Now God had grantedThis phrase highlights the sovereignty and providence of God in the affairs of men. It underscores the biblical theme that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating events according to His divine will. This divine intervention is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Daniel, as seen in Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and visions. It also reflects the biblical principle found in
Proverbs 21:1, where the hearts of leaders are in the hands of the Lord.
Daniel favor and compassion
The favor and compassion granted to Daniel are reminiscent of Joseph's experience in Egypt, where he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and later Pharaoh (Genesis 39:4, 21). This favor is not merely human kindness but is divinely inspired, suggesting that God is preparing Daniel for a significant role in the Babylonian court. The Hebrew words for "favor" and "compassion" indicate a deep, heartfelt kindness, which is essential for Daniel's survival and success in a foreign land. This also prefigures the favor Jesus found with God and man (Luke 2:52).
from the chief official
The chief official, likely Ashpenaz, was responsible for the training and well-being of the young captives from Judah. His willingness to show favor to Daniel is significant, given the cultural and religious differences between the Babylonians and the Israelites. This relationship is crucial for Daniel's ability to maintain his faith and identity in a pagan environment. The historical context of the Babylonian exile, where captives were often assimilated into the culture of their captors, highlights the miraculous nature of this favor. This scenario also foreshadows the way God would use Daniel to influence the Babylonian empire, much like how Esther found favor with King Xerxes to save her people (Esther 2:17).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DanielA young Hebrew man of noble lineage taken into Babylonian captivity. Known for his unwavering faith and wisdom.
2.
GodThe sovereign deity of the Israelites, who intervenes in the lives of His people.
3.
Chief OfficialThe Babylonian overseer responsible for the care and training of the captives, including Daniel and his friends.
4.
BabylonThe empire that conquered Judah and took many Israelites, including Daniel, into exile.
5.
ExileThe period when Daniel and other Israelites were taken from their homeland to serve in Babylon.
Teaching Points
Divine FavorGod's favor is not dependent on circumstances but on His sovereign will. Daniel's favor in Babylon is a testament to God's control over all situations.
Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's commitment to God, even in exile, demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful regardless of external pressures or environments.
Influence through IntegrityDaniel's integrity and character earned him respect and compassion from the chief official, highlighting how living a life of integrity can influence those around us.
God's SovereigntyThe verse underscores God's active role in the lives of His people, orchestrating events for their good and His glory, even in foreign lands.
Compassion as a Divine GiftThe compassion shown to Daniel by the chief official is a reminder that God can soften hearts and create opportunities for His purposes to be fulfilled.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 1:9?
2.How did God show favor to Daniel in Daniel 1:9?
3.What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Daniel 1:9?
4.How does Daniel 1:9 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
5.How can we seek God's favor in challenging situations today?
6.What role does obedience play in receiving God's favor, as seen in Daniel 1:9?
7.How does God granting favor to Daniel reflect His sovereignty in Daniel 1:9?
8.What does Daniel 1:9 reveal about God's role in human relationships and authority?
9.How does Daniel 1:9 challenge the belief in self-reliance over divine intervention?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 1?
11.How does Azariah express faith and repentance in prayer?
12.What does the Bible say about prayer and fasting?
13.What does the Bible say about the end times?
14.What is the Daniel Fast?What Does Daniel 1:9 Mean
Now GodGod Himself stands at the very front of the sentence, reminding us who drives the story. He is not a distant observer but the active Author. From beginning to end, Daniel’s situation unfolds under divine direction, echoing truths found inProverbs 21:1 where “the king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD,” and inGenesis 39:21 where “the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.” These parallels assure us that, whether in Egypt, Babylon, or our own modern settings, God orchestrates events for His purposes.
had grantedThe verb sits in the past tense, underscoring that God’s provision was already settled before Daniel even knew he needed it. Nothing in Chapter 1 is accidental; Daniel steps into a situation pre-prepared by God. Scripture repeatedly highlights this gracious prearrangement:Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of plans formed by the Lord, andEphesians 1:4 points to blessings laid up “before the foundation of the world.” We are witnessing a divine decision that predates Daniel’s courageous choice in verse 8.
DanielThe spotlight falls on a young exile determined not to defile himself. Verse 8 shows him resolving to honor God amid pressure, and verse 9 follows with God’s immediate response. Divine favor often meets human faithfulness (1 Samuel 2:30), and the eyes of the LORD still “roam to and fro” to strongly support hearts fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). Daniel becomes a living example that commitment to God never goes unnoticed.
favor and compassionThese twin gifts depict both acceptance and tenderheartedness.
• Favor – the goodwill that opens doors (Psalm 5:12;Proverbs 3:4).
• Compassion – the warmth that softens hearts (Lamentations 3:22-23;Psalm 103:13).
Together they mirror Joseph’s experience inGenesis 39:4 and foreshadow Christ, who “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). The Lord not only changes policies; He melts attitudes, replacing hostility with kindness.
from the chief officialGod channels His blessing through earthly authority. Ashpenaz, the chief of Nebuchadnezzar’s court officials, might seem like Daniel’s hurdle, yet God transforms him into an ally.Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except from God,” whileProverbs 16:7 teaches that the Lord can make even enemies live at peace with His servants. InNehemiah 1:11 a pagan king similarly provides support to a faithful Jew. Our task is obedience; God’s task is to sway decision-makers.
summaryDaniel 1:9 reveals the hidden hand of a sovereign God who preemptively supplies what His faithful servant will need. The verse assures believers that:
• God is actively involved in everyday circumstances.
• His provision often precedes our awareness.
• Personal faithfulness invites divine favor.
• The Lord can transform skeptics into supporters.
With these truths, we can face any cultural pressure confident that the same God who favored Daniel still directs the hearts of people today.
(9)
Into favour.--The close correspondence between Daniel and Joseph has been frequently remarked. Each finds favour with his master, and afterwards with a foreign monarch. The grace of God enables each to overcome the temptations into which his circumstances lead him. The acute natural faculties of each are miraculously increased by God; and, lastly, each is sent into a foreign land to comfort exiled Israel. (See
Genesis 39:21;
1Kings 8:50;
Nehemiah 1:11;
Psalm 106:46.) No less striking is the resemblance of Nebuchadnezzar to Pharaoh.
Verse 9. -
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. The word here translated "tender love" really means "bowels," and then "mercy" or "compassion." Hence the Apostle Paul (
Philippians 2:1) combines the two meanings, "If there be any bowels and mercies." The Revised Version is here to be preferred, "favour and compassion,' as the Authorized exaggerates the affection the prince of the eunuchs had for Daniel. The versions in this verse do not afford any marked variations. The Septuagint has
Κύριος, "Lord," usually employed to translate
יהוה, Jehovah, instead of
Θεός (
אלהים). It is not impossible that the original reading may have been
יהוה, though it is to be admitted not likely.
Rahameem is translated
χάριν," favour," in the Septuagint, which is a weak rendering; Theodotion renders
οἰκτιρμόν, which may be regarded as practically equivalent to our Revised Version. While the third verse speaks of the "chief" (
רַב) of the eunuchs, a Babylonian and Assyrian title, the more usual Hebrew
שַׂר replaces it in this verse and in that which precedes it. From this root the Assyrian and Babylonian word for "king,"
sat or
sarru, was derived, while
tab fell on evil days. Among the later Jews it became equivalent to mr doctors of divinity. Before the word for "God" (
Elohim) there is the article. So far as the form stands, it might be plural, and therefore be capable of being translated "the gods," but the verb being singular renders that translation impossible. The affection with which the chief of the eunuchs regarded Daniel is notified to us as the result of God's goodness, who had thus given him favour in the eyes of him set over him. The Hebrew never failed to recognize, in his devouter moments, that the hearts of all men are in the hands of God; that by him kings reign and princes decree wisdom.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now Godהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehad grantedוַיִּתֵּ֤ן(way·yit·tên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setDanielדָּ֣נִיֵּ֔אל(dā·nî·yêl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1840:Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelitesfavorלְחֶ֖סֶד(lə·ḥe·seḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautyand compassionוּֽלְרַחֲמִ֑ים(ū·lə·ra·ḥă·mîm)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7356:Compassion, the womb, a maidenfromלִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe chiefשַׂ֥ר(śar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269:Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, princeofficial,הַסָּרִיסִֽים׃(has·sā·rî·sîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5631:A eunuch, valet, a minister of state
Links
Daniel 1:9 NIVDaniel 1:9 NLTDaniel 1:9 ESVDaniel 1:9 NASBDaniel 1:9 KJV
Daniel 1:9 BibleApps.comDaniel 1:9 Biblia ParalelaDaniel 1:9 Chinese BibleDaniel 1:9 French BibleDaniel 1:9 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Daniel 1:9 Now God made Daniel to find kindness (Dan. Da Dn) 
