Daniel 1:5-8
1:5 a 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 b 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 c 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 d; 3:16-18 e; 6:16 f). 1:8 g 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 h; Deut 14:1-21 i), and their meat and wine had probably been dedicated to Babylonian gods. The other young Hebrews agreed with Daniel (Dan 1:12-16 j). They trusted God and obeyed his commands, and God blessed them (cp. Deut 28:1-14 k).
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