Daniel 1:9
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
had brought
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
had brought
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
Now God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
Now God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְחֶ֖סֶד
into favour
H2617
לְחֶ֖סֶד
into favour
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 9
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
לִפְנֵ֖י
with
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
with
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Proverbs 16:7When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.Genesis 39:21But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.Psalms 106:46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.1 Kings 8:50And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:Nehemiah 2:4Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.Acts 7:10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Psalms 4:3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Historical Context
Court officials in ancient Near Eastern empires held dangerous positions—failure meant death. Ashpenaz's favor toward Daniel risked personal jeopardy if these Hebrew youths failed their training. God's work in his heart overcame natural self-preservation, demonstrating supernatural influence. This favor parallels Joseph's experience in Egypt (Gen. 39:21) and foreshadows Esther's favor (Esther 2:9, 17).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's granting favor with pagan officials encourage us that He can open doors in hostile environments?
- What does this divine favor teach us about preparing hearts before making requests, through prayer rather than merely persuasive speech?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's bringing Daniel 'into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs' demonstrates divine providence working through pagan authorities. God can turn hearts toward His servants (Prov. 21:1), creating favor even in hostile environments. This wasn't Daniel's manipulation but God's sovereign grace, preparing the way for Daniel's request about food. The phrase 'tender love' (Hebrew: racham, compassion) shows deep affection beyond mere professional relationship.