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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 1:17-21

Concerning Daniel and his fellows we have here, I. Their great attainments in learning, Dan. 1:17. They were very sober and diligent, and studied hard; and we may suppose their tutors, finding them of an uncommon capacity, took a great deal of pains with them, but, after all, their achievements are ascribed to God only. It was he that gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; for every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of the lights. It is the Lord our God... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:17

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom ,.... As they prospered in their bodies, they succeeded in their studies, and improved in their minds, and became great proficients in all kind of lawful and useful knowledge; not owing so much to their own sagacity and diligence, and the goodness and ability of their teachers, as to the blessing of God on their instructions and studies; for, as all natural, so all acquired parts are to be ascribed to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:18

Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,.... That is, at the end of three years; which was the time appointed for their education, and when they were to be brought before the king for his examination and approbation: then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar ; even all the young men that were taken from among the children of Israel and Judah, as well as the four children before and after mentioned, appears by what follows. This... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:19

And the king communed with them ,.... He asked them several questions upon the several articles of literature in which they had been educated, to try and see what proficiency they had made; he discoursed with them on various topics of learning, that he might be able to form a judgment of them, and of their capacities, and what employments under him they would be most fit for, and capable of. This shows that the king was a man of learning and good sense, as well as prudence, to be capable of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 1:20

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them ,.... At the time of their examination before him, when he put questions to them, which they gave a ready, pertinent, and solid answer to: and afterwards, when he had occasion to consult them on any affair, he found them ten times , or ten hands F7 עשר ידות "decem manibus", Montanus. better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm; than all the magi and sophies, the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 1:17

As for these four children - Young men or youths. Our translation gives a false idea. In all visions and dreams - That is, such as are Divine; for as to dreams in general, they have as much signification as they have connection, being the effects of the state of the body, of the mind, or of the circumstances of the dreamer. A dream may be considered supernatural, if it have nothing preposterous, nothing monstrous, and nothing irregular. If the whole order and consequences of the things... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 1:18

Now at the end of the days - That is, at the end of three years, Daniel 1:5 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 1:19

And among them all - All the young noble captives from different nations. Therefore stood they before the king - It appears that only four were wanting. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 1:20

Magicians and astrologers - Probably the same as philosophers and astronomers among us. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 1:17

Verse 17 The Prophet here shows what we have already touched upon, how his authority was acquired for exercising the prophetic office with greater advantage. He ought to be distinguished by fixed marks, that the Jews first, and foreigners afterwards, might acknowledge him to be endued with the prophetic spirit. But a portion of this favor was shared with his three companions; yet he excelled them all, because God fitted him specially for his office. Here the end is to be noticed, because it... read more

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