishment. I've never encounter such a problem. Usually watching men beg pleased me.

To make matters worse, my best guards died when they pushed the three men into the furnace. I thought all of that was bad enough, but when I watched the three men fall into the fire, they didn't burn. They stood up and walked around talking with each other, unharmed. The ropes we used to tie them up had fallen off. 

And then a fourth man appeared. He looked like a son of the gods. I have no idea where he came from.

These men had to be servants of the Most High God. I went to the opening of the furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

The three men walked out. They didn't limp or rub their arms. The satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They walked around the three men and inspected them. 

"They have no injuries," said one.

They touched their hair. "The hair on their heads is not singed," said another. 

They felt their robes and rolled the fabric in their hands. "Their robes are not scorched." 

They sniffed the air around the men. "They have no smell of fire on them! How can this be?"

I was as amazed as my advisors and realized there could only be one answer to explain this miracle. I said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They have trusted in him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble. For no other god can save in this way."

I turned to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. "I am promoting each of you to a new position in the provide of Babylon."

The three men surprised me again. They didn't rejoice, or say 'I told you so', or give a disrespectful look of victory. No, they each kept their wise looks of respect. Huh. After seeing what had happened, I guess I really did expect them to respond this way. Their dedication to their God really shows.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. Who were the three men who did not obey the king?

3. When the Nebuchadnezzar ordered the 3 men into the furnace, how did they act?

4. What happened while they were in the furnace?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar let them out of the furnace?

6. What didn't their hair feel like?

7. What didn't their robes feel like?

8. What didn't the air around them smell like?

9. What did Nebuchadnezzar decide from this information?

10. What did Nebuchadnezzar decree?

11. What was the last surprise?

Nebuchadnezzar-Weren't There Three Men?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expect their obedience.

The workers recently completed a ninety feet tall image of gold, as I commanded. On the dedication day, I told the musicians of horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music to play at the moment I assigned. I sent out heralds ahead of time to tell the people when they heard the music they were to bow down and worship the image.

Of course the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers agreed this was a great idea. The people will be brought together and will give me the respect I deserve as their king.

I went out to my balcony and watched the process. I signaled the musicians. The people from every nation and tongue bowed before the image--or so I thought. After the ceremony a few of my astrologers reported certain Jews refused to bow down. Imagine my surprise when I learned these were men I had placed in a high position in my kingdom.

How dare they defy me? My anger boiled and I ordered my guards to bring them to me. After a few minutes I managed to calm down and remember how good these men did their job. I offered them one more chance to obey my command by bowing down to the statue when the music played.

The three men refused! They said they would bow down to no other than their Jewish God. Talk about disrespect! I ordered them bound right then--and the fiery furnace pumped to seven times the heat. Even with this threat, the men would not give in. Did they really expect their God to save them from what I, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered? I think not.

My strongest soldiers bound the three men and pushed them toward the furnace. I watched from a safe distance. Those three men will be sorry they defied me, that's for sure.

The soldiers pushed them close and the door to the fiery furnace was pulled opened. A blast of heat came out in a ball of fire. The soldiers pushed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace. But before the soldiers could get away the fire took their lives.

I watched inside the furnace from a safe place. I wanted to witness the torment these men would suffer for disrespecting me. As I looked, though, I saw the three men standing in the midst of the flames. I called out to my advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

The advisor answered, "Certainly, O King."

"Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

I walked to the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

I will finish this telling next time.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. He ordered __________ to signal the people of his new command.

3. When the people heard the _______ they were to ___________.

4. Who did not obey the king and why?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give them a second chance?

6. Why did the men refuse the second chance?

7. What did Nebuchadnezzar order?

8. What happened?

Shadrach-Pushed Into The Fiery Furnace

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends, Meshach and Abednego and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

The guards yanked our arms behind our backs and tied ropes around us. I've never seen King Nebuchadnezzar this angry before. 

To heat the furnace seven time hotter than he would for anyone else proved his incredible anger.

We still wore our robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes as we were forced to walk to the furnace.

King Nebuchadnezzar's command came so quickly and the furnace pushed to the super hot heat so fast that the burst of flames from the fire killed the soldiers who pushed us. Their last shove, before they died, caused us to fall into the blazing furnace.

The three of us landed on the floor of the furnace. The air around us was hot, but my skin didn't burn. I stood up. So did Meshach, and Abednego. We knew we couldn't just walk out of the furnace so we stood there, waiting to see what would happen next.

Then, to my surprise, I saw a man dressed in a white robe standing with us. He spoke with a gentle voice. "Don't be afraid. I am with you." 

We stood together not really sure what to say to each other. Our clothes didn't burn or catch on fire. We had air to breathe. The flames made a roaring sound all around us but never touched us. We moved our hands through the air and flames. It was thicker than air but not as thick as water.

A voice called to us from the entrance of the furnace. I looked and saw King Nebuchadnezzar shouting, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

We walked toward the opening. I looked back, though, and didn't see the man who stood with us. Meshach and Abednego saw me look. We all smiled to each other and stepped out the furnace door.

A swarm of satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers crowded around us. "The fire didn't burn them!" one shouted. 

They touched our hair. "Not a hair on their head is singed," said another. 

They touched the fabric of our robes. "Look, their robes are not scorched." 

They took a breath. "There is no smell of fire or smoke on them," said another. "How can this be?"

Nebuchadnezzar stroked his beard. He stepped closer to us and held his arms out wide. "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!

Can you imagine that! Truly God is amazing.

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1. Why was King Nebuchadnezzar angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? (You will have to look at the last story for this answer).

2. Why did King Nebuchadnezzar order the furnace to be made seven times hotter?

3. What happened to the guards who took Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the furnace?

4. What happened while the three friends were in the furnace?

5. Did the visitor go with the three friends when they walked out of the furnace? Why?

6. What did all the officials notice when the three friends stepped out of the furnace?

7. What did King Nebuchadnezzar say?

Shadrach-Standing Our Ground Before King Nebuchadnezzar No Matter the Cost

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

King Nebuchadnezzar has a lot of power. His Babylonian kingdom is huge. If the king becomes angry with a person, that man would never find a way to run or hide to get away from Nebuchadnezzar or his soldiers.

King Nebuchadnezzar is very angry with my friends, Mesach, Abednego, and me. He set up a ninety foot image and ordered everyone to bow down to it. 

My friends and I have very high ranking positions even though we are slaves. We are expected to obey Nebuchadnezzar's decrees. This time we could not. We cannot bow down to any god. We will only worship the one true God.

Nebuchadnezzar yells at us for a little bit then gives us a chance to change our mind. He stands waiting for us to give him an answer. The answer he wants is that we will bow down to his god.

I speak for the three of us. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you when it comes to bowing to your image. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

I look sideways at my friends. All they do is glance at me. That's all they can do with the king staring at us. I knew they agree with everything I had said.

Nebuchadnezzar isn't happy, though. His face turns a dark red and he stomps. We have lost favor in his eyes. "Heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual. And you," he called the strongest soldiers in his army to come. "Tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace."

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give the three Jews a second chance?
2. Do you think he gave others a second chance?
3. What did Nebuchadnezzar want the three Jews to do?
4. What did the three Jews decide to say?
5. King Nebuchadnezzar was angry or happy with their answer?
6. What did Nebuchadnezzar do with the furnace?

Shadrach-Nebuchadnezzar's Seething Anger

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

King Nebuchadnezzar summoned my friends, Meshach, Abednego, and me to his room. Being summoned to a king's chamber is not a good thing. It usually means something terrible would soon happen.

My friends and I walk in humility with the officers. Like we should. To show respect. We didn't feel sorry for ourselves, no matter what was about to happen. We also didn't feel cocky or want to show off that our God is the one and only God who lives and breathes, and cares and loves and... and his god was only man made.

Our sandals swished on the marble floor. The palace had expensive metals, rich fabrics, paintings, and every bit of wealth imaginable decorating the interior. 

We stopped at a door. The official shouted in to the king, "The three Jews are here."

Nebuchadnezzar signaled the official to bring us to him. The guards behind us shoved our shoulders forward. We walked to his throne and stood. Not weeping, not trembling, not arrogant, but strong.

Nebuchadnezzar stood up and walked around us. His face was red with anger and his fist balled ready to hit one of us. "Is it true," he said. "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that  you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?"

We looked at each other. We were close friends and had made a bond to worship only God and to never bow down to images. We didn't need to give any signals. No nods or winks or movement of an arm. We remained strong together.

He stopped walking and stood in front of us. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you," Nebuchadnezzar shouted.

We looked at him and nodded our answer. It was true. We do not and will not serve his gods or worship his image.

Some of the red left his face. We had pleased him with our work so many times before. He seemed uncertain about giving us a punishment. Instead he said, "All right. The next time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good."

He wanted to give us a chance to change our minds. But we never would. We couldn't go against God's laws to obey Nebuchadnezzar.

He stepped closer and his face reddened again, "But if you don't worship the image, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace." He raised his fist in the air. "Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

I felt sorry for him in a way. His gods would never save him and that is why he said those words. Only the true God, the real God, the God who lives and loves us could save anyone.

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1. Where were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego taken?
2. What did that person want them to do?
3. What did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego decide to do?
4. Did these three men show respect to that person even with their decision?
5. What did that person decide to do?
6. What threat did that person give?

Shadrach- Babylonian Astrologers Ganged Up On Us

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

Meshach, Abednego and I stood while all the people of Babylon and most of the Hebrew slaves bowed to Nebuchadnezzar's statue. 

Off in the distance, a group of men dressed like the king's astrologers pushed their way through the crowd and up to the balcony where the king stood. 

Later, one of the Hebrew servants came to us. "You are in so much trouble, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Don't you realize what you've done?"

I closed my eyes for a quick second then looked at him. "Yes. We chose not to bow down to the king's statue. God said we are only to bow down to Him."

Meshach and Abednego nodded. We stood close together, ready for whatever might happen to us.

"I know that." The Hebrew looked behind him. No one stood near to hear what we said. "Your lives are at steak. The king's astrologers went to him a short time ago. 

Photo Courtesy

"They said, "O king live forever! You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kind of music must fall down and worship your image of gold. Whoever does not fall do this will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set in power over the affairs of the province of Babylon. Their names are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These Jews pay no attention to you or your decree. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.

"I telling you the king was furious. He's sending his official to come and take you to his thrown room. Run. Get away before they see you."

I shook my head. "We can't do that. First the officials would track us down before we got very far. Second, we won't hide from the king. We want him to know that we choose to bow down only to God."

The Hebrew man turned and saw the officers coming. He slipped into the crowd to get away from us.

The officers stood in front of us wearing their full uniform and carrying their weapons. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?"

The three of us answered. "We are the ones you want."

"The king has summoned you. Come with us immediately."

We followed the officer. Guards walked in front of us, behind us and to the sides. Babylonian men and women watch us walk through the streets. We had gained their respect before this as officials who were fair. Now they watched us and looked unsure if they should trust us.

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1. Why were the instruments played?
2. What did the people do when they heard the instruments?
3. Who didn't do this?
4. What did the king's astrologers do?
5. Why do you think they did this?
6. What did Nebuchadnezzar order the official to do?

Shadrach-We Won't Bow Down

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

Babylonian men and women had come to see the new statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. As they gathered around the statue a herald stood on the platform and shouted, 

Photo Courtesy

"This is what you are commanded to do. O peoples, nations, and men of every language. As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown int a blazing furnace."

 Meshach, Abednego, and I looked at each other. 

"We can't do that," said Abednego. "That would violate God's law."

"I know. I'm just not sure what we should do," said Meshach

"Well, we can't bow down," I said. None of us would bow down. 

When we first came to the king's court, we, and Daniel took a stand not to eat the king's special food. At first the guards were afraid we would get sick, but after awhile, he saw our Hebrew diet made us healthier than the other boys.

Meshach whispered "We need to take a stand for what we believe. No matter the cost."

Abednego and I nodded. 

Photo Courtesy

The horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music played loud enough for everyone to hear. As they played, the people, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up all except some Jews, including us.

We stood strong with each other and will wait to see what happens. Maybe the king will excuse us. We will see.

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1.  When the music played, what were the people supposed to do?
2.  Why did Shadrach and his friends say they couldn't do this?
3.  Had Shadrach and his friends ever chosen not to do what the king said before?
4.  What happened when they first came to Babylon?
5.  When the music played, what did the Babylonian people and other people of nations do?
6.  What did Shadrach, his friends, and some other Jews do?

Shadrach-The Golden Statue that Amazed Babylon

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

Daniel, Meshach, Abednego, and I, along with other kids from Hebrew royal and noble families, met the standard given by King Nebuchadnezzar. He said he wanted all the young boys who proved the smartest and had the physical looks best for his kingdom.

I guess you could say we were the lucky ones. We didn't have to suffer the cruelty given by the soldiers when they captured the rest of our people and dragged them here with chains. I should be thankful. Still, my friends and I often talk of home, our foods, our language, our way of doing things.

Daniel scored the highest of all of us and was given a job in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. He asked the king to give Meshach, Abednego, and me a good job as well. The king was so pleased with Daniel that he agreed. We don't see Daniel very often, but at least we have our friendship with each other.

Recently, workers began building something in the plain of Dura. We couldn't tell what is was for a long time. It was made of gold, only nine feet wide, but ninety feet high (taller than an eleven story building). The structure began to take shape after a while. Meshach figured out what it was suppose to be first. The structure was a statue of King Nebuchadnezzar.

When the workers finished the statue the Babylonians cheered. They gathered around it and admired the workmanship. 

The day to dedicate the image came. Men and women dressed in their best clothes. Their children came too, wearing their very best. 

Satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other provincial officials came together for the dedication of the statue. Every single Babylonian man who had any job with the king stood in the group.

The sun shone on the land. Not a cloud hung in the sky.

A herald stood on the platform and shouted, "This is what you are commanded to do. O peoples, nations, and men of every language." 

I had a feeling right then, that there would be trouble. Abednego looked at Meshach and me. "He said all peoples, nations, and men of every language. That includes us."

"Let's hear what else he says first," said Abednego.

"I agree," I said. "Maybe it won't be so bad."

"You really think so, Shadrach?" asked Meshach.

"No." I shook my head. "I can only hope."


What do you think will happen? Come next Wednesday to read more of the story.

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1.  Why was Shadrach and his friends in Babylon?
2.  Who were Shadrach's friends?
3.  Why wasn't Daniel with them?
4.  Why did King Nebuchadnezzar choose them?
5.  What was being built in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon?

Nebuchadnezzar Conquers Judah

By Mary Vee
II Kings 24

From Jeremiah's Journal

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My name is Jeremiah. I am a prophet. There is nothing left to be done other than to continue to pray for God's mercy on us.

The king, Jehoiakim, chose to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon.

God sent so many prophets, including me, to warn Jehoiakim about the trouble that would come if he did not change from his evil ways and lead the people to worship HIm. But would he listen? No. Then he had this crazy idea to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the great city Babylon, by not paying the dues. Of all earthly kings, Nebuchadnezzar. The man had a huge army. Two wrong choices by Jehoiakim.

God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to attack Judah and take away all our smart young men, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego were only a few of the boys taken from the royal and nobel houses. Many more will be taken as slaves soon.

God allowed the Babylonians, the Armeans, the Moabites,and Ammonite raiders to attack Judeah. They came and destroyed our land, our buildings, and took our people to serve as slaves. 

I am convinced this happened by God's command in order to punish our nation for all the sins we have done, especially worshipping idols and the killing of innocent blood. King Manasseh started the bad treatment of the people, but several other kings have led Judah to worship idols instead of the God of Heaven, too. O, if only they had listened to God.

Because of what Jehoikim has done, the people will not cry when he dies. God warned him and Jehoikim said he would not listen. From a young man he chose not to obey God. And now all these words from God came true.

His son, Jehoiachin was crowned king at age eighteen, but only ruled for three months because he, too, did evil by disobeying God, just like his father. 

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself marched up to the palace where Jehoiachin hid with his officers. Jehoiachin and all those with him surrendered and were taken prisoners to Babylon.

O, if only the kings had listened to God and led the people to worship the one and only God who would have protected them for all of this trouble.

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1. What did the king of Judah do wrong?
2. Who did God send to warn him of what would happen if he kept doing wrong?
3. Who came to the palace to take the king of Judah as prisoner?
4. What could and should the kings of Judah have done to prevent all of this?

Daniel-Having Everything isn't So Great

By Mary Vee
Daniel 2

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

Not that long ago, I lived in my parents' home, had my own bedroom, hung out with my friends, and basically enjoyed my life.

In a flash, I went from having a normal life to becoming a slave. King Nebuchadnezzar's army conquered Judah, my homeland. His army didn't want all the people from Judah for slaves at first. They only took young men who did well in school. 

My best friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and I along with other boys were put in chains and forced to march for days to Babylon.  

We ate well and studied the Babylon language then took a test to prove we learned the information. My friends and I did really well. 

Although we were slaves, we had a nice place to live. Guards watched over us, preventing us from escaping and making sure we did our work. 

This week the king had a horrible nightmare that he wanted interpreted. He ordered his Babylonian wise men to tell him the dream. Of course they didn't know what he dreamed. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all wise men, including my friends and I, to be killed. Thanks be to God, He saved us by telling me the dream and the meaning.

The last time I wrote, I had told the king the meaning of the dream just as God had shown me. The king was impressed and chose not to kill the wise men. He gave me many gifts and let me ask for anything.

I asked the king to appoint my friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be administrators over the province of Babylon. The king agreed but wanted me to stay at the royal court.

I'm so happy for my friends to have a safe place where they could live well, but I will miss them. They are far away from me. And because all four of us are still considered slaves, we won't have the chance to talk or meet. 

We won't be able to joke around, play pranks, and have the fun that young men should have. 

I know I should be grateful that we aren't living in chains like other slaves who will be brought from my homeland. I am grateful God has given me a quick mind to learn the Babylonian language and other schooling. 

But I live mostly by myself. The other wise men are all Babylonians and look down on me. They whisper when they walk past me. My family isn't here, and when they are brought to Babylon, I won't be able to talk to them. Sometimes I just feel alone.

Do you feel alone, too? Even though people are around you?

I keep busy with my work. This helps a little. But what helps me the most is my window. I knel before the window and pray to God each day. He has became my best friend. I tell Him all my thoughts and questions knowing He listens and cares.

Slaves from Judah have started to arrive and are placed in different places all over the city. King Nebuchadnezzar loves the power that he has over my people. 

I wish I could go home. I'd give up all the gifts Nebuchadnezzar gave me if only all of Judah could go back home.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar liked Daniel because he interpreted the dream. What did Nebuchadnezzar give Daniel?
2. What didn't Nebuchadnezzar give Daniel?

Daniel-The Life or Death Prayer

By Mary Vee
Daniel 2

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I didn't waste any time hurrying back to my quarters to tell my three friends the news.

"Daniel, you're back! What did the king say?"

I closed the door and spoke softly. "He had a dream that scared him. He wants it interpreted but he won't tell anyone what it was about. Since none of the wise men could tell him what the dream wass, he assumes they cannot give him the correct interpretation and has sentenced all of them, including us to death."

I was very proud of my friends for not crying out in panic. "I need all of us to pray. Pray from the deepest places of our heart that God will provide the answer to spare our lives. It's the only chance we have to survive this."

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego agreed. They went to their room promising to neither eat nor sleep until God provided an answer.

I did the same. I went to the window facing the east and dropped to my knees, asking God for mercy. To spare our lives by telling me what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed.  

I have no idea how much time went by before the answer came to me in a vision. A true and blessed gift from God. I praised and thanked God right away.

"Praise be to the name of God of ever and ever,
Wisdom and power are His...
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers.
You have given me wisdom and power.
You have made known to me what we asked of you.
You have made known to us the dream of the king."

I got up and ran to the door. "I must speak with the commander of the army, Arioch."

The guards at my door escorted me to Arioch. "He says he needs to speak to you."

"Well, what is it, Daniel?"

"Don't execute any of the wise men. My God has shown me the king's dream and the interpretation. Take me to the king so I can interpret it for him."

I must admit, the surprised look on his face was great to see. I thanked God again and followed him to the king's chambers.

Come back next time to see what happened.
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1. What did Daniel ask his friends to do?
2. When they left, what did Daniel do?
3. Why?
4. What did God do?
5. What did Daniel right after he knew the answer?
6. Where did Daniel want to go, right away?
7. What did he want to do there?