1.  “[Daniel] is one of the few well-known Bible characters about whom nothing negative is ever written.  His life was characterized by faith, prayer, courage, consistency, and lack of compromise.” (DWB)

2.  God uses people—often in places and circumstances they don’t want to be.  Some biblical examples are Joseph, Esther, Moses, and Daniel.  As Warren Wiersbe writes: “Don’t complain about the place where God puts you.  Ask Him to use you while you are there.”  Wherever and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves we must ask what God’s purpose is and seek to be a witness to His name.

3.  Daniel found himself in Babylon because God delivered the Hebrews into the hands of heathen leader Nebuchadnezzar.  God’s people had turned away from Him.  They turned instead to idolatry, apostasy, and immorality.  In accordance with the blessings (for obedience) and cursings (for disobedience) in the Mosaic Law, God had to discipline His people (Deuteronomy 28, especially vv. 49-68).  Though we are not under the Law, God still disciplines His people today (Hebrews 12:4-11). 

4.  Daniel and his three friends are given new names to reflect their new circumstances.  Where formerly their names reflected their commitment to the God of Israel, their new names reflected the false gods of the Babylonians.  They are enrolled in a three year course of study in Babylonian language, learning and culture with a view to assimilating them into Babylonian culture.