Daniel 1:9 kjv

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Daniel 1:9 nkjv

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.

Daniel 1:9 niv

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,

Daniel 1:9 esv

And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

Daniel 1:9 nlt

Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.

Daniel 1 verses

Daniel 1 9 Meaning

Daniel 1:9 reveals the sovereign hand of God in the life of Daniel, granting him undeserved favor and deep compassion from Ashpenaz, the chief official responsible for the royal youths. This divine intervention created a favorable environment, enabling Daniel to remain faithful to God's commands regarding food and drink, setting the stage for his subsequent testimony and prophetic ministry within the Babylonian court. It demonstrates God's faithful care for His people even in foreign, hostile environments, actively orchestrating circumstances for their good and for His glory.

Daniel 1 9 Context

Daniel 1:9 is situated within the opening narrative of the Book of Daniel, detailing the capture of Judah's elite young men by Nebuchadnezzar's forces in 605 BC, during the first deportation to Babylon. These youths, including Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were chosen for their wisdom, strength, and noble lineage, destined for three years of training in Babylonian language, literature, and customs, to serve in the king's palace. This rigorous program included a prescribed diet of royal food and wine. In the immediate preceding verse (Dan 1:8), Daniel resolves in his heart not to defile himself with the king's provisions, implying his desire to remain obedient to Mosaic dietary laws despite his captivity. Verse 9 then explains the providential reason why Daniel's bold resolution did not immediately lead to punishment or starvation: God Himself intervened, granting Daniel favor with the chief of the eunuchs. This divine favor becomes the key mechanism by which Daniel is able to request an alternative diet and subsequently proves his faithfulness and wisdom, setting him apart for God's purposes in Babylon. Historically, the Babylonian system aimed to assimilate the brightest of the conquered peoples, erasing their identity; Daniel's story showcases divine counter-assimilation.

Daniel 1 9 Word analysis

• Now God (wəhā’ĕlōhîm): The Hebrew ’ĕlōhîm signifies the one true sovereign God. This immediately asserts that the favor shown to Daniel was not coincidental or merely human, but a direct, deliberate act of the God of Israel. It sets up a contrast with the Babylonian pantheon, subtly affirming God's power and active involvement even in foreign territory and in the lives of non-believers, despite Israel's state of exile. This is a quiet polemic against Babylonian polytheism, demonstrating ’ĕlōhîm's universal authority.
• had brought (nāṯan): The verb natan means "to give" or "to place" or "to grant." The use of the perfect tense here, contextually suggesting "had given," emphasizes that this act of God's grace was a completed past action, predetermined or initiated by God prior to Daniel's request. It indicates God's sovereign initiative in preparing the way for Daniel's faithfulness. This implies God does not merely react to Daniel's resolution, but has already prepared the heart of the chief official.
• Daniel: Represents a faithful remnant of God's people in exile. His personal commitment to holiness is met with God's enabling grace.
• into favor (ləḥesed): The Hebrew ḥesed (often translated as "loving-kindness," "steadfast love," "loyalty," or "grace") is a profound term indicating an unmerited, covenantal kindness or deep benevolence. Here, it describes a supernatural disposition towards Daniel, an act of unearned grace extended to him by divine influence. It suggests a bond or protective inclination.
• and goodwill (ûləraḥămîm): The Hebrew raḥămîm refers to "compassion," "mercy," "pity," or "tender affection." It conveys a strong emotional response, a sympathetic or tender disposition. Combined with chesed, it underscores the depth of positive regard that God supernaturally placed in the heart of the chief of the eunuchs for Daniel. This goes beyond mere tolerance; it is genuine benevolent regard.
• with the chief (lip̄nê sar): Sar means "chief," "prince," or "official." This highlights the authority and power of the individual. "With" (lip̄nê, literally "before the face of") denotes presence and an interactive relationship, suggesting favor found in his sight and presence.
• of the eunuchs (hassārîsîm): The Hebrew sārîs (plural sārîsîm) can literally mean "eunuch" or, by extension, a high court official or chamberlain. In this context, Ashpenaz (Dan 1:3) was the powerful overseer of all palace youths, making his favor crucial. Eunuchs often held trusted positions due to their perceived loyalty and lack of dynastic ambition. The significance is that a powerful, pagan, non-Israelite official, whose authority could be absolute, was made receptive to Daniel's seemingly difficult request, showcasing God's control over even foreign officials.

Words-group analysis:

• "God had brought Daniel into favor and goodwill": This phrase underlines divine causality. It wasn't Daniel's charm, cunning, or a stroke of luck that endeared him to the official, but a direct, active intervention of God. This principle runs throughout the Bible, where God prepares hearts and opens doors for His servants (e.g., Joseph, Moses, Esther, Ezra). This emphasizes God's providence preceding Daniel's action.

Daniel 1 9 Bonus section

The pre-emptive favor granted to Daniel by God in verse 9 sets up a theological framework for the entire book. It establishes that Daniel's wisdom, interpretations, and promotions throughout the narrative are not merely a result of his human genius but a manifestation of God's active blessing and guidance. This concept is vital for understanding that true success and impact, especially in challenging environments, ultimately spring from God's gracious provision rather than solely human effort or talent. It also serves as an encouragement to believers in any "foreign land" (a world often hostile to biblical principles), reminding them that their faithful resolve can be met with supernatural assistance, even through unlikely channels. This verse also implicitly offers comfort, showing that even in defeat and captivity, God remains sovereign and committed to His people's well-being and purposes.

Daniel 1 9 Commentary

Daniel 1:9 stands as a pivotal verse, revealing the bedrock of Daniel's survival and success in Babylonian exile: divine sovereignty. Prior to Daniel even verbalizing his resolve not to defile himself (Dan 1:8), God had already moved, instilling "favor" (chesed) and "goodwill" (rachamim) in the heart of Ashpenaz, the formidable chief of the eunuchs. This was not a natural occurrence but a supernatural infusion of benevolent regard. This emphasis on God's pre-emptive action means that Daniel's human faithfulness was a response to, and enabled by, God's prior grace. His resolve to obey God was meaningful precisely because God had opened the door for it to be expressed.

The verse is an assertion of the living God's power over seemingly insurmountable foreign powers. Against a backdrop of Babylonian conquest and forced assimilation, God actively manages events and influences key officials. This prefigures later instances in Daniel where God controls kings and nations, ultimately demonstrating His dominion over human affairs. For Daniel and his companions, this favor was a divine provision, ensuring their immediate well-being and paving the way for their testing and elevation, crucial for their prophetic roles. It highlights that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy path, but it assures divine enablement and supernatural favor in the midst of trials. It echoes God's work in the lives of Joseph and Esther, showing a consistent pattern of elevating and protecting His chosen servants even among those hostile to His ways.