What does Daniel 1:18 mean?
"The time" mentioned here is three years, the length of a reeducation process begun when Daniel and other boys were taken from Judah (Daniel 1:1–6). The goal of this program was to mold the Hebrews into loyal subjects of Babylon, who could advise the king and help control the conquered Jewish people. Unlike some captives, four were notably faithful to the God of Israel: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:8–16). These were the same ones given the Babylonian names of Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:7).This meeting with Nebuchadnezzar amounts to their final exam: the ultimate test of their suitability for important roles.As prior verses noted (Daniel 1:17), God gifted these four with exceptional ability. Their commitment to the Lord had not made them less valuable as advisors. Instead, they will prove to be the very best, even among the experienced Babylonian counselors and occult practitioners (Daniel 1:19–20).
A final exam awaits every Christian, but the examiner will not be an earthly king but a heavenly king. The period of one's life as a Christian will be reviewed at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The basis of judgment will not be the Christian's sins, because they were judged on the cross when Jesus received the penalty for their sin. The basis of judgment will be the Christian's faithfulness to the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).