John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:16
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat ,.... To himself, as the Syriac version adds; he took and carried it to his own family, and made use of it himself; and the portion of four such young gentlemen, maintained at the king's expense, and who had their provision from his table, must be, especially in the course of three years, of great advantage to this man and his family; for this was continued, as the word signifies, and may be rendered, "and Melzar was taking away &c.;" F6 ... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:15
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and fatter in flesh ,.... At the time fixed for the trial of them, when they came to be examined, they appeared to be of a better complexion, and a more healthful look, and even plumper and fatter, with good solid flesh, and not swelled up as persons in a dropsy: than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat : who appeared at the same time, and were compared with them, being under the care of the same... read more