Dan 1:3-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Dan 1:3-7: 1:3-7 The Lord fulfilled his threat to make sons of the royal family serve in Babylon (Isa 39:7 ) despite their being heirs to the promises of Davidic kingship. Nebuchadnezzar made a powerful attempt to proselytize them by education, social and religious pressure, and name changes. Instead, their impact upon their pagan surroundings became the outstanding feature of their stay at the king’s palace and court. 1:3 staff: Though often translated “eunuchs” (cp. Isa 39:7 ), in this case the Hebrew term ( saris ) likely means that Ashpenaz and those under his authority were high government officials (see 2 Kgs 8:6 ).

Summary for Dan 1:3-7: 1:3-7 ^a The Lord fulfilled his threat to make sons of the royal family serve in Babylon (Isa 39:7 ^b) despite their being heirs to the promises of Davidic kingship. Nebuchadnezzar made a powerful attempt to proselytize them by education, social and religious pressure, and name changes. Instead, their impact upon their pagan surroundings became the outstanding feature of their stay at the king’s palace and court. 1:3 ^c staff: Though often translated “eunuchs” (cp. Isa 39:7 ^d), in this case the Hebrew term (saris) likely means that Ashpenaz and those under his authority were high government officials (see 2 Kgs 8:6 ^e).
1:4 ^f strong, healthy: They had no defect or blemish that would disqualify them; the Lord had the same requirements for Israel’s priests (Lev 21:16-24 ^g; 22:17-25 ^h). These youths had the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and character needed to function at the highest levels of government.

• The literature of Babylon was immense and included wisdom and esoteric literature, creation stories, magic incantations, theogonies (origins and genealogies of the gods), legal corpora, ancient histories, letters, dream journals, vision manuals, and mathematical and astrological materials. The education of these young men—all in a foreign language—rivaled that of Moses in Egypt.
1:5 ⁱ The king attempted to create a bond of dependence, gratitude, and loyalty by giving them food and wine from his own kitchens.
Summary for Dan 1:6-7: 1:6-7 ^j Their new Babylonian names were to help enculturate the Hebrews into the pagan Babylonian society. Daniel (“God is my Judge” or “God has judged”) became Belteshazzar (“Bel [a Babylonian god] protects his life”). Hananiah (“the Lord is grace”) became Shadrach (possibly meaning “command of Aku,” another Babylonian god). Mishael (“who is God?”) became Meshach (“who is Aku?”). Azariah (“the Lord helps”) became Abednego (“servant of Nego/Nebo,” another Babylonian god).
Summary for Dan 1:8-14: 1:8-14 ^k Daniel determined not to defile himself with the king’s food and wine or to yield his religious and moral independence to the king. He gave God the opportunity to demonstrate his loving kindness and care toward his trustworthy servants. This strong reliance upon God by Daniel and his friends is a significant motif throughout the book (see also 2:16-23 ^l; 3:16-18 ^m; 6:16 ⁿ). 1:8 ^o Daniel was determined not to defile himself: The meat and wine from Nebuchadnezzar’s table were probably unclean by Jewish standards. The Babylonians used unclean meats such as pork (see Lev 11:1-23 ^p; Deut 14:1-21 ^q), and their meat and wine had probably been dedicated to Babylonian gods. The other young Hebrews agreed with Daniel (Dan 1:12-16 ^r). They trusted God and obeyed his commands, and God blessed them (cp. Deut 28:1-14 ^s).
1:9 ^t God worked on Daniel’s behalf by influencing Ashpenaz’s attitude (cp. Exod 11:3 ^u).
1:10 ^v Ashpenaz was understandably afraid of the king.
Summary for Dan 1:11-13: 1:11-13 ^w Daniel found a wise solution that would protect his spiritual integrity and Ashpenaz’s head.
1:12 ^x vegetables and water: Such a diet would steer clear of offensive foods (1:8 ^y) and, as a kind of fast, would demonstrate mourning over their exile in a foreign land.
Summary for Dan 1:13-14: 1:13-14 ^z make your decision: Daniel’s exemplary wisdom, prudence, and courtesy are seen in his respectful stance toward his attendant, who responded favorably.
Summary for Dan 1:15-21: 1:15-21 ^aa In their training, Daniel and his friends completed a tough curriculum in the context of the most threatening pagan culture of the day, yet they remained faithful to the Lord. As they mastered language, literature, and science, they pursued excellence and honored God, who added many gifts to their skills and learning.