Daniel 1

Daniel 1 introduces the story of Daniel and his companions, young men from Judah taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Chosen for their wisdom and physical appearance, they undergo training to serve in the king's palace. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel and his friends remain faithful to their heritage, refusing to defile themselves with the king's food and drink, and God blesses them with wisdom and favor.

Daniel 1:1-2 (NKJV)
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.

Babylon’s invasion of Jerusalem marked the beginning of the exile for Judah. Nebuchadnezzar's victory was not merely by his strength but was permitted by God, highlighting divine sovereignty over the fate of nations. By taking items from the temple to place in the house of his god, Nebuchadnezzar sought to symbolize Babylon's supremacy over Judah and its deity, yet this act set the stage for God to demonstrate His power in Babylon.

Daniel 1:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,
4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

Nebuchadnezzar’s selection of Israelite youths with noble lineage and exceptional qualities was a strategy to assimilate the best of Judah into Babylonian culture. This was intended to ensure loyalty and to spread Babylonian influence. By educating them in Chaldean language and literature, the king aimed to shape their identity and beliefs, integrating them into his administration while erasing their cultural roots.

Daniel 1:5-7 (NKJV)
5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

These young men were provided with the king’s food and wine, a privilege intended to physically and culturally prepare them for royal service. By renaming them with Babylonian names, the Babylonians aimed to strip away their Jewish identity. Yet despite these changes, Daniel and his friends remained steadfast in their devotion to God, preserving their true identity.

Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel’s decision to avoid the king’s food shows his commitment to the dietary laws of his faith. He recognized that consuming the king’s provisions, likely sacrificed to idols, would compromise his holiness. His respectful approach in making his request demonstrated his wisdom and tact, allowing him to seek an alternative without direct confrontation.

Daniel 1:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”

Daniel’s favor with the eunuch was divinely orchestrated, showing that God was actively supporting him. However, the chief eunuch’s concern reflects the serious consequences of defying royal orders. This situation underscores the tension between obeying God’s laws and surviving in a pagan court, highlighting Daniel’s faith and diplomacy in seeking a resolution.

Daniel 1:11-14 (NKJV)
11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”
14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.

Daniel’s request for a ten-day trial on a diet of vegetables and water was both practical and wise, offering a respectful compromise. This plan allowed the steward to observe the effects without risking his position. Daniel’s faith in God’s provision through this humble diet reflects his reliance on God rather than worldly luxuries for health and strength.

Daniel 1:15-16 (NKJV)
15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.
16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

God’s favor is evident as Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than those who consumed the king’s food, proving that obedience to God could result in physical blessing. This outcome reinforced Daniel’s faith and showed the steward the benefits of allowing them to follow their diet, further securing their faithfulness in a foreign land.

Daniel 1:17-20 (NKJV)
17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.

God blessed Daniel and his friends with exceptional wisdom and understanding, distinguishing them from their peers. Their abilities, particularly Daniel’s gift of interpreting dreams, prepared them for influential roles. Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of their superiority over his own advisors affirmed God’s power and wisdom through these young men, showing how God could elevate His faithful servants even in exile.

Daniel 1:21 (NKJV)
21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

Daniel’s presence in the Babylonian court until the reign of Cyrus, who eventually decreed the Jews’ return to their homeland, highlights his lasting impact and faithfulness. His longevity in a foreign court exemplifies God’s provision and protection, as Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion and influence despite the changing political landscape. This final verse foreshadows Daniel’s continued role in God’s plan throughout the Persian conquest of Babylon.