Daniel 1

Daniel Taken to Babylon

1 In the third year of a the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of b the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to c the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, d and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, e his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family 1 and of f the nobility, 4 youths without g blemish, of good appearance and h skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to i teach them the literature and language of the j Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of k the food that the king ate, and of l the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for m three years, and at the end of that time they were to n stand before the king. 6 Among these were o Daniel, p Hananiah, p Mishael, and p Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And e the chief of the eunuchs q gave them names: r Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

Daniel's Faithfulness

8 But Daniel s resolved that he would not t defile himself with k the king's food, or with l the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to t defile himself. 9 u And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king." 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 "Test your servants for v ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat k the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see." 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate k the king's food. 16 w So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them x vegetables.

17 As for these four youths, y God gave them learning and z skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had a understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of b the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore c they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all d the magicians and e enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel f was there until the first year of g King Cyrus.

  1. Cross References
    2 Kings 24:1 - 2
    In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him.
    2 Chronicles 36:6
    Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and bound him in chains to take him to Babylon.
  2. Cross References
    Daniel 5:2
    Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them.
    2 Kings 24:13
    And carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold.
    2 Chronicles 36:7
    Nebuchadnezzar also carried part of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon and put them in his palace in Babylon.
    2 Chronicles 36:10
    In the spring of the year King Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought him to Babylon, with the precious vessels of the house of the Lord, and made his brother Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem.
    Jeremiah 27:18
    If they are prophets, and if the word of the Lord is with them, then let them intercede with the Lord of hosts, that the vessels that are left in the house of the Lord, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem may not go to Babylon.
  3. Cross References
    Genesis 11:2
    And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.
    Zechariah 5:11
    He said to me, "To the land of Shinar, to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base.
  4. Cross References
    2 Chronicles 36:7
    Nebuchadnezzar also carried part of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon and put them in his palace in Babylon.
    Ezra 5:14
    And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, these Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor.
  5. Cross References
    2 Kings 20:18
    And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
    Isaiah 39:7
    And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
  6. Cross References
    Esther 1:3
    In the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him.
  7. Cross References
    Leviticus 24:19 - 20
    If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him.
    2 Samuel 14:25
    Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
  8. Cross References
    Daniel 1:17
    As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
    Daniel 9:22
    He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, "O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding.
  9. Cross References
    Isaiah 47:10
    You felt secure in your wickedness, you said, "No one sees me"; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me.
  10. Cross References
    Daniel 2:2
    Then the king commanded that the magicians, the...
    Daniel 2:4 - 5
    Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic,...
    Daniel 2:10
    The Chaldeans answered the king and said, "Ther...
    Daniel 3:8
    Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came f...
    Daniel 4:7
    Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldea...
    Daniel 5:7
    The king called loudly to bring in the enchante...
    Daniel 5:11
    There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the s...
  11. Cross References
    Daniel 11:26
    Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain.
  12. Cross References
    Daniel 1:8
    But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
    Daniel 1:16
    So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
  13. Cross References
    Daniel 1:18
    At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
  14. Cross References
    Daniel 2:2
    Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.
    1 Kings 10:8
    Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
    Genesis 41:46
    Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.
  15. Cross References
    Ezekiel 14:14
    Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness, declares the Lord God.
    Ezekiel 14:20
    Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, declares the Lord God, they would deliver neither son nor daughter. They would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness.
    Matthew 24:15
    So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place ( let the reader understand).
  16. Cross References
    Daniel 2:17
    Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.
  17. Cross References
    Daniel 2:17
    Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.
  18. Cross References
    Daniel 2:17
    Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.
  19. Cross References
    Daniel 1:3
    Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility.
  20. Cross References
    2 Kings 23:34
    And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there.
    2 Kings 24:17
    And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
  21. Cross References
    Daniel 2:26
    The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?
    Daniel 4:8 - 9
    At last Daniel came in before me - he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods - and I told him the dream, saying.
    Daniel 4:18 - 19
    This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.
    Daniel 5:12
    Because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
    Daniel 10:1
    In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
  22. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:7
    Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
  23. Cross References
    Leviticus 3:17
    It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places, that you eat neither fat nor blood.
    Ezekiel 4:13
    And the Lord said, "Thus shall the people of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them.
    Hosea 9:3
    They shall not remain in the land of the Lord, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean food in Assyria.
  24. Cross References
    Leviticus 3:17
    It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places, that you eat neither fat nor blood.
    Ezekiel 4:13
    And the Lord said, "Thus shall the people of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them.
    Hosea 9:3
    They shall not remain in the land of the Lord, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean food in Assyria.
  25. Cross References
    Daniel 1:5
    The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
  26. Cross References
    Daniel 1:5
    The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
  27. Cross References
    Genesis 39:21
    But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
    Psalms 106:46
    He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.
    Proverbs 16:7
    When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
  28. Cross References
    Revelation 2:10
    Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
  29. Cross References
    Daniel 1:5
    The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
  30. Cross References
    Daniel 1:5
    The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
  31. Cross References
    Daniel 1:11
    Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
  32. Cross References
    Daniel 1:12
    Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
  33. Cross References
    Daniel 2:20
    Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
    Daniel 2:23
    To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.
    Job 32:8
    But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
    James 1:5
    If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
  34. Cross References
    Daniel 1:4
    Youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.
  35. Cross References
    Daniel 5:12
    Because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
    Daniel 9:23
    At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
    Daniel 10:1
    In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
    Daniel 10:11 - 12
    And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
  36. Cross References
    Daniel 1:5
    The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
  37. Cross References
    Daniel 2:2
    Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.
  38. Cross References
    Daniel 2:27
    Daniel answered the king and said, "No wise men...
    Genesis 41:8
    So in the morning his spirit was troubled, and ...
    Genesis 41:24
    And the thin ears swallowed up the seven good e...
    Exodus 7:11
    Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorc...
    Exodus 7:22
    But the magicians of Egypt did the same by thei...
    Exodus 8:7
    But the magicians did the same by their secret ...
    Exodus 8:18 - 19
    The magicians tried by their secret arts to pro...
    Exodus 9:11
    And the magicians could not stand before Moses ...
  39. Cross References
    Daniel 2:2
    Then the king commanded that the magicians, the...
    Daniel 2:10
    The Chaldeans answered the king and said, "Ther...
    Daniel 2:27
    Daniel answered the king and said, "No wise men...
    Daniel 4:7
    Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldea...
    Daniel 5:7
    The king called loudly to bring in the enchante...
    Daniel 5:11
    There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the s...
    Daniel 5:15
    Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been bro...
  40. Cross References
    Daniel 6:28
    So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
    Daniel 10:1
    In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
  41. Cross References
    Daniel 6:28
    So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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