Please read Chapters 1-7 and Chapter 12 of Daniel. Pick out a verse or passage that seems to you a good example of the way the Hebrews provided ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment to the members of their society. If you like, you might also comment on how the ideas in that verse/passage might have helped Judaism survive despite the many challenges and threats the Jews have faced through history.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Daniel (Extra Credit)
Please read Chapters 1-7 and Chapter 12 of Daniel. Pick out a verse or passage that seems to you a good example of the way the Hebrews provided ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment to the members of their society. If you like, you might also comment on how the ideas in that verse/passage might have helped Judaism survive despite the many challenges and threats the Jews have faced through history.
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33 comments:
There are a number of verses that I found interesting. The ones that I chose to comment on are in Daniel 4:36-37.
When a person becomes to proud and can not see their own faults they need to be reminded that everyone does wrong. By putting Nebuchadnezzar in the fields like cattle for seven seasons helped bring him back to the reality and he realized that he needed to follow the path of the one true God.
Sometimes bad things happen to us for reasons that we do not understand; but God knows why. We are not necessarily ment to understand. This is when our faith comes into play. God knows us better than anyone else and knows what is good for us. We need to trust and believe in him to help us through the good and bad times. I believe this is part of the reason the Jews have been able to hold on for so long through the good and bad because they are a people of enormous faith.
Ellen S. MWF 10:00 am
I find chapter six is very important in this book. When king Darius made a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, he shall be cast into the den of lions, Daniel still kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed to his God, as he did aforetime. Being casted into the den of lions, Daniel was not hurt at all because he has trusted in his god who shut the lions’ mouths. Finally, people who had accused Daniel were thrown into the den of lions and died. Thus Daniel became a living god and was respected by everyone. Even though Daniel knew it was forbidden to pray to God, he still did it without hide. It showed his loyalty to his religion. Just because of that, he was not afraid to be casted into the den of lions and finally saved by his God. It tells people no matter what happened, they should remain fiercely loyal to their religious and cultural identity. If people believe in a God, love him and show faith to him in all our life, they will get through all the bad conditions. I think people’s faith in God and their loyalty to their culture helped Judaism survive despite the many challenges and threats the Jews have faced through history.
Yuan Zhang MWF 9:00 am
The one versus that I found to be a good example for ethical guidance is Daniel 6: 1-7. One of the reasons that this versus is a good example is that all the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute for Daniel. And by doing this it shows that everyone can get along with each other and there is no war happening at this time.
--Anna Tinker
Daniel 2:21-23
These verses do a very good job of givng us a sense that God is always there and will always provide for us in good times and in bad. This I think is a key step in providing guidance of any kind to the Hebrews. This is something that not just Hebrews should be aweare of, but also, everyone. It is always easy to dump the blame on someone else and always have an excuse for why things are going bad, but it is another thing to realize that even though times are bad, we still need to remember that we can get through it with the help of God.
When I was reading the assignment, I found book 6 to be the most important for ethical guidance and emotional fulfillment. When the administrators and satraps try to get the king to accuse Daniel and he is thrown into the lion's den for praying to another god- I think that they are corrupt in their actions. Because God's power is great and he is able to show his power, he saves Daniel from the jaws of the lions. He spares his life because Daniel has done nothing wrong and openly believes in the Lord. To the Medes and Persians, they see a man who has been accused of being a corrupt man for praying to God thrown into a lion pit and come out alive and unharmed. They must see this as emotional fulfillment and ethical guidance. Daniel is alive and well with God's help. Now they see that God is giving and holy for saving Daniel's life and that he is real. I definitely see that as emotional fulfillment and ethical guidance.
Sarah Blasdell
MWF 10-10:50
I have always liked the book of Daniel. I like the verses 10-24 in the fourth chapter. It states that if you truly believe then the Lord will save you through all your struggles in life. These verses give me both ethical guidance and emotional fulfillment. They teach me that no matter whatever comes my way I need to turn to the Lord in order to get through life.
The last post was mine, Carly Johnson..I kind of forgot to mention that..
Daniel is helpful for ruling class to govern their society because it shows some punishmenst after people were commiting evil. Through chapter 6, people would understand they will be punished cruelly when they lie for the bad intention. In this story, Ruling people was so jealousy of Daniel that made some plan to kill him. However, Daniel didn't die and rather they showed Daniel was blessed by God because he lived in the cave where lions were. This gives people etical guidance. At the same time it also becomes a emotional fulfillment since God will always with them whenever they face with test just by believing God.
And I think the reason why Judaism has survived in spite of many challenges is that people are earnest believer. They want to be saved from following God. But I think sometimes they don't want to anything but just believe him. We can see this in 3:18.
Hye-min, kim. MWF 11:00 am
Although all the verses are important I found the most important one to be 12:9-10. I believe it means that we can only make our own paths in life and we have to allow others to choose theirs. When faced with life decisions everyone must decided what they feel is the right decision. The people who are “wicked” will choose that path in life and in most day to day decision. My interpretation is that those who have knowledge of right and wrong may make some bad decisions yet they will be able to be cleansed of their sins. This is because they understand the truth and what is right. They believe and follow the word of God.
Kelli Bornander MWF 9:00
Even though there are several verses I could comment on to show how the Hebrews provided ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment, I chose to comment on Daniel 6:26.
In this verse King Darius wrote a letter to all the people and all nations, "I am making a new law for people in every part of my kingdom. All of you must fear and respect the God of Daniel. Daniel's God is the living God; he lives forever." I think that this verse does a great job of providing both ethical guidance and emotional security because it gives them all a common God to worship. Caitlin L. MWF 11 am class
Chapter six is a very important chapter to the book of Daniel to me because although praying was forbidden, Daniel still continued to pray to his God while he was in the den of lions. In doing so, he wasn't touched by the lions because God answered his prayers and shut the lions mouths. But, the people who put Daniel in the lion's den got punished by being put in the den to die. I think this is a very strong way of showing that taking your trouble's to God and praying is worth it because he, even in a den of lions, can save you. I think people should stay loyal to their religion like Daniel and their life will be inherently successful. God might throw misfortunes in your way, but by praying to Him, He will help us through our tough times as long as we believe. This strength and worship by the Jews is why, I believe, their culture lasted so long because during their trials and tribulations they kept their faith.
Lindsey Daly
MWF 11-11:50 am
I feel like the most instresting thing in Daniel is chaper four when Nebuchadnezzar told Daniel about his dream. I think Daniel did a good job in explaining the dream to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel straight up told Nebuchadnezzar that is he not the most power and their is only one true person that is and that is god.I feel like this is the start of really only believing in one god. Hopefully this is a message to all that no body is more powerful than god and no one will ever be.
Amber Brezden MWF 9-9:50
Daniel 2:20-23
These verses are among the "comfort food" section of the Bible: one can survive very well on pulses--lentils and soforth--because strength and hope come from loving God.
I thought the most interesting point of Daniel was made in Daneil 2 verse 20: Blessed the God of heaven in these words: Blessed be God's name from age to age, for all wisdom and power are his.
This verse is very empowering. We are shown the concept that God is all knowing and that everything is in his power. He will guide us to the right path and be able to help us the most he can along the way. It is reassuring to know how much he is able to help us and guide us. He is everything that we need to survive and he knows exactly what our needs are. He will provide.
Jillaine Pfeifle MWF 11 A.M.
Chapter 2 Verse 18 'He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.'
I find this verse quite interesting just because it gets my mind a rolling. First it talks about how he would PLEAD to God for mercy. It didn't say he was going to pray, but instead PLEAD. I usually think of people who have done wrong and they try and plead for forgiveness. However in this case Daniel has done nothing wrong but still we find him going to God for help.
Another main thing I think about is if that Nebuchadnezzar is suppose to be all powerful and wise, why would he need someone else's help to figure out his dreams? It shows that not one person knows it all, but only God can give you all the answers.
As for the talk about the execution of the men of Nebuchadnezzar, we know that it is not right to kill another. In a society that is doing good we will not find this, but it shows that this society had problems if their leader was killing others. If you couldn't trust your leader who were you to look up to? However Daniel and his three friends knew the answer, and knew God would help them.
Tyhe M. MWF 11am
Kady Na's Answer)
Daniel 7:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and
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 of worship the image of gold you have set up.
1. Emotional Fulfillment
:Pride
The chosen people
-> What is called 'the idea of God's elect'(the chosen people) is an idea which have spread among Hebrews. It must have affected to give them storong emotional fulfillment. They have regarded themselves as 'the chosen people' because God revealed himself to them to save them.
God chose them because wanted to show an strong example of salvation to all nations.
We don't know why God especially chose them as a first fruit, but it is clear that because of that fact, Hebrews could have enjoyed stability, even though they sometimes had obeyed God's mandate. Their God wasn't like other harsh and fickle gods in Byblyon or Egypt. Their God was good and holy, and unchanged.
2. Ethical Guidance:
Because God can see everything we do,
they might be trying to do good things which will result in good consequences.
-> Because they believed God can see and response everything they ask, must have tried to do more good things in front of their almighty and good God. As we can see in the Daniel 3:17-18, Daniel's three friends were people who were sincerley devoted to God. They denied to bow down before sundry gods eventhough king Nevuchadnezzar, could let them put to death. Likewise, many faithful people might have tried to behave rightly and purely in other parts of their life.
3. Overall, because Jews have possessed strong belief in their only God who is holy, good, and unchanged, they might have endured and surviced despite of the many chanllenges and threats like cruel Jewis slaughter during world war II.
Daniel 3:14-24
These verses are about when king Nabuchodonsor makes it known that he shall be adored by all (as in his statue). When Sidrach, Misach and Abderago are brought before the king the king asks them if its true that they don’t worship the golden statue of him and that they don’t worship the gods of king Nabuchodonsor and he try’s bargaining with them saying that they will get things such as music if they just worship the statue and if not they will be thrown into a furnace. They say that there god will save them from the furnace and when they are thrown in they are bound and after they are thrown in they reemerge unscathed.
I think these verses are more directed at Emotional fulfillment. Because the Jews had such great faith in there god he saved them from there horrible punishment proving that it was a bad thing to worship king Nabuchodonsor thus also not following the first commandment “I am the lord thy God, thou shalt have no strange gods before me.”
Joe Adam
Daniel 7:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and
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 of worship the image of gold you have set up.
1. Emotional Fulfillment
:Pride
The chosen people
-> What is called 'the idea of God's elect'(the chosen people) is an idea which have spread among Hebrews. It must have affected to give them storong emotional fulfillment. They have regarded themselves as 'the chosen people' because God revealed himself to them to save them.
God chose them because wanted to show an strong example of salvation to all nations.
We don't know why God especially chose them as a first fruit, but it is clear that because of that fact, Hebrews could have enjoyed stability, even though they sometimes had obeyed God's mandate. Their God wasn't like other harsh and fickle gods in Byblyon or Egypt. Their God was good and holy, and unchanged.
2. Ethical Guidance:
Because God can see everything we do,
they might be trying to do good things which will result in good consequences.
-> Because they believed God can see and response everything they ask, must have tried to do more good things in front of their almighty and good God. As we can see in the Daniel 3:17-18, Daniel's three friends were people who were sincerley devoted to God. They denied to bow down before sundry gods eventhough king Nevuchadnezzar, could let them put to death. Likewise, many faithful people might have tried to behave rightly and purely in other parts of their life.
3. Overall, because Jews have possessed strong belief in their only God who is holy, good, and unchanged, they might have endured and surviced despite of the many chanllenges and threats like cruel Jewis slaughter during world war II.
Keum Dong Na(Kady Na)
The one verse that sticks out is Daniel 1:8. This is when Daniel would not defile himself by changing his name. He showed a good example of emotional fulfillment by keeping his own name. This is important to societies to be able for them to stand up for what they believe in. If a society does not believe in themselves and their heritage, they have no reason to preserve it. The fight to preserve the good things in life is what keeps the world a better place.
Sarah Birkholz 11am
The verses from the book of Daniel that I found most interesting and applied to how the Hebrews provided ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment are Daniel 1:3-9. These verses explain how Jehoiakim, King of Judah, ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring him you men without and physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve the king's palace. What he is basically doing is bringing in the purest and best workforce he can find and then he trains them through hard work and also educates them about the language and the Babylonian culture so that when they are done they are ready to serve in the King's service. This is providing ethical guidance by showing these young men how to do the things the way the Babylonians want them done so that they can carry on these traditions. It also provides emotional fulfillment by giving these men work and and education making them feel as if they are important. These are just a couple examples of how the Hebrews provided emotional fulfillment and ehtical guidance.
I think that Daniel 2:27 is a good source of ethical guidance. The king asks magicians and other people of that nature to interpret a dream of his. He gets very upset when they are unable to do so, and Daniel replies, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come." This shows that people should not believe in things like magic, but they can trust in God. We should not get caught up with worldly things and then believe in "false gods," in this case, magicians and astrologers, but believe in one God.
Laci Schurr, MWF 9:00
I think a great show of emotional fulfillment was chapter 3:17-18. By saying God would save them from the blazing furnace, only if it was his will, shows complete trust in the Lord. These men knew what was meant to happen would. It shows such faith and bravery that these men would still tell Nebuchadnezzer they would not worship him, no matter what their God decided to do. This unfaltering faith in the Lord while they were facing death displays great emotional fulfillment in their faith. -Samantha Foster mwf 11 am
Daniel is a truly fasinating book of the bible and I enjoy traveling through it. But one I chose to comment on is Daniel 2: 20-23. These versus provide comfort to a troubled world then and know. These versus show us that if you trust in God the Almighty who knows all and sees all things will surely be good for you! What a wonderly comforting thought this is to know that you have a good who loves you and promises to alway take care of you!
Alyssa weber MWF 11:00 am
I personal like the Verse of Daniel Chapter 5:17 which said "Then Daneiel answered the king. You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else, Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means."
This passage to me showed the greed of the king, who loved gold and silver, and the wise men who couldn't figure this message out. Daniel did not want gold or silver and showed no greed. This message later said Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin,which meant that because of this greed Belshazzar, the king of the Bablyonians, had his days numbered. That very night Belshazzar was slain.
Jordan Zenk MWF 11:00-11:50 a.m.
I believe that chapter 12 verses 8-13 are good examples of emotional fulfillment to the members of Hebrew society because it speaks of how the Hebrews who do good will be rewarded at the end of time and those who do evil shall be punished. Also it says that people should go about their own ways and if they are good they shall go to their alloted place in Heaven.
~Alyssa Kaye Anderson M,W,F 10:00 AM~
I find chapter 6 to be very important in showing how the Hebrews provided ethical guidance and emotional fulfillment to their society. Daniel continued to believe in his god and pray to him 3 times a day-even when it was forbidden. Daniel kept his faith in his religion and God so the lord saved him from the lions when Darius had him thrown in their den. Judaism survival is majorly because of the strong relationship and faith the people kept in their God and religion through the harshest of times.
Lori Kurtenbach
MWF 1100-1150
Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand;but those who are wise shall understand. i believe that this verse means that there are good people and bad people in this world. The bad people do bad things without understanding why they do it. The good people dont do things like that and they know what is right and what is wrong. if the jews would have know right and wrong their would have been a better way to solve the problem besides fighting.
Jacob Butrous MWF 9:00
In Daniel 7:7 "A i kep watching, thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of His head like whitest wool, His throne was flaming fire....."
I found his to be extremly insightful and gave me a sense of fulfillment at what the people were actually serving and shows the strong bond that was present to the Lord, the people were really to do anything and sacrifice much to please the lord
I like the verse “May your God, whom you serve so loyally, rescue you” from Daniel 6:13. The Lord is our savior and we should put all of our trust in him, through him anything is possible. This provides ethical guidance and emotional fulfillment because it strengthens your faith and reassures you that God will take care of you even in times where it seems impossible. Trust in the Lord.
oops forgot to leave my name!
the last post was mine
Christina Lloyd 9:00 MWF
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
this to me is a great example of how this would have given them emotional fullfillment. Because humans are weak and they need somone to look up to and you can find wisdom and might in god were you cant find it in others.
I like Daniel 6:26- I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. It's a great verse because Nebuchadnezzar believes that someone has more power than even him and that there is one almighty power.
Danielle Herrold MWF 9 am
Daniel:
I like chapters 3.17-18. In these versus Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the king that they only believed in one God, whether that God could deliver them from a furnace or not. I think this verse is very important to Judaism and the threats to Jews throughout history, because it taught them that they should believe in one God no matter what dangers were pursuing them. It proved that they should not stop what their beliefs were because of the threats of anyone else trying to get them to betray the way they believed and get them to give up. This has allowed them to continue in their faith throughout history and allowed them to persevere.
Ashley Schultz
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