Daniel1

In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem, and the Lord delivered King Jehoiakim and some temple vessels into his hand. The king then selected choice Israelite youths, including Daniel and his three companions, for three years of training in Chaldean learning and royal provisions. Daniel purposed not to defile himself with the king's meat and wine, requesting a diet of pulse and water instead. God blessed their faithfulness, granting them superior wisdom and knowledge, leading to their esteemed service before King Nebuchadnezzar.

Listen to this chapter

Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—

young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service.

Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Daniel Resolves Not to Defile Himself

But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.

Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,

but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!”

Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

“Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Then compare our appearances with those of the young men who are eating the royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

So he consented to this and tested them for ten days.

And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food.

So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and he gave them vegetables instead.

God Grants Wisdom and Success

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

Now at the end of the time specified by the king, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.

And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service.

In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Study Notes for Daniel 1

Verse 1

This date (605 BC) marks the first of three major deportations of the Judeans to Babylon. The mention of Jehoiakim establishes the historical setting, fulfilling prophecies of judgment against Judah.

Verse 2

The phrase 'The Lord gave' is crucial, emphasizing the theological perspective that Nebuchadnezzar’s victory was not accidental but divinely orchestrated judgment. Shinar is the ancient name for Babylonia, recalling the rebellion at Babel (Gen. 11:2).

Verse 3

Nebuchadnezzar sought to integrate the best and brightest foreign captives into his administration. This process required complete assimilation, starting with their education and cultural identity.

Verse 4

The criteria reflect the Babylonian desire for complete intellectual and physical superiority in their servants. The goal of teaching them 'the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans' was to erase their Hebrew identity and loyalty.

Verse 5

Eating the king’s food and drinking his wine symbolized dependence on the Babylonian regime. Furthermore, this food was likely prepared contrary to Mosaic dietary laws or dedicated to Babylonian gods, posing a serious spiritual test.

Verse 7

The new names were a systematic attempt at cultural conversion. Daniel ('God is my judge') was renamed Belteshazzar ('Bel protect his life'), replacing names honoring Yahweh with names honoring Babylonian deities.

Verse 8

This is the pivotal verse, demonstrating Daniel's moral courage and commitment to the covenant despite being held captive. His 'purpose in his heart' shows personal resolve anchored in faith, initiating a conflict between God’s law and the king’s command.

Verse 9

The immediate success of Daniel’s request is attributed to divine favor, illustrating that God honors those who honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30) and can influence the hearts of even pagan officials.

Verse 12

Daniel suggests a test, demonstrating both faithfulness and wisdom. 'Pulse' (Heb. *zērō‘îm*) refers to vegetables, grains, or seeds, a simple diet that would ensure compliance with kosher standards and ritual purity.

Verse 15

The physical outcome confirms that God sustained them despite their adherence to a restrictive diet. This miracle underscores the principle that obedience to God does not result in disadvantage.

Verse 17

The narrative shifts from physical sustenance to intellectual gift. Their knowledge and skill are explicitly stated as God-given, proving that divine favor is the source of their success, not merely their education in Chaldean learning.

Verse 20

The phrase 'ten times better' signifies overwhelming superiority. They surpassed the specialized intellectual elite of Babylon (magicians and astrologers), positioning them for high office and influence.

Verse 21

This concluding note establishes Daniel’s longevity in service, which spanned the entire period of the Babylonian Empire and into the beginning of the Persian Empire (539 BC). This confirms his enduring importance and faithfulness.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate

Daniel1

Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem

Daniel Resolves Not to Defile Himself

God Grants Wisdom and Success

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options