Daniel 1

Commentary

Daniel 1 is a chapter that introduces us to the story of Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is set in the time of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken many of the Jews captive and brought them to Babylon. The chapter begins with King Nebuchadnezzar selecting some of the best and brightest of the Jewish captives to be trained in the language and literature of the Babylonians. Daniel and his three friends are among those chosen. Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the food of the Babylonians, instead asking for a diet of vegetables and water. The chief official is impressed by their courage and agrees to their request. The chapter then goes on to tell of how Daniel and his friends are blessed by God for their faithfulness. They are found to be ten times wiser than all the other wise men of Babylon, and they are given positions of authority in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. The chapter ends with a reminder that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. Daniel and his friends are a testament to this truth, and their story serves as an example to us all. We too can be blessed by God if we remain faithful to Him.