Daniel 1 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

1. Nebuchadnezzar recruits young Judeans for royal service (1–7)
2. Daniel and his friends appeal not to eat unclean food (8–13)
3. The steward tests them and grants their appeal (14–16)
4. God gives them great wisdom, and Nebuchadnezzar employs them (17–21)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Training for government jobs

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among many captives who were chosen to be trained for service in the Babylonian kingdom. It was not unusual for the Babylonians to give foreigners positions in their government.

Why would Daniel and his friends not eat the king’s food?

The food from the king included things that the law of Moses forbade Israelites to eat. Daniel and his friends requested permission not to eat this food so that they would not become ritually unclean. They wanted to honor and obey God. .