The king told his chief chamberlain, to bring in some of the children of Israel of royal blood … such as could take their place in the king’s palace. Daniel is one of the semi-mythical heroes of Israel — something like King Arthur in England. His story, written several years after the events, reflect the historical memory of Israel’s time in exile in Babylon (586-539BC). The example of Daniel provided a model that later generations could use during subsequent times of national crisis as they strove to keep the faith in a hostile environment. We live in a time when society does not make life as a Christian easy — ask any soccer mom whose games are held on Sunday mornings. Like Daniel we must find our path.
