In order to get a better understanding of Bible prophecy and how it applies to us today, I'd like to go through the book of Daniel, starting at the beginning. It's a fascinating book full of cryptic prophecies and astounding miracles.
Daniel Chapter One
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
This was naughty of Nebuchadnezzar! He was poking his finger in "God's Eye", the Jews. And, God is not going to take that lying down. (Babylon is said to be located in Iraq. The ancient city of Babylon was located 100 km south of Baghdad. Here's an interesting link:
http://www.thepropheticyears.com/reasons/babylon.htm
In Jeremiah, there is a special prophecy for Babylon in chapter 50:21 - 46
Jeremiah says, "...no man will abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein."
Well, with the invasion of ISIS or IS or ISL, we are seeing now the destruction of Iraq. Is this the beginning of the end? Thanks to satellite communication, verse 46 is now possible. It says,
"At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations."
We are seeing the destruction of Babylon graphically on Youtube and hearing the cry.)
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. (small 'g')
That was another big mistake. Nebuchadnezzar was "mad upon his idols" as says Jeremiah and he made a huge mistake in taking God's stuff and giving it to his false gods!
3. And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
(It was the job of the prince of the eunuchs to "fatten up" the Jewish boys and have them looking healthy and in top condition to bring before the king. So, he felt that he was providing the best food money could buy. He was worried that by eating cheap pulse (probably beans and legumes) that the boys would become weak and unhealthy.)
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove they servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
(Melzar agreed to the experiment.)
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of King Cyrus.
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