Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Daniel Chapter 1 mean?

The first chapter of this book introduces Daniel and explains how he became a renowned advisor under several pagan rulers. It also mentions three other Hebrew boys, who would become part of a famous story of bravery and faith. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were boys of royal families taken for reeducation in Babylon. As part of this, they would be immersed in Babylonian religion, culture, language, and literature. To represent the effort to change the youths’ identities, the man in charge of their training renames them as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:1–7).

Most of the captured youths were probably integrated easily into Babylonian culture. The four named in this chapter, however, remained committed to their faith. Though captives, they wanted to continue to obey God and His laws, including in matters of food. Daniel asked the man responsible for his training, the chief eunuch, to allow him to abstain from the king’s food. The king’s food would have been excellent—but also would have included unclean animals and not been prepared according to the Law of Moses. Despite his great respect for Daniel, the chief eunuch hesitated to allow anyone to skip part of their reeducation regimen. Daniel proposes a test, and in ten days proves he and his fellow Hebrews can thrive on vegetables and water (Daniel 1:8–16).

God honors Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah with extraordinary wisdom and intellect. The use of their Hebrew names, rather than their new Babylonian titles, expresses how God’s providence brought them to their new roles. Daniel is also blessed with insight into dreams and visions. These skills will make all four important figures in Babylon—and will force several conflicts between faithfulness and self-preservation (Daniel 3; 6). Daniel will live on as a brilliant advisor through several regime changes, surviving until the rule of Cyrus the Great (Daniel 1:17–21).

Chapter Context
Daniel was taken captive when Babylon conquered the nation of Israel. The first chapter of the book establishes his history, his level of natural talent, and the depth of his faith. This is followed by a series of prophetic interpretations tied to Gentile nations in chapters 2—7. Chapters 8—12 focus on prophecies more closely related to the nation of Israel. Many of these details are restated or expanded in the book of Revelation.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

According to history, Nebuchadnezzar orchestrated three sieges against Jerusalem. They occurred in 605 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC. After defeating the Egyptians at Cachemish in 605 BC, his father Nabopolassar was king of Babylon, but after Nabopolassar’s death, Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon to be crowned king. Second Kings 24:1 and 2 Chronicles 36:6 record Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Jerusalem.

The reference to the assault on Jerusalem in the third year of Jehoiakim’s reign seems to conflict with Jeremiah’s dating of it in Jehoiakim’s fourth year (Jeremiah 25:1), but both dates are accurate. Among the possible explanations is that the Jewish calendar began in the fall, while the Babylonian calendar began in the spring. The Babylonian calendar would cite Jehoiakim’s fourth year as the time of Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion. Daniel seems to be using the Jewish calendar in this instance.

As part of their conquest, the Babylonians will take gifted Israelite boys back to be trained as court advisors (Daniel 1:4–5). This was likely meant to help Babylon integrate the Jewish people into their empire.

Context Summary
Daniel 1:1–7 introduces several main characters featured in this book. Along with King Nebuchadnezzar are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These four young men came from royalty and nobility but were taken to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. King Nebuchadnezzar planned to educate them in Babylonian culture and immerse them in his lifestyle. The four were to be presented to the king after three years to see the results of their training. The four captive boys are given new names to correspond with their new lives: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Verse 2. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.

Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem in the third year of Jehoiakim’s rule (Daniel 1:1). The Israelite king of Judah seems to have listened to Jeremiah’s warning (Jeremiah 27:8) that Babylon’s victory was inevitable and should not be resisted (2 Kings 24:1). This resulted in the capture of two notable assets: religious artifacts from the temple and children from noble families. The Babylonians put the Jewish religious items among other riches dedicated to their God, Bel. The children were sorted by skills and some were designated as future court advisors for their new master (Daniel 1:4–5).

Daniel is careful to say that it was God—referred to as “Adōnā’y, or Adonai, meaning the ultimate authority—who arranged for this series of events. Likely, Nebuchadnezzar assumed that his strength had prevailed against Jerusalem, but it was God’s will to give Jerusalem to him. “God is the King of all the earth…God reigns over the nations” (Psalm 47:7–8). The Babylonian captivity came about because the people of Israel had violated God’s covenant. Deuteronomy 28 had warned that disobedience would cause this to happen.

Shinar, mentioned in Daniel 1:2, is the ancient name for Babylonia. Shinar is mentioned in Genesis 10:10; 11:2; 14:1, 9; Joshua 7:21; Isaiah 11:11; and Zechariah 5:11.

Verse 3. Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility,

During the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Israel, capturing many religious artifacts and prisoners (Daniel 1:1–2). Some of those captives were chosen specifically for their value to the Babylonian Empire. Royal and noble families would have been more influential, making their children more respected among other Jewish people. Nebuchadnezzar also wanted attractive, competent advisors. Most likely, he intended to mold these young men into Babylonian culture and use them to help control the newly-conquered Israelites (Daniel 1:4–5). It’s also possible they were valuable as bargaining items in case of a revolt.

The English term “eunuch” typically refers to a male who has been castrated. The ancient world made some men eunuchs as part of servanthood. In theory, this would prevent them from having a family to favor, as well as making them less susceptible to seduction. Ashpenaz is labeled using the Hebrew word sārisāy’, from the root word sāris, typically translated as “eunuch.” The Hebrew word derives from a reference to castration but can generally refer to court officials. Potiphar, who was married, is labeled with the same root word in Genesis 37:36.

It is possible that Daniel and his fellow captives were castrated and made into eunuchs. A prophecy in Isaiah 39:7 said that descendants of Hezekiah would be “taken away, and they [would] be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” However, the Bible does not say this, explicitly. Whether Daniel was or was not a castrated eunuch is ultimately irrelevant to his role in God’s plan.

Verse 4. youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king ‘s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

The Jewish youths chosen to serve in Nebuchadnezzar’s court were physically and mentally superb. Gentile nations often interpreted attractive appearance to mean the gods had gifted the individuals. The captive youths’ keen knowledge and high intellect qualified them to learn their captive nation’s literature and language. Training the children of noble families to be Babylonian court advisors would have made it easier for the king to integrate his newly conquered subjects. Part of their training was also cultural (Daniel 1:5), attempting to fully integrate them into their new roles (Daniel 1:7).

The Chaldeans were an ethnic and political group from southwest Babylon. The Hebrew word for “Chaldean,” kasdim’, is used here and in other places as a cultural group (Daniel 5:30; 9:1). The word also appears several times as a reference to specially trained Babylonian astrologers (Daniel 2:2, 4, 5, 10; 5:11). The Chaldeans spoke a Semitic dialect resembling Akkadian and slightly related to Hebrew. Daniel and his friends may have had some knowledge of this language already.

Verse 5. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.

Nebuchadnezzar seems to have planned to mold children from noble Jewish families into willing allies for his conquest. This would make them useful agents to understand and control the Jewish people. The most intelligent and attractive youths were taken for special training, including education in Babylonian language and ideals (Daniel 1:3–4). Undoubtedly, this would have included efforts to transform them into followers of Babylonian religion, as well.

This verse suggests that part of the captives’ reeducation was immersion in Babylonian culture. They were to be given the same food and drink as the king. This would have created a sense of prestige and privilege, not to mention obligation. For young men, taken from their families, these efforts would have created immense pressure to conform. To emphasize their intended purpose, the captives were renamed according to Babylonian preferences (Daniel 1:7).

Modern-day believers, too, are often under intense pressure to be what the world desires. Some of that comes in the form of persecution, but it can also come through the temptations of luxury. The apostle Paul exhorts: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Verse 6. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.

Only four of the children taken into Nebuchadnezzar’s reeducation program (Daniel 1:3–5) are mentioned by name. There would have been others, but these are the only ones who factor directly into Daniel’s story. These were descendants of Jewish royalty taken, in part, so they could be molded into mediators between Israel and their Babylonian captors. These four boys are identified as members of the tribe of Judah, the same tribe as David and the Messiah, Jesus Christ (1 Samuel 17:12; Luke 3:23–38; Revelation 5:5; 22:16). Each carries a birth name referring to the God of Israel, but their new masters will assign them names tied to Babylonian religion:

Daniye’l, or “Daniel,” means “God is my judge.” His given Babylonian name will be Beltasha’tstsar, or “Belteshazzar,” a call for protection from the false god Bel, or possibly “Lord of the straightened’s treasure.”

Chananyah, or “Hananiah,” means “Yahweh has favored.” His assigned pagan name will be Sadrak’, or “Shadrach,” possibly a reference to the false god Marduk, or as meaning “decree of the moon-god” or “I fear a god.”

Miysha’el, or “Mishael,” means “who is what God is?” This is similar to the name Miyka’el, or “Michael,” which means “who is like God?” His new designation will be Meyshak, or “Meshach,” meaning “guest of a king,” or perhaps “I am humble before a god.”

‘Azaryah, or “Azariah,” means “Yahweh has helped.” He will be given the Babylonian name ‘Abed Nagow, or “Abed-nego,” meaning “servant of Nebo,” in reference to the son of the Babylonian deity Marduk.

All four captives will demonstrate that names, themselves, do not define a person’s destiny. Daniel will be renowned for his faithfulness to God (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Daniel 6), only using the new Babylonian name is his book when others apply it to him. The other captives, most famously known be their new names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, will feature in a classic story about bravery in the face of persecution (Daniel 3).

Verse 7. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

When Babylon conquered Israel, the best and brightest children of royal families were set aside for a special purpose. They were not merely trophies. Rather, they were placed into a reeducation program (Daniel 1:1–4). Nebuchadnezzar probably intended to lure Israel’s youths to his side, making them more effective at controlling the conquered Jewish population. This plan included training in Babylonian language, religion, and culture, and living in relative luxury (Daniel 1:5). It also meant being given new names, replacing references to the God of Israel (Daniel 1:6) with mentions of Babylonian idols.

Daniel, or Daniye’l, whose name means “God is my judge,” was assigned the Babylonian name Beltasha’tstsar, or “Belteshazzar.” This seems to be an appeal for protection to the god Bel. The name may also mean “Lord of the straightened’s treasure.”

Hananiah, or Chananyah, whose name means “Yahweh has favored,” was given the name Sadrak’, or “Shadrach.” This is most likely a reference to the Babylonian deity Marduk, or “decree of the moon-god” or “I fear a god.”

Mishael, or Miysha’el, whose name means “who is what God is?” was renamed Meyshak, or “Meshach.” This new title is translated as “guest of a king,” or perhaps “I am humble before a god.”

Azariah, or ‘Azaryah, whose name means “Yahweh has helped” was called ‘Abed Nagow, or “Abed-nego.” His altered name means “servant of Nebo,” probably referring to the son of the Babylonian god Marduk.

Scripture does not say how other Israelite captives responded to their new positions. These four, however, resisted the pressure to abandon their faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will become famous for their refusal to worship idols, even at the risk of their lives (Daniel 3). Daniel will be renowned for righteousness despite living under several pagan regimes (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Daniel 6).

Verse 8. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king ‘s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Daniel’s concern about being “defiled” by the king’s food (Daniel 1:5) might have been a matter of ceremonial cleanliness, or idolatry, or both. The pagan peoples of Babylon would have eaten unclean animals prohibited by the law given to Israel by Moses (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). Even when the animals were clean, Gentiles would not have removed fat and blood according to Jewish requirements (Leviticus 3:16–17; 17:10–14). Historians suggest Israelites were used to heavily diluted wine while Babylonians preferred theirs at full strength. Daniel may have wanted to avoid drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; 31:4) as well as ceremonial uncleanness. Other commentators suggest Daniel was mostly troubled by the king’s food being dedicated to Babylonian idols.

Daniel’s Babylonian manager will be concerned about different food affecting the health of the four captive Israelites (Daniel 1:6–7, 10). So, Daniel proposes a brief test, indicating whether they can maintain their condition while abstaining from the king’s food (Daniel 1:11–13). Scripture does not indicate what would have happened if Ashpenaz (Daniel 1:3) had refused to accommodate Daniel. However, other recorded incidents prove both Daniel and the three other named captives were willing to die rather than compromise their faith (Daniel 3; 6).

Context Summary
Daniel 1:8–16 explains one of the ways Daniel and three other captured Hebrew boys (Daniel 1:1–7) resisted being corrupted by the pagan culture of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar assigned the Hebrew youths the same kind of food and wine that he ate and drank. These would have been unclean, for various reasons, under the Law of Moses. Daniel received permission from his supervising steward to eat only vegetables and water for a ten-day test. When the Hebrew youths were healthier than those who ate the king’s food, they were allowed to continue their special diet.

Verse 9. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

God honored Daniel’s decision regarding the king’s food and wine (Daniel 1:8). Much as Joseph (Genesis 39:1–6) earned deep respect from his captors (Genesis 39:20–22), so did Daniel. This is another example of the Lord working behind the scenes to accomplish His will. Even the conquest of Judah by Babylon was part of that plan (Daniel 1:1–2). Without God’s work in Ashpenaz’s heart (Daniel 1:3), Daniel might have been executed for resisting the king’s order. Clearly, God was rewarding Daniel’s faith through Ashpenaz’s favor and compassion (Daniel 1:14).

At the same time, Daniel’s tactful approach would have been influential. Had Daniel acted rudely, rather than politely, Ashpenaz might have responded with anger. Instead of showing compassion, he might have enacted punishment. Daniel’s conversation (Daniel 1:9–12) shows he understood the chief eunuch’s concerns and wanted to alleviate them. Daniel’s concern was to maintain faithful integrity—not merely to be obstinate. In every potentially risky situation, a believer should be tactful and reasonable (Matthew 10:16; 1 Peter 3:14–17).

Verse 10. and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.”

Ashpenaz (Daniel 1:3) hesitated to grant Daniel’s request (Daniel 1:8), because he was responsible for preparing these young men for service to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:4–5). Kings during Daniel’s era held absolute, unlimited power over their subjects. Anything, especially disobedience, could lead to death. Later in this book we learn how Nebuchadnezzar punished Daniel’s three friends for refusing to worship his idol (Daniel 3). The king might execute Ashpenaz if a trainee deviated from their reeducation plan and ended up in worse shape than other captives.

Yet Scripture indicates Ashpenaz had a loving respect for Daniel (Daniel 1:9). Daniel realizes his conviction creates risks for others, so he proposes a test. He does not bargain or compromise or suggest he will accept the king’s food. Daniel only asks his captors to see what happens and act as they see fit (Daniel 1:12–13).

Verse 11. Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel and three other boys were among those captured from Judah by the Babylonian Empire (Daniel 1:1–2). Some of these captives were placed in a reeducation program to make them advisors helping the king rule his new subjects (Daniel 1:3–7). However, Daniel’s faith would not allow him to eat the unclean, idol-consecrated food given to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:8). The chief eunuch, Ashpenaz, was sympathetic, but concerned about fulfilling his obligations (Daniel 1:9–10).

Scripture is not clear about whether Ashpenaz approved Daniel’s conversation with the steward. It’s possible he simply said “no” because of his reservations, and Daniel arranged this test in response. Or the suggestion of a test might have been made to both Ashpenaz and the steward at the same time. Either way, the results would be dependent on God’s intervention.

This steward is referred to as ha melsār’ in Hebrew, apparently adapting a Persian word referring to a cupbearer (Genesis 40:1) or butler. Though some translations present this as a proper name, the Hebrew contains a definite article, meaning “the.” To be a steward required being trustworthy in the eyes of the king in part because stewards served the food and wine, providing opportunity to poison their rulers. It seems Nehemiah held a similar position in King Artaxerxes’ court. Nehemiah 2:1 quotes him as saying, “I took up the wine and gave it to the king [Artaxerxes].”

Verse 12. “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Daniel must have been highly esteemed by the steward who had been assigned over him (Daniel 1:11), just as he was by the chief eunuch (Daniel 1:9), because he was allowed to make a significant suggestion. These men were charged with preparing captured Jewish boys to become advisors for King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3–5). That included eating the same food as the king (Daniel 1:5), which would have been ceremonially unclean and associated with idol worship (Daniel 1:8). The chief eunuch was hesitant to allow Daniel to eat other food (Daniel 1:10), but Daniel asks the steward in charge of the king’s food to test their alternative diet of vegetables and water.

The Hebrew word for “vegetables” includes seed-bearing plants, meaning anything that grows up from the ground. This diet probably included grains as well. Eating a vegetarian diet would keep Daniel and his friends from eating improperly prepared or idol-sacrificed food. Drinking only water would help them avoid the undiluted wine preferred by the Babylonians.

The number ten in the Bible is often used for a period of trial or testing. For example, the Egyptians experienced a judgment of ten plagues (Exodus 7—12), and Jesus foretold that the Devil would throw some members of the church at Smyrna into prison and cause them to have tribulation ten days (Revelation 2:10). Certainly, ten days on this diet would not threaten anyone’s health, nor jeopardize a steward’s reputation with the king. It was a reasonable length of time. Daniel does not promise to eat the king’s food if the test fails, but only asks the man to act as he sees fit (Daniel 1:13).

Although this diet made Daniel and his friends even healthier than those who ate the king’s food (Daniel 1:14–15), the point is not to endorse a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Healthy eating is good, and caring for the body is good as well; yet the purpose of this incident is to establish how God honored Daniel’s convictions.

Verse 13. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king ‘s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

The Babylonians who captured Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:1–4) would not have followed Jewish laws regarding unclean foods (Leviticus 3:16; 11; 17:10–14; Deuteronomy 14). The king’s meat would have been ceremonially offered to a false god, as would have their full-strength, undiluted wine. Holding to his convictions, Daniel boldly asked that he be allowed to eat vegetables and water, instead (Daniel 1:8). Since they were responsible for presenting the king with well-prepared servants, Daniel’s handlers were reluctant (Daniel 1:10). So, Daniel proposes a short test to prove that he can thrive without partaking in the king’s lifestyle (Daniel 1:12).

Daniel believed determination to honor the Lord would have a positive result. He was willing to undergo a health inspection between those who followed his diet, and other youths who ate the king’s food. One reason the Babylonians immersed the children of Jewish nobles in their culture and language was to turn them from the God of Israel and into supporters of King Nebuchadnezzar. This verse suggests that not all the captured boys shared Daniel’s conviction.

It is important to note that Daniel does not indicate that he will eat the king’s food if the test fails. He only tells the steward to act according to what he thinks is best. Other stories in this book suggest that both Daniel (Daniel 6) and his three friends (Daniel 3) would have still refused to compromise their convictions, even if it meant death.

Verse 14. So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.

The steward (Daniel 1:11) working under the chief eunuch (Daniel 1:3) almost certainly needed his superior’s permission to comply with Daniel’s test (Daniel 1:9–12). Daniel asked for a ten-day trial where he and his friends would abstain from the morally dubious food prepared for King Nebuchadnezzar. After this, the steward could do what he thought was necessary (Daniel 1:13). Even so, this points to God’s sovereign work in placing Daniel and his three friends in the king’s court.

Daniel may have received a direct message from God to make his bold request. Other passages in this book show him in a close relationship with God including many special revelations (Daniel 7:1; 8:1; 9:1–2; 10:1). However, this is not God’s typical way of communicating with His people. Christians should not expect direct revelation from God, particularly in the modern era when we have access to the Bible. All that Christians need to know for correct believing and doing is given in God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and we should be careful not to go outside its teachings (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Verse 15. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king ‘s food.

The ten-day test (Daniel 1:8–14) proved successful. Daniel and his three friends appeared healthier and more muscular than the other youths. Scripture does not intend this to endorse a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle (Genesis 9:3). The point is that God always honors those who honor Him by adhering to His Word. This reflects God’s sovereign guidance, honoring Daniel’s choice to avoid the unclean food prepared for a pagan king.

Psalm 1 promises blessing to the person who shuns the way of the wicked and delights in God’s will. Verse 3 promises: “He is like a tree planted by the streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Daniel and his friends prospered by obeying God. Although obedience to the Lord may not cause believers to look physically different, it certainly will make their lifestyle differ from that of unbelievers.

Verse 16. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

It appears the steward (Daniel 1:11) allowed Daniel and his three friends to continue their chosen diet (Daniel 1:12–15) for the rest of the three years of their education (Daniel 1:1–5). Surely God was working in the minds and hearts of pagan officials to perform His will regarding Daniel and his friends.

God always honors those who honor Him. Centuries before Daniel was a slave in Babylon, Joseph was a slave in Egypt. He was even thrown into prison, but Genesis 39:21 says, “But the Lᴏʀᴅ was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Similarly, “God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs” (Daniel 1:9). God’s purpose for Joseph was to elevate him to a high position in the government of Egypt, and His purpose for Daniel was to elevate him to a position of immense influence in Babylon. This emphasizes the idea that nothing can overrule God’s purposes, even if the circumstances seem evil (Genesis 50:20).

Verse 17. As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

The four “youths” mentioned are among those captured when Nebuchadnezzar defeated Judah (Daniel 1:1–2). Children of royal families were selected for their appearance and intellect and placed in a reeducation program (Daniel 1:3–5). The four named in this chapter (Daniel 1:6–7) have already demonstrated willingness to maintain their faith despite intense pressure (Daniel 1:8–16). Based on the context of this chapter, it seems not all the captured Jewish youths were so committed.

While Nebuchadnezzar intended to make these boys into assets for his royal court, the Lord God was ultimately in control of their destiny. All four are credited with impressive skills in logic, insight, academia, and intellect—as given to them by God. Daniel was gifted further with the ability to interpret dreams and visions. Chaldean culture was renowned for those who claimed the ability to interpret dreams. Yet they will soon prove unable to provide King Nebuchadnezzar with assistance about a troubling dream (Daniel 2:1–11). As Daniel’s future unfolded, he became known as a reliable interpreter of visions.

Daniel’s ability is called out for special notice because it is an uncommon gift. In Old Testament times God often revealed His will through dreams and visions, but now He has revealed His will through His Son and His Word (Hebrews 1:1–2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Cults have sprung up as their founders claimed to receive special revelation through a dream or vision, but Christianity rests on the firm foundation of Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Context Summary
Daniel 1:17–21 completes an introduction to Daniel’s role in advising the kings of Babylon. Because Daniel and his three friends honored the Lord, they were blessed with exceptional skills and abilities in their roles. Their extraordinary value will factor into later incidents where the Hebrew captives must decide between their own lives or faithfulness to God (Daniel 3; 6).

Verse 18. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

“The time” mentioned here is three years, the length of a reeducation process begun when Daniel and other boys were taken from Judah (Daniel 1:1–6). The goal of this program was to mold the Hebrews into loyal subjects of Babylon, who could advise the king and help control the conquered Jewish people. Unlike some captives, four were notably faithful to the God of Israel: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:8–16). These were the same ones given the Babylonian names of Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:7).This meeting with Nebuchadnezzar amounts to their final exam: the ultimate test of their suitability for important roles.

As prior verses noted (Daniel 1:17), God gifted these four with exceptional ability. Their commitment to the Lord had not made them less valuable as advisors. Instead, they will prove to be the very best, even among the experienced Babylonian counselors and occult practitioners (Daniel 1:19–20).

A final exam awaits every Christian, but the examiner will not be an earthly king but a heavenly king. The period of one’s life as a Christian will be reviewed at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The basis of judgment will not be the Christian’s sins, because they were judged on the cross when Jesus received the penalty for their sin. The basis of judgment will be the Christian’s faithfulness to the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Verse 19. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.

After interviewing all the youths who completed the three-year training (Daniel 1:1–5), Nebuchadnezzar appointed Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:6–7) to prestigious positions in his court. Their refusal to partake of the king’s food and wine while they followed a diet approved by Levitical law honored the God of Israel. Despite enormous pressure to conform to Babylonian culture, they remained true to their Hebrew convictions. Although they were far from home and the temple, they remained devoted to God and His Word. Neither political pressure nor peer pressure caused them to dishonor God.

Proverbs 22:29 states, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings.” Though all four had been given Babylonian names, as well, they are labeled here with their original Hebrew names. This is meant to emphasize that their God, the God of Israel, had worked in their lives to advance them to prominent positions.

Verse 20. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

Archaeological discoveries have indicated ancient Babylon was advanced beyond other cultures in literature, mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Daniel, his three friends, and the other captured youths would have received instruction in these disciplines (Daniel 1:1–7). Surely, Nebuchadnezzar quizzed all of them in these subjects (Daniel 1:17–19). He found Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah far superior in their knowledge than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. That they are said to be “ten times better” is a figure of speech emphasizing their clear superiority as counselors and advisors.

Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar graduated the four Hebrew youths to positions of honor in his court. God had given Daniel and his three friends wisdom that far outstripped the worldly wisdom of the Chaldeans. Centuries earlier Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). The Lord prepared him well to function as Israel’s deliverer and leader just as He prepared Daniel in the literature, language, culture, and sciences of the Chaldeans to demonstrate the wisdom of God before Nebuchadnezzar and others.

Verse 21. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

God gave Daniel a lengthy ministry. His service as a faithful representative of the Lord extended from Nebuchadnezzar to King Cyrus of Persia. By divine grace, Daniel lived and ministered throughout the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar in 604—562 BC, Evil-Merodach in 562—560 BC, Neriglissar in 560—556 BC, Labashi-Marduck in 556 BC, the co-rules of Nabonidus in 556—539 BC and Belshazzar in 553–539 BC (Daniel 5:1), and into the reign of Cyrus the Great of Persia.

In His providence, God also favored the Israelite patriarch Joseph with a long stretch of influence in Egypt. His ministry began at age thirty in Pharaoh’s court and continued until he died at the age of 110 (Genesis 41:46; 50:22). Daniel’s ministry to the Gentiles foreshadowed a prominent New Testament figure, who lived into his nineties and faithfully proclaimed God’s Word. This was John, one of Jesus’ original disciples. Apparently, the Romans thought that by banishing John to the isolation of Patmos they would silence him. Yet, from Patmos, John wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ that promises blessing to whoever reads it, to whoever hears it, and to whoever obeys it (Revelation 1:3).

End of Daniel Chapter 1

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