Daniel 1

Daniel Chapter OneVerse 1 This chapter gives the historical setting (Daniel 1:1-2), introduces the four Hebrew young men whose deeds are featured in Daniel (Daniel 1:3-7), tells how these “four” did not wish to violate God’s dietary rules and requested that they may eat only those things which God allowed (Daniel 1:9-13), reports how after an experimental period often days, the steward complied with their request (Daniel 1:14-16), and relates that as a result of their loyalty to God, they were blessed exceedingly and were granted the right to “stand before the king” (Daniel 1:17-21). Daniel 1:1-2“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim King of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And 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: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god.“It is easily observed that the volume of comments against a given passage of God’s Word on the part of Bible critics often exhibits an inverse ratio to the reasonableness of their arguments. The more unbelievable their arguments are, the greater is the volume of them. Nothing could be any more certain than the historical accuracy of the passage before us, but reminding us of that “river” out of the serpent’s mouth (Revelation 12:15), Biblical enemies have literally tried to wash this passage away with their denials. The first attack is based on the fact that Jeremiah placed this event in “the fourth year of Jehoiakim” (Jeremiah 25:1). “Daniel, however, evidently employed the Babylonian method of reckoning, in which the first year is regarded as following the year of the king’s accession to the throne."[1]“Jehoiakim came to the throne at the end of a year, which Jeremiah reckoned as a year; but Daniel did not count it as it was an incomplete year."[2] Dummelow allowed that both statements were “correct” because the first year of Nebuchadnezzar lay partially in both the third and fourth years of Jehoiakim.[3] Of course, this variation of a single year in the sacred records, however it can be explained, is of no consequence. As Barnes put it, “It is not material."[4]Another objection raised against this first verse is that the first expedition against Jerusalem by Nebudchadnezzar took place about the time of the battle of Carchemish (May or June, 605 B.C.);[5] and the fact of Nebuchadnezzar’s being here called “king of Babylon” is labeled as an “error,” because Nebuchadnezzar did not actually become king of Babylon until 604 B.C.[6] As anyone should know, “This is a prolepsis."[7] Here is another example: President Eisenhower was born in Dennison. President Eisenhower led the invasion of Europe, etc. Critics are hard pressed for an error to focus upon something like this. We appreciate the words of Owens who said: “All the bits of information given here are individually true; but they are put together in a general sense."[8]All such quibbles about the alleged “errors” are pointless. The big point of the passage is that because of the repeated and continuing rebellions of Israel and her kings against the will of God, God at last sent the whole nation into captivity exactly as the prophet Jeremiah had foretold (Jeremiah 4-6). There were in fact no less than three expeditions of Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem, in all three of which captives were carried away; and the passage before us refer to the first of these occasions, which was not documented on pagan records. On this pretext, up until very recently, as late as 1956, critics were boldly claiming the account here was “a historical blunder."[9] That slander, however, has been laid to rest; because, “As recently as February, 1956, the ancient documents were first published which now proved full historical support for Nebuchadnezzar’s presence in Judah at exactly this time."[10]We have explored this far enough to see that the arrogant charge which denies any historical accuracy to verses like this is a gross and irresponsible error. Arthur Jeffery stated that, “Daniel 1:1 is only a literary device; strict historical accuracy is not important. It is here to prove a setting for the story, not to provide historical information!"[11] We reject such views. It is of interest that Nebuchadnezzar’s name, as found here and occasionally in other parts of the Old Testament, is alleged to be misspelled, the true spelling being Nebuchadnezzar. Our usage will conform to the spelling in Daniel. Owens stated that, “There are various spellings of this name in the Old Testament."[12]In light of this, therefore, how weak is the allegation of the same author that, “the Daniel of Eze 14:14; Ezekiel 14:20 cannot be the youth of the Book of Daniel,” evidently basing his argument upon the fact that “the names are spelled differently."[13] If the misspelling of a name in the Old Testament is grounds for such conclusions, then we may have half a dozen Nebuchadnezzar’s! “Shinar …” (Daniel 1:2) is a very ancient name for Babylon (Genesis 10:10; Genesis 11:2); and the appearance of that name here makes it certain that no forger of the times of the Maccabees wrote this book. People in that age did not use this name for Babylon. Verse 3 “And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in certain of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal, and of the nobles; youths in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skilled in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge and, understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And 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 the end thereof they should stand before the king. Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and of Azariah, of Abed-nego.“It is strangely pathetic to find the names of these precocious young princes of Israel among the eunuchs of the king of Babylon. Now eunuchs were usually persons who had been emasculated; and, although it is true that there were sometimes eunuchs merely in the sense of “officers” of the king, the situation here does not lend itself to such an explanation. These young men were not officers: at all but captives; and we agree with Culver that, “Them is great possibility that Daniel and his friends may have been emasculated."[14] We favor this view because of Isaiah’s prophecy: And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of Jehovah. Behold the clays come, that all that is in thy house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith Jehovah. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, whom thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18). As for the reasons why the names of these men were changed by their Babylonian masters, several motives could have caused it: (1) Hebrew names being unfamiliar to the Babylonians, they replaced them with names they could more easily remember and pronounce. (2) A definite hostility to the religion of the Hebrews is also evident. They replaced names which were derived from the true God through the use of syllables meaning Yahweh, or Jehovah, with Babylonian names which either honored Babylonian pagan gods, or in some way might have been derogatory. Note the following: Daniel means “God is my judge."[15]Hananiah means “Yahweh hath been gracious."[16]Mishael means “Who is what E1 is?"[17]Azariah means “Yahweh has helped."[18]The names given in Babylon to these men had the following meanings: Belteshazzar means “Bel (a pagan god) protects his life."[19]Shadrach means “The command of Aku (the moon god)."[20]Meshach means “Who is this?"[21]Abednego means “Servant of the god Nabu."[22]From this it is easy to see that the purpose of the names included the desire to eradicate all traces of the Hebrew religion and replace them with names honoring Babylonian pagan gods. The development of this paragraph shows that these particular Hebrew young men, along with an undetermined number of others, were enrolled in a three-year course of study to master the wisdom, the learning, and the language of the Chaldeans. They were honored by such an opportunity. Among other privileges, they enjoyed being fed from the king’s kitchen. Verse 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. Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? So would ye endanger my head with the king. Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat the king’s dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.“It should be remembered that there were other children of Israel besides these particular four who were also given the same opportunities; but the record reveals that only these decided to abide by the rules of the law of Moses regarding the eating of unclean things. “God’s people were here facing a situation where it had to be absolute loyalty to God or they were lost. It is the same situation which Christians face today."[23] Of all those who were given the opportunity, only these four remained faithful to God. Defilement through eating the king’s dainties was “ceremonial defilement” as outlined in the Mosaic law. The meats which formed, no doubt, a major part of the king’s food would have been dedicated to idols after the pagan customs that continued even until the days of the apostles. All of the wonderful things which happened in the Book of Daniel were the result of the blessing of God upon these faithful young men who would not permit themselves to be led into violation of the Holy Scriptures. It is interesting to note that Daniel received favor from the authorities whom he petitioned to allow a diet which did not violate their consciences. It would appear that God Himself intervened to give Daniel the necessary preference to make the granting of his wish possible. “Pulse … (Daniel 1:12). This word does not mean simply “peas, or legumes,” but “It would refer to all plants that bear seeds."[24]It has often been pointed out that there is no mandate here for vegetarianism. There would in all probability have been no scruples whatever on the part of the four young men against eating meat, except for the great likelihood of any meats which the king would have provided for them having been sacrificed to idols, or, at any rate, not kosher. Others have been equally diligent to affirm that the refusal of the wine did not indicate a denial that wine was an acceptable part of the diet for Jews generally. On the other hand, these young Hebrew students might very well have refused the wine on the grounds of its being detrimental and harmful. There are many today who refused to drink alcohol for the same excellent reason. We know of no way that Nebuchadnezzar’s wine would not have been kosher. Verse 14 “So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king’s dainties. So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.“The inadequacy of the Hebrew language, especially with regard to tenses of verbs, is evident in the rendition in Daniel 1:16, where “the wine that they should drink” actually means “the wine they would (or should) have drank.” The steward ran little or no risk at all in complying with Daniel’s request; because, if the experiment had not been successful, he could have altered the diet accordingly. God blessed Daniel and his companions; and, basing his actions on the appearance of the four, the steward promptly changed their diet according to Daniel’s request. Millard noted that “fatness” is used here in a somewhat different sense from the connotation of the word in our day. It does not mean obesity. “It indicates sufficiency and prosperity through the Old Testament."[25] We do not know whether Daniel was inspired to request this change of diet, or if he did it solely upon his inner conviction of what was right or wrong. We believe that it sprang out of Daniel’s attitude of faith and devotion; but the results surely proved that God indeed approved of his action. Occasionally, the inquiry is raised as to how there could have been more danger of pollution to these Hebrew youths in eating the king’s food than there was in being schooled in all the knowledge of the Babylonians, but, as Leupold said,” such a view comes form a failure to comprehend the issues."[26] In the first place, the “learning of the Chaldeans” was a very extensive field, embracing studies in astronomy, architecture, languages, and magic, but even the “magic” at that point in history was not the “black art” that developed later. On the other hand, there was not merely the possibility of defilement in eating meat sacrificed to idols; to have done so would have violated the plain commandments of the law of Moses. Verse 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. And 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. And the king communed with them and among them all there was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore stood they before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in his realm. And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.“The statement in Daniel 1:17 regarding Daniel’s understanding of visions and dreams is apparently introduced here as a foreshadowing of events about to be related. “And at the end of the days …” (Daniel 1:18). This means at the end of the three-year period of training. “The king communed with them … (Daniel 1:19).” This examination by the king corresponded to the “oral examination” which candidates for certain higher degrees are required to pass today in many universities. From the standpoint of Daniel and his companions, the occasion was a great success. They passed the test with highest honors and was appointed to begin their service in the palace of the king. Thomson was impressed with the very fact of the hero of this book, Daniel, and his associates diligently studying to excel in Chaldean learning, and then upon completion of the course, willingly, and apparently joyfully accepting assignment in the king’s palace. He pointed out that it is utterly impossible to suppose that this book was written to encourage the Jews and to provide examples of how Jews should act in the days of their dealings with the vicious beast of a ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes.[27] Also, “The mention of visions and dreams is an accurate reflection of the Babylonian background of the Book of Daniel."[28]“The magicians …” (Daniel 1:20).” This word occurs only seven times in the Old Testament: here, and inGenesis 41:8,24; Exodus 7:11; Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:7; Exodus 9:11.[29]“And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus …” (Daniel 1:21).” This does not mean that Daniel died that year, for in Daniel 10:1, we find that Daniel was still active and in high standing in the third year of king Cyrus. What is meant is that, “Daniel’s career spanned the entire period of the seventy years captivity of Israel."[30] The chronology of this was cited by Owens. “The first year of Cyrus as king over Babylon was 538 B.C. which was slightly less than 70 years after Daniel was taken to Babylon."[31] Add the two more years indicated in Daniel 10:1, where it is said that Daniel was active in the “third year” of Cyrus, and it is clear that all throughout the 70 years captivity, God’s representative in the person of Daniel stood quite near to the throne of world authority. Thus, the providence of God watched over the Chosen people even in their bitter punishment. The fact just cited fails little short of being an unqualified miracle. Throughout more than two thirds of a century, Daniel continued serenely above all of the intrigues and treacheries always identified with the court of oriental kings, prevailing over the inevitable jealousies that existed everywhere, and especially against a despised foreigner in high office. He lived to see a whole dynasty of Babylonian kings ascend the throne, continue awhile, and fade away. He even lived to see the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus! Only the special providence and blessing of the Father could have caused such a thing to happen. We must not leave this chapter without remembering why Israel was sent into captivity. Such a dreadful punishment was meted out to them because for 490 years they had not observed the sabbatical years as commanded in the law of Moses. Therefore God brought upon them the king of the Chaldeans who deported the whole nation, “Until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths; for as long as it lay desolate it kept sabbath to fulfill threescore and ten years!” (2 Chronicles 36:21). It seems nearly incredible that Bible critics would allege “a contradiction between verse 21 and Daniel 10:1, assuming that verse 21 meant that Daniel died in the first year of Cyrus. The word “until” never means arbitrarily that the person or action under consideration did not continue after the time indicated. For example, when Jacob told Pharaoh that, “Thy servants have been keepers of cattle until this day” (Genesis 46:34), the last thing on earth that Jacob could have meant was that the Jews on that day were going out of the cattle business! Culver noted that, since the last year of the captivity coincided with the first year of Cyrus, that year was mentioned here as indicated that Daniel continued in favor throughout the whole period of the long captivity. He add that, “This is the most natural understanding of the verse (21)."[32]There is built into Daniel a very strong presumptive proof of its having been written before the captivity of Israel ended. If that were not true how can it be explained that no mention of the “return” is found in this book? “This is one of the strongest evidences of the authenticity of Daniel."[33] It is a climax of the unreasonable to suppose that if Daniel was written in the days of the Maccabean struggle as an encouragement to the Jews in those bitter times, there would have been no mention of the return of Israel from the Babylonian captivity, the features of which are so prominent in Daniel.

Commentary On Daniel One by Eric HallDaniel 1 Verse1-In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. As we mentioned in our introductory comments, the first few verses of Chapter 1 do not seem to be speaking of a single incident, but instead appear to be a summary of the events that led to Daniel’ s deportation.

We meet two kings in the first verse of Daniel: King Nebuchadnezzar and King Jehoiakim. One of these is one of the most detestable figures in the Bible – and it is not Nebuchadnezzar!

Jehoiakim was the son of King Josiah, and was appointed to be king by Necho, King of Egypt. A few years later Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians and Assyrians, and then turned his sights on Jehoiakim.

Read Jeremiah 36 Jeremiah 36:2-3 “ Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. 3 Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

Jeremiah 36:23-24 Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’ s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. 24 The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.

Jeremiah 36:27-31 After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’ s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “ Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up. 29 Also tell Jehoiakim king of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You burned that scroll and said, “Why did you write on it that the king of Babylon would certainly come and destroy this land and cut off both men and animals from it? 30 Therefore, this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night. 31 I will punish him and his children and his attendants for their wickedness; I will bring on them and those living in Jerusalem and the people of Judah every disaster I pronounced against them, because they have not listened.”

King Jehoiakim took a knife to the word of God, cut it in pieces, and through it in the fire. He had no regard for the word of God. Perhaps its due to my own personal experiences with some modern day Jehoiakim’ s but that story really burns me up (no pun intended).

Are we sometimes guilty of the same thing? Do we pick and choose parts of the Bible the way he did? What difference is there if instead of cutting out something from our Bible, we simply choose to ignore it?

As we mentioned in our introduction, the city was first besieged (not captured) during the third year of King Jehoiakim’ s reign (according to Daniel’ s Babylonian calendar) or in the fourth year of his reign (according to Jeremiah’ s Judean calendar.)

Who was Nebuchadnezzar? His name means “ Nebo, protect my boundary!” He was the son of the Chaldean Nabopolassar, King of Babylon, and would soon be king himself.

Note that Nebuchadnezzar is called “ king” even though he was not yet king when the city was first besieged. We use similar language today. We might say that President Bush was once the youngest pilot in the navy – but he wasn’ t president at the time. Thus, Daniel refers to Nebuchadnezzar as king because he had been king when Daniel was written. (We need to approach the Bible with a little common sense and not look for an error around every corner.)

Why had this occurred? Why were the people taken captive?

One reason was their failure to trust in God. Judah had made alliances with Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt and in doing so had involved themselves in their power struggles – an involvement that eventually led to their destruction. These alliances were NOT according to God’ s will.

A second reason was their idolatry. God had tried everything to get them to give up their idols, but they refused. When he sent them to Babylon he sent them to the world capital of idolatry!

We should be careful what we attach ourselves to. God may give us our fill of it! (Remember in Revelation how the Romans wanted blood so God gave them a river of blood 200 miles long.)

Interestingly, idolatry was never quite the problem for Israel after their captivity in Babylon as it was before. God’ s plan worked.

Verse 2-And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Recall our introductory comments about “ Shinar.” It was the site of the Tower of Babel and was a very early term for Babylon. It points toward an early date for the book.

In this verse we meet a third king! Nebuchadnezzar thought he was in charge, but God was in charge. He allowed Nebuchadnezzar to take Judah captive, and when the time was right he removed Nebuchadnezzar from power.

Just about all that is left of the mighty Nebuchadnezzar is a pile of bricks. When Nebuchadnezzar built the city, he had his name and picture imprinted on every brick that was used. One in the British museum shows the clear imprint of dog’ s foot over the name of the mighty king!

Nebuchadnezzar thought he was building an empire for himself, but he was really building a school for the Jews. God sent them there for a 70 year lesson they would never forget. When the 70 years were over, God removed the Chaldeans through Cyrus the Persian. “ And the Lord gave” is the first indication of a major theme of this book: the absolute sovereignty of God. God is in charge. Babylon was only victorious because God allowed it to be. Later we will see the other side of the coin. Babylon will be defeated when it has finished serving God’ s purposes.

Was Jehoiakim taken back to Babylon?

The “ them” in verse 2 may just refer to the vessels from the temple, which we know went back to Babylon.

What about 2 Chronicles 36:6?

Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters to take him to Babylon.

Again, this does not actually say that Jehoiakim returned to Babylon, only that Nebuchadnezzar planned to take him there.

Why does it matter? Other passages imply that Jehoiakim died in Judah.

Jeremiah 22:18-19 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: “ They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah my brother!’ or ‘Ah sister!’ They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah lord!’ or ‘Ah his majesty!’ 19 With the burial of an ass he shall be buried, dragged and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.”

It seems likely that Nebuchadnezzar planned to take him back but that after being captured, he died and his body was simply thrown down outside the city.

Removing the vessels from the temple was a terrible insult to the Jews. They were taken back to Babylon and placed in the treasury of the Babylonian gods.

The mention of these vessels in verse 2 is an example of the unity of this book. They will play an important role later.

Belshazzar is going to live to regret this theft in Chapter 5!

(Note that singular ‘ god’ is probably more accurately translated ‘ gods.’ The Babylonians had many different deities (Marduk, Nebo, Ishtar).)

Verse 3-4 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, handsome and skilful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to serve in the king’ s palace, and to teach them the letters and language of the Chaldeans. The purpose of this section is to explain why Daniel and his friends are in Babylon BEFORE the first big deportation, which occurred in 597.

The captives are called “ children of Israel” even though they were not from the Northern Kingdom (Israel, which had been taken captive long ago) but were from the Southern Kingdom (Judah).

Later in verse 6, they will be called children of Judah. By this time, many from the Northern kingdom had migrated south due to Assyrian invasions, so Judah included people from both kingdoms.

The captives were of royal and noble birth. Why were they taken?

This weakened the subjugated nation. They were also hostages that would keep the Jews in line while Nebuchadnezzar went back to assume the throne.

This also strengthened the conquering nation. It was considered a good policy to make leaders from the conquered people. Alexander the Great did this, and Cyrus did this (as we will see later in this book).

How many captives were taken? Some historians believe there were between 50 and 75. (We remember only four!) Nebuchadnezzar needed enough so that he could train them to later administer his rule among the Jews.

How old were they? The Hebrew word for “ youth” used here most probably places their ages between 14 and 17. Since we know that Daniel was still serving as a leader 70 years later, it seems clear that Daniel and his companions were very young when he was taken hostage. It is thus possible and perhaps probable that Daniel was as young as 13 or 14 when he was taken captive.

These young men were without blemish. The ancients (much like we moderns) believed that ones outward appearance reflected an inner condition. Indeed, God did not allow men with certain physical deformities to be priests.

They learned the ‘ letters and language of the Chaldeans.’

We have already discussed the two meanings of the term ‘ Chaldeans.’

The Chaldeans (led by Nabopolassar) overthrew the Assyrians and conquered Babylon in 612. The term ‘ Chaldean’ can be used in an ethnic sense to describe anyone from the Chaldean tribe.

Like ‘ Jew’ however, the term ‘ Chaldean’ had both a nationalistic and a religious meaning. In the latter sense, ‘ Chaldean’ can refer to a group of wise mean that arose from within that tribe.

The use here appears to be the former ethnic sense. These captives were going to get a crash course in Babylonian and Chaldean culture.

This included a study of the old languages of Babylonia including two dialects of Sumerian.

It also included mathematics and science, areas in which Babylon was very advanced.

It also included Babylonian mythology, including their creation and flood legends. (Clay tablets at the British museum show the types of math problems and legends that they studied.)

They enrolled in the University of Babylon – and were subjected to the same brainwashing that some of our universities employ (or at least are accused of employing.) Brainwashing has little effect on a discerning mind!

More evidence for early date: Would a late-date author writing in Palestine have enrolled his Jewish heroes in the University of Babylon for a pagan polytheistic education?

The Maccabeans wanted to retain their Jewish heritage in the face of Greek influences. Is this the type of hero they would have created? Daniel was steeped in the foreign culture and seemed to take to it readily with God’ s help and approval.

Daniel knew that if he were to have any effect at all on the Babylonians, he would need to understand their culture. Think of Paul teaching the Greeks. Would he have had the effect he had on them if he had not been so intimately knowledgeable about Greek culture. Effective missionaries take the time to learn all about the people they are trying to reach, just like Paul did.

Verse 5-The king assigned them a daily portion of the rich food which the king ate, and of the wine which he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.

The term for ‘ rich food’ used here is a technical Persian term that is used only twice in the Old Testament (both times in Daniel). It denotes gifts from the royal table.

The king’ s food would have helped reverse the effects of the siege and the deportation. However, their seems to have been a more devious reason behind the king’ s generosity.

Remember, the king’ s goal was to these children. He wanted them to forget their own land and culture and become Chaldeans. His theme song may have been ‘ How are you going to keep them down on the farm after they’ ve seen Paris?’

Did it work? Of the 50 to 75 captives, only 4 that we know of remained true to God.

Our Message: The devil constantly works to change our appetites. He wants us to crave the things of this world. We need to resist the way that Daniel did.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.

Our greatest danger is that we will be absorbed by the world.

Typically these feasts would have begun with a sacrifice to the false Babylonian gods and would have consisted of many unclean foods. Thus, Daniel and his friends had a dilemma. Would they compromise or not?

But shouldn’ t they have eaten the food? After all, as verse 5 says, they were going to have “ to stand before the king” ! Yes, but Daniel answered to another king. There was another king that Daniel would stand before some day.

“ To stand before the king” is a Persian term for “ royal service.” It meant more than literally standing before the king.

PROBLEM: They were educated for three years and then went before the king. Yet later in Chapter 2 we discover that Nebuchadnezzar’ s first dream occurred during the second year of his reign. Is this a contradiction? No.

It is possible that their education did not take a full three years. Mark 8:31 says that Jesus would rise “ after three days” when in fact he rose on the third day. In Genesis 42:17-18, we find that Joseph put his brothers in jail for three days, but we later see that he brought them out during the third day.

A second explanation involves the Babylonian system for dating the years of a king’ s reign that we discussed earlier. The actual first year of Nebuchadnezzar’ s reign was called the year of his accession, the actual second year of his reign was called the first year of his reign, etc. The first year of their training would have corresponded to Nebuchadnezzar’ s year of accession.

Another possibility is that they were still in school. This would explain why they were not present when the king first spoke to the wise men.

Verse 6-7 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. At last we are introduced to the hero of our story, Daniel, and his three friends. Would anyone in the world have considered Daniel to be an important figure at this time? No, but to God he was of the utmost importance. We must try to see the world as God sees it.

Their Hebrew names were all changed to Chaldean names so that they would forget their land and culture.

This is not the only time this occurred in the Bible.

Joseph became Zaphenath-paneah (Genesis 41:45)

Hadassah became Esther (Esther 2:7)

Daniel (My judge is El [God]) became Belteshazzar (Nebo protect my life). This is hinted at in Daniel 4:8 where Nebuchadnezzar says that Daniel was named after his God, which was presumably Nebo.

Another commentary said that Belteshazzar may refer to Belet, the wife of Marduk.

There are many different theories regarding the exact meanings of these names. The ones given here seem to be the most popular.

Hananiah (Yahweh has shown grace) became Shadrach (the command of Aku) which honors the Sumerian moon god, Aku.

Mishael (who is what God is?) became Meshach (who is what Aku is?)

Azariah (Yahweh has helped) became Abednego (the servant of Nego [probably Nebo]).

HERE’ S A GOOD : Why do we remember Daniel by his Hebrew name and the others by their Babylonian names?

Daniel wrote the book, and he seems to favor his original name. Also, it is easier to pronounce than Belteshazzar. (I wonder if he had used his new name if Belteshazzar would now be a popular name like Daniel is.)

As for Daniel’ s three friends, he sometimes uses their old names and sometimes uses their new names. Their new names seem to have stuck, though, because those are the ones that are used during the fiery furnace account. (Again, the pronunciation theory may apply here as well.)

Note also that after the exile, some Jews still used Babylonian names. Zerubbabel means the seed of Babylon and Shenazzar refers to a Babylonian moon-god. (Some of our days of the week refer to false gods.)

Verse 8-But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’ s rich food, or with the wine which he drank; therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. Nebuchadnezzar’ s brainwashing plan had three components:

1. Teach them Chaldean culture and language.
2. Give them Chaldean names.
3. Feed them Chaldean food.The first two could be done without compromising the word of God. Daniel could learn their culture without having to adopt it and believe in their false gods.

(We should never run from knowledge! Would Daniel have had such an impact on Babylon if he had buried his head in the sand and refused to learn about them. We need to teach our children to be discerning, not to run in fear from knowledge.) Also, the Babylonians could call them anything they wanted. But the heathen food was another matter. This is where our fourteen year old hero and his friends had to draw the line. (Theses teenage boys drew the line at food!) Why?

Jewish food had to be prepared properly (blood drained…) . Also, many animals were considered unclean and could not be eaten. The Babylonians ate pork and horse. This violated the dietary laws in the Torah (Leviticus 11, Leviticus 17, and Deuteronomy 14).

God did not want his people to practice idolatry or to associate with people who did. The Babylonian food would have been offered to pagan gods and would have been served at pagan feasts. To eat under those conditions would have been to wholeheartedly accept the false Babylonian gods.

A third reason is that according to Eastern standards, to share a meal was to commit oneself to friendship. It had a covenant significance. For Daniel, it would have meant an obligation of loyalty to the king, and Daniel rejected that symbol of dependence. This also explains why the eunuch was so reluctant to agree with Daniel’ s request later in verse 10. It was treasonous!

(But what if they just ate it and didn’ t believe. Would that have been all right? No. God does not need secret agents.) Remember Aesop’ s fable about the bat. The beasts and the birds had a war and the bat joined both sides. With the birds he acted like a bird and with the beasts he acted like a beast. When he was discovered he had to hide and only come out at night. I fear that some of us may be spiritual bats. Daniel was not.

Daniel made a resolution and he stuck to it. Was this difficult or easy? Put yourself in his place. His home had been destroyed and he had been dragged away in chains. It seemed like God had forsaken him. He had been without much food for a long time during the siege. Maybe God wanted him to eat this food. Who would know and what would it hurt?

Wouldn’ t this little quibble hurt his chances to get a good position in the government? Money was involved! Doesn’ t that overrule all other considerations? Daniel knew what was right and he did it no matter what or no matter who stood against him. We need more Daniels! They were not the first to be tempted with forbidden fruit, but unlike Adam and Eve, they passed the test!

But wasn’ t Daniel being a legalist? Wasn’ t carrying this all just a bit too far? Not according to God. We may think it is all right to ignore some of God’ s word, but it doesn’ t really matter what we think. It is what God thinks that matters and God agreed with Daniel! This may come as a surprise to some (particularly in the denominational world), but the church is not a democracy. We do not determine the truth; we don’ t vote on the truth. The truth is the truth regardless of what we think about it. Daniel and his friends did not get together to vote on what to do; they knew what to do.

Daniel used the word “ defile.” Even that was courageous! He used a strong word but an appropriate word. We really need more Daniels today! The Babylonians could change many things about Daniel’ s life: his homeland, his culture, his name, his diet. But they could not change his heart. He remained loyal and true to God.

Can you imagine the kind of courage this required for a teenager to stand up against all of Babylon! God, give us courageous Christians!

Verse 9-10 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs; 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “ I fear lest my lord the king, who appointed your food and your drink, should see that you were in poorer condition than the youths who are of your own age. So you would endanger my head with the king.” Why did Daniel receive such favor? Was it because of something he did? No. God gave Daniel favor in the Babylonian’ s sight. God deserved the credit for Daniel’ s success. Again we are reminded of God’ s sovereignty. Daniel feared God, but who did the chief eunuch fear? Nebuchadnezzar. The chief eunuch feared for his life. Daniel feared for his soul.

Verse 11-13 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; 12 “ Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’ s rich food be observed by you, and according to what you see deal with your servants.” Daniel next goes to the steward that the chief eunuch had appointed and offers him a deal. Why? Daniel was persistent. The first official did not give him the answer he wanted. He did not give up at the first sign of difficulty.

The 10 days in this verse is just that – ten days. Unlike Revelation, much of this book is historical and not apocalyptic. Later, we will study sections of this book in which numbers should be interpreted figuratively. The King James Version uses the word ‘ pulse’ in place of ‘ vegetables’ in verses 12 and 16. It is a poor translation in that it refers only to beans, peas, and lentils. The actual Hebrew word includes all types of vegetables.

Verse 14-16 14 So he hearkened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’ s rich food. 16 So the steward took away their rich food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. Why did the steward agree to their plan? Who do you think got all of the rich food they refused to eat? When you answer the second question you will have your answer to the first! As God’ s people we should not run from a test. We should invite a test of our faith. We should pray for such a test. Because such a test gives us a chance to show the world whose side we are on and to prove to the world that we are on the right side. Their improved appearance seems to have been miraculous, since it is difficult to see how a 10 day diet of vegetables could have made a visible difference.

Verse 17-As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all letters and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Again note the phrase “ God gave.” God is in charge here. Their learning and wisdom were gifts from God. (Not due to their diet as vegetarians like to claim!) God gave Daniel wisdom and the ability to understand visions and dreams. This gift would allow Daniel to become an advisor to Nebuchadnezzar, which is obviously what God had in mind. It would also allow Daniel to be considered a ‘ wise man’ in the king’ s court, and would allow Daniel to be the channel of revelation that God wanted him to be.

Ezekiel speaks of a man named Daniel who was wise and could interpret secrets. Who do you think he had in mind? The liberal critics think [or at least say!] that Ezekiel was speaking of a mythic pagan character who was famous for his drunkenness.

Verse 18-20 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. These four young men made quite an impression on the king. Although they had only been in the country for a few years, they already knew more than the wise men who advised the king. With God’ s help they passed their final exams. You can almost picture God playing the role of the proud father as these three boys showed up all of the Babylonian wise men! ‘ Ten times’ better? This was a common idiom for ‘ much’ better. Verse 21-And Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus. This means that Daniel was around from 605 until AT LEAST 539 B.C. PROBLEM: How can this verse be true since in Daniel 10:1 we find that Daniel receives a vision in the third year of Cyrus?

Again let’ s read the verse and see what it actually says. Does it say that Daniel died during the first year of King Cyrus? No. Not at all. It simply tells us that Daniel survived into the next empire. Daniel lasted longer than the Babylonians did! He had predicted the fall and he was there to see it.

Who was Cyrus? He was the first Persian emperor that took over after the Chaldeans were defeated. He released the Jews from captivity and allowed them to return to their land. Read Ezra.

“THE BOOK OF DANIEL”

The Faith Of A Fifteen Year Old (Daniel 1:1-21)

1. The Old Testament is filled with examples worthy of our study and emulation… a. Such as Joseph, with his stand for God in the house of Potiphar b. Such as Joshua, a great man of faith and conviction in his service to God

2. Another example that ought to inspire us all is that of Daniel… a. As a young man, his faith gave him the courage to remain true to his convictions b. As an old man, his faith sustained him the threat of persecution

[We first read of Daniel and his great faith, in the first chapter of the book of Daniel…]

I. DANIEL’S FAITH AS A “FIFTEEN YEAR OLD” A. IT WAS A BLEAK DAY IN THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL…1. The beginning of Babylonian domination - Daniel 1:1-2a. In the third year of Jehoiakim (ca. 605 B.C.) b. Jerusalem besieged by Nebuchadnezzar c. Jehoiakim taken into captivity, and precious items taken from the temple 2. This was the first of three times that Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem (605, 597, 586 B.C.)

B. DANIEL AND OTHERS FOR SPECIAL …1. Young men taken to serve Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel 1:3-7a. They were truly the “cream of the crop” among the captives

1. Good looking with no blemish
2. Gifted with wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly b. To serve in the king’s palace, and be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans (Babylonians)
3. Given special provisions of the king’s food and drink
4. With three years of special training c. Among those selected, four are named, and apparently renamed to honor Babylonian gods
5. Daniel (God is my judge) - Belteshazzar (a servant of Bel)
6. Hananiah (the Lord is gracious) - Shadrach (inspired by the sun god)
7. Mishael (who is what God is?) - Meshach (who is what the moon god is?)
8. Azariah (the Lord helps) - Abed-Nego (servant of Nebo)

2. How would these young men respond? a. Would they submit to the temptations placed before them? b. Would they give in, excusing themselves due to youth and inexperience? – How would you have reacted if you were in their place?

C. DANIEL MAKES A …1. He “purposed in his heart” - Daniel 1:8a. I.e., he made a commitment b. Something too rarely heard of today, in both young and old 2. His commitment was to “not defile himself” with the king’s food a. Possibly unclean food according to Levitical restrictions b. Or food used in idol worship which would cause one to be a participant with such worship - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 D. HOW DANIEL TRUE TO HIS …1. He did it with politeness - Daniel 1:8 ba. Note that “he requested” b. He did not “demand”, but respected the authority of those over him 2. He did it with God’s help - Daniel 1:9a. God gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of eunuchs b. Similar to how Joseph found favor in prison - cf. Genesis 39:213. He did it through persistence - Daniel 1:10-11a. He did not give up after the refusal by the chief of the eunuchs b. He tried something else, going to the steward directly over them 4. He did it through willingness to test his faith - Daniel 1:12-15a. He was confident that God’s way was the right way b. He was willing to demonstrate the superiority of God’s way c. So he asked the steward to give him and his three friends just water and vegetables for ten days

E. THE VALUE OF SUCH FAITH SEEN IN ITS RESULTS…1. It affected the lives of others! - Daniel 1:15-16a. It had blessed the countenance of Daniel and his friends b. It then blessed the rest of the young men under the care of the steward 2. God blessed Daniel and his three friends even more! - Daniel 1:17-20a. God gave them knowledge, skill, and wisdom, and to Daniel He gave understanding in visions and dreams b. They became the best of the young men who had been trained, and served in the presence of Nebuchadnezzar c. The king found them better than all his magicians and astrologers 3. Daniel continued in the court of Babylon nearly seventy years!

• Daniel 1:21a. Even to the first year of Cyrus of Persia (539 B.C.) b. Eventually becoming provincial ruler and chief administrator over all others - Daniel 2:48 [What a wonderful example of faith and commitment, and of God’s providence to care for His people! Now let’s consider some…]

II. LESSONS AND FROM DANIEL’S FAITH A. HOW TO SUCCEED IN KEEPING OUR TO THE LORD…1. Be politea. There is never any reason to be rude or arrogant b. Impoliteness just aggravates a situation rather than helps it - cf. Proverbs 15:12. Seek God’s helpa. Without God, any effort is more likely to fall - cf. Psalms 127:1-2b. God seeks to help those who are loyal to Him - cf. 2 Chronicles 16:93. Be persistenta. Don’t give up trying after meeting the first obstacle b. Remember what Jesus taught about persistence:

1. Those who keep on “asking, seeking, knocking” will receive, find, have doors opened to them - Matthew 7:7-112) The parable of the persistent widow - Luke 18:1-84. Be willing to test your faitha. If not willing, how committed are you to trusting God? b. Yet God often invited people to test His promises - cf. Malachi 3:10c. And so does Jesus - cf. John 7:16-17; Matthew 6:31-34 B. SOME …1. School-age childrena. Out from underneath their mother’s apron for the first time b. They will be faced with making decisions – Will they have the faith of Daniel?

2. College-bound studentsa. Moving away from home for the first time b. Leaving a spiritual environment at home, for one that is likely very worldly – Will they live and act with the same sort of commitment found in Daniel?

3. Adults in the workplacea. Tempted to accept jobs which may require one to compromise convictions b. Called upon to lie for the boss, show loyalty to the company though illegal or unethical – Will they have “the faith of a fifteen year old”?

4. Those with unbelieving spousesa. Having to serve God and raise their children in the ways of the Lord on their own b. With little or no moral and religious support from their life mate – Will they have the “purpose of heart” that Daniel had?

5. Many other applications could be made, but what have we learned from “The Faith Of A Fifteen Year Old” like Daniel? a. Even those who are young need to make a personal commitment to serve the Lord b. One can be steadfast in their purpose to serve the Lord without arrogance c. We should look to the Lord for help, and be willing to trust in His providence d. God will bless and provide for those who put their trust in Him and His will

6. Daniel is not the only person to demonstrate such faith in his youth… a. We made mention of Joseph earlier b. We have other examples in the O.T., such as David and Josiahc. And of course, let’s not forget the example of Mary (the mother of Jesus), and that of Timothy May the example of their dedication to the service of the Lord inspire us all to “purpose in our heart” not to defile ourselves by the things of the world!

Chapter One The book opens with the first deportation of Jews to Babylonian captivity (605 B.C.), and the selection of Daniel and his three friends for special training (Daniel 1:1-7). Daniel is commitment to remain undefiled is blessed by God, and he along with his friends are given wisdom that is acknowledged and rewarded by the king of Babylon (Daniel 1:8-21).

POINTS TO PONDER

• Young Daniel’s commitment to God in pagan environment

• How Daniel was able to keep both his faith to God and service to the king

REVIEW

1. What are the main points of this chapter?- Daniel and his friends selected for special training - Daniel 1:1-7- Daniel’s faithfulness to God rewarded - Daniel 1:8-21

2. When did Nebuchadnezzar besiege Jerusalem, and who gave him victory? (Daniel 1:1-2)- In the third year of Jehoiakim king of Judah (605 B.C.); the Lord

3. Who were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans? (Daniel 1:3-4)- Some of the children of Israel, some of the descendants of the king and nobles

• Young men who were good-looking, wise, quick to learn and able to serve

4. How long was their training to last? What did it include? (Daniel 1:5)- Three years; daily provisions of the king’s delicacies and wine

5. What four young men were selected? What names were they given? (Daniel 1:6-7)- Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah

• Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego

6. What did Daniel purpose in his heart? (Daniel 1:8)- Not to defile himself with the king’s delicacies and wine

7. How was Daniel able to keep his commitment? (Daniel 1:8-16)- With politeness (he requested, not demanded)

• With God’s help (God brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief eunuch)
• With persistence (rebuffed by the chief eunuch, he appealed to the steward)
• With willingness to test his faith (asking for ten day trial)

8. What did God give the four young men? (Daniel 1:17)- Knowledge, skill in literature, wisdom; Daniel understanding in visions and dreams

9. How did Nebuchadnezzar find these four young men after their training? (Daniel 1:18-20)- Ten times better in wisdom and understanding than his magicians and astrologers

Daniel 1:1

Daniel 1:1. Third year should be considered in connection with 2 Kings 24:1, It seems that Jehoiakim had formed some kind of mutual agreement with Babylon but that he broke that relationship after three years. That brought Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem with an army and that was the beginning of the “first captivity” which means the first stage of the noted 70year exile. In Jeremiah 25:1 this event is said to have occurred in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, which might be confusing at first thought. However, If a thing takes place at the end of a man’ s third year, it could be thought of as as happening in his fourth year since the term third and fourth are just that indefinite in their force.

Daniel 1:2

Daniel 1:2. The Lord gave shows that Nebuchadnezzar’s advance against Jerusalem was by the decree of God. The account in 2 Kings 24:3-4 goes farther than this verse and tells why it was done, that it was because of the sins that the nation had committed. This event was not intended to cause the complete ruin of Jerusalem, for it says that the king of Babylon took part of the vessels of the Lord’s house with him.

Daniel 1:3

Daniel 1:3. The first king means Nebuchadnezzar and the next is Jehoiakim. Ashpmaz was an important servant under the king of Babylon, whose specific duty was to oversee the other servants or any others who might become subject to the king. This man was told by his master to bring from Jersalem to Babylon some ot the king’s seed. That does not mean exclusively his bodily offspring, for we shall see that others were taken. But it includes men near the king within the royal family, and also some of his princes which means outstanding men in his service.

Daniel 1:4

Daniel 1:4. The terms Chaldeans and Babylonians may be used interchangeably for all practical purposes, although the latter is nowhere used In the book of Daniel. For the information of the readers I shall quote from three works of reference: “The Chaldeans were a Semitic [descended from Shem] people who passed into Babylonia from the south, and occupied the whole seaeoast region of South Babylonia.”— Funk and Wagnalls, New Standard Bible Dictionary, article Chaldea. “In the Old Testament, from the time Of Jeremiah and the establishment of the new Babylonian Empire under Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar, the terms Chaldeans and Chaldees denote the inhabitants of Babylonia, or the subjects of the Babylonian Empire.”— SchaffHerzog Encyclopaedia, article Chaldeans. “It appears that the Chaldeans were in the earliest times merely one out of the many Cushite tribes inhabiting the great alluvial plain known afterwards as Chaldea or Babylonia. Their special seat was probably that southern portion of the country which is found to have so late retained the name of Chaldea. In process of time, as the Kaldi grew in power, their name gradually prevailed over those of other tribes inhabiting the country; and by the era of the Jewish captivity it had begun to be used generally for all the inhabitants of Babylonia.

It appears that while, both in Assyria and In later Babylonia, the Shemitlc type of speech prevailed for civil purposes, the ancient Cushite dialect was retained, as a learned language for scientific and religious literature. This is no doubt the ‘ learning’ and the ‘ tongue’ to which reference is made in the book of Dan 1:4, The Chaldeans were really the learned class; they were priests, magicians or astronomers, and in the last of the three capacities they probably effected [accomplished] discoveries of great importance. In later times they seem to have degenerated into mere fortunetellers.” — Smith’ s Bible Dictionary, article, Chaldeans. When considering the subject from a political or national standpoint the two terms are used interchangeably and I trust the reader will keep that truth in mind. When some special personal characteristics are under consideration, the Chaldeans will be spoken of as a distinct group of people. Hence in this verse we see the reference to these special subjects which Nebuchadnezzar wished to develop in the lives of the Jews who had been selected out from the general population in Jerusalem.

The mental qualifications were not the only points the king wished these Jews to have. Their bodies were to be without blemish and they were to be well favored. The last word is from MAKEH which Strong defines, “A view \

Daniel 1:5

Daniel 1:5. The schedule as to their bodies consisted of a special provision of food and drink taken out of the store that was brought in for the king’s personal use. Having been selected for the special use of the monarch, these articles of diet were supposed to possess unusual qualities for the developing of bodily strength and appearance. This schedule was to be followed for three years after which the men were to be presented to the king for his approval.

Daniel 1:6

Daniel 1:6. This verse tells us that Daniel was taken to Babylon at tbe “ first captivity,” that means the first stage of the noted 70year exile.

Daniel 1:7

Daniel 1:7. This prince of the eunuchs must have been allowed a considerable amount of authority, for he took the liberty of changing the names of Daniel and his three companions, or at least of giving them names in addition to the ones they had. These companions of Daniel are the familiar “ Three Hebrew Children” who are so often referred to in the stories of heroes of the Bible.

Daniel 1:8

Daniel 1:8. Daniel knew that Nebuchadnezzar was an idolater and that a portion of the royal provisions was given over to consecrate the idol in connection with the feasts. For this reason his conscience would not consent for him to take part in the false religion by accepting the food. He requested the prince to be excused from partaking.

Daniel 1:9

Daniel 1:9. The prince of the euuuchs was responsible for the development of these speciallychosen men, and he would naturally be unwilling to grant to Daniel the exemption requested. But God took a hand in the matter and caused him to have a tender love for Daniel which led him at least to be personally disposed to favor him.

Daniel 1:10

Daniel 1:10, Sort means age, and tbe prince was fearful Lest Daniel should not look as well as the others of his age if he were permitted to abstain from the diet provided for him. Of course that would endanger the life of the man who was made responsible for the welfare of the prisoners allotted to him. He made this protest to Daniel who was reasonable enough to see the position the prince was in, and he seems to have said nothing more to him on that matter.

Daniel 1:11

Daniel 1:11. But the prince of the eunuchs had placed the actual work of providing the food in charge of a steward named Melzar. As far as the record informs us, the prince of the eunuchs saw no more of Daniel and his companions until the time for their appearance before the king. He left the task of serving the food to this steward Melzar.

Daniel 1:12

Daniel 1:12. Daniel’ s proposition was fair to all parties concerned, for, regardless of the success or failure of the diet he requested, it could not have any ill effect that would show up after three years. On the other hand, his faith in his God was so strong he was certain that such a period would be sufficient to bring about the desired effect. It might be asked if the Lord could not have accomplished the same result in one day. True, he could have done so, but had the transformation been made in one day, the steward would have known that it was not the effect of the diet, and that would have caused an investigation which might have interfered with Daniel’ s plans. And yet a period of ten days would be enough to expect some results from the schedule of diet used. Pulse is sometimes defined as seeds of any kind of vegetables, and in some lexicons it is defined simply as a vegetable food Since the heathen always used animals in their sacrifices, Daniel knew he would be safe if his diet was restricted to vegetables.

Daniel 1:13

Daniel 1:13. Daniel was willing to leave the decision to the steward. At the end of the tenday period he was to compare the countenances (from same word as “ favoured” in verse 4) of him and his three companions with those who ate of the king’s food.

Daniel 1:14

Daniel 1:14. The steward agreed to the test proposed by Daniel.

Daniel 1:15

Daniel 1:15, As It was doubtless expected by the reader, the test came out as Daniel wished. One word in the definition for /after is “plump,” and fairer means “ beautiful.” 1 am sure the reader will give the Lord full credit for this favorable experience of the four faithful Hebrews. It was an instance of the assurance God had given, that while all citizens of Judah had to share in the national calamity ol the captivity, the individuals who were righteous would he given special favors from God even though they were in a strange land. The apparent disagreement of some statements on this subject is explained in a long note given with comments on 2 Kings 22:17, in volue 2 of this Commentary.

Daniel 1:16

Daniel 1:16. Seeing the results of the test, Melzar removed the food that had been taken from the king’s supplies, and permitted Daniel to continue with his vegetable diet throughout the period of three years that was appointed by the king for the test.

Daniel 1:17

Daniel 1:17. In acquiring the physical developments desired the four children could cooperate with God since it included the partaking of food. In the mental advancement they had no opportunity for their own activity because they were being put through the trial to test out their appearance in body. But God wished them to be as well qualified in mind as in body when the time of their appearance before the king arrived, hence He gave them all those talents as a direct gift.

Daniel 1:18

Daniel 1:18. End of the days means after three years (verse 5). It was then time for the prince of the eunuchs to act. since he was next to the king with regard to his rank as a servant. Accordingly he brought Daniel and his three companions before Nebuchadnezzar for his official “review.”

Daniel 1:19

Daniel 1:19. The king communed with them indicates that Nebuchadnezzar was not interested only in the bodily appearance of his captives, for that could have been observed without any conversation. This communication proved to the king that Daniel and his companions excelled all the others who appeared before him.

Daniel 1:20

Daniel 1:20. There is very little difference between the meaning of wisdom and understanding. The latter could be regarded as knowledge and the former as the ability to use the knowledge rightly. Dike the two words italicized above, the words magicians and astrologers differ very little in their meaning. They both refer to persons who pretend to acquire knowledge of the past, present and future by the relative position of the stars either to each other, or to men and things on the earth. The wisdom manifested by Daniel and his tree companions was ten times better than that possessed by all the socalled wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 1:21

Daniel 1:21. Continued, Is from haiah which Strong defines, “To exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass.” The verse means that Daniel lived to see the end of the Babylonian captivity, not that he did not live any longer. It is significant that the man who was among the first to be taken to Babylon, and who gave prophecies that they would finally be released, should live to see the fulfillment of that prediction. It was in the first year of king Cyrus that the Jews were released (Ezra 1:1-4).