Daniel 1:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now God {H430} had brought {H5414} Daniel {H1840} into favour {H2617} and tender love {H7356} with {H6440} the prince {H8269} of the eunuchs {H5631}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God caused the chief officer to be kind and sympathetic toward Dani'el;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 1:9 presents a pivotal moment in Daniel's early captivity, illustrating God's direct and sovereign intervention to grant His faithful servant favor and deep affection from Ashpenaz, the chief official responsible for the young Jewish exiles. This divine enablement was crucial for Daniel's well-being and future influence within the Babylonian court, demonstrating God's active hand in orchestrating circumstances for those who honor Him, even in hostile environments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's courageous and principled decision in [Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel 1:8 - Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile Himself"). Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king's rich food and wine, which likely involved pagan sacrifices or violated Mosaic dietary laws. Their resolve, born of deep conviction, sets the stage for God's immediate response. Verse 9 highlights that Daniel's favorable standing with the "prince of the eunuchs" (Ashpenaz, introduced in [Daniel 1:3](/daniel/1-3 "Daniel 1:3 - Ashpenaz, Chief of the Eunuchs")) was not a result of human manipulation or chance, but a direct divine act, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him. This divine intervention is a crucial turning point, paving the way for Daniel's subsequent request and the positive outcome detailed in [Daniel 1:11-16](/daniel/1-11 "Daniel 1:11-16 - The Test of Daniel and His Friends").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon, shortly after Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Jerusalem (circa 605 BC), as described in [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-2 - Jerusalem's Fall and Exile"). Daniel, along with other young men from noble Judean families, had been forcibly exiled to Babylon. They were selected for a three-year training program designed to assimilate them into Babylonian culture and prepare them for service in the king's court. This included instruction in the Chaldean language and literature, and provision of royal food and wine. The "prince of the eunuchs" (Hebrew: _sar ha-sarisim_) was a high-ranking official, likely Ashpenaz, who held significant authority over the king's personal staff and the training of these foreign youths. Eunuchs often held positions of trust and power in ancient Near Eastern courts, as they were perceived as less likely to pose a dynastic threat. Gaining the favor of such an official was paramount for the survival and advancement of any captive, especially one who intended to deviate from royal decrees regarding diet.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 1:9 powerfully underscores several major themes present throughout the book of Daniel and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Intervention**, explicitly stating that "God had brought Daniel into favour." This emphasizes God's sovereign control over human affairs, His ability to work behind the scenes, and His active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants, even in seemingly impossible or hostile circumstances. Secondly, the verse illustrates the **Reward for Faithfulness**. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's laws in [Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel 1:8 - Daniel's Principled Stand") is immediately met with divine blessing and favor, demonstrating that obedience to God often yields unexpected and positive outcomes, even when it involves personal sacrifice. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Favor and Influence**. God grants Daniel not just general goodwill, but "tender love" from a powerful figure, a deep personal regard that would prove essential for Daniel to navigate the complexities of the Babylonian court, maintain his integrity, and ultimately fulfill his divinely appointed role as a prophet and wise counselor to kings. This theme of divine favor enabling influence is echoed throughout the broader biblical narrative, as seen in the lives of figures like Joseph and Esther.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430 - This plural form, often used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God of Israel. Its presence here is crucial, as it attributes Daniel's favorable outcome directly to divine agency, not to chance or Daniel's own cunning. It underscores the monotheistic conviction of the author and the active hand of the one true God in the affairs of His people, even in exile.
* **brought (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414 - A primitive root meaning "to give," "to put," or "to grant." In this context, it signifies God's active bestowal or placement of Daniel into a position of favor. It's not a passive observation but an active, intentional act by God, demonstrating His power to orchestrate circumstances and human hearts.
* **favour (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** H2617 - This rich Hebrew term denotes kindness, grace, goodwill, or loyal love. While _chesed_ often describes God's covenantal faithfulness, here it describes the benevolent regard shown by the prince of the eunuchs towards Daniel. It implies a positive disposition and willingness to help, going beyond mere professional courtesy.
* **tender love (Hebrew, _racham'_):** H7356 - Derived from a root associated with the womb, this word conveys deep compassion, mercy, or profound affection. It suggests a strong emotional bond or a nurturing, protective feeling. The combination of _chesed_ and _racham_ indicates that the prince's regard for Daniel was not superficial but a deep, empathetic connection, making his willingness to accommodate Daniel's request all the more remarkable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now God had brought Daniel into favour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of Daniel's good fortune. It is not Daniel's charm, intelligence, or political maneuvering that secured his position, but the direct, sovereign intervention of God. The verb "brought" (Hebrew _nâthan_) emphasizes God's active role in placing Daniel in this advantageous situation. This highlights the theme of divine providence, where God orchestrates events and inclines hearts to fulfill His purposes for His faithful servants.
* **"and tender love":** This phrase intensifies the nature of the favor Daniel received. "Tender love" (Hebrew _racham_) signifies a deep, compassionate, and affectionate regard, going beyond mere goodwill. It suggests that the prince of the eunuchs felt a genuine, empathetic connection with Daniel, making him more receptive to Daniel's unusual request regarding the food. This profound personal affection was a direct gift from God, softening the heart of a powerful official.
* **"with the prince of the eunuchs":** This specifies the recipient of God's influence. The prince of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, was a key figure in Daniel's immediate environment, holding authority over the young men in training. Gaining his favor was critical for Daniel's survival and ability to maintain his religious convictions in a foreign, pagan court. God's work in the heart of this specific individual demonstrates His ability to use those in positions of authority, even non-believers, to advance His plans and protect His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Divine Intervention** as a central literary and theological device, explicitly stating "God had brought Daniel into favour." This direct attribution of the outcome to God's action emphasizes His sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs, contrasting with any notion of mere chance or human effort. There is also an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** at play: Daniel, a captive in a foreign land, seemingly powerless, is granted profound favor by a high-ranking official of his captors, not through his own manipulation, but through the unseen hand of his God. This highlights the power of God to reverse human expectations and empower the vulnerable. Furthermore, the phrase "favour and tender love" uses **Juxtaposition** of two distinct but complementary Hebrew terms (_chesed_ and _racham_) to convey a comprehensive and deep level of benevolent regard, enriching the reader's understanding of the quality of the relationship God established for Daniel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:9 powerfully articulates the principle of divine providence and God's faithfulness to those who honor Him. It demonstrates that God is not confined by political boundaries or hostile environments; He actively works in the hearts of individuals, even those in positions of power, to accomplish His purposes. Daniel's experience serves as a profound testament to the truth that when one's ways please the Lord, He can make even one's enemies to be at peace with them. This divine favor is not earned by human merit alone but is a gracious gift, often in response to a prior act of obedience and trust, as seen in Daniel's resolve in the preceding verse.

* [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "Genesis 39:21 - The Lord's Favor on Joseph in Prison")
* [Esther 2:17](/esther/2-17 "Esther 2:17 - Esther Finds Favor with Ahasuerus")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When Ways Please the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:9 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating challenging or unfamiliar circumstances today. It reminds us that our ultimate security and success do not depend on our own abilities, connections, or the benevolence of those in authority, but on the sovereign hand of God. When we commit to honoring God in our decisions, even when it seems costly or counter-cultural, we can trust that He is at work, orchestrating events and inclining hearts in ways we cannot foresee. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of integrity and faithfulness, knowing that God can open doors, provide unexpected favor, and even soften the hearts of those who might otherwise be adversaries. Our obedience, though never a means to manipulate God, often becomes the channel through which His providential care flows, enabling us to stand firm and fulfill our purpose in whatever "Babylon" we find ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "Babylonian" environment where remaining faithful to God feels challenging?**
* **How does the explicit statement "God had brought Daniel into favour" encourage you to trust in God's active involvement in your circumstances?**
* **Can you recall a time when God unexpectedly granted you favor or opened a door in response to your obedience or integrity?**
* **What specific act of faithfulness might God be calling you to today, trusting Him for the outcome, even if it seems risky?**

### FAQ
**What does "favour and tender love" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "favour and tender love" describes the exceptionally positive disposition of the prince of the eunuchs toward Daniel. "Favour" (Hebrew _chêçêd_) denotes kindness, goodwill, or grace, suggesting a positive regard that would make the official inclined to help Daniel. "Tender love" (Hebrew _racham_) is a stronger term, implying deep compassion, mercy, or even affection, often associated with a parent's love for a child or a profound empathy. Together, these terms indicate that the prince's regard for Daniel was not merely professional respect but a genuine, heartfelt liking and concern, divinely orchestrated to make him receptive to Daniel's request to alter his diet.

**Why was it so important for Daniel to gain the favor of the "prince of the eunuchs"?**

Answer: The "prince of the eunuchs" (Ashpenaz) was a high-ranking official responsible for the care, training, and well-being of the young men brought into the king's service, including Daniel. He held immense authority over their daily lives, including their diet and education. For Daniel to refuse the royal food and wine, which was a direct command from the king, would have been seen as an act of insubordination punishable by death. Therefore, gaining Ashpenaz's personal favor and trust was absolutely crucial for Daniel to even propose an alternative diet without immediately incurring severe consequences. God's intervention here was a direct provision for Daniel's safety and his ability to maintain his spiritual integrity in a hostile environment, as seen in [Daniel 1:10](/daniel/1-10 "Daniel 1:10 - The Prince's Fear").

**Does this verse imply that God will always grant us favor if we are faithful?**

Answer: While Daniel 1:9 clearly shows God granting favor in response to Daniel's faithfulness, it does not guarantee that every act of faithfulness will result in immediate, tangible favor or the avoidance of hardship. The Bible also records instances where faithful individuals faced severe persecution, imprisonment, or even martyrdom (e.g., [Hebrews 11:36-38](/hebrews/11-36 "Hebrews 11:36-38 - Faith Enduring Persecution")). However, this verse does affirm God's sovereign power to intervene and His commitment to His people. It teaches us to trust in His providence, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, whether that "good" manifests as earthly favor or as strength to endure trials for His glory (as seen in the fiery furnace in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 1:9, with its emphasis on God granting favor to His faithful servant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Daniel received favor from an earthly prince, Jesus, the Son of God, is the one in whom all divine favor rests. From His baptism, where the Father declared, "[This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")," to His perfect obedience unto death, Jesus consistently walked in the Father's favor. He is the ultimate faithful servant, who, unlike Daniel, never had to purpose in His heart not to defile Himself, for He was "[without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")" (though tempted in every way). Through Christ, believers now receive the ultimate "favour and tender love" from God. We are "[accepted in the beloved](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")" and have "[access to God's grace](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access to Grace Through Faith")" through faith in Him. Daniel's experience foreshadows the greater reality that in Christ, we are not merely granted temporary favor by an earthly ruler, but are adopted as "[children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God Through Faith")" and given eternal standing in the presence of the King of Kings, who has "[made us accepted in the Beloved](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")" and seated us "[with him in the heavenly places](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")." Thus, Daniel's favor points to the immeasurable and eternal favor we receive through our union with the perfectly obedient and beloved Son.

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 39:21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Psalms 106:46

He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

1 Kings 8:50

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

Nehemiah 2:4

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Psalms 4:3

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.