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Daniel 1:5

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Bible Versions

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.
And the king {H4428} appointed {H4487} them a daily {H3117}{H3117} provision {H1697} of the king's {H4428} meat {H6598}, and of the wine {H3196} which he drank {H4960}: so nourishing {H1431} them three {H7969} years {H8141}, that at the end {H7117} thereof they might stand {H5975} before {H6440} the king {H4428}.
The king assigned them a daily portion of his own food and the wine he drank, and they were to be cared for in this way for three years. At the end of this time they were to become the king's attendants.
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.
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.

Daniel 1:5 describes a crucial aspect of King Nebuchadnezzar’s program to integrate the brightest young Israelite captives, including Daniel and his three friends, into Babylonian service. After the siege of Jerusalem, these young men were selected for their intelligence, appearance, and potential to serve in the royal court.

Context

Following the Babylonian conquest of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar initiated a strategic program to assimilate the most promising young men from the conquered territories into his administration. This verse highlights the practical provisions made for them: a daily allotment of food from the king's own table and wine from his personal supply. This was not merely sustenance but a deliberate act of cultural and religious indoctrination, designed to strip them of their Hebrew identity and immerse them in Babylonian customs, language, and religion. The three-year period was intended for comprehensive training, ensuring they were fully prepared to "stand before the king," meaning to serve as royal advisors or officials.

Key Themes

  • Assimilation and Indoctrination: The provision of the "king's meat" and "wine" was a powerful tool for cultural assimilation. Sharing the king's table symbolized allegiance and acceptance into the Babylonian system, subtly eroding their distinct Israelite identity.
  • Royal Provision and Potential Defilement: While seemingly a generous provision, the food and wine likely posed significant challenges to the young Hebrews. According to Mosaic dietary laws, much of the king's food would have been considered unclean. Furthermore, pagan kings often offered their food and drink to idols before consumption, making it ritually impure for devout Israelites.
  • Preparation for Service: The three-year training period underscores the importance of preparation and education for leadership roles. It was an investment in their skills, designed to cultivate loyalty and competence for the Babylonian empire.
  • Testing of Faith: This provision sets the stage for the pivotal test of faith that follows in the narrative, particularly Daniel's resolve not to defile himself, as detailed in Daniel 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "meat" here is pathbag (פתבג), a Persian loanword meaning "choice food" or "delicacy," specifically referring to food from the king's table. This emphasizes that it was not ordinary fare but luxurious provisions, highlighting the status and potential temptations associated with their new environment.

Practical Application

Daniel 1:5 offers timeless lessons about maintaining faith and integrity in challenging environments. Believers today often face pressures to conform to societal norms that may conflict with their convictions. This verse reminds us:

  • The Subtlety of Temptation: Temptations to compromise faith can come in the form of comfort, provision, or opportunities for advancement.
  • The Importance of Preparation: Just as Daniel and his friends were prepared for royal service, believers should strive for excellence in their callings, demonstrating competence while maintaining spiritual integrity.
  • Maintaining Convictions: The decision to accept or reject the king's provision was a test of their commitment to God's law, even in exile. It prompts us to consider what compromises we might be tempted to make for worldly benefits.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 1:19

    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.

  • 1 Kings 10:8

    Happy [are] thy men, happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy wisdom.

  • 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:7

    Happy [are] thy men, and happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.

  • Jeremiah 15:19

    Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

  • Luke 21:36

    Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

  • Luke 11:3

    Give us day by day our daily bread.
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