Bible Commentaries
Daniel 1

Verses 1-3

Dan 1:1-3

Comments on Daniel 1:1-3 by Mark Dunagan

The name Daniel means, “God is Judge” or “a judge who pronounces judgment in the name of God”. Little is known of Daniel’s family background. From the testimony of his contemporaries he was known for his righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14; Ezekiel 14:20) and his wisdom (Ezekiel 28:3). He is mentioned in these passages with Noah and Job, and with them are considered real people of history. He is also alluded to in Hebrews chapter 11 as one who by faith “shut the mouths of lions”. Daniel was born into the royal family (Daniel 1:3; Daniel 1:6). He was physically attractive and mentally sharp (Daniel 1:4). He lived at least until the third year of Cyrus, that is, until 536 B.C. (10:1). Therefore, he must have been a young man when Nebuchadnezzar took him captive in 605 B.C. (Daniel 1:4). If he were 16 when captured, he was around 85 in Cyrus’ third year. Daniel is the writer of this book, for Daniel names himself (speaking in the first person) as one receiving the revelations (Daniel 8:1; Daniel 9:2), and he is ordered to preserve the book in which these words are found (Daniel 12:4). Added to this, Jesus placed His stamp of approval on Daniel’s status as a prophet, “which was spoken through Daniel the prophet” (Matthew 24:15), and quotes from the book of Daniel assigning Daniel as the author (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31).

The book is very unified, for example the temple vessels are carried into Babylon in chapter 1 and they will become an issue in chapter 5. We are told that Daniel and his companions gain places of importance before the king and this helps explain the later animosity of their opponents. We are told that Daniel was there when the Medo-Persians arrived and this prepares us for his confrontation with the lions. The fact that manuscript fragments (of all 12 chapters) from the book of Daniel were found in Qumran, written perhaps in the second century B.C., preclude the notion that Daniel was written in 165 B.C., as many critics suggest. The reason that many reject Daniel being written shortly after 536 B.C. is that this would mean that Daniel accurately predicted the future world empires that would follow the Babylonian Empire (Daniel 2:36 ff). And this would mean that God does exist and that He spoke through Daniel. The last thing that some scholars, even bible scholars want is an all-powerful God running around lose, telling them what to do – and judging them at the last day. The trouble with too many “experts” is that they want to tell the rest of us how to think and live, but they don’t want an expert or authority over them.

Purposes of the Book

The book demonstrates Daniel and his friend’s personal devotion to God in very difficult circumstances. Basically four teenage boys are taken over 1000 miles into a distant empire and there the attempt is made to systematically brainwash them and destroy their faith, and instead of weakening, they refuse to compromise, even upon the pain of death (Daniel 3). And 70 years later, Daniel is still faithful (chapter 6). The book also emphasizes God’s complete control over even the most power nations. He establishes kings and removes them. It was this great truth that Nebuchadnezzar came to understand (Daniel 4:35). The book demonstrates how God protected His people even when they were in captivity.

Languages

The book of Daniel is bilingual. From 2:4 to 7:28 it is written in Aramaic; the rest is Hebrew. The comments between Daniel 2:4 and Daniel 7:28 one primarily designed to teach the world powers of those days a lesson, and this may be the reason that it was written in the language which was the world language of the time.

There is a God in Babylon

In the year 605 B.C., the third year of the Judean king Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar came and besieged Jerusalem. Nothing is said about him sacking or destroying the city, this will not be done until 586 B.C. (2 Chronicles 36:17-19).

Daniel 1:2 “And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand”: This phrase sets the tone for the book. Here we have a clear reference to the power of God and His sovereignty over all the nations. No one is victorious unless it is “given” to him. None is a ruler unless God “gives” to him the kingdom (Daniel 2:37). It reminds Jewish readers that Jerusalem did not fall because God was weak, but because God’s people had sinned and He was punishing them. God allows His temple to be plundered and some vessels removed and taken to Babylon. “I’m reminded of much earlier days when the Philistines had victory over Israel (See 1 Samuel 4-6). They took captive the ark of God but discovered to their dismay that they had a ‘tiger by the tail’. Belshazzar will have a similar experience in chapter 5” (Daniel, McGuiggan, p. 29).

Verse 2

Dan 1:2

Dan 1:2 And the Lord^H136 gave^{H5414 (H853)} Jehoiakim^H3079 king^H4428 of Judah^H3063 into his hand,^H3027 with part^{H4480 H7117} of the vessels^H3627 of the house^H1004 of God:^H430 which he carried into^H935 the land^H776 of Shinar^H8152 to the house^H1004 of his god;^H430 and he brought^H935 the vessels^H3627 into the treasure^H214 house^H1004 of his god.^H430

Daniel 1:2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Three years into the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar reclaimed Judea for the Babylonian Empire after a short siege on Jerusalem. Jehoiakim and several of the precious vessels of the the temple were taken to Babylon. Later Nebuchadnezzar reinstated Jehoiakim on the throne of Judea. The vessels carried off were taken to the temple of Nebuchadnezzar’s god which was called "Bel".

Jehoiakim was afterwards reinstated on the throne as a vassal of Babylon. He never liked being in submission to them and held out hope of the Egyptians being able to help him out of his predicament notwithstanding the fact that Jeremiah the prophet warned him against such a thing. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, Jeremiah caused a collection of his prophecies to be written out by Baruch and to be read publicly by him in the court of the Temple. When Jehoiakim heard these prophecies he took them and burned them in a fire. At the command of God, Jeremiah wrote another set with even more denunciations against Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim did not pay any heed to the prophecies and continued to walk in his evil ways.

After three years of subjection to Nebuchadnezzar, Jehoiakim rebelled and withheld his tribute intending to gain independence from Babylon (2 Kings 24:1-2). This action, taken against the prophecies of Jeremiah was the ruin of Jehoiakim. Nebuchadnezzar was occupied with wars elsewhere and sent other nearby vassal kingdoms of the Babylonian Empire against Jehoiakim. These were countries who hated the Jewish nation and they ravaged Judea mercilessly for several years. In the eleventh year of Jehoiakim’s reign he was killed and his body was thrown on the ground outside the gates of Jerusalem and he was buried in a common grave as "with the burial of an ass" in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy in Jeremiah 22:18-19. Nebuchadnezzar replaced Jehoiakim with his eighteen year old son, Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8), who was also known as "Coniah" and sometimes "Jeconiah" (Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 37:1).

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began his reign (2 Kings 24:8), and he was no better than his father. After only three month of reign he found himself besieged by Nebuchadnezzar in fulfillment of the prophecies of Jeremiah in 22:24-30. Jehoiachin would not only be taken captive to Babylon, but we also learn from Jeremiah 22:30 that no child of his seed would ever reign from the throne of David in Judah again.

Jerusalem was once again besieged by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:10). This siege followed after three or four years of harassment by Nebuchadnezzar’s vassal kingdoms in consequence to Jehoiakim’s rebellion. Jerusalem was unable to offer any substantial resistance and Jehoiachin surrendered. He, and the queen mother, and all his servants, captains, and officers, came out and gave themselves up to Nebuchadnezzar, who treated them as prisoners of war (Jeremiah 29:2; Ezekiel 17:12; Ezekiel 19:9). He was sent away as a captive to Babylon, with his mother, his generals, and his troops, together with the skilled craftsmen and other inhabitants of Jerusalem, to the number of ten thousand. Jehoiachin remained in Babylon until his death.

Among the captives taken to Babylon was the prophet Ezekiel. Nebuchadnezzar also took the more of the treasures which were not taken in the first siege from palace and from the temple. This time he destroyed the sacred vessels of gold which had been spared on the earlier conquest. They were cut up for use of the gold for other purposes or for more convenient transport back to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar then placed Mattaniah, the only surviving son of Josiah on the throne of Judah and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah swear allegiance to him by the name of God (2 Chronicles 36:13), but that didn’t hold up for long. Zedekiah followed in the evil footsteps of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin. Jeremiah the prophet warned Zedekiah but he refused to listen to the word of God (2 Chronicles 36:13) and after reigning eleven years in Jerusalem he made the fatal mistake of rebelling against Nebuchadnezzar again. This was the third time Nebuchadnezzar would punish Jerusalem for their rebellion and this time he made an example of them. All of the treasures left behind from the second siege were then taken to Babylon and the temple was spoiled and burned (2 Chronicles 36:18-19). The reason the temple was torn down and the stones were burned was so that the gold inlaid on the stone could be extracted. Jerusalem and the temple was left in ruins. The walls were torn down, the city was left in ruins. All who escaped the sword were rounded up and carried into Babylonian slavery to Nebuchadnezzar and his sons and there remained until the end of the prophesied seventy year captivity (2 Chronicles 36:20-21, Jeremiah 25:11).

Verses 3-4

Dan 1:3-4

Dan 1:3 And the king^H4428 spake^H559 unto Ashpenaz^H828 the master^H7227 of his eunuchs,^H5631 that he should bring^H935 certain of the children^{H4480 H1121} of Israel,^H3478 and of the king’s seed,^{H4480 H2233 H4410} and of^H4480 the princes;^H6579

Dan 1:4 Children^H3206 in whom^H834 was no^{H369 H3605} blemish,^H3971 but well favoured,^{H2896 H4758} and skilful^H7919 in all^H3605 wisdom,^H2451 and cunning^H3045 in knowledge,^H1847 and understanding^H995 science,^H4093 and such^H834 as had ability^H3581 in them to stand^H5975 in the king’s^H4428 palace,^H1964 and whom they might teach^H3925 the learning^H5612 and the tongue^H3956 of the Chaldeans.^H3778

Daniel 1:3-4

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes. Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

This abduction and enslavement of the royal sons and nobles of the royal bloodline of Judah was in fulfillment of a prophecy by Isaiah to king Hezekiah about a hundred years earlier (2 Kings 20:18, Isaiah 39:7). God knew the sons of Hezekiah and the Israelites would fall away into heathen abominations and left this warning in words that could not be misunderstood, yet the warning given a century earlier went unheeded.

By direct order of the king, Ashpenaz who was the master of the king’s eunuchs was directed to select certain outstanding children of noble blood from among the children of Israel. This was by no means limited to just the nobles and princes. Any outstanding individual who exhibited the desired qualities would have been included, however the princes and children of royal bloodline were preferred for a number of reasons. The capturing and enslavement of the noble children of a conquered country was a symbol of the king’s conquest before his people. To have the children of a deposed king serving in one’s court was like having a trophy of the conquest always present in view of the king, his subjects and the other captives from the overthrown nation. It was customary for the conquering empire to exact a regular tribute, usually once a year, from the overthrown nation. A puppet ruler would be set upon the throne having been forced to swear an oath of allegiance to the empire. The conquering king would naturally try and select one that would be subservient to him and keep his oath of allegiance. Having his brothers, sisters, cousins, and other relatives in captivity and within easy reach probably gave the king some leverage in that regard. At the very least, it guaranteed a replacement for the throne if it became necessary to do so, especially in the mind of the puppet ruler should he decide to revolt and withhold the tribute money.

Only the best of the best would do as trophies for Nebuchadnezzar’s courts. He wanted his servants in the palace court to look good and be able to serve well. It is likely that since Daniel and his three companions were placed under the care of the master of the eunuchs that they became eunuchs as well. This is not known for certain but it is a possibility, the likelihood of which is strengthened by there being no record of a wife or children of any of the four captives. This practice was one way of assuring the docility of male captives within the palace of a king with a large collection of wives and concubines. The Biblical record never comes out and directly affirms that Daniel and his companions were eunuchs but Isaiah’s prophecy to king Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Kings 20:17-18 leaves little doubt: "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord . And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon".

Verses 4-21

Dan 1:4-21

The Brainwashing Begins

Daniel 1:4-21

Mark Dunagan

Daniel 1:4 These are the kings own specifications. They must come from neither the royal family (a descendant of David) or from the nobility (Daniel 1:3). They must have no physical blemish or infirmity. They must be physically handsome and be mentally sharp. In ancient times (and even today), the outward appearance was thought to manifest an inner quality. “Showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom”: The ability to apply themselves to Chaldean and not merely Jewish subjects of wisdom. “To teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans”: They must now learn the language and culture of the people among whom they now dwelt. They are to undergo an intensive three-year course of training. That educational program probably included a study of agriculture, architecture, astrology, astronomy, law, mathematics, and the difficult Akkadian language. The Babylonians had inherited the sexagesimal system from the ancient Sumerians. This system of numbering by sixties is still in use, i.e., sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle. Clay tablets have been found showing a common familiarity with measurement of the area of rectangles and right and isosceles triangles. An amazing knowledge of algebra is also shown in Babylonian literature, tablets of squares, square roots, cubes and cube roots. We need to be impressed that all this learning does not corrupt Daniel or go to his head (1:8). He is attending the most prestigious university of his time and yet he does not lose his faith and neither does he begin to look down upon the Scriptures.

Daniel 1:5 “A daily ration”: It was customary for royalty to support its advisors and officers from the royal income (1 Kings 4:22-23). Such meals were impressive and included the finest that the empire could offer. The term “choice food” or “dainties” probably refers to foods in which the king could afford to indulge, luxurious, costly, and rare delicacies.

Daniel 1:6-7 How many were selected for this very special course of training we cannot say, four are mentioned as coming from “the children of Judah”. The name Daniel means, “my judge is God”. Hananiah meant, “gracious is Yahweh”. Mishael meant “who is He that is God?” Azariah meant, “God hath helped”. All the names are of a kind that might in evil days be given to children of godly parents. New names are now given to these young men, “Belteshazzar” means “protect his life”, “Shadrach” means “command of Aku” (Aku being the moon-god), “Meshach” means “who is what Aku is?” And “Abed-nego” means “servant of Nebo”, another Babylonian god. The change of name involved the idea that the god of those whom bestowed the new name was to be honored rather than the god of the vanquished. No doubt the purpose was to so completely assimilate these young men into the Babylonian culture that they would become, for all practical purposes, Babylonians and disassociate themselves completely from the Hebrew ways, even from their God.

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food”: Daniel could accept the new teaching, because he could filter it (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; 1 Timothy 6:20), and the new languages because truth is truth in any language. He could accept the name change, because you cannot control what people from call you and he still knew that he was Daniel. The matter of eating from the king’s table was another problem, seeing that many of these foods probably were violations of the Jewish food laws.

1) Instead of trying to divide up God’s laws into important and not-so-important laws, or moral verses ceremonial laws, Daniel knew that every command that God had given is important.

2) Daniel also knew that obeying the commands of God is not legalism.

3) Daniel knew that the way to resist temptation is to make up his mind; he knew the difference between obedience and disobedience, and that success or failure is the decision that is made in the heart.

4) Daniel understood that disobedience defiled “himself”, that the person truly affected or hurt by disobedience is ourselves.

Daniel 1:8 “So he sought permission”: A devotion to God’s truth can be presented in away that is humble and respectful. Daniel was both courteous and courageous.

Daniel 1:9 “Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander”: God is behind the scenes working. In addition, Daniel’s courteous attitude and good example also contributed to this favor. God not only works on the national and international level, He also works in the life of the individual.

Daniel 1:10 “I am afraid”: Give the commander of the officials this much credit; he was a very conscientious about his job. Note the difference, this man feared Nebuchadnezzar, while Daniel feared Nebuchadnezzar’s Lord.

Daniel 1:11-14 I am impressed that Daniel had a plan. Often we fail because we do not have a plan. If we are going to teach people, then we need to anticipate their objections (1 Peter 3:15). Such planning will come naturally when we, like Daniel, take our service to God seriously. Since the law of Moses did not name any unclean vegetables, Daniel could safely eat all the Babylonian vegetables he wanted. Note that God’s children do not mind being “tested”. “When we know our ground, we are not only willing to be tested we are eager for the trial” (McGuiggian, p. 32). The word for “vegetables” here involves more than such things as peas and beans and would include wheat and other grains so that bread would also be part of their diet.

Daniel 1:15-16 We need to note that Daniel is not trying to live on “bread and water”, but rather, the Babylonian kitchen certainly had access to many “vegetables” and vegetable dishes.

Daniel 1:17 “God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom”: The first part of this verse may mean that God gave such knowledge to these men because they applied themselves, and they were providentially given the best teachers. The second part of the verse, “Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams”, clearly refers to a miraculous giving by God.

Daniel 1:18-20 “Ten times better”: Daniel and his friends, when questioned or critiqued by the king, give far better answers than the king’s own personal advisors. Some complain, “If the king thought them better than his wise men, why did not he call on them when he had the disturbing dream of chapter 2?” Yet, a student or apprentice may show superior knowledge in some area over a teacher or craftsman and yet still be the second choice when it comes to obtaining advice and aid. The terms “magicians” and ”conjurers” refers to those who practiced the arts of divination, which includes astrologers, palm-readers, and so on. Be impressed that learning that is applied with God’s truth is 10 times better in knowledge, discernment, and wisdom than the practices and theories of unbelievers. Daniel and his friends had the same basic learning as the magicians and conjurers. What made the difference was that Daniel and his friends had monitored their learning with the Scriptures, that is, what did not conflict with the Scriptures was embraced, what did, was rejected. God’s truth gave them the ability to rightly apply what they were learning.

Daniel 1:21 Daniel’s service in the Babylonian royal court continued until the Babylonian Empire came to an end in 539 B.C.. Daniel 10:1 tells us that Daniel received a vision in the third year of Cyrus. This passage informs us that Daniel survived on into the new empire. When the kingdom changed hands the man who had prophesized such a change was there!

Verse 5

Dan 1:5

Dan 1:5 And the king^H4428 appointed^H4487 them a daily^{H3117 H3117} provision^H1697 of the king’s meat,^{H4480 H6598 H4428} and of the wine^{H4480 H3196} which he drank:^H4960 so nourishing^H1431 them three^H7969 years,^H8141 that at the end^{H4480 H7117} thereof they might stand^H5975 before^H6440 the king.^H4428

Daniel 1:5

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Jerusalem as well as most of the large cities at this time in history was surrounded by walls to help protect them against invaders. The common method of overthrowing a walled city was to besiege it and deny food to its inhabitants until they are starved out. Consequently when the besieged city has been conquered, the inhabitants have been starved down to a state of emaciation. Nebuchadnezzar did not want his court servants to look like they were starved to death so he appointed them a three year regimen of the king’s food so that they could appear sleek and healthy before the king at the end of this time period. It was during this three year period that they received their Babylonian education.

Verse 6

Dan 1:6

Dan 1:6 Now among these were^H1961 of the children^{H4480 H1121} of Judah,^H3063 Daniel,^H1840 Hananiah,^H2608 Mishael,^H4332 and Azariah:^H5838

Daniel 1:6

Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

We are now introduced to the four youths of Judah who play a prominent role in the book of Daniel. These young men were most likely of royal blood or nobles from the palace of Josiah. Josiah was a righteous king of Judah and with these young men being raised under his reign, they likely received the finest training and upbringing available in the Mosaic Law which was demonstrated in their behavior in Babylon. It is unlikely they received the level of knowledge they exhibited under Jehoiakim who cared little for the way of God. Jehoiakim succeeded Josiah on the throne and had only been reigning three years when Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem.

There were more than just these four captives which are the chief Israelite figures of the book of Daniel. The four which are named were the ones which were selected from among the entire group of captives. We do not know what happened to the rest. They probably went to service in lesser prominent places within the empire. Daniel and his companions were eventually set in places of high authority over the empire so they were obviously men of great personal character and trustworthiness.

Verse 7

Dan 1:7

Dan 1:7 Unto whom the prince^H8269 of the eunuchs^H5631 gave^H7760 names:^H8034 for he gave^H7760 unto Daniel^H1840 the name of Belteshazzar;^H1095 and to Hananiah,^H2608 of Shadrach;^H7714 and to Mishael,^H4332 of Meshach;^H4335 and to Azariah,^H5838 of Abednego.^H5664

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.

We here see that these four young men were placed under the care of the prince of the eunuchs. This man’s job was to be over all the eunuchs in the service of the king. Those under his authority were therefore eunuchs. This verse of scripture in conjunction with 2 Kings 20:18 and Isaiah 39:7 is the strongest scriptural evidence in support of Daniel and his companions being eunuchs in Babylon. Though not conclusive in the absence of a declarative scripture stating Daniel and his companions were eunuchs, the inference can be reasonably drawn that they were.

The prince of the eunuchs renamed these four young men with names more suitable to Babylonian custom. Slaves in the palace service were often given names which reflected in some way the pagan gods of the conquerors and this appears to be the case here as discussed previously.

Verse 8

Dan 1:8

Daniel’s Faithfulness

Dan 1:8 But Daniel^H1840 purposed^H7760 in^H5921 his heart^H3820 that^H834 he would not^H3808 defile himself^H1351 with the portion of the king’s meat,^{H6598 H4428} nor with the wine^H3196 which he drank:^H4960 therefore he requested^H1245 of the prince^{H4480 H8269} of the eunuchs^H5631 that^H834 he might not^H3808 defile himself.^H1351

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Barely into Babylon and already Daniel has encountered a conflict between Mosaic law and the society he was forced to live in. Obviously the king’s food contained things which were forbidden under Mosaic law. The text says meat and wine so we can reasonably infer that this was the source of the unclean food which Daniel did not wish to consume.

Daniel started by making his request to the prince of the Eunuchs instead of belligerently refusing to eat the food. This demonstrates that Daniel was wise enough to explore the options of a peaceful solution to his predicament first.

Verse 9

Dan 1:9

Dan 1:9 Now God^H430 had brought^{H5414 (H853)} Daniel^H1840 into favour^H2617 and tender love^H7356 with^H6440 the prince^H8269 of the eunuchs.^H5631

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel was obviously a likeable young man and the prince of the eunuchs favored him above the others. Throughout the story of Daniel, we are given a picture of an extraordinary man who was wise and well thought of by everybody he encountered. Twice in the book of Daniel we see him described as having an "excellent spirit" which was highly regarded by his captors (Daniel 5:12; Daniel 6:3). We are unsure if the prince of the eunuchs here is the same man as the master of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, which was introduced in verse 3, but it seems likely it was. They had to spend some time together in order to develop the relationship they had in Babylon. It is likely this relationship was fostered on the journey from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Verse 10

Dan 1:10

Dan 1:10 And the prince^H8269 of the eunuchs^H5631 said^H559 unto Daniel,^H1840 I^H589 fear^{H3372 (H853)} my lord^H113 the king,^H4428 who^H834 hath appointed^{H4487 (H853)} your meat^H3978 and your drink:^H4960 for^H834 why^H4100 should he see^{H7200 (H853)} your faces^H6440 worse liking^H2196 than^H4480 the children^H3206 which^H834 are of your sort?^H1524 then shall ye make me endanger^{H2325 (H853)} my head^H7218 to the king.^H4428

Daniel 1:10

And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

The prince of the eunuchs was sympathetic to Daniel’s plea but he knew his life would be forfeit if Daniel and his companions did not gain weight and appear healthy before the king. There was obviously a relationship between the two because the master of the eunuchs wanted to know why Daniel would request something that would cause him to lose his head over so Daniel’s request was at first refused.

Verse 11

Dan 1:11

Dan 1:11 Then said^H559 Daniel^H1840 to^H413 Melzar,^H4453 whom^H834 the prince^H8269 of the eunuchs^H5631 had set^H4487 over^H5921 Daniel,^H1840 Hananiah,^H2608 Mishael,^H4332 and Azariah,^H5838

Daniel 1:11

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel then takes his case to Melzar who was placed in charge of Daniel and his companions.

Verses 12-14

Dan 1:12-14

Dan 1:12 Prove^{H5254 (H853)} thy servants,^H5650 I beseech thee,^H4994 ten^H6235 days;^H3117 and let them give^H5414 us pulse^H2235 to eat,^H398 and water^H4325 to drink.^H8354

Dan 1:13 Then let our countenances^H4758 be looked upon^H7200 before^H6440 thee, and the countenance^H4758 of the children^H3206 that eat^{H398 (H853)} of the portion of the king’s meat:^{H6598 H4428} and as^H834 thou seest,^H7200 deal^H6213 with^H5973 thy servants.^H5650

Dan 1:14 So he consented^H8085 to them in this^H2088 matter,^H1697 and proved^H5254 them ten^H6235 days.^H3117

Daniel 1:12-14

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 children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel made a deal with Melzar to feed them pulse instead of the king’s diet. The basic meaning of the term "pulse" in Daniel is "seeds"; the term here means "vegetables". What Daniel and his companions were requesting was the plain vegetable fare of the general populace rather than the richer, meaty diet of the royal table. In Deuteronomy 11:10 and 1 Kings 21:2 the Hebrew word for "pulse" is a collective noun referring to vegetables, herbs, and green plants growing together in a garden. The Greek equivalent for this word is used in Romans 14:2 as a general term for vegetables as opposed to meat protein. What Daniel asked for was to be fed a vegetarian diet as opposed to the diet of the king which would include whatever meat he was eating at the time and wine.

Just coming from the siege and overthrow of Jerusalem, Daniel and his companions would be gaunt and starved. Under normal circumstances ten days would scarcely be enough time to notice a difference in someone from a diet but here ten days was sufficient to prove their case to Melzar. Their request was granted and they were nourished on a diet of vegetables and probably plain water for ten days.

Verses 15-16

Dan 1:15-16

Dan 1:15 And at the end^{H4480 H7117} of ten^H6235 days^H3117 their countenances^H4758 appeared^H7200 fairer^H2896 and fatter^H1277 in flesh^H1320 than^H4480 all^H3605 the children^H3206 which did eat^{H398 (H853)} the portion of the king’s meat.^{H6598 H4428}

Dan 1:16 Thus Melzar^H4453 took away^{H5375 (H853)} the portion of their meat,^H6598 and the wine^H3196 that they should drink;^H4960 and gave^H5414 them pulse.^H2235

Daniel 1:15-16

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

All four of the children did well on their vegetable and non-alcoholic diet and were granted a totally vegetarian diet which sustained them during their training period of 3 years until such time they would stand before Nebuchadnezzar for inspection and selection.

This event shows the first instance of the favor granted to Daniel and his companions by those of the Babylonian empire. In a society where one could lose one’s head at the nod of the king, this speaks volumes for the character of these four boys who inspired their overseers to go out of their way and risk their very lives in order to grant them their wishes in matters of righteousness. It also shows evidence of compassion and care in a society known for cruelty. Let’s keep in mind that Daniel, his companions and many other children were captives facing a lifetime of slavery in the empire.

Verse 17

Dan 1:17

Dan 1:17 As for these^H428 four^H702 children,^H3206 God^H430 gave^H5414 them knowledge^H4093 and skill^H7919 in all^H3605 learning^H5612 and wisdom:^H2451 and Daniel^H1840 had understanding^H995 in all^H3605 visions^H2377 and dreams.^H2472

Daniel 1:17

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

These children were favored by God for their perseverance and efforts at following after God’s righteousness despite their circumstances. The application for us today is that when we withstand adversity and remain stedfast in our faith, God will approve and will bless our efforts. These boys were given skill in learning and wisdom. Daniel received an added blessing in that he could understand and interpret dreams and visions which served him and his companions well in the years to come.

Verses 18-20

Dan 1:18-20

Dan 1:18 Now at the end^{H4480 H7117} of the days^H3117 that^H834 the king^H4428 had said^H559 he should bring them in,^H935 then the prince^H8269 of the eunuchs^H5631 brought them in^H935 before^H6440 Nebuchadnezzar.^H5019

Dan 1:19 And the king^H4428 communed^H1696 with^H854 them; and among them all^{H4480 H3605} was found^H4672 none^H3808 like Daniel,^H1840 Hananiah,^H2608 Mishael,^H4332 and Azariah:^H5838 therefore stood^H5975 they before^H6440 the king.^H4428

Dan 1:20 And in all^H3605 matters^H1697 of wisdom^H2451 and understanding,^H998 that^H834 the king^H4428 enquired^H1245 of^H4480 them, he found^H4672 them ten^H6235 times^H3027 better than^H5921 all^H3605 the magicians^H2748 and astrologers^H825 that^H834 were in all^H3605 his realm.^H4438

Daniel 1:18-20

Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

When their training was complete, all of the captives were brought before king Nebuchadnezzar for inspection. Not only did these four young men outshine their fellow captives, they were found to be considerably brighter and more knowledgeable that even the magicians and astrologers of the empire. These young men were outstanding among their peers and as we will learn later eventually found themselves in highly trusted and authoritative positions within the empire. Nebuchadnezzar had found an extraordinary treasure in his captives from Judah and he was wise enough to recognize it and use it to his own advantage.

Verse 21

Dan 1:21

Dan 1:21 And Daniel^H1840 continued^H1961 even unto^H5704 the first^H259 year^H8141 of king^H4428 Cyrus.^H3566

Daniel 1:21

And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

This does not mean that Daniel died the first year of king Cyrus. We know that Daniel did not die at that time because Chapter 10, verse one places Daniel as receiving a vision in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel was taken before king Nebuchadnezzar at the end of their training as we saw in verses 18-20. He was chosen to go into the service of the king at that time. And he spent the rest of his life up until the first year of the reign of Cyrus in some capacity of service to the various kings who ruled over Babylon. By the first year of the reign of Cyrus, Daniel was quite aged being in his 90’s. He continued in palace service in some capacity until the first year of king Cyrus when he then likely was retired from public service and lived out the remainder of his days quietly. Daniel received the vision revealed in chapter 10 in the third year of Cyrus’ reign, he therefore spent some remaining time authoring the last chapter of the book bearing his name.

In Ezra 5:13 we see that "in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God". This placed Daniel in Babylon for the entire period of the Babylonian captivity. Daniel would never get to see the temple again. But he did live long enough to see his countrymen freed and released to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the city.

What an extraordinary accomplishment considering the times and tumults of the period. World empires were being forged and conquered during this stage of time in history. Daniel started out as a captive of the Babylonian Empire just a few years after Nebuchadnezzar’s father and his Median ally broke the power of the Assyrian Empire which had lasted for centuries. In all the uproar, the king of Egypt managed to seize control of some of the hotly disputed territory for a while but was unable to hold it in the face of the concentrated efforts of the Babylonian army. When Nebuchadnezzar died in B.C. 562 he was succeeded by his son Amel-Marduk who was assassinated and replaced by Neriglissar who reigned from 559 to 556 when he was dethroned by Belshazzar who was the son of Nabonidus who then became king. Belshazzar served as a co-regent of Babylon in the absence of his father who was out conquering more territories for the empire. Darius the Mede overthrew Belshazzar and the Babylonian empire was split up between the Medes and the Persians. In B.C. 539 Cyrus overthrew and took Babylon into the Persian empire.

Daniel was taken into captivity in B.C. 606 and continued in Babylon until B.C. 539. That is 67 years of Daniel’s life we can account for. If Daniel was 12 years old at the time he was taken into captivity then that would put him at near 80 years old when Cyrus conquered Babylon. What an example Daniel leaves for us today. He is one of the models of life long faith in God and perseverance in the ways of righteousness. We can look back and see the imperfections of Moses and Abraham. They had their faults as did Jacob and all the others. No man is perfect and sinless before God, but in Daniel, we see a man who lived his faith throughout his entire life. Daniel was an extraordinary man of God and lives in history as one of the greatest prophets of God ranking right up there with Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah and Elisha.

The book of Revelation and the book of Daniel are inseparably connected to one another as is apparent in many of Daniel’s visions. It’s no wonder that some of the prophecies of Daniel are directly tied to events and characters in Revelation. Revelation is a book of hope, perseverance, endurance and triumph in the face of severe oppression from those in a pagan nation. The Christians living under the great Roman persecution were required to reject the pagan worship and remain faithful to the one true and living God no matter what the consequences were. And in Daniel, they had the perfect role model they could look back on and see just how it was to be done.