Daniel 1:1-13

1:1

1:2

Lord <0136> [Cir A.M. 3398. B.C. 606. the Lord.]

some <07117> [with part.]

Babylonia <08152> [Shinar.]

brought ............... put <0935> [and he.]

1:3

[Foretold.]

1:4

young men <03206> [Children.]

The word {yeladim,} rendered children, is frequently used for lads, or young men. (see Ge 21:8, 14-16,) [neaniskous,] as the LXX. render; and Daniel must have been at this time at least seventeen or eighteen years of age.

physical defect <03971> [in whom.]

well versed <07919> [and skilful.]

Rather, as Houbigant renders, "apt to understand wisdom, to acquire knowledge, and to attain science;" for it was not a knowledge of the sciences, but merely a capacity to learn them, that was required.

capable <03581> [ability.]

1:5

daily <03117> [a daily.]

Athen‘us says the kings of Persia were accustomed to order for their courtiers the food left at their tables.

drank <04960> [which he drank. Heb of his drink. stand.]

1:6

Daniel <01840> [Daniel.]

1:7

overseer <08269> [the prince.]

renamed .... gave <07760 08034> [gave names.]

Hananiah <02608> [Hananiah.]

1:8

made <07760> [purposed.]

defile ........................ defile <01351> [defile.]

Heathen nations not only ate unclean beasts, which were forbidden by Jewish law, but even the clean animals that were eaten were first offered as victims to their gods, and part of the wine was poured out as a libation on their altars. Hence Athen‘us calls the beasts served up at the tables of the Persian kings, [hieria,] victims. Daniel was therefore resolved not to defile himself with their viands; yet he did not rudely refuse what was intended as a kindness, but mildly and modestly requested the proper officers to indulge him in this respect.

1:9

1:10

fear <03373> [I fear.]

malnourished <02196> [worse liking. Heb. sadder.]

age <01524> [sort. or, term, or continuance.]

1:11

warden <04453> [Melzar. or, the steward.]

1:12

vegetables ... eat <0398 02235> [pulse to eat. Heb. of pulse that we may eat, etc.]

Pulse, {zer”im,} denotes all leguminous plants, which are not reaped but pulled or plucked; which, however wholesome, was not naturally calculated to render them fatter in flesh than the others.