Daniel 1:21

Daniel 1:21 is a concise yet significant chronological marker in the book of Daniel. It states, "And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus." This verse serves as a bridge, highlighting Daniel's enduring presence and influence through a monumental shift in world power.

Context

The book of Daniel begins with Daniel and his three friends being taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1). Chapters 1-6 describe Daniel's early life, training, and service within the Babylonian empire, culminating in the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. This verse specifically marks the transition from Babylonian rule to the ascendancy of King Cyrus the Great. Daniel, a faithful servant of God, not only survived this dramatic political upheaval but maintained a position of influence.

Key Themes

• Longevity and Faithfulness: The phrase "Daniel continued" underscores his remarkable endurance and consistent faithfulness to God through decades of service under multiple pagan kings. He remained a prominent figure from his youth in Babylonian captivity through the establishment of the Persian Empire.
• Divine Providence and Sovereignty: This verse subtly points to God's overarching control of history. Daniel's survival and continued influence were not merely coincidental but part of God's plan to work through him, even in a foreign land and under foreign rulers. God preserved Daniel through the fall of one empire and the rise of another.
• Historical Significance of Cyrus: The "first year of king Cyrus" is a pivotal moment in biblical history. It was in this year that Cyrus issued his famous decree, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). This verse positions Daniel at a crucial juncture, witnessing the beginning of the end of the Babylonian exile, a period foretold by prophets like Jeremiah.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "continued [even]" emphasizes Daniel's persistence and steady presence. While there isn't a complex Hebrew word here that needs deep explanation for a general audience, the simple verb "continued" (וַיְהִי - vayhi, "and he was" or "and it came to pass") highlights Daniel's unwavering existence and active participation throughout these significant historical shifts, suggesting not just survival, but sustained relevance and activity.

Practical Application

Daniel's story, capped by this verse, offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

• Faithfulness Endures: Our commitment to God can sustain us through significant life changes, political shifts, and personal challenges. Daniel's example encourages us to remain steadfast, much like the call to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, regardless of the circumstances.
• God is Sovereign Over History: Just as God used Daniel to influence powerful empires, He continues to work through individuals and events to accomplish His purposes. We can trust His plan, even when the world around us seems chaotic.
• Our Influence Can Span Generations: Daniel's life demonstrates that a life lived in integrity and devotion to God can have a lasting impact, even beyond our immediate sphere or lifetime, contributing to God's grand narrative of redemption, like the return of the exiles.