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Book of Daniel
 

  Introduction  
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5

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  11 | 12                                  
                                         
                                         
 

 Bible

 Bible Commentaries

  Daniel and Revelation

 
 
 

Commentary on the Bible

Book of Daniel

By Brian Pepper

 
 
  Chapter 1

 

DANIEL 1:1
IN THE THIRD YEAR OF THE REIGN OF JEHOIAKIM KING OF JUDAH CAME NEBUCHADEZZAR KING OF BABYLON UNTO JERUSALEM, AND BESIEGED IT.

In the third year of the rein of Jehoiakim king of Judah

Jehoiakim was the second son of Josiah. At the death of his father the people made Jehoahaz the fourth son of Josiah king in his father's place. After reigning for three months Necho of Egypt, on returning from his first Mesopotamian campaign deposed him and placed Jehoiakim on the throne (2 Kings 23:29-34). The Egyptian king changed his name from Eliakim, "My God raises up," to Jehoiakim "Jehovah raises up."

Jehoiakim's third year according to the Jewish calendar was from the autumn of 606 to the autumn of 605 B.C.

When Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem in Jehoiakim's third year he knew what to expect, for Jeremiah had warned that the Babylonians were to conquer Israel and Judah.

Came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon 

Nebuchadnezzar was not king of Babylon at the time the prophet is writing, for the prophet is recording these events some 70 years later. Daniel is describing what took place when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Palestine and the outcome of that invasion. 

Unto Jerusalem and besieged it

God speaking through His prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel and another prophet Uriah, proclaimed the message of doom. Uriah was executed. (Jeremiah 26:20-23)


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.  

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand

Thus were fulfilled the prophecy recorded by Isaiah in Isaiah 39: 6,7. "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, shall be carried to Babylon: and thy sons shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." 

With part of the vessels of the house of God

Nebuchadnezzar no doubt took the most valuable and finest of the temple vessels to be used in the service of his god Marduk. 

Which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god

Shinar is a term used for Babylonia. 

To the house of his god

 The chief god of the Babylonians was Marduk, earlier on he was called Bel.  At first he was only a local god but rose in importance in the time of Hammurabi, when Babylon became the capital of an empire. From that time on he was considered the chief of all the Babylonian gods. 

And he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god

The treasure house was a building called the Palace Museum. Excavators have called this building the Palace Museum because they found there many sculptures and inscriptions collected from conquered cities. As in a modern museum, objects from different parts of the empire were also exhibited. 

Two very interesting statements from the Spirit of Prophecy describe what happened to the Ark of the Testament at this crucial time in Israel's history.

'In view of the fast-approaching destruction of the Temple, some of the righteous in Jerusalem determined to place the sacred ark beyond the reach of ruthless hands of the invading armies...with mourning and sadness they secretly carried the ark to a safe hiding plane in a cave, where it is "yet hidden." It has never been disturbed since it was secreted." Prophets and Kings p.453. Within the ark were the tables of stone on which God had written the Ten Commandments with His own finger. (Deut 10:1-5)

Law preserved in Ark

"And He (Christ) gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communicating with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written by the finger of God." Nothing written on those tables could be blotted out. The precious record of the law was placed in the Ark of the Testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. But in God's appointed time He will bring forth these tables of stone to be a testimony to all the world against the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit Sabbath." M.S. 122. 1901.


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: 

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs

Ashpenaz -  the meaning of this name is not certain, however it is thought to be Persian in origin. It is possible that this high officer was a Persian for many foreigners won rank and honour in the service of the Chaldeans.


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.

Children - rather youth or young men.

Daniel had reached the age of 18 years. 

No blemish - Physical soundness and a handsome form were considered indispensible to officers of high rank among the ancient Orientals.

Chaldeans -  Scholars who were proficient in sciences such as mathematics, magic and astrology. Also they received a thorough training in the classical language and script of the country, that is the Babylonian language and Aramaic.


DANIEL 1:5

AND THE KING APPOINTED THEM A DAILY PROVISION OF THE KINGS MEAT, AND OF THE WINE WHICH HE DRANK: SO NOURISHING THEM THREE YEARS, THAT AT THE END THEREOF THEY MIGHT STAND BEFORE THE KING. 

Being members of the royal school for courtiers, the youth were given rations from the royal household. 

So nourishing them three years

These three years must be counted inclusively for they represent:

1. Nebuchadnezzar's accession year in which the Hebrew captives arrived in Babylon and entered their training;

2. Nebuchadnezzar's year 1, which was the calendar year beginning the next New Years Day after his accession.

3. Nebuchadnezzar's year 2, in which Daniel graduated and stood "before the king," and the year in which he interpreted the dream. Prophets and Kings p. 491.


DANIEL 1:6

NOW AMONG THESE WERE OF THE CHILDREN OF JUDAH, DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH:

Daniel means" God is my judge,"

It was a very common name among the Semitic people. 

Hananiah - meaning "Jehovah is gracious."

Another common name. There are at least 14 individuals with that name mentioned in the Old Testament. 

Mishael - means "who belongs to God."

Several Bible characters with this name. 

Azariah - meaning "Jehovah helps,"  a name that frequently appears in the Bible. 

Whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans

Since proficiency in the cuneiform script, with its hundreds of  characters was not easy to acquire, a good educational background, a natural ability to learn easily, and the gift of picking up a new language readily would be deemed desirable prerequisites for acceptance into the royal school for future courtiers.


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.  

Belteshazzar

The first syllable "Bel," refers to Bel, the popular name of Babylon's chief god,  Marduk. It is believed it means "Bel, protect his (the kings) life". 

Shadrach

All attempts to explain the name, which does not seem to be of Babylonian origin, have so far failed. 

Meshach

The meaning is not known either, it is not a Babylonian name. 

Abednego

Servant of (the god) Nabu.


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.  

He would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat

There are several reasons why a Hebrew would not wish to eat of the royal food.

1. The Babylonians like other heathen nations ate unclean foods.

2. The beasts  had not been properly killed according to the Levitical law in Leviticus 17:14,15.

3. A portion of the animals eaten was first offered as a sacrifice to pagan gods. (Acts 15:29)

4. The use of luxurious and unhealthful food and drink was contrary to strict principles of temperance.

5. Daniel and his friends wished to avoid a flesh-food diet. 


DANIEL 1:9

NOW GOD HAD BROUGHT DANIEL INTO FAVOUR AND TENDER LOVE WITH THE PRINCE OF THE EUNUCHS.  

Firstly, the blessings  of God were upon them, especially Daniel. Like Joseph who won favour among his enemies Daniel also won the respect of his superiors, he must have been a very personable young man.


DANIEL 1:10
AND THE PRINCE OF THE EUNUCHS SAID UNTO DANIEL, I FEAR  MY LORD THE KING, WHO HATH APPOINTED YOUR ME AT 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 eunuch would be held responsible if those under his care deteriorated physically.

He had reason to fear for later on we notice the severity of king Nebuchadnezzar in punishing those who failed in their duties.


DANIEL 1:11

THEN SAID DANIEL TO MELZAR, WHOM THE PRINCE OF THE EUNUCHS HAD SET OVER DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH,  

Melzar means "guardian," or "warden."

Although Ashpenaz had been friendly and sympathetic to Daniel's request, he nevertheless hesitated to help the young captive. So Daniel went to the official who was the immediate tutor and placed before him his request.


DANIEL 1:12
PROVE THY SERVANTS, I BESEECH THEE„TEN DAYS; AND LET THEM GIVE US PULSE TO EAT AND WATER TO DRINK. 

Ten Days

This seems a short period of time in which to produce any appreciable change in appearance and physical vigor.

But habits of strict temperance had already provided Daniel and his companions with sound constitutions. (Prophets and Kings p. 482).  

In the case of Daniel and his three companions divine power was united with human effort  and the result was remarkable. 

Pulse to eat

"Food derived from plants," such as cereals and vegetables. According to Jewish tradition, berries and dates were also part of this food.


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.  

Melzar felt certain that an abstemious diet would make these young men pale and sickly in appearance

whereas the rich food of the king's table would make them healthy and robust in appearance.


DANIEL 1:14
SO HE CONSENTED TO THEM IN THIS MATTER AND PROVED THEM TEN DAYS.  

From their childhood these young men had been trained in strict habits of temperance. They were well aware of the detrimental effects of a stimulating diet so they determined to resist any indulgence in appetite.


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 OF THE PORTION OF THE KINGS MEAT. 

God honoured these young men because of their unswerving purpose to do what was right.


DANIEL 1:16
THUS MELZAR TOOK AWAY THE PORTION OF THEIR MEAT, AND THE WINE THAT THEY SHOULD DRINK; AND GAVE THEM PULSE.  

Meizar was well satisfied as he looked on those ruddy faced young men for they were the picture of health.


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.  

Not only were these young men tested as far as diet was concerned but the instruction they received was also a test of faith. 

The wisdom of the Chaldeans was allied with idolatry and pagan  practices, who mixed sorcery with science, and learning with superstition. How these Hebrews managed to maintain their integrity  we do not know nor are we told. But despite all these corrupting influences they held fast to their faith and loyalty in God. 

The only way we can understand how they did it is by noticing their conduct in face of trial. 

They made a firm resolution to remain true to God whatever happened.

They recognized that they had to depend on God fully.

They made a firm stand right from the start in the question of diet.

They were men of prayer. 

Visions and dreams

While Daniel's three companions were endowed with exceptional mental qualities, and equaled him in their loyalty to God, Daniel was a prophet, he was called of God to do a special work and was wonderfully blessed with the gift of prophecy.


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.  

The young apprentices were to be trained three years in order to "stand before the King"  and it was "at the end of the days" specified that they were brought before the king for examination.


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.  

Communed with them

The questions asked may have required the explanation of riddles  which has always been a favored sport in the court life of Oriental countries.

Also the solving of mathematical problems, in which the Babylonians were masters, as their documents reveal, or a demonstration of the ability to read and write the difficult cuneiform script. 

The superior wisdom of Daniel and his youthful companions  was not the result of chance or destiny, or even a miracle. The young men applied themselves diligently and conscientiously to their studies and God blessed their endeavours.


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. 

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding

Daniel and his friends excelled the men of their profession in matters of exact science, such as astronomy and  mathematics  and in matters of linguistic studies. They had mastered cuneiform writing, the Babylonian and Aramaic languages, and the Aramaic square script. 

Magician

This is not a Babylonian name but comes from the Hebrew Bible Pentateuch. 

Astrologers

Divination, magic, exorcism, and astrology were widespread among the ancient peoples, but in some countries like Babylonia, they were practiced by the men of science. 

It is a mistake to assume that the wise men of Babylon were only diviners and magicians.

Their astronomical knowledge had attained to a surprisingly high degree of development, though the peak of Babylonian astronomy came after the Persian conquest. Astronomers were able to predict both lunar and solar eclipses  by computation. Their mathematical skill was highly developed. They employed formulas whose discovery is erroneously but generally attributed to Greek mathematicians.


DANIEL 1:21
AND DANIEL CONTINUED EVEN UNTO THE FIRST YEAR OF KING  CYRUS.  

This does not mean that Daniel's life did not extend beyond the first year of Cyrus for in chapter 10 it states that Daniel had a vision in the 3rd year of Cyrus.

 

 

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