Daniel 1:2
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּן֩
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּן֩
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיָד֜וֹ
into his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֜וֹ
into his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 22
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּמִקְצָת֙
with part
H7117
וּמִקְצָת֙
with part
Strong's:
H7117
Word #:
8 of 22
a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
הַכֵּלִ֣ים
of the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֣ים
of the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
9 of 22
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
בֵּ֖ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֖ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of God
H430
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הֵבִ֔יא
and he brought
H935
הֵבִ֔יא
and he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּ֖ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֖ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
15 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of God
H430
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֵּלִ֣ים
of the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֣ים
of the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
18 of 22
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הֵבִ֔יא
and he brought
H935
הֵבִ֔יא
and he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
19 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּ֖ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֖ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
20 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 36:7Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.Zechariah 5:11And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.Isaiah 42:24Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.Genesis 11:2And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.Genesis 10:10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.Deuteronomy 32:30How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?Judges 2:14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.Judges 4:2And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.Judges 3:8Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.
Historical Context
Temple vessels included golden and silver implements for sacrifices and worship (1 Kings 7:48-51). Their placement in Babylon's god's house (likely Marduk's temple) symbolically represented Marduk's victory over Yahweh in pagan thinking. Shinar refers to Mesopotamia, recalling Babel (Gen. 11:2) and representing human pride. These vessels were later returned under Cyrus (Ezra 1:7-11).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's allowing sacred vessels in a pagan temple teach us about His willingness to humble His own name for redemptive purposes?
- How does the partial confiscation ('part of the vessels') give hope that judgment, though severe, isn't final abandonment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's giving not just the king but 'part of the vessels of the house of God' emphasizes the religious dimension of judgment. These sacred items, made for Yahweh's worship, end up in Shinar (Babylon), in the house of Nebuchadnezzar's god. This desecration represents covenant cursing—Israel's God allows His temple treasures to be offered to idols, demonstrating judgment's severity. Yet 'part' (not all) hints at future restoration; the exile isn't final.