Daniel 1:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

NIV: In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

NASB: As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm.

CSB: In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and mediums in his entire kingdom.

NLT: Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.

Archaeological discoveries have indicated ancient Babylon was advanced beyond other cultures in literature, mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Daniel, his three friends, and the other captured youths would have received instruction in these disciplines (Daniel 1:1–7). Surely, Nebuchadnezzar quizzed all of them in these subjects (Daniel 1:17–19). He found Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah far superior in their knowledge than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. That they are said to be "ten times better" is a figure of speech emphasizing their clear superiority as counselors and advisors.

Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar graduated the four Hebrew youths to positions of honor in his court. God had given Daniel and his three friends wisdom that far outstripped the worldly wisdom of the Chaldeans. Centuries earlier Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). The Lord prepared him well to function as Israel's deliverer and leader just as He prepared Daniel in the literature, language, culture, and sciences of the Chaldeans to demonstrate the wisdom of God before Nebuchadnezzar and others.

Daniel 1:17–21 completes an introduction to Daniel's role in advising the kings of Babylon. Because Daniel and his three friends honored the Lord, they were blessed with exceptional skills and abilities in their roles. Their extraordinary value will factor into later incidents where the Hebrew captives must decide between their own lives or faithfulness to God (Daniel 3; 6).

When Daniel was young, Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took many of its treasures and people back to their land. Daniel was chosen to become an advisor due to his good looks and bright mind. Along with other boys, he was educated and given a Babylonian name. Daniel and several friends demonstrate faithfulness to God by avoiding foods that might be unclean. They also excel in their roles. This leads Daniel to become an important advisor regarding dreams and visions, as described starting in chapter 2.

Daniel was taken captive when Babylon conquered the nation of Israel. The first chapter of the book establishes his history, his level of natural talent, and the depth of his faith. This is followed by a series of prophetic interpretations tied to Gentile nations in chapters 2—7. Chapters 8—12 focus on prophecies more closely related to the nation of Israel. Many of these details are restated or expanded in the book of Revelation.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.