Daniel 1

Jehoiakim was king of Judah from 609 to 598 BC. Before this siege, he served Egypt as a vassal (a ruler who had to obey a stronger nation). His rule in Judah was very wicked (2 Kings 23:36–24:6; 2 Chronicles 36:5–8; Jeremiah 25). The exile and captivity of Daniel and his friends in 605 BC foreshadowed the exile of the rest of the nation in 597 and 586 BC (see 2 Kings 24:1–25:21). The Lord used King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as an unknowing servant to achieve his purposes (compare Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6).

These verses explain why Daniel and his friends were in Babylon. They briefly describe the setting in which Daniel lived during the years of exile.

God kept his promise by sending his rebellious people into exile (see Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10). He also showed grace to a small group (a remnant) in exile, protecting and helping Daniel and three other young Hebrew captives. These young men received the best training available in the Babylonian king’s court. This prepared them to be God’s witnesses in Babylon. They made the God of Israel known even while in exile.

The first half of Daniel shows the experiences and wisdom of Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. It demonstrates that God is the ruler of the world. It also shows that God's people should stay faithful and act wisely in every situation.

• The Lord, who has complete power and authority over history, gave the victory to Nebuchadnezzar. It was not accomplished by the king’s might or the power of his god Marduk, the main god of the Babylonians. The Lord used the exile in Babylon to judge and discipline his people, as he had warned in the Law (for example, Deuteronomy 28:64) and by the prophets (for example, Jeremiah 25:8–14).

• The sacred objects were dedicated for use in the temple of God built by Solomon. After nearly seventy years in Marduk's treasure-house, Belshazzar further defiled these vessels in 539 BC (Daniel 5:1–4). They were later returned to the rebuilt temple during Ezra's time (Ezra 1:7–11; 5:13–16).

• the land of Shinar: Israel's rebellion brought them back to where rebellious humanity had built the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:2).

chief of his court: Though often translated as “eunuchs” (compare Isaiah 39:7), here the Hebrew term (saris) likely means that Ashpenaz and those under his authority were high government officials (see 2 Kings 8:6).

The Lord carried out his warning that sons of the royal family would serve in Babylon (Isaiah 39:7), even though they were heirs to the promises given to King David and his family. Nebuchadnezzar tried hard to convert them through education, social and religious pressure, and name changes. However, their influence on their pagan surroundings became the most notable aspect of their time at the king’s palace and court.

• without blemish: They had no defects or blemishes that would disqualify them. The Lord required the same for Israel’s priests (Leviticus 21:16–24; 22:17–25). These youths had the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and character needed to work in high government positions.

• Babylon had a wide range of literature that covered many kinds of knowledge. It included:

  • wisdom and secret writings,

  • creation stories,

  • magic spells,

  • theogonies (origins and family trees of the gods),

  • legal texts,

  • ancient histories,

  • letters,

  • dream journals,

  • guides for interpreting visions, and

  • mathematical and astrological materials.

  The education of these young men, all in a foreign language, was as advanced as that of Moses in Egypt.

The king tried to make them dependent, grateful, and loyal by giving them food and wine from his kitchens.

Their new Babylonian names were meant to help bring the young Hebrews into Babylonian culture. Daniel, whose name means "God is my Judge" or "God has judged," became Belteshazzar, which means "Bel [a Babylonian god] protects his life." Hananiah, whose name means "the Lord is grace," became Shadrach, which may mean "command of Aku," another Babylonian god. Mishael, whose name means "who is God?" became Meshach, which means "who is Aku?" Azariah, whose name means "the Lord helps," became Abednego, which means "servant of Nego/Nebo," another Babylonian god.

Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself: The meat and wine from Nebuchadnezzar’s table were likely not allowed by Jewish standards. The Babylonians used meats like pork, which were unclean (see Leviticus 11:1–23; Deuteronomy 14:1–21), and their meat and wine were probably offered to Babylonian gods. The other young Hebrews agreed with Daniel (Daniel 1:12–16). They trusted God and followed his commands, and God blessed them (compare Deuteronomy 28:1–14).

Daniel decided not to eat the king's food or drink his wine. He wanted to keep his religious and moral independence. He allowed God to show kindness and care to his faithful servants. This strong trust in God by Daniel and his friends is an important theme in the book (see also Daniel 2:16–23; 3:16–18; 6:16).

God helped Daniel by influencing Ashpenaz's attitude (compare Exodus 11:3).

Ashpenaz was understandably afraid of the king.

Daniel found a wise plan that would protect both his faith and Ashpenaz's safety.

only vegetables … and water: Eating only vegetables and water would avoid forbidden foods (Daniel 1:8). This diet, as a kind of fast, would demonstrate mourning over their exile in a foreign land.

deal with your servants: Daniel showed wisdom, careful judgment, and politeness in how he treated his attendant, who reacted positively.

During their training, Daniel and his friends followed a challenging curriculum in a threatening pagan culture. They stayed faithful to the Lord. As they learned language, literature, and science, they aimed for excellence and honored God. In return, God enhanced their skills and knowledge with many gifts.

All four young men were excellent students. God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret visions and dreams, which were often prophetic (compare with Joseph, Genesis 37:5–11).

The king spoke with all the young men who were trained, not just Daniel and his three friends. He conducted a thorough oral examination and discussed topics important to him. God chose the four young men to be his witnesses among the nations. They were greatly honored by being appointed to positions of power, responsibility, and opportunity (compare Genesis 41:37–40; 45:5; Exodus 2:1–10).

The magicians were priests who could predict the future and interpret dreams (see Genesis 44:1–15). They could also perform wonders (see Exodus 7:11). The term enchanters, from the Hebrew word ’ashap, appears only in the book of Daniel. It comes from an Akkadian term for people who spoke spells.

the first year of King Cyrus: Cyrus the Great ruled over:

• Persia from 559 to 530 BC,

• Media from 549 BC, and

• Babylon from 539 BC.

He created the Persian Empire, which lasted from 539 to 331 BC (see study notes on Daniel 5:30, 31; compare Isaiah 45:1–2).