Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

Get ready to mark your calendars with colorful crayons because April 2nd isn’t just any ordinary day – it’s International Children’s Book Day! This day is all about diving into the charming world of children’s literature. It’s like a giant hug for books and a high-five for reading, inspiring kids everywhere to embark on grand adventures through the pages of their favorite stories. This special day aims to promote children’s books and reading, as well as to inspire a love of literature among children worldwide. So grab your favorite cozy spot, your trusty bookmark, and let’s journey together through the wonderful land of books!

As you celebrate International Children’s Book Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the profound impact of Bible stories in the lives of your little ones. The Bible itself is a rich source of storytelling, filled with narratives that have captivated hearts and minds for generations. The stories within the Bible speak to the core of human experience and offer guidance for living a life of faith and virtue.

Bible Story books hold significant importance as books for children for several reasons:

Guidance on what is right and wrong: The Bible contains timeless stories that teach important moral and ethical lessons, such as kindness, compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. These stories provide children with a foundation for understanding right from wrong and help shape their character and values. An example is the story of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10 v 25-37).
Spiritual and Religious Education: The Bible serves as a fundamental tool for teaching children about faith, spirituality, and the principles of Christianity. It helps children develop a sense of connection God and understand their place within their respective communities. An example is the story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6).
Value in literature: Many stories in the Bible are beautifully crafted narratives with rich imagery, symbolism, and poetic language. Introducing children to these stories can foster an appreciation for literature and storytelling, enhancing their language skills and imagination. An example is the Creation story (Genesis 1 -2).
Source of Comfort and Guidance: The Bible offers comfort and reassurance to children during difficult times. Its stories of hope, perseverance, and divine love can provide comfort and guidance when children face challenges or uncertainties in their lives. The story of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5 v 21-43).
Family and Community Bonding: Reading and discussing Bible stories together as a family or within a religious community can strengthen familial bonds and create a sense of belonging and shared identity. It provides opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections between generations. Story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50).
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Encouraging children to engage critically with the stories and teachings of the Bible fosters their ability to think analytically, ask questions, and reflect on their own beliefs and values. This critical thinking skill is essential for their intellectual and spiritual development. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

It is very important that you take part in this celebration (Established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)) by making Bible story books a priority in your children’s reading materials, educational settings, and households. You must focus not only on developing their intellect but also on shaping their character, preparing them to face life’s trials with integrity and determination. Let’s unite in embracing the wisdom found in these stories, planting the seeds for a future marked by compassion and enlightenment for all.

THE STORY OF DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS (1.1—6.28)

The Young Men at Nebuchadnezzar's Court

1 In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked Jerusalem and surrounded the city. 2 The Lord let him capture King Jehoiakim and seize some of the Temple treasures. He took some prisoners back with him to the temple of his gods in Babylon, and put the captured treasures in the temple storerooms.

3 The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief official, to select from among the Israelite exiles some young men of the royal family and of the noble families. 4 They had to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, quick to learn, and free from physical defects, so that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. Ashpenaz was to teach them to read and write the Babylonian language. 5 The king also gave orders that every day they were to be given the same food and wine as the members of the royal court. After three years of this training they were to appear before the king. 6 Among those chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, all of whom were from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

8 Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help him, 9 and God made Ashpenaz sympathetic to Daniel. 10 Ashpenaz, however, was afraid of the king, so he said to Daniel, “The king has decided what you are to eat and drink, and if you don't look as fit as the other young men, he may kill me.”

11 So Daniel went to the guard whom Ashpenaz had placed in charge of him and his three friends. 12 “Test us for ten days,” he said. “Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.”

14 He agreed to let them try it for ten days. 15 When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food. 16 So from then on the guard let them continue to eat vegetables instead of what the king provided.

17 God gave the four young men knowledge and skill in literature and philosophy. In addition, he gave Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the three years set by the king, Ashpenaz took all the young men to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them all, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah impressed him more than any of the others. So they became members of the king's court. 20 No matter what question the king asked or what problem he raised, these four knew ten times more than any fortuneteller or magician in his whole kingdom. 21 Daniel remained at the royal court until Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, conquered Babylonia.

Daniel 1