Daniel 1:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility,

NIV: Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—

NASB: Then the king told Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles,

CSB: The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility—

NLT: Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives.

KJV: And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

NKJV: Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,

During the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Israel, capturing many religious artifacts and prisoners (Daniel 1:1–2). Some of those captives were chosen specifically for their value to the Babylonian Empire. Royal and noble families would have been more influential, making their children more respected among other Jewish people. Nebuchadnezzar also wanted attractive, competent advisors. Most likely, he intended to mold these young men into Babylonian culture and use them to help control the newly-conquered Israelites (Daniel 1:4–5). It's also possible they were valuable as bargaining items in case of a revolt.

The English term "eunuch" typically refers to a male who has been castrated. The ancient world made some men eunuchs as part of servanthood. In theory, this would prevent them from having a family to favor, as well as making them less susceptible to seduction. Ashpenaz is labeled using the Hebrew word sārisāy', from the root word sāris, typically translated as "eunuch." The Hebrew word derives from a reference to castration but can generally refer to court officials. Potiphar, who was married, is labeled with the same root word in Genesis 37:36.

It is possible that Daniel and his fellow captives were castrated and made into eunuchs. A prophecy in Isaiah 39:7 said that descendants of Hezekiah would be "taken away, and they [would] be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." However, the Bible does not say this, explicitly. Whether Daniel was or was not a castrated eunuch is ultimately irrelevant to his role in God's plan.

Daniel 1:1–7 introduces several main characters featured in this book. Along with King Nebuchadnezzar are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These four young men came from royalty and nobility but were taken to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. King Nebuchadnezzar planned to educate them in Babylonian culture and immerse them in his lifestyle. The four were to be presented to the king after three years to see the results of their training. The four captive boys are given new names to correspond with their new lives: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

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.