There's always something new to ponder.

In verse 2 of Chapter 1, we find “the land of Shinar.” This is said to Babylon. But one web site (http://www.icr.org/books/defenders/5367) says: 

Zechariah 5:11

5:11 land of Shinar. “Shinar” is Babel, where Nimrod first built his great anti-God empire based upon pantheistic evolutionism and idolatrous covetousness

Research takes us to the book of Revelation to hear more about Babylon and John's predictions of its fall - see Rev. chapter 18. And, of course, to Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health's Glossary for this inspired definition:

Babel. Self-destroying error; a kingdom divided against itself, which cannot stand; material knowledge.

The higher false knowledge builds on the basis of evidence obtained from the five corporeal senses, the more confusion ensues, and the more certain is the downfall of its structure.

Regarding “Nimrod” in the definition above: we ask, this name is not in the Bible, surely? But it is; in 4 references, the main one being Gen. 10:8. Ham, Noah's son had a son Cush, and “Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth.” He was the first powerful king on earth, and Babylon was one of the first cities of his kingdom.

[An interlude here: It shows perhaps how I need to study the book of Daniel when I was hugely surprised that the last citation in the Bible for this week's Bible Lesson is from Daniel: “...thou are greatly beloved” (Dan. 9:23 (in part)). What a beautiful thought to take with us on our way to-day!]

I find myself inclined to ponder the “how to” of things. How would the master of the eunuchs go about finding those “...young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans” (Chap.1, verse 4)?

How would we go about it to-day? If we were in America we might start at Principia College for Christian Scientists. We would certainly need to use our God-given qualities such as intuition and perception. We would need to seek God's help, perhaps with attention to Mary Baker Eddy's poem

Shepherd.

Shepherd show me how to go

O'er the hillside steep,

How to gather, how to sow, –

How to feed Thy sheep;

I am sure it could not be counted how many times that sentiment has brought direction and guidance and government to those who call on this sublime poem set to music in the Christian Science Hymnal.

Anyway, Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were classified under those qualities. Perhaps by refusing the king's food and drink Daniel was re-classifying the qualities as being of God; which qualities could not be improved upon by royal food and drink. He would not defile himself by claiming the good to be personal to him. He knew that God must get the credit.

Daniel was given something extra - “understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan. 1:17).

Joyce Voysey

Ed. Readers may like to listen to Edward Elgar's achingly beautiful NIMROD from his "Enigma Variations". There are a number of recordings on YouTube.