29/08/21 – Daniel 1:17-21
Daniel 1:17 sets out the qualifications achieved by the four youths for the ministry to which God has called them. While it is Daniel who is most noted with these attributes, it is clear that the other three also had these God-given abilities. We may assume that all four were involved in the use of these abilities, but Daniel’s use of them is most noted because this book is mostly about him and his ministry rather than all four of them.
Daniel 1:17 – As for these
four children (yeled), God gave them knowledge (madda‘) and skill (sakal) in all learning (cepher) and wisdom (chokmah): and Daniel
had understanding
(biyn) in all visions
and dreams.
Daniel 1:4 – Children (yeled)
in whom [was] no blemish, but well
favoured, and skilful (sakal)
in all wisdom (chokmah), and cunning in knowledge (yada‘
+ da‘ath), and understanding (biyn) science (madda‘), and such as [had] ability in them to stand in
the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning (cepher) and
the tongue of the Chaldeans.
There are
many points of similarity between these two above verses. Apart from the same
terms used in each, that extra phrase “cunning
in knowledge” in Vs 4
uses both yada‘
and da‘ath (which
itself is derived from yada‘ (to know; to
have knowledge)) and both
use the term madda‘ which is also
derived from yada‘ (to know; to have
knowledge). It is clear that knowledge
was a very important part of their learning, something that they could build
their understanding upon.
So it can
be seen that Vs 17 above is Daniel 1:4 accomplished. Note that many of these attributes they
have now are the same (or similar to) the attributes
desired by Nebuchadnezzar as noted in Daniel 1:4. However, while it is Nebuchadnezzar
who requires these attributes in Daniel 1:4, it is important to realise that it is God here in Vs 17
who has provided these skills, and not necessarily the Chaldean training.
Some more
details on these similarities (a) to (e):
(a) knowledge – madda‘ (knowledge; thought; mind; place of
knowledge) Derived from the verb yada‘ (to know). The NT Greek
equivalent of yada‘ would be the verb gnosis
(to know; to have knowledge of)
yada‘ is translated “cunning” in Daniel 1:4.
Most occurrences of “to know” in the OT are yada‘.
Some are yᵉda‘ which is the Aramaic form of yada‘ – most of
these occurrences are found in Daniel (plus a few in Ezra). In the NT we also
have the Greek word oida which is more than
mere knowledge itself and includes some idea of understanding the use of that
knowledge in order to apply that knowledge. gnosis
tells us what we need to know and oida
tells us why we need to know it and how to apply it.
The OT has its word for knowing what we need to know (yada‘ or yᵉda‘)
but also has words that relate to an understanding of why – that is, how
to apply that knowledge.
Eg biyn (to
discern; understand; consider) Eg Job 38:20
biyn is also used in both Daniel 1:4 and Daniel 1:17.
The OT also uses nakar (to recognise; acknowledge; know;
respect; discern; regard) Eg Job 21:29
(b) skill – sakal (have
insight; give attention to; consider; ponder; be prudent; have comprehension;
act wisely) It is translated “skilful” in Daniel 1:4.
(c) learning – cepher (missive;
document; writings; books)
Also translated “the learning” in Daniel 1:4 where they had to
understand the literature or writings of the Chaldeans. This included an
understanding of the language involved with such “learning”.
It is interesting to note the similarity of cepher with our word “cipher” (a means by which
knowledge is allegedly unlocked; a code). It is possible that Daniel was taught
how to gain knowledge from esoteric documents which only those initiated into
its secrets might be permitted to learn. It is also interesting to note that
the esoteric Babylonian Talmud (upon which much of Jewish belief rests today)
was only fully accessible to those initiated, such as the Pharisees of Jesus’
day.
(“Esoteric” knowledge is that knowledge which only
those who are initiated into that group or society may be permitted to know.
For example, for many thousands of years only priests initiated into the
catholic church were permitted to have access to biblical teaching.)
cepher is translated “books” (in Daniel 9:2, and “the
book”
in Daniel 12:1 & 12:4.
(d) wisdom – chokmah (wisdom;
wisdom in administration; shrewdness) It is translated “wisdom” in Daniel 1:4.
(e) had understanding – biyn (discern;
understand; consider) Thus Daniel had discernment. It is translated “understanding” in Daniel 1:4.
biyn is used a number of times in Daniel to demonstrate understanding:
Daniel 1:4a – Children
in whom [was] no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom,
and cunning in knowledge (biyn), and understanding
science
In particular, biyn is used in our
current verse (Vs 17 above, translated as “had understanding”.
Daniel 1:17b – Daniel
had understanding (biyn) in
all visions and dreams.
Thus we find the list of learning goals in Daniel 1:4 have now been assessed and found acceptable in Vs
17 above.
Note Exodus 31:3 – And
I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and
in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
four – ‘arba‘ (four) Derived from raba‘ (to square; be squared), which appears
in turn to derive from being “on all fours” (legs). In any case, four
represents the number of sides to a square, or the number of legs on an animal.
children – yeled (child;
son; boy; offspring; youth; descendants; children)
Two separate Hebrew words have been translated “children” in Daniel 1.
ben – Daniel 1:3; 1:6
yeled – Daniel 1:4; 1:10; 1:13; 1:15; and again here in 1:17.
So why use two separate terms for the same English word? The two uses of
ben refer to the children of Israel and the children of Judah; both
signify the nation or tribe of which they are children or descendants. ben
is often used to refer to a father/son relationship; one is descended from the
other. ben derives from banah (to
build; rebuild; establish; cause to continue) including the building of a house as in
building a family. ben therefore is generally associated with their
ancestry, that is, to which family do they belong?
On the other hand, yeled refers to the
age group that they belong to, regardless of their kinship ties. They are all
children (in this case, youths) and therefore the word is associated with their
age, whereas a person could be ben, regardless of his age.
visions – [vision; oracle; prophecy (divine communication); vision
(in ecstatic state); vision (in night)] Translated “vision” in Daniel 8:1 and following
verses. Also occurs in Daniel 9, 10 & 11.
dreams – dream, especially one with prophetic meaning. It occurs four
times in Daniel 2:1-3, with the verb form another two times in those verses.
Daniel 1:18 – Now at the end
of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of
the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
at the end (of) – qᵉtsath (end;
part; end of corners, earth; from the end of; at the end of) Derived from a
word meaning “to cut off” or “to be cut off”. This
word occurs only 5 times in the OT, with four of them in Daniel.
It was translated “part” in Daniel 1:2a – And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of
Judah into his hand, with part (qᵉtsath) of
the vessels of the house of God:
It is translated “at the end (of)” 3 of those times (Daniel 1:5; 15; 18). In Daniel 1:15 it denoted the end of the ten-day trial period for
being fed vegetables and water.
In Daniel 1:5 it denoted the
end of the three years of preparation after which they would be brought to
stand before Nebuchadnezzar, and here we now arrive at the end of those three
years of preparation.
the prince of the eunuchs – If we put the two words rab (captain; chief) and cariyc (official; eunuch) pronounced saw-reece’, we get Rabsaris, an official of Assyria and also of the Chaldeans.
Look at 2 Kings 18:17a – And the
king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris
and Rab–shakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah
with a great host against Jerusalem.
This term is also found in Jeremiah 39:3; 39:13 where it probably refers to Ashpenaz as being one of the princes accompanying Nebuchadnezzar at the siege of Jerusalem.
The prince of eunuchs (or their overseer or master) (Rabsaris
or “captain of eunuchs”) was now presenting them as part of his task for the
king. He seems to have chosen them when he was with the king at the siege of Jerusalem,
and now is presenting them as justification for his choice of such. What the
king now thinks of them will reflect on the ability of the prince of eunuchs to
make wise choices (according to the king’s needs).
before – paniym (face;
faces; presence; person; before and behind; toward; in/from the face of;
in/from the presence of)
It is interesting to note that Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel Ch.2 was during Nebuchadnezzar’s second year and therefore may have been before these three years of training had been completed (see Daniel 2:1).
Daniel 1:19 – And the king
communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the
king.
communed – dabar (to
speak; to promise) Note that in Daniel 1:5 the provision
promised to Daniel and his three companions is dabar,
a noun derived from the verb dabar in Vs 19
above.
It is also often used when God speaks to man.
Genesis 8:15 – And
God spake (dabar) unto
Noah, saying,
Genesis 18:33 – And
the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing (dabar) with Abraham: and Abraham returned
unto his place.
stood they – ‘amad (to
stand; remain; endure; take one’s stand; to present oneself; attend upon;
become the servant of) This word is the same used in Daniel 1:4 & 5 (“to stand”; “they might
stand before”) where they have been chosen to one day be able to stand
before the king, that is, in service in his court, to be able to suitably come
before him.
The requirements of Daniel 1:4 were in order that they might take their
positions before the king in his court as his servants (especially noting that
their service would be to advise the king), as noted in Daniel 1:4 & 5 (where they were
being prepared to stand before the king). Effectively, today’s passage is the
end-product, the culmination of that three-year intensive training program that
was the responsibility of Ashpenaz, prince of the eunuchs.
was found (none) – matsa’ (to
find)
Genesis 2:20 – And
Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast
of the field; but for Adam there was not found (matsa’) an
help meet for him.
Daniel 1:20 – 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.
matters – dabar (speech;
word; speaking; thing) This is the noun form of dabar which
was translated “communed’ in Vs 19 above. This noun form of dabar is used for “provision” in Daniel 1:5.
wisdom – chokmah (wisdom) Also translated
“wisdom” in Vs 17 above.
understanding – biynah (understanding;
discernment) It is the noun form of the verb biyn which is translated “had
understanding” in Vs 17 above.
ten – ‘e-śer or asarah (ten)
better – yad (hand; strength; power)
ten times better – literally “ten hands (more)”
The Aramaic form of yad (hands; power) is also yad
(hands; power) as used in Daniel 2:34 – Thou sawest
till that a stone was cut out without hands (yad),
which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and
brake them to pieces.
magicians – chartom (diviner;
magician; astrologer)
astrologers – ‘ashshaph (necromancer;
conjurer; enchanter; exorcist)
Daniel 1:21 – And Daniel
continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.
There is a lot of confusion over the succession of kings and rulers of Babylon as recorded in Daniel. And it is this confusion that leads many to claim that Daniel is not an accurate historical document and therefore may have been written as late as around 170 BC. Many also use this to discredit Daniel’s prophecies. But, if it can be shown to be possible for Daniel to be historically correct, then we may also trust his prophecies. I believe that it is quite possible for Daniel to be demonstrated to be so.
If we assume the historical record concerning Cyrus (who ruled 539 – 530 BC) as reasonably accurate, then Daniel lived at least until 538 BC. However, it is clear that he lived beyond this date because in Daniel 10:1 he is still living in the third year of Cyrus, that is, around 536 BC. Daniel 9:1 (In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;) appears to say that he lived in the reign of Darius who followed after Cyrus, but note that this Darius “was made king”, implying that he did not rule by right of succession but was put on the throne. This points to this Darius ruling on behalf of another who is king, such as Cyrus for example.
In Daniel 11:1 (Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, [even] I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.) it may be talking about the same Darius as mentioned in Daniel 9:1, or possibly it refers to the Darius (the Great) who took over after Cyrus died in 530 BC. It is unlikely that the Darius (the Median) of Daniel 5:31 is Darius the Great, though, because Darius the Great is supposed to have been born in 550 BC, and isn’t said to have become king until 522 BC. The Darius who was made king (Daniel 9:1) is therefore probably another Darius who acted on behalf of Cyrus.
So why does it say that Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus? Possibly because Cyrus marked the end of the Chaldean rule which, for Daniel, began with Nebuchadnezzar and ended with Belshazzar. It was Cyrus who, according to prophecy by Isaiah, who would begin the process of releasing them from captivity in Babylon. According to Ezra 1:1-4 it was this same year that Cyrus issued the proclamation to have the temple rebuilt. Darius was most likely made king to act on behalf of Cyrus who would then have overseen the empire as a whole.
Another point is that Cyrus’ first year was 66 years after the deportations commenced. Jeremiah’s 70-year prophecy (Jeremiah 25:12), if taken to mean exactly 70 years, would need only 4 more years to be fulfilled. It is not certain, though, exactly when this prophecy started and ended. And Cyrus was named by Isaiah (44:28; 45:1) as the king who would permit them to return to rebuild the temple.
According to Daniel the narrative moves from Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel Ch.4) to Belshazzar (Daniel Ch.5) to Darius (Daniel 5:30-31) and seemingly then to Cyrus (Daniel 6:28). However, in historical records, there are three rulers between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar (who is seemingly recorded in history as Nabonidus). Also, in history Cyrus the Great precedes Darius the Great.
The Belshazzar of the Bible is likely to be the son of Nabonidus whom Belshazzar probably put on the throne after a coup against the previous king. But the confusion over Darius is more pronounced. So we’ll look at some of the details here (and cover them in more detail when we come to them in Daniel).
Nebuchadnezzar ruled from 605 – 562 BC. After him were the following:
(a) Amel-Marduk (562 – 560 BC). He was a son of
Nebuchadnezzar. The Bible calls him Evil-Merodach (2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah
52:31-34). He was not the
oldest son, nor the most favoured, as he was at one
stage thrown into prison. King Jeconiah may have also been involved in whatever
it was that caused him to be imprisoned. When Amel-Merodach became king, he set
Jeconiah free from prison.
He was murdered
by his brother-in-law Neriglissar in 560 BC.
(b) Neriglissar (560 – 556 BC). He was one of Nebuchadnezzar’s generals and gained some influence when he married one of Nebuchadnezzar’s daughters.
(c) Labashi-Marduk (556 – 556 BC) He ruled for only about 2 months. He was Neriglissar’s son and was supposedly assassinated in a coup led by Belshazzar who then placed his father, Nabonidus, on the throne.
(d) Nabonidus (556 – 539 BC) is who the history books say was king at this time. The Bible says it was Belshazzar who was king. Daniel 5:11 says that Belshazzar’s father was Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 5:11 – There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;
This term though can simply signify that Belshazzar was a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar did claim to be related to Nebuchadnezzar, but this is not certain. It is said that his mother was descended from Nebuchadnezzar but then no historical proof can be found for this.
Some suggest that Belshazzar was actually Nabonidus but it does appear that they were two separate people. It is likely that Nabonidus was the official king while Belshazzar did all the day-to-day business of running Babylon. Some historical sources suggest that Nabonidus was absent from Babylon a lot of the time during his rule from 556 – 539 BC (he liked archaeology and digs), and that he was absent on such travels when Cyrus took Babylon in 539 BC.
Daniel also says that it was Darius, not Cyrus, who may have entered Babylon.
Daniel 5:30-31 – 30In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 31And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.
History records that it was Cyrus (600 – 530 BC) known as “the Great”, whose army entered Babylon in 539 BC, and that he ruled from 539 – 530 BC. Historical records show that the army of Cyrus led by a person named Gubaru entered Babylon in 539 BC without any resistance by diverting the river Euphrates and wading through thigh-deep water to enter the city. Belshazzar was killed, and Nabonidus returned from a trip somewhere and surrendered himself to Cyrus who entered the city 17 days after it had been taken. Gubaru was then placed as ruler (governor) of Babylon. Daniel though states (Daniel 5:31) that it was Darius the Median (Mede) who then took charge of the kingdom.
After the death of Cyrus in 530 BC, history records that Darius the Great took over the throne.
Some possibilities:
(a) Some suggest that Gubaru was actually Darius. Gubaru is said to have been made governor under Cyrus. As Cyrus was ruler over what then was a great empire, he employed a number of people to rule various cities and nations as governors on his behalf. The word “Darius” means “lord” in Aramaic and may have been a title (like Rabsaris etc) rather than his actual name. Note that Ashpenaz (his actual name) prince of eunuchs was also called Rabsaris (his title). Daniel records him as Ashpenaz with the office of rabsaris, while Jeremiah records him under his title of Rabsaris (Jeremiah 39:3; 13). Two different people are listed yet they are apparently the same person. “Darius” may have been the title of the one named Gubaru placed as governor over Babylon.
(b) In some historical records, Gubaru is sometimes named as Gobryas, an army chief of Darius, who history says married Darius’ sister. He may have been placed as governor as Darius’ representative in Babylon.
(c) (My preferred option) The Darius of Daniel 5:31 was a Mede; the Medes had been taken over by the Persians (in 549 BC) and in many subsequent battle campaigns the two nations formed a partnership. History often records that it was the Medes and Persians who conquered Babylon. Just as Belshazzar ruled as king when Nabonidus was actually king, Darius may have ruled under Cyrus’ authority until the death of Cyrus in 530 BC, and then became king of the empire in his own right. Daniel 9:1 (Darius …. which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans) does seem to suggest that Darius was placed in the position as king to specifically rule Babylon.
Thus Cyrus took Babylon in partnership with Darius (who would be known as Darius the Great later on). Darius acted as king under Cyrus’ overall leadership, and took over the reign in his own name upon the death of Cyrus. Gubaru may still have been placed as governor as a separate person.
Note that Babylon today would be in Iraq while Persia covers much of Iran.
Cyrus is mentioned by Isaiah a long time before he even existed.
(a) Cyrus was foretold by Isaiah that he would give the order to rebuild the temple, and that Cyrus was chosen by God do do His work.
Isaiah 44:28 – That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Isaiah 45:1 – Thus saith
the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue
nations before him; and I will loose
the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates
shall not be shut;
Isaiah died well over 100 years
before Cyrus became king.
He was also alluded by Jeremiah to as the one who would bring punishment upon Babylon after 70 years of captivity. According to Jeremiah 25:1, this prophecy was made in the 4th year of Jehoiakim and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar (or around 605 BC).
Jeremiah 25:8-14 – 8Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Because ye have
not heard my words, 9Behold, I will send and take all the families
of the north, saith the Lord, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my
servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants
thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy
them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing,
and perpetual desolations. 10Moreover I will take from them the
voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the
voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. 11And
this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these
nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12And it
shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will
punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their
iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
13And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have
pronounced against it, [even] all that is written in this book, which
Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations. 14For many nations
and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them
according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
Also note:
2 Chronicles 36:19-21 – 19And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. 20And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 21To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
Jeremiah 29:10 – For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Judah began serving Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC when he set up the taxes that were to be paid to him by Jerusalem from then on. The 70 years would be likely to date from 605 BC. According to Ezra that proclamation went out in the first year of Cyrus, which would have to be 539 BC. This would suggest maybe 66 years, not 70. There is no definite agreement on when the 70 years exactly occurred. Some even suggest that it was a rounded-off figure. Others say that 70 stood for an indefinite period, although I do not see how it could be read that way here.
We’ll look at this in more detail when we get to Cyrus in the book of Daniel.
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