Daniel Chapter 1
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
2 The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god. He brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring and of the nobles;
4 youths in whom was no defect, but well-favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.
5 The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king's dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at its end they should stand before the king.
6 Now amongst these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
7 The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God made Daniel find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.
10 The prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink. For why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? Then you would endanger my head with the king."
11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
12 "Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our faces be examined before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king's dainties; and as you see, deal with your servants."
14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of ten days, their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties.
16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they would drink, and gave them vegetables.
17 Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 At the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 The king talked with them; and amongst them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore stood they before the king.
20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.
21 Daniel continued even to the first year of king Cyrus.
Footnotes
- Verse 2 (Lord)
- The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai."
- Verse 2 (God)
- The Hebrew word rendered "God" is Elohim.
- Verse 3 (offspring)
- or, seed
Version: World English Bible
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Daniel Chapter 1 Guide
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Daniel came into favour and power. The king seems to have been impressed by the people he had conquered. He desired that some of the choicest of their young men be included among his own confidential servants.
Among those selected were four especially named, among whom was Daniel. They were set apart for training and preparation for their official duties. This training lasted three years. They had special physical attention, and their food and drink were supplied from the king's table.
Daniel at once manifested his strength of character in purposing to abstain from the king's meat and wine. He was courteous, but he asked for a ten days test. The test vindicated his purpose, and he and his friends were allowed to proceed with their training. At the end of that training they were presented to Nebuchadnezzar, were approved by him, and appointed to positions in the kingdom.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Daniel Chapter 1 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The captivity of Daniel and his companions. -- (1-7)
- Their refusal to eat the king's meat. -- (8-16)
- Their improvement in wisdom. -- (17-21)
Verses 1-7
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, took Jerusalem, and carried whom and what he pleased away. From this first captivity, most think the seventy years are to be dated. It is the interest of princes to employ wise men; and it is their wisdom to find out and train up such. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that these chosen youths should be taught. All their Hebrew names had something of God in them; but to make them forget the God of their fathers, the Guide of their youth, the heathen gave them names that savoured of idolatry. It is painful to reflect how often public education tends to corrupt the principles and morals.
Verses 8-16
The interest we think we make for ourselves, we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of an Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special care that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of young people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who would excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under. Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear that than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.
Verses 1:17-21
Daniel and his fellows kept to their religion; and God rewarded them with eminence in learning. Pious young persons should endeavour to do better than their fellows in useful things; not for the praise of man, but for the honour of the gospel, and that they may be qualified for usefulness. And it is well for a country, and for the honour of a prince, when he is able to judge who are best fitted to serve him, and prefers them on that account. Let young men steadily attend to this chapter; and let all remember that God will honour those who honour him, but those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.