1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom [was] no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as [had] ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 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.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
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.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
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.
20 And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.
21 And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Overview of Daniel Chapter 1
Daniel Chapter 1 sets the stage for the narrative of the Book of Daniel, introducing key characters and themes that will be explored throughout the text. This chapter focuses on the Babylonian exile of the Israelites, particularly Daniel and his friends, and their experiences in a foreign land.
Historical Context
The events of Daniel 1 take place during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which occurred in 586 BCE. The chapter highlights the impact of this conquest on the Jewish people and their cultural identity.
Main Characters
- Daniel: A young Israelite of noble descent, known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God.
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Daniel’s three friends, also from noble families, who share his commitment to God.
- Nebuchadnezzar: The king of Babylon, who orders the exile of the Israelites and seeks to indoctrinate them into Babylonian culture.
- Ashpenaz: The chief of the eunuchs, tasked with overseeing the training of the young exiles.
Key Themes
- Faithfulness to God: Daniel and his friends demonstrate their commitment to their faith, even in a foreign land.
- Cultural Assimilation: The chapter explores the pressures of assimilation into Babylonian culture and the challenges faced by the exiles.
- Divine Providence: The narrative illustrates how God is at work in the lives of Daniel and his friends, providing them with favor and wisdom.
Summary of Events
The chapter begins with the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, who takes some of the vessels from the temple and brings them to Babylon. He orders the selection of young men from the royal family and nobility to be trained in the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
Daniel and his friends are among those chosen for this training. They are to be provided with food and wine from the king’s table. However, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the royal food and seeks permission to eat vegetables and drink water instead.
After a period of testing, Daniel and his friends appear healthier and better nourished than those who ate the royal food. As a result, the chief of the eunuchs agrees to their request, and they are allowed to continue their diet.
By the end of the chapter, Daniel and his friends are found to be ten times wiser than all the magicians and enchanters in the king’s court, establishing their positions as wise men in Babylon.
Conclusion
Daniel Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the broader themes of faith, identity, and divine intervention that permeate the Book of Daniel. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to one’s beliefs in the face of adversity and the potential for God to work through those who trust in Him.
