In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of JudahJehoiakim was the son of Josiah, a king known for his reforms and return to the worship of Yahweh. Jehoiakim's reign, however, was marked by a return to idolatry and disobedience to God. The "third year" refers to approximately 605 BC, a time of significant political upheaval in the ancient Near East. This period is crucial as it marks the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The reign of Jehoiakim is documented in
2 Kings 23:36-24:7 and
2 Chronicles 36:5-8, where his actions and the consequences for Judah are detailed.
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II was one of the most powerful monarchs of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for his military conquests and the expansion of Babylon. His reign is well-documented both in the Bible and in historical records, such as the Babylonian Chronicles. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah were part of his broader strategy to control the region and secure trade routes. His role in biblical prophecy is significant, as he is seen as an instrument of God's judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness, as prophesied inJeremiah 25:9.
came to Jerusalem and besieged it
The siege of Jerusalem in 605 BC was the first of three major deportations of Jews to Babylon. This event fulfilled the warnings given by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah about the consequences of Judah's disobedience. The siege resulted in the capture of many nobles and the beginning of the exile, which lasted 70 years, as foretold inJeremiah 29:10. The historical and archaeological evidence, such as the Babylonian Chronicles, corroborates the biblical account of this siege. This event is a type of Christ's ultimate deliverance, as it foreshadows the need for a savior to rescue humanity from spiritual captivity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JehoiakimThe king of Judah during the time of the Babylonian siege. He was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt and is known for his disobedience to God.
2.
NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon, a powerful ruler who expanded his empire significantly. He is known for his role in the exile of the Jewish people and his interactions with Daniel.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of the Israelites, which included Jerusalem. It was a center of Jewish worship and culture.
4.
BabylonA major empire in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth, power, and influence. It played a significant role in biblical history, particularly in the context of the Jewish exile.
5.
Siege of JerusalemA significant event where Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, leading to the eventual exile of many Jews to Babylon. This marked the beginning of a period of great trial and transformation for the Jewish people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe events of
Daniel 1:1 remind us that God is in control of history. Despite the apparent chaos and defeat, God's purposes are being fulfilled.
Consequences of DisobedienceJehoiakim's reign and the subsequent siege of Jerusalem illustrate the serious consequences of turning away from God's commands. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient.
Faithfulness in ExileThe beginning of the Babylonian exile sets the stage for Daniel's account of faithfulness. Even in difficult circumstances, we are called to remain true to our beliefs.
Preparation for TrialsUnderstanding the historical context of
Daniel 1:1 encourages us to prepare spiritually for trials, knowing that God can use them for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 1:1?
2.How does Daniel 1:1 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and kings?
3.What lessons on obedience can we learn from Daniel 1:1's historical context?
4.How does Daniel 1:1 connect with prophecies about Israel's exile in other scriptures?
5.In what ways can we trust God's plan during challenging political times today?
6.How should Daniel 1:1 influence our understanding of God's control in world events?
7.How does Daniel 1:1 align with historical records of Nebuchadnezzar's reign?
8.Why did God allow Jerusalem to be besieged in Daniel 1:1?
9.What is the significance of Jehoiakim's reign in Daniel 1:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 1?
11.How could four young captives learn and excel in “all wisdom and knowledge” (Daniel 1:17) beyond experienced Babylonian scholars?
12.How does Daniel 1:1 align with historical records that place Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem at a different time?
13.What are the main themes in the Book of Daniel?
14.Was Daniel considered a eunuch in the Bible?What Does Daniel 1:1 Mean
In the third year• Daniel pinpoints a real moment in history, the third year of Jehoiakim—about 605 BC.
• The prophet Jeremiah speaks of this same span (Jeremiah 25:1), reinforcing the timeline.
• Scripture’s precision reminds us that God’s redemptive plan unfolds in actual dates and places (Galatians 4:4).
of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah• Jehoiakim, installed by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:34), chose rebellion against both God and Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:5–8).
• His reign illustrates the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness foretold inDeuteronomy 28:36–37.
•Daniel 1 opens by showing the covenant nation under an unfaithful ruler—setting the stage for God to display faithfulness in exile.
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon• Nebuchadnezzar, at this point newly enthroned (Jeremiah 46:2), is God’s appointed instrument of discipline (Habakkuk 1:6).
• The contrast is stark: one king rebels against God, the other unknowingly serves God’s purpose (Isaiah 45:1, applied earlier to Cyrus, shows God’s sovereign use of pagan rulers).
• Daniel will later testify to Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling and acknowledgment of the Most High (Daniel 4:34–37).
came to Jerusalem• The march from Babylon to Jerusalem covers roughly 900 miles—no small military feat, underscoring Babylon’s might.
• YetPsalm 2:1–4 reminds us that earthly powers merely fulfill God’s larger design.
• Jerusalem’s mention ties the narrative to God’s chosen city, the focal point of worship (Psalm 132:13–14).
and besieged it• The siege marks the first of three deportations (2 Kings 24:1; 25:1, 8). Daniel and his friends leave in this initial wave, fulfillingIsaiah 39:7.
• Siege was a covenant curse (Leviticus 26:25). What the Law warned, history recorded.
• Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant—young exiles who will shine in Babylon (Daniel 1:8; 3:17–18; 6:10).
summaryDaniel 1:1 anchors the entire book in verifiable history: a specific year, a specific king in Judah, an identifiable Babylonian monarch, a real city, and a literal siege. Every phrase testifies to God’s sovereignty over nations and times. Though Judah’s unfaithful ruler faces Babylon’s armies, God is already preparing faithful witnesses in exile, proving that His purposes stand even when His people stumble.
(1)
In the third year.--Two questions are involved in this verse. (1) Is it historically true that Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim's reign? (2) Does the language of the verse imply that he did so? The second question is rightly answered in the negative. The word
came means
went, as
Genesis 45:17;
2Kings 5:5, and it is the natural word for a Hebrew to use who wrote from Babylon, and may be translated
marched. It is therefore implied in this verse that Nebuchadnezzar started from Babylon in the third year of Jehoiakim. The rest of the history is easily supplied from other portions of Scripture. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim he conquered Pharaoh at Carchemish (
Jeremiah 46:2), and then advanced upon Jerusalem. (See marginal reference.) The name Nebuchadnezzar is sometimes more correctly spelt Nebuchadrezzar, but no argument can be based upon the different modes of spelling the name, as the difficulties of transliteration of Babylonian names into Hebrew characters are considerable.
Verse 1. -
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim King of Judah. After the defeat and death of Josiah, the people of the land put on the throne Jehoahaz, or Shallum (
Jeremiah 22:11),
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
In the thirdשָׁל֔וֹשׁ(šā·lō·wōš)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7969:Three, third, thriceyearבִּשְׁנַ֣ת(biš·naṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141:A yearof the reignלְמַלְכ֖וּת(lə·mal·ḵūṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomof Jehoiakimיְהוֹיָקִ֣ים(yə·hō·w·yā·qîm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3079:Jehoiakim -- 'the LORD raises up', three Israeliteskingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Judah,יְהוּדָ֑ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four IsraelitesNebuchadnezzarנְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֧ר(nə·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5019:Nebuchadnezzar -- 'Nebo, protect the boundary', a Babylonian kingkingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Babylonבָּבֶ֛ל(bā·ḇel)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894:Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital citycameבָּ֣א(bā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם(yə·rū·šā·lim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israeland besiegedוַיָּ֥צַר(way·yā·ṣar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6696:To confine, bind, besiegeit.עָלֶֽיהָ׃(‘ā·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
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OT Prophets: Daniel 1:1 In the third year of the reign (Dan. Da Dn) 
