Daniel 1

By what means Daniel and his companions came to be admitted into the King of Babels Court, verse 1, &c. How piously they carried themselves there, 8. How wonderfully God assisted them, 17. And the extraordinary wisdom wherewith the Lord endued them, especially Daniel, above all the wise men and Astrologers of the Chaldeans, 19, and 20.

1. In the third year of the reign of Jojakim King of Juda, [To wit, when the third year grew toward an end and the fourth begun, when Jojakim would be absolute King, withdrawing himself from the obedience which he had formerly promised to Nebuchadnezzar, Jer.25. Others, after the third year. Compare 2 Kings 24:15. This Jojakim was the son of Josia, the brother of Zedekia, the last King of Juda] came Nebuchadnezzar King of Babel, [he is called by Josephus and others Nebuchadnezzar the Great, by reason of his great kingdom, and great command: his Fathers name was also Nebuchadnezzar. See of Babel Isa. chapter 13.verse 19.] unto Jerusalem; to wit, to prepare the siege, doing in the fourth year that which Jeremia had foretold chapter 1, &c.

2. And the Lord gave Jojachim King of Juda into his hand, and a part of the vessels of the house of God, [The rest were by Gods providence kept in the Temple till the carrying away of King Jechonia, Jerem.27. 18, 19, 20.yea some also continued there still, till the destruction of the city] and he brought them [to wit, the vessels, which he after the manner of the heathen, first presented unto his Idol, (as is intimated in the words following) afterwards laid them up in the treasure house, as followeth. Compare 2 Chron. 36. 7. Otherwise it is true that he also sent away Jojakim with many others captive to Babel. See the sequel, and below chapter 2. 25.] (into) the land of Sinear, (into) the house of his God: Others, to the land of Sinear his Gods house. Of Sinear see Genes. 10. on verse 10, 11, 12.] and he brought the vessels into the treasure [which was in Babylon. See 2 Chron.36. 7.] of his God. [To wit, Bel, the great idol of the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. See Isaiah 46:1. and below chapter 4. 8.]

3. And the King said unto Ashpenaz the chief of his Chamberlains, [Or courtiers, properly Eunuchs. See Genes. 37. on vers. 36. and 2 Kings 20:18. or Ashpenaz his high Steward] that he should bring (certain) of the children of Israel, to wit, of the royal seed, [Heb. of the seed of the Kingdom; that is, of the young men that were born of the royal seed. See Isaiah 39:7. and Jerem. 41. 1.] and of the Princes, [or Nobles, or Rulers. Some among the Rabbins are of opinion that the word Parthenim signifieth those Governours that dwelt and governed about the river Perah, or Prath. Others among the Jews conceive that this word signifieth as much as great Princes and Rulers.]

4. Young men in whom was no blemish, [To wit, no defect or blemish of body, but perfect in body and in limbs] but beautiful of countenance, [Heb. good to see to] intelligent in all wisdom, [not that they were to have just at that time all wisdom, &c. but they were to be of a good condition and understanding, to be able to apprehend and learn those things in time] and expert in knowledge, [or, science: knowers of knowledge] and prudent in understanding, [Heb.having understanding (in) knowledge] and in whom was fullness [Heb. strength that is , disposition, ability, understanding] to stand [that is, to serve. See Deut. 1.on verse 38.and 1 Kings 10:8.] in the Kings palace. [this was foretold by the Prophet Isaia chap 39. 7. To stand before the king may also signifie here to bear great offices, or to be advanced to high places in after times. The King caused these young men to be instructed and brought up ( as followeth) in hopes that he might by them when they came to be of years, be the better able to keep the Jews in subjection and obedience].and that they should instruct them in the books [The Hebrew word signifieth all things wherein anything is written or related, as a book, a letter, a register, &c. these young men were formerly instructed by their godly parents and teachers in the book of Gods law: now they were to be instructed in the books of the Chaldeans, which were full of vain arts, and idolatrous superstitions: and so were brought into great danger both of soul and body] and speech [or language. Heb. tongue] of the Chaldeans]

5. And the King ordained, [Or, appointed, ordered, constituted] them what they should give them day by day [Heb. the word, or the thing of the day upon his day, as Exodus 5:13.] of the pieces, parcells, portions, messes or reliques] of the Kings meat, and of the wine of his drink, [Heb. of his drinking, or drinkings; that is, of such wines, or drink as he himself drank] and that they should (so) train them up three years, [In which time it may be they might be able to learn the Chaldean tongue, Religion, and laws of the Chaldeans] and that at the end thereof they should stand [That is, minister. See Deuteronomy 10:8 and1 Kings 17. 1 and the Annotat.] before the face of the King.

6. Now among them were of the children of Juda, Daniel, Hanania, Misael, and Asaria.

7. And the chief of the Chamberlains gave them (other) names, [To wit, by the Kings order and appointment, as appeareth below chap.5.22. Heb. appointed, &c. Thus Pharaoh changed Josephs name, Genesis 41:45 and Pharaoh Necho Eliakims, 2 Kings 23:34 and 24. 17. It seemeth that this was wont to be done in token of dominion and soveraignty over such persons: also it seemeth here to be done to Daniel and his companions, out of hatred of the names of the true God, which were in the names of these young men, to wit El, and Jab, and that they might the sooner forget the true God, and might make the names of the idols common and familiar to themselves, therefore they had the names of Idols given them instead of the names of the true God. For (according to the opinion of some) Daniel signifieth as much as God is my judge; Hanania, God hath been gracious unto me: Misael signifieth as much as one that taketh hold of the Lord: Asariah, the help of the Lord, or he whom God helpeth. But Betlsazar (which name was given to Daniel,) signifieth one that layeth up and keepeth Bel treasures: Sadrach, one that getteth influences from the King of the Planets; that is, from the Sun: Mishach, one that belongeth to the Goddess Sacha: Abednego, signifieth a minister of Nego, the Idol of the fire. Doubtless, it much grieved these godly young men, that they were compelled to bear the names of the Idols instead of the comfortable names of the true God, which their godly parents had given them] and he named Daniel [Heb. he appointed Daniel: and so in the sequel. Daniel is first named, as being of the Royal stock: or, because he excelled his companions in wisdom and understanding: or, because he is chiefly spoken of in this book] Betlsazar , [After the name of the Idol Bel. See chap.4, 8. There is but one letter difference between this name of Daniel and the name of the King of Babel: Daniel was called Belt-shazar; and the King, Belchezar, below chapter 5.1.] and Hanania Sadrach: and Misael Mesach, and Asaria Abednego.

8. Now Daniel purposed in his heart [Heb.set, or laid upon his heart] that he would not defile himself with the pieces of the Kings meat, [That is, not to defile his conscience by eating unclean meat. For the Chaldeans did eat of divers meat, as of swine, hares, &c. and of sundry sorts of fishes and fowls, which were forbidden by God unto the children of Israel, Levit.11. Deut.14.and they also polluted the lawful meats by their Idolatrous ceremonies, and the invocations of their Gods, Dan.5.4. and 1 Cor. 10. 17. At least Daniel could not do it without giving offence to his neighbor. Matth.chap. 18. 7. But that which Daniel did, we must understand that his companions did the same also, as appeareth vers. 11, 12.] nor with the wine of his drink:[To wit, the Kings drink; that is, the wine whereof the King himself drank. But in the Hebrew the plural number is used, of his drinks; whence may be gathered (according to the opinion of some) that the King drank the divers sorts of wines, which were also set before Daniel and his companions] therefore he requested of the chief of the Chamberlains, that he might not defile himself.

9. And God gave Daniel grace and mercy before the face of the chief of the Chamberlains. [Heb. appointed Daniel for kindness, and for mercie, &c. See the like phrase, and of the like mercy of God, 1 Kings 8. on vers. 50.and Psal. 106. 46. See also Nehem.chap.1.on vers. 11. The meaning is , God so ordered it, that neither Daniel nor his companions were compelled to eat of the Kings meat: But Aspenaz connived at, when the steward gave them pottage or ordinary fare to eat]

10. For the chief of the Chamberlains said unto Daniel, I fear my Lord the King, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: [He intimateth in these words, and in the rest that follow, that he would willingly yield to the request of Daniel and his companions, but that he feared to come in danger of his life, if the King should perceive that their countenances were fallen, and by searching should find out the cause thereof] for why should he see your faces sadder, thinner, more pale and wan? Compare Genes. 40. 6 and the Annotat. there] then (the faces) of the young men that are in equality? [To wit, of three years; that is, who must also, like unto you, be thus three years log nourished and brought up. Others understand it thus, that are like unto you, or equal with you in age. Heb. according to your likeness, or according to your gladness; which should be, that are of a glad countenance] so should ye make mine head [that is, my life] guilty, [that is, bring my life into danger] before the King. [The meaning is, so doing, ye will make that the King will take away my life: or else (as if he should say) if I did not fear this I would willingly grant your request]

11. Then said Daniel unto Melzar, [To wit, when he perceived that the chief of the Chamberlains was willing to wink at it, if so be he might be without danger and blame. Others, he said unto the steward, dispenser, or provider] whom the chief of the Chamberlains had set over Daniel, Hanania, Misael, and Asaria: [To wit, to provide meat and drink for them, and to take care of their provision and diet.]

12. Prove thy servants, [That is, us, me Daniel and my companions] I beseech thee, [Others, try it I beseech thee with thy servants] ten days long, and let them give us of that which is sown to eat, and water to drink. [Heb. of the seed, and we will eat, &c. That is, of that which proceedeth from the feed of the earth that is sown, as all manner of herbs, also barley, pease, beans, rice; &c. Naturally flesh and wine are more nourishing then pulse and water: it may be that Daniel and his companions had an eye to that which is written, Deuteronomy 8:3. Man liveth not by bread alone, but, &c.]

13. And let men look upon our countenances before thy face, and upon the countenances of the young men that eat the pieces of the Kings meat: and do with thy servants according to that which thou shalt see. [That is, according to the nature of things, according as thou shalt think good, when thou shalt have made trial of us]

14. Then he hearkened to them in this matter, and he proved them ten days.

15. Now at the end of ten days, they saw that their countenances were fairer, [Heb. good, or better; that is , livelier, of a better colour, fairer] and (that) they were fatter in flesh then all the young men that did eat the pieces of the Kings meat. [That is, then the young men that had eaten of the best and most nourishing meat. Its not the dainty fare, but the blessing of God, that maketh fair and fat. Compare Judges 13:4. See hereof the promise of God, Exodus 23:25. Compare further Psal. 104. 13, 14, 15.and Psalms 145:15, 16. Hebrews 11:37, 38. Matthew 4:4.]

16. Then it came to pass, that Melzar took away the pieces of their meat, together with the wine of their drink. [That is, the wine that they should drink. See vers.8.] and he gave them (of) that which was sown.

17. Now these four young men, God gave them knowledge and understanding in all books [See above vers.4.] and wisdom:[To wit, in the liberal arts and sciences, in political or civil affairs, and in natural things, but not in Magick or the black art, forbidden by God, Deut.18. 11.] but he gave Daniel understanding in all manner of visions and dreams. [Therefore did God give Daniel some particular gifts above his companions, thereby to bring him into esteem and repute, for he intended to use him in eminent matters above his companions. Of visions see Genes. 15.on vers. 1.and chapter 46. on vers. 2. Numb.12, 6. And of dreams, Genes. 20.on vers.3. But sometimes visions and dreams are taken for one and the same; as Job 33:15.]

18. Now at the end of the days [To wit, of those three years whereof is spoken vers. 5.] whereof the King said that they should bring them in, [Or, that he should, &c. to wit, the chief of the Chamberlains should bring them in, to wit, into the palace] then the chief of the Chamberlains brought them in before the face of Nebuchadnezzar.

19. And the King communed with them, but there was found none like Daniel, [Or, when the King communed with them, there was then none, &c] Hanania, Misael, and Asaria: and they stood before the face of the King. [That is, when the King heard the wisdom that was in them, he judged them worthy to be admitted into the number of his officers, and to minister unto him in great and weighty affairs. See vers. 4.]

20. And in all matters of understanding wisdom, [Heb. of wisdom, of understanding] that the King enquired of them, he found them ten times [Or, many times. Heb. ten hands. See Genes. 43. On vers. 34. See also 2 Sam . 19. 43.] above all magicians [That is, excellenter, wiser, then all the magicians] (and) astrologers that were in all his realm.

21. And Daniel [Daniel is named here alone, and not his companions, because in this book there will be continually mention made of that which God wrought and foretold by him] continued [Heb. was] unto the first year of King Cores. [Although not alwaies in equal high repute and estimation at court, as appeareth chapter 5. Vers.13, 16. The particle unto doth not alwaies exclude the time to come, so that the meaning here is not, that, he continued not in that condition in King Cores his time: we read chapter 10. 1. that great things were yet revealed unto him by God in the third year of his Kings reign. In such signification must the particle unto, or until be taken, 2 Sam. 6. 23. Psal. 110. 1. Matth. 1. 25. Daniel lived above threescore and seventeen years in the court of the Kings of Babel; First, under Nebuchadnezzar the Great: Then under Evil-merodacle his son: and under Belsazar. In the first year of Cores, (who being King of Persia, came also to be King of Babel) were the Jews delivered from their seventy years captivity: so long, and yet some time after did God let Daniel live, that he night defend, instruct, and comfort his people all the time of their captivity: an evidence of Gods singular Care for his people]