MPV Commentary

The Babylonian Captivity Begins; Daniel's Education at Court

1. The third year of Jehoiakim's reign is recorded in Daniel as the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, which lasted for seventy years (Jer 29:10). However, Jeremiah dates this event to the fourth year of Jehoiakim (Jer 25:1; 46:2), when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt at Carchemish. The deportation of captives from Jerusalem likely occurred in the end of the third year of Jehoiakim, shortly before the battle of Carchemish.

Nebuchadnezzar took away the captives as hostages for the submission of the Hebrews. Although historical Scripture does not provide a positive account of this first deportation, 2 Chronicles 36:6-7 states that Nebuchadnezzar intended to carry Jehoiakim to Babylon and take the vessels of the house of the Lord there. However, Jehoiakim died at Jerusalem before his intention was carried out.

The second deportation under Jehoiachin occurred eight years later.

2. The name "Shinar" refers to ancient Babylonia (Genesis 11:2; 14:1; Isaiah 11:11; Zechariah 5:11). Nebuchadnezzar took only part of the vessels, intending not to overthrow the state but to make it tributary and leave necessary vessels for public worship. All the vessels were later taken away and restored under Cyrus (Ezra 1:7).

The temple of Bel was used as a treasure house for the king.

3. The master of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, was responsible for selecting young men to serve in the royal court. These youths came from the "king's seed" (2 Kings 20:17-18), indicating their noble lineage.

4. Daniel and his friends were chosen because they had no blemish, a handsome form being connected with mental power in Oriental ideas. The term "children" refers to youths of twelve or fourteen years old. They were tasked with learning the language and literature of the Chaldeans, which included their Aramaic-Babylonian tongue.

This education was not merely for cultural purposes but also to familiarize Daniel's mind with mysterious lore and develop his gift of understanding in visions (Daniel 1:4-5, 17).

5. The king's meat referred to delicacies served at the royal table, which included food from the king's own table as well as other retainers and captives (Jeremiah 52:33-34). Daniel and his friends were given a portion of this food.

6. The youths came from the noble tribe of Judah, being descendants of the "king's seed" (Daniel 1:3).

7. Ashpenaz gave them new names to mark their new relation as attendants in the royal court. However, these names are not the ones retained by Scripture; instead, they reflect Daniel's and his friends' connection to God.

Hananiah means "whom Jehovah has favored," while Shadrach comes from Rak, meaning "the King" or "the Sun." Mishael means "who is what God is?" Meshach retains the first syllable of Mishael but substitutes Shak for El, referring to the Babylonian goddess. Azariah means "whom Jehovah helps," and Abed-nego means "servant of the shining fire."

8. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king's meat, demonstrating a character already formed for prophetical functions. The other three youths likely shared in his purpose.

9. God brought Daniel into favor with others, as seen in Joseph's case (Genesis 39:21). This favor is especially evident towards Israel (Psalm 106:46; Proverbs 16:7).

10. The steward, Melzar, was entrusted by Ashpenaz to furnish the daily portion to the youths.

11. Daniel and his friends were given pulse, or vegetable food, as part of their diet.

12-15. This passage illustrates Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord."

17. God gave them knowledge (Exodus 31:2-3; 1 Kings 3:12; Job 32:8; James 1:5, 17). Daniel had understanding in dreams, eclipsing the Chaldean sages in their own science.

18. God brought them into favor with others, not only Daniel and his friends but also other youths (Daniel 1:3, 19).

19. They stood before the king, advanced to a position of favor near the throne.

20. The magicians and astrologers were skilled in sacred writings and occult arts.

21. Daniel continued serving until the first year of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22; Ezra 1:1), marking the end of the captivity.