Daniel 1:18-20

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 1:18

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 1:18

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 1:18

Verse 18 Now, Daniel relates how he and his companions were brought forward at a fixed time, since three years was appointed by the king for their instruction in all the science of the Chaldees and on that account the prefect of the eunuchs produces them. He shews how he and his companions were approved by the king, and were preferred to all the rest. By these words he confirms my remark, that the Lord through a long interval had adorned them with much favor, by rendering them conspicuous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 1:3-21

Training for imperial office and work. The name and the nature of a king are not always yoked together. Jehoiakim had been professedly a king, but was, in truth, a slave. Daniel and his companions, though led into exile as captives, had within them kingly qualities, which could not be degraded by strangers. As living water from the flinty rock will rise through every kind of strata, and find its way to the surface, so, through all adversities, innate nobleness will assert its imperial... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 1:5-21

Moral heroism. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (verse 8). I. THE VARYING CONDITIONS OF IMMORTALITY . The reference is to subjective immortality, i.e. in the memories of men. The principal stable condition seems to be the possession of soul-power (see Luke 1:80 ; Luke 2:40 ). But this may develop itself: 1 . Evilly. The immortality then is one of infamy. 2 . Continuously ; e.g. Daniel, through a long life. 3 . Specially... read more

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