Trials such as those experienced by Daniel and Esther may not be the lot of everyone, but we each have adversity. The question is not whether we’ll have trials, but what our response to them will be.
“Singular and Plural address in the Scripture,” James R. Rasband, BYU Studies 41, no. 2.
This Gospel Doctrine lesson states: “Our obedience should not be conditioned on whether or not the Lord gives us an expected blessing at an expected time in return.” Similarly, we need to understand that modern readers sometimes assume that blessings promised to the church collectively may not be granted to individuals even though they are in compliance with the commandment. This article looks at collective and individual promises.
“Esther: Queen of Persia and Advocate for Her People,” Old Testament Student Manual, Kings-Malachi, lds.org.
Details about the book of Esther. Ahasuerus is a Hebrew transliteration of the Persian Khsyayarsha, better known as Xerxes. Scholars propose that the purpose that the decree of annihilation was broadcast months before the set date was that Haman intended that the Jews should be forced to leave their property and escape. The fasting and faithfulness of Esther and her people was productive.
“Daniel: Prophet of God, Companion of Kings,” Old Testament Student Manual, Kings-Malachi, lds.org.
This commentary on Daniel reviews specifics about the history, culture, and lessons of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel’s gift of interpreting dreams and visions led him to prominence, and consequently his life was endangered, yet the Lord protected him.
“Quiet Slumber: Revelation through Dreams,” Ryan C. Jenkins, Religious Educator 12, no. 1 (2011): 73–89.
Daniel’s confidence in inquiring of the Lord must have been preceded by individual moments with the Lord that gave him unflinching assurance. He was also the recipient of a dream detailing events in the last days. In this case we know “he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters” (Daniel 7:1).