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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

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What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why? 

 

I think it was certainly a drastic change for Daniel and his friends. They were from noble and royal families in Jerusalem. However, they were now slaves and servants in Babylon. To add further insult, their names were changed to Babylonian names some of which included the names of Babylonian gods. To the Hebrews, who believed a person's character and future could be prefigured by their names, it is probably very difficult. Going from bad to worse, it would have been the last straw that broke the came's back if indeed Daniel and his friends were made eunuchs. However, they kept their focus on God. It was God who strengthened them and granted them favour with the Babylonians. This enabled them to keep their faith and not compromise God.

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"Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?"

 

 
 
Wow, can you imagine? Reminds of Esther. I'd imagine their status in Jerusalem was one of nobility. Then they go from men of honor and prestige to being emasculated and treated like objects for the king. I can only imagine the humiliation of losing their ability to have children as this is important to the Hebrews. And then the name change, it's insult to injury- literally. But they had no say in the matter.  
 
I imagine they had to cling to the Lord and His promises and to each other to not want to end their lives right there. Sometimes it's at rock bottom when we finally realize we are nothing and seek the Lord to use us and redeem us. And He will!
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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

What changes did Daniel and his friends experience?

Jerusalem seems to have surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar with minimal resistance. Daniel and his friends were the first one's to be exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon.

What was their status in Jerusalem?

Their status in Jerusalem was they were from nobile and royal families.

What was their status in Babylon?

Their status in Babylon was to be trained as servants in the kings court.

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

They were all named after Babylonian Gods when they actually believed in the one, true, God,

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

They would be taken away from their families in Jerusalem and made to be loyal servants of the king of Babylon.

Did they make compromises? If so, why?

No, they did not make compromises. Even though they were exiled to a country that didn't believe in God, they still kept

their faith in the one, true, God

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Having come from royal and noble households, Daniel and his friends must have had all the privileges of healthy lifestyle, good education the freedoms and confidences of their identities. So they must have found the change difficult in a hostile arrogant selfish culture. They would have had to deal with the anger of the powers that took over their home city and land. Now in Babylon their status was one of a servant in training being manipulated to how the king wanted them. To have their names changed was robbing them of their identity. Their new names where not encouraging or uplifting. To be made into eunuchs was for them loosing their masculinity and any hope of marriage and fathering children. A blow to the future they believed they would have. Their compromises were on the outside. Their hearts were still devoted to God of Israelites

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? They were removed from their home (most likely forceably) and relocated to another country with different foods, different language and different values.  They were essentially orphaned and put at the mercy of their "keepers"

 

What was their status in Jerusalem? Ruling class, admired, free

 

In Babylon? Captive, looked down upon, court servants

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? I wonder how long it took them to respond to their new "names".  I am certain they used their real names in private (if they had privacy at first).  Taking away a name dehumanizes, that is why we dislike "honey, sweetie, etc" - that is not who I am, except to my husband!  

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? To be disfigured in this way would have made them realize on a daily basis that they are bounty recovered from a nation beseiged.  Being an eunuch also made them "unclean" and unable to participate in temple worship if they did return to Jerusalem.

 

Did they make compromises?There is no indication of that, and I'm certain if there were compromises made, it would have been early on.  

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What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

  1. Daniel and his friends experienced a new culture which consist of a new language, land, foods, and people.
  2. Daniel and his friends status in Jerusalem was that of wealth.  They were from noble and royal families.
  3. Their status in Babylonian was servants that were be trained to be counselors.
  4. Changing their names to Babylonian names was to make them Babylonian.  It would help them to assimilate into the culture.
  5. The impact on them being made eunuchs would be that they would not be able to have children.  Also, they would be taken away from their families.
  6. Yes, They compromised on the food.  They did not want to defile the body.  Daniel talked the Chief Priest into a test for 10 days of nothing but vegetables and water.  If they did not look more healthier than their men they would get Babylonian food.
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?1. Here we have 4 young men from prominent families, who probably have servant's of their own, fine clothing, own living quarters inside their parents palaces. Use to giving order's and being obeyed. Now they have been yanked form their homes, now they're being trained to serve. Living as a group, being told what to do, what they can't do, what to eat. Their lives have been turned upside down.

?2. a: Jerusalem - high ranking personal personnel

b: Babylon - low ranking personnel

?3. To me, having ones name changed from something meaningful and to be proud of to insultful and demeaning, must have been like a slap in the face and very discouraging.

?4. To become an eunuchs after living a privileged lifestyle must be very demeaning and discouraging.

?5. The Bible doesn't explain how Daniel and the others were chosen to be eunuchs. Did they volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts? ( yes I want to go and serve a pagan king, learn a new language and new way of life and give up all I know and love). Was there a threat? Go or die, go or the parents die, or a younger brother or sister dies?

So to me at this point the answer is NO, there was no compromise.

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7)

What changes did Daniel and his friends experience?

Daniel and his friends were given training in Babylonian culture, had their names changed to Babylonians names etc

What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon?

They were from a royal family in Jerusalem and in Babylon, they were chosen to serve the royalty.

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

Names tend to have an effect on the attitude of a person. However, these youths were so strong in their faith that they would refuse to be influenced by the Babylonians.

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

Monachs make male servants eunuchs so that they would not marry and thus to get their full attention and loyalty without family distractions.

Did they make compromises? If so, why?

As we will see later, these youths were so trained in the Lord back home that they refused to compromise themselves by refusing to do anything that will dishonour the Lord.

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? LITERALLY RELOCATED and handled like cattle.

 

What was their status in Jerusalem? FROM INFLUENTIAL FAMILIES..

 

In Babylon? NO STATUS, ONLY PROPERTY.

 

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? THEY WENT FROM NAMES OF HOPE & WORSHIP to names of SERVANTS.

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? NO WAY TO CONTINUE THEIR FAMILY LEGACY.

 

Did they make compromises? YES, THEY ACCEPTED THE NAME CHANGE

 

If so, why? SURVIVAL

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On 8/14/2015 at 11:41 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
 

 

Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem

 In Jerusalem they were from families of royalty and nobility, which entitled them to privilege, respect, freedom, life purpose, approval, choices....they were members of the religious majority, and respected as leaders and examples. They were single but with the best of marriage prospects. They were wealthy. They were known wherever they went. They were the "cream of the crop" of Hebrew young men....handsome, eligible, intelligent.

In Babylon?

In Babylon they were slaves in captivity, under foreign dictatorship ,and now only a handful shared their faith. (they were without a high priest or sacrifices to be offered for their sins.) They were without privilege, freedom, purpose, approval or respect. They were unknown outsiders and probably ostracized by the wealthy Babylonians. They may have become eunuchs, no longer eligible for marriage and family. They were probably impoverished with only a small stipend on which to live. They were to be "brainwashed" with literature and language of the idolatrous Chaldean's, further removing them from their heritage and faith.. 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

Their names were their identity in Judah and their connection to family and heritage. Changing their names was an attempt to wipe out their "roots", so they would be thought of and would think of themselves as Babylonians. Their Hebrew names affirmed they belonged to God. Their new names were a reminder that they were "nobody now" other than the property of the king.

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

As Hebrews, one of their main roles was to marry and have children. If they were made eunuch's their only purpose was to be in service to Nebuchadnezzar. Their youth and future would have been taken away from them.

Did they make compromises? If so, why?

They submitted to the oppression and changes. Their names were changed but I would guess in private they used their familial Hebrew names.

They must have believed they'd be set free at some point, and "went along to get along"...that it would be well with them while in captivity. (They were wise and discerning Hebrew youths.)

We learn later that they refused to compromise by eating the King's rich diet, choosing to eat a modest diet of vegetables and water instead.

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

          One of the first things, these four circumcised Hebrew youths, encountered, was the changing of their names to that of the Babylonians’ culture and religion of the time. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were probably from the nobility of Judah. The four lads who had no physical defects, now slaves of the Babylonian king, were taken to Babylon, to be given a three year training prior to being designated in governmental positions. Unlike other victorious kings, who enslaved subjugated persons, King Nebuchadnezzar was determined to train young captives who showed an aptitude for learning and intelligent. The four Jews were chosen by Ashpenaz.

          It was hoped that by changing their names from Daniel to Belteshazzar, Hananiah to Shadrach, Mishael to Meshach, and Azariah  to Abednego, the four Hebrew friends will lose the Jewish identities. The original names of Daniel and his friends had an element of God, or rather a shorthand version of Jehovah. More importantly, the name change was intended to erase all attachment to their Jewish nation and religion.

          The four Jewish youth with deliberately “castrated” names of the Chaldean gods were to perform specific public duties as Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. Though they carried out their duties, they never failed their worship of their One God. They never defiled themselves with the day to day Babylonian way of life, be it be food or drinks etc. They made no compromises as they know that their God is the ultimate Deliverer. Not King Nebuchadnezzar or his Chaldean / Babylonian gods.

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What changes did Daniel and his friends experience?

The change was that they were taken from their own country, from family and friends.  Although Daniel and his three friends were very lucky that they were together.  Everything was different and strange. The culture and belief system were quite different to the Jewish faith and culture.

 

Their Status

In Jerusalem was one were they came from a better "class". They were of royal families.  In Babylon they are slaves. They have no say over their own lives

 

The effect of changing their names seems to have been to totally take away anything from them.  They are, I should imagine, to feel as if they are property of the King of Babylon.

 

In everything I have read about Eunuchs, it is not only to make the person totally focused on what is expected of them but also to make them feel totally demolized.  So in this instance they are now totally belonging to the King and have to be obedient to him.  Their own family would properly not accept them back.   I am not sure of this last statement but should imagine it would have been very difficult for them.

 

They did not compromise at all.  It is amazing how strong they were.  To turn away the food and have faith that they would have enough to eat is wonderful. I hope that if I am ever tested to this degree that I will be strong.

 

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem?

 

In Jerusalem they were from families of royalty and nobility, which entitled them to privilege, respect, freedom, life purpose, approval, choices....they were members of the religious majority, and respected as leaders and examples. They were single but with the best of marriage prospects. They were wealthy. They were known wherever they went. They were the "cream of the crop" of Hebrew young men....handsome, eligible, intelligent.

 

In Babylon?

 

In Babylon they were slaves in captivity, under foreign dictatorship,and now only a handful shared their faith. (they were without a high priest or sacrifices to be offered for their sins.) They were without privilege, freedom, purpose, approval or respect. They were unknown outsiders and probably ostracized by the wealthy Babylonians. They may have become eunuchs, no longer eligible for marriage and family. They were probably impoverished with only a small stipend on which to live. They were to be "brainwashed" with literature and language of the idolatrous Chaldean's, further removing them from their heritage and faith.. 

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

 

Their names were their identity in Judah and their connection to family and heritage. Changing their names was an attempt to wipe out their "roots", so they would be thought of and would think of themselves as Babylonians. Their Hebrew names affirmed they belonged to God. Their new names were a reminder that they were "nobody now" other than the property of the king.

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

 

As Hebrews, one of their main roles was to marry and have children. If they were made eunuch's their only purpose was to be in service to Nebuchadnezzar. Their youth and future would have been taken away from them.

 

 

 

 

Did they make compromises? If so, why?

 

They submitted to the oppression and changes. Their names were changed but I would guess in private they used their familial Hebrew names.

They must have believed they'd be set free at some point, and "went along to get along"...that it would be well with them while in captivity. (They were wise and discerning Hebrew youths.)

We learn later that they refused to compromise by eating the King's rich diet, choosing to eat a modest diet of vegetables and water instead.

 

I never thought of that. That their future was taken away though I just thought of it as them not being able to return to families.  Thankyou

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

 

They went from nobility to hostages and then servants of a tyrant.  In Jerusalem they were nobility descended from Hezekiah, in Babylon they were hostages trained to serve the king.

The effect of changing their names was to wipe out the memories of the one, true God.

It probably made them more docile and willing to serve.  There was nothing else for them to do and   they would no longer be acceptable to go home (Jerusalem).

I do not see any compromise.  When you are made captive you are under the dominion of whoever has power over you in that circumstance.  Somethings they simply had no choice.  The choice they had was to remember the God of Israel and maybe realize that they would serve Him in the courts of Babylon.

 

God bless

Jen

Romans 15:13

 

 

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? Daniel and his friends experienced a cultural shock. The religion, the customs, the language, the food, the living conditions the surroundings all changed.
What was their status in Jerusalem?   In Jerusalem Daniel and his friends were royalty, sons of the king and noblemen.
 In Babylon?  They were reduced to servants in the king's palace, eunuchs.
 What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?  They were stripped of their identity and when they learnt the meaning of their new names they must have felt humiliated.
What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? They would feel completely hopeless with no purpose to live as they would not be capable of having any offspring to continue their royal line.

Did they make compromises? They did not make any compromise.
If so, why?          

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They were descendants of noble families in Jerusalem but in Babylon they were servants. They were in their new status of servanthood. If they were made eunuchs it meant that they would serve the king of Babylon without family distraction.

They never lost their focus to the One true God

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

 

Pastor Ralph, I believe their entire way of life was changed. They had to learn to accept the change. They were of nobility in Jerusalem. They became captives in Babylon. And they had to do what Nebuchenezzer ordered. I think the name changes were ver hard for them to take. They loved God, and I believe that in their time together when no one else was around they called each other their Hebrew names. 

 

They were forced to make compromises. They had to. And I know it hurt them. But they did stick to their Hebrew diet, didn't they? There were some compromises they flatly refused to accept. 

 

Thank you for making this picture more detailed to me. I've read it at least a hundred times, and I am just now realizing how hard it must have been for them. 

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What changes did Daniel and his friends experience?

1.  Landscape and weather

2.  A different culture and language

3.  Different customs and worship practices

 

What was their status in Jerusalem?

They all belonged to the royal family in some way.

 

What was their status in Babylon?

They were put into a separate place to live, given different food, given different clothing and instruction.

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

To some groups of people, names mean much, but to others it does not have much meaning.  To the Hebrew people, names meant something, but to the Babylonians, it did not.

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

It meant that they could not have families or descendants

 

Did they Make compromises?

I am sure they did, but not any that was very important.

 

If so, why?

Being involved with the royal family, they had to fit a certain status, making some compromises

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? Everything changed.  They were transported from everything that they knew and their everyday experiences to something completely different.  Different country, different language, customs, traditions, etc.  How shocking it must have been to become slaves basically overnight from nobility to slave.

 

What was their status in Jerusalem? In Jerusalem they were young, capable, smart members of nobility.

 

In Babylon? They really were nothing but slaves, however, the king knew that the countries that he conquered had among the average, smart, intelligent young men who could contribute to his kingdom as counselors, interpretors, and contribute to the good of the country.

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? We who live in the West have absolutely no concept of the meaning of names!  In the culture of that day, names not only identified who your were but also what you were.

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? I have tried to review the material and it seemed like it said that all eunuchs were not necessarily nutered.  Either way, they had to succumb to the service of the king and yield themselves to his whems and desires.

 

Did they make compromises? They were firm in their beliefs.  They yielded to the preparation to serve but they did not compromise their belief system.

 

If so, why?

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

 

Daniel and his friends experienced drastic changes in their lives.  change of place, food, culture, religious differences etc.

In Jerusalem they belonged to family of nobles.

In Babylon they were made slaves in the Kings Palace.

They were named in Hebrew in Jerusalem, believing a person's character and future could be prefigured by their names.​  But in Babylon they were named for the convenience of the Babylonians and after Pagan gods.

All this must have been very heartbreaking and hard on them.

Yet they did not quit or make compromises, because they trusted in their God, the one true god whom they had faith in.

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Changes were leaving family, names and status.

 

Changed from nobility to servanthood.

 

I'm sure they did not like their names changed.  God was not honored in the new names.  But the new names did not change who they were.

 

It's easier to be raised a slave and graduate to being nobility than to be nobility and go down to servanthood.  These boys were truly humble.  I think of how Jesus considered himself a servant of all.  I believe this was their mindset.

 

No compromise!!  They were wise in their dealings, but their worship of God would not be changed!!  Small compromises on unimportant stuff is ok--but not to compromise on their relationship with the only living God!!

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A complete identity change (language, name, diet, environment, etc.) They were noble Hebrew students in Jerusalem. They were servants in Babylon. The new names would make the transition easier. Also, this name change was a mark of dominance and control. To be eunuchs would inhibit them from having sexual desires as well as prevent them from wanting to runaway. No, they did not compromise.

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience?

Change of language, writings, the literature would include myths and legends as well as divination text

 

What was their status in Jerusalem?

They were of good appearance and well educated, skilled in all wisdom they were noble

 

In Babylon?

Servants

 

What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names?

The new names praised Babylonian gods

 

What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs?

For them to serve the Lord

 

Did they make compromises?

No they did not compromise for the sake of the kingdom of heaven

If so, why? 

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Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?

 

Daniel and his friends were taken to a completely different land and culture. The men belonged to royalty in their homeland (according to the scripture, Daniel 1:3-5). So they were taken to a palace, given foreign names- that would feel like loosing the sense of belonging to a family they once belonged to . They were given foreign food, that they were not used to (v 5) and forced to learn foreign values academia and culture. It must have been like every thing of their life back in Judah was stripped from them. If the men were made eunuchs the men would loose the ability of marriage and producing a family. It must have been a big shock for them to live in a different culture and value system. They must have made compromises. I like the comment of one of the others on the forum "they must have made compromises, but none that mattered".

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