John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in, Syriac , etc.] These spake, either because the interpretation of dreams particularly belonged to them; or else as being the chief of the wise men, and of greatest authority; or as chosen by the rest, and spake in their name; and indeed this appellation may include them all, being all of the same country, though they might differ in their profession: they spake in the Syriac or Babylonish language, the same with the Chaldee, being their mother tongue, and that of the king too; and therefore could more easily speak it themselves, and be more easily understood by him, than if they had spoke in another; (see Gill on “ Daniel 1:4”) and from hence, to the end of the “seventh” chapter, Daniel writes in Chaldee; the things he treats of chiefly relating to the Chaldeans: O king, live for ever ; which is a wish of long life, health, and prosperity; and does not intend an everlasting continuance in this world, or an eternal life in another, to the knowledge of which they might be strangers: this was an usual form of salutation of kings in these eastern nations; like to this is that of Sinaetus, a Persian, to Artaxerxes Mnemon f70 “O King Artaxerxes, reign for ever;” so said Artabazus, a faithful friend of Darius, to Alexander the great, when he met him with the friends and relations of Darius, “O king, may you flourish in perpetual happiness:” tell thy servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation ; this was not the thing that was asked of them, but the dream itself; and if that had been told them, they promise more than there is reason to believe they would have fulfilled, had that been done; it is more than the Egyptian magicians could do, even when Pharaoh had told them his dream: this they said partly to get time, and partly to make a show of their skill and knowledge; though in a very vain and arrogant manner.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The captivity of Daniel and his companions. (Dan. 1:1-7) Their refusa to eat the king's meat. (Dan. 1:8-16) Their improvement in wisdom (Dan. 1:17-21)
Dan. 1:1-7 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, took Jerusalem, and carried whom and what he pleased away. From this first captivity, most think the seventy years are to be dated. It is the interest of princes to employ wise men; and it is their wisdo to find out and train up such. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that these chose youths should be taught. All their Hebrew names had something of God in them; but to make them forget the God of their fathers, the Guide of their youth, the heathen gave them names that savoured of idolatry. It is painful to reflect how often public education tends to corrupt the principles and morals.
Dan. 1:8-16 The interest we think we make for ourselves, we mus acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of a Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special car that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of youn people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who woul excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear tha than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve ou interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to kee us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.
Dan. 1:17-21 Daniel and his fellows kept to their religion; and God rewarded them with eminence in learning. Pious young persons shoul endeavour to do better than their fellows in useful things; not for the praise of man, but for the honour of the gospel, and that they may be qualified for usefulness. And it is well for a country, and for the honour of a prince, when he is able to judge who are best fitted to serve him, and prefers them on that account. Let young men steadil attend to this chapter; and let all remember that God will honour thos who honour him, but those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew וידברו1696 הכשׂדים3778 למלך4428 ארמית762 מלכא4430 לעלמין5957 חיי2418 אמר560 חלמא2493 לעבדיך5649 ופשׁרא6591 נחוא׃2324
