Daniel 1 - Introduction

1 6

The firstpart of the book, describing the experiences of Daniel and his three companions under Nebuchadnezzar (chs. 1 4), Belshazzar (ch. 5), and Darius the Mede (ch. 6).

CHAP. 1. INTRODUCTION

Chap. 1 describes how Daniel and his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, came to be in Babylon, at the court of Nebuchadnezzar, the scene of the events narrated in the following Chapter s (2 4). Nebuchadnezzar, in the third year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (b.c. 605), laid siege to Jerusalem: part of the vessels of the Temple and some Jewish captives fall into his hands and are carried by him to Babylon (Daniel 1:1). He there gives directions for a number or youths of noble blood, including some of the Jewish captives, to be instructed in the language and learning of the sacred caste, and educated for the king's service (Daniel 1:3). Among these youths are Daniel and his three companions, who, while content to pursue the studies prescribed by Nebuchadnezzar, crave and obtain permission to be allowed not to defile themselves in any way by partaking of the special delicacies provided for them from the king's table (Daniel 1:8). At the expiration of three years, when the education of the selected youths is completed, the four Jewish youths are found to be distinguished beyond all the others in wisdom and knowledge, Daniel being skilled in particular in the interpretation of visions and dreams; they are accordingly admitted to the rank of the king's personal attendants (Daniel 1:17).

The chapter serves a double purpose. It both serves as an introduction to the Book generally; and also teaches the practical lessons of the value, in God's eyes, of obedience to principle, and of abstinence from self-indulgence. The rule which the four Jewish youths felt called upon to obey was indeed a ceremonial rule, of no permanent obligation; but it was one which, to Jews living amongst heathen, acquired sometimes a supreme importance (cf. on Daniel 1:8), so that obedience to it became a most sacred duty.