# Daniel Chapter 1

> Daniel and his three friends in Babylon — captivity, a purpose of heart, and the God who honours those who honour Him.

- Source: https://timeisathandlive.org/studies/daniel/chapter-1
- Site: Time Is At Hand Evangelistic Ministries (https://timeisathandlive.org)
- Topics: Bible study, Daniel, Prophecy
- Licence: free to read, quote and share, with attribution.

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The book of Daniel is one of the most interesting books, especially for our time. Some expositors and Bible commentator relate to Daniel as the “Political Prophet.” “The seer of world events.”

He was a prophet of dreams and visions - who sees dates and times of events long in advance before they occurred. He pointed out historic events in figures and symbols in a clear and simple way for all to understand. He also gives us a view of the spiritual forces that are daily wrestling behind the scenes.

When CHRIST was here, He pointed His listeners to one of Daniel’s prophecies, Matt 24: 15 indicating the importance of his prophecies.

“The books of Daniel and Revelation are full of relevant information which concerns every one of us. We should study these books and let the Lord God of Israel communicate truth to us, so that we may be able to communicate the truth to others who live in these last days” MR vol 13.

“The perils of the last days are upon us, and we should watch and pray, read and heed the lessons that are given us in the books of Daniel and Revelation “ibid.

Daniel was a very intelligent and inspired man, a close friend of God and adherent to His will. He had many encounters with Gabriel the mighty Angel of God.

He was a man of personal experience who developed implicit trust and confidence in God; and was chosen to receive many visions and interpretations of visions from God. He was no stranger to God and God was no stranger to him- They were friends.

## Daniel Taken to Babylon

Daniel 1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem, 2 Kings 23:36 (KJV). He was Eliakim the son of Josiah whose name was changed by Pharoah-nechoh to Jehoiakim 2 Kings 23:34. He was a corrupted leader who taxed the people heavily in order to pay tribute to Pharaoh of Egypt, Kings 23:33,35.

God send warnings to him and the people of Judah, by the mouth of Jeremiah but they would not heed them – 2 Chronicles 36: 14-16; Jeremiah 36:22-25. God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to invade Jerusalem taking away some captives and some of the precious things of God’s house.

> **Daniel 1:2** — 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.

Many of the holy vessels which used to be employed in the service of God were taken away by the king of Babylon. Some of the most valuable and treasured things were taken from the temple of God by Nebuchadnezzar.

He brought them as trophies of victory to the house of his god to whom he gave praise for his success. As a token of gratitude to his god, these vessels were kept in the treasury of his temple.

> **Daniel 1:3** — 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.

Ashpenaz was the master of the eunuchs. As a requirement, eunuchs were castrated so that they would not desire women, especially the king’s wives and his daughters. Daniel and his friends were made Eunuchs fulfilling the prophetic word of God. 2Kings 20:18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

The fact that Ashpenaz was asked to bring royal Israelites indicates that they were descendants of King David.

David had received God’s promise that his family would always rule. David was from the tribe of Judah, so also was Daniel and his friends. Psalm 89:3-4 (KJV)I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, [4] Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. This is clear evidence that the word of God cannot fail in any way.

> **Daniel 1:4** — 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.

Ashpenaz was to choose young men who were without physical blemish. They were to be physically attractive and “knowledgeable in all subjects,” Science, Astrology and astronomy. They were to be children of keen discernment and sensibility in words and in actions. They were to be exceptionally shrewd, intelligent and astute. In addition, they were to possess the intellectual aptitude to learn the Chaldean language, customs, and culture for them to work in the king’s court.

In the Babylonian Empire, the Chaldeans were the dominant race and were considered extremely intelligent.

These captives, with their ability to learn and to understand the Chaldean language and culture, ranked among the elite of the Jewish captives. They were young people, competent and well favored to stand in the king’s court as physically, morally, and mentally exceptional.

They were carefully selected because of their perceived ability to stand in the king’s palace and preside over his affairs. They were chosen because of their noble qualities as judged by their fellow men; but, this was the providence of God for them and they were given these special qualities by God.

They were God’s chosen people, singled out and set apart by Him. The king selected them with the hope that they would be pliant and easily forget their own people so he could easily integrate them into the company of the Chaldeans.

> **Daniel 1:5** — 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.

Once these young people were chosen, they were brought into the king’s palace and served the choicest meats and the finest wines. Their meals were carefully selected and suitable for the king himself. By worldly standards, this was the best food and drink available. For three years the captives were to partake of this food and at the end of that time, they were to stand before the King looking perfect.

> **Daniel 1:6** — Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Daniel 1:7 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.

Among the young men who were chosen, four of them were singled out: Daniel, whose Hebrew name means “God is my judge”; Hananiah, whose Hebrew name means “the grace of Jehovah”; Mishael, whose Hebrew name means “who is what God is?”; and Azariah, whose Hebrew name means “helped of Jehovah,”

They were from the tribe of Judah. Judah means “He shall be praised,” and they were ordained to praise God even in heathen lands. Their Hebrew names had something of God, or Jehovah in them, but to dissociate the captives from their Jewish culture and identity, they were given names that reflected the Babylonian gods

The king delegated the task of renaming the Jewish captives to the head eunuch. Daniel’s new name, Belteshazzar, means “lord of the hidden treasure.” Hananiah’s name, Shadrach, means “the breast was tender.” Mishael’s new name, Meshach, means “quiet waters.” Azariah’s name, Abednego, means “servant of the shining fire.”

> **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.

Daniel’s decision surely seems risky or reckless because it was culturally inexcusable to disobey the king’s orders. However, Daniel did not want to defile his body with the king’s meat.

He must have remembered David’s prayer and Solomon’s counsel. Psalm 141:4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Proverb 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: Proverb 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Proverb 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Although the request Daniel made of the eunuch was in direct opposition to what the king had ordered the eunuch to do, Daniel stood firm in his convictions.

> **Daniel 1:9** — Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Because of God’s work in his heart, the chief-of-staff granted Daniel this special privilege. He did it even though Daniel was a captive stranger that he got to know in a short time. Any benevolence granted to Daniel by the chief was, as this verse confirms, a direct result of God’s intervention. When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him Proverb 16:7.

Daniel was still firm to his religion and principles. They had changed his name without him objecting but could not change his character nor his eating habit. He would settle for what they chose to call him, but he still retained the spirit of an Israelite and loyalty to his God.

Daniel 1 :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.

The chief of the eunuchs feared disobeying the king’s command and the consequences that could result. One of the consequences that the chief dreaded most, as indicated by his response, was execution by beheading. Ashpenaz feared that the king might be able to look upon the faces of Daniel and his friends and see that they had not been well fed and found out their disobedience.

> **Daniel 1:11** — Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

> **Daniel 1:12** — Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Daniel appeal to the proper authorities through the proper channels. He was not able to convince Ashpenaz, the chief of the eunuchs, but he did not lose heart. Instead, Daniel petitioned the steward who was placed directly in charge of his group. He was determined to bend the rules Babylon or die instead of going against his conscience.

Daniel pleaded with the steward to consider his petition, at least for a reasonable trial period. He was willing to put his conviction to the test if the steward would permit this ten-day trial, Daniel requested vegetables and water.

> **Daniel 1:13** — 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.

Daniel invited the steward to compare their appearances with those that had eaten the king’s food after ten days. He did not suggest that their faces would appear healthier than those who had eaten the king’s provisions; he merely encouraged the steward to see for himself. Then, the steward could determine what the king’s men would serve the Israelites from then on. He knew that his obedience to God would stand the test of Babylon.

Daniel’s trust in God’s faithfulness was so steadfast that he agreed with whatever action the steward deemed appropriate at the end of the ten-day trial, whether that meant submissive compliance with the king’s diet or even punishment for their conduct. This is the first of many examples in which Daniel boldly placed his life in God’s hands, regardless of the outcome, with uncompromising obedience.

> **Daniel 1:14** — So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. Daniel 1:15 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.

At the end of the ten-day trial period, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah appeared “healthier and stronger” than the other young people who ate the king’s diet.

This was because the four friends obeyed the guidelines that the Lord had given regarding eating proper foods.

It’s important to remember that these young men chose this diet out of obedience to God rather than according to their own personal taste and desire.

. Daniel 1:16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

Because of the result at the end of the ten days, the steward allowed them to continue with their special diet instead of the king’s provisions. The steward was not afraid to continue providing their simple diet because he had seen the positive result.

> **Daniel 1:17** — 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.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah possessed knowledge and intelligence from God in liberal portion. But Daniel possessed that something extra—the gift of understanding in all visions and dreams. As we will see throughout this book, Daniel sought God for proper interpretation of visions and dreams. It was not something he was able to do through his own cleverness; it was a gift from God to be used for God’s glory. Daniel was in partnership with God.

> **Daniel 1:18** — 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.

We know from verse five that these Israelites had lived in captivity for three years during their period of grooming and training. During this period, they had received the finest food, exercise, and training in all matters of education and culture. At the end of the three years, Ashpenaz brought them before Nebuchadnezzar so that the king could select the finest among them for his court.

> **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.

Essentially, the king interviewed the captives himself. He most likely asked them particular questions to evaluate each candidate’s worthiness.

Out of all the young captives, none measured up to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They excelled above all the other participants. The experience of Daniel and his companions illustrates the benefits of an abstemious diet, and how God rewards those who purify their souls through obedience to Him.

> **Daniel 1:20** — And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

The Lord continued to bless the obedience of his four servants. The king tested their wisdom and knowledge in many different aspects, and in all matters, these four (whose wisdom and intelligence were from God) were found to be far superior to any of the king’s magicians and astrologers (whose intelligence was of the world).

Right physical habbits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend on God’s immutable laws; and every man is the architect of his own fortune according to Uriah Smith. Daniel and his friends were, even by the king’s worldly standard, the most intelligent men in the Babylonian Empire. The king was certainly thrilled to have these four great men in his court, and many times, Nebuchadnezzar praised God for them.

> **Daniel 1:21** — And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Does God really care how we spend our money? Yes! He does! Do the foods we eat really matter to God? Does God really care which person we marry? Does He care how we earn a living? Yes! To all of the above.

We may think that God does not care about these personal areas of our lives.

However, not only does God cares, He calls us to be obedient to Him by applying the principles in His Word to every area of our lives—the little things and the big ones.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”1 Cor. 10:31KJV.

Obedience to God means that, out of our love for Him, we follow Him in all that we say and do, In this chapter, four of the Jewish captives did not partake of the king’s foods, because they knew that this was in conflict with the guidelines God had previously given them. To us, eating the king’s meats might seem trivial. What harm would have been done if Daniel and his friends had eaten the king’s delicacies?

Would they be struck down? Maybe not, However, they could not have brought honour to God the way they did. God specifically instructed His children not to eat from the king’s table because these meats were considered unclean.

Because of Daniel and his friends’ obedience in this seemingly simple matter, God made them physically healthier than the other captive children and ten times wiser than the king’s magicians and astrologers. Therefore, if they had disobeyed God, these four may have robbed themselves of God’s blessings.

God’s Word outlines several basic principles that we should follow in order to live obedient, godly lives. Our works do not save us, but they do reveal principles and character, and for whom we are working. The first test that was given to Daniel was on appetite, and where many (including our first parents and Esau) failed, he proved faithful.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31 (KJV)