Daniel 1:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Did he inquire of the eunuch? Observe how Scripture swiftly clarifies your confusion. It states, “God gave Daniel favor,” affirming this also applied to the chief eunuch. Similarly, with Joseph, Scripture recounts that “Joseph found favor in his sight” (Genesis 39:1-4). Both were, after all, captives serving in foreign households. Daniel’s remarks could have justly provoked the king’s wrath. What do you say? Do you consider the ruler's food detestable? Are you purer than we? Are you unaware that you are learning the language and the arts of the Chaldeans to integrate among us? Why did the eunuch hold him in esteem? Daniel was a scorned captive, yet worthy of regard. Although he deserved respect, extending it carried inherent risks. Thus, when Scripture mentions ‘favor,’ it encapsulates both the eunuch's sentiments and his fears. How did the situation unfold, then? It would have been impossible, and not permitted, had it not been orchestrated by the highest grace.

God granted Daniel favor with the chief of the eunuchs and others. This young man, taken into exile due to the transgressions of his forebears, was soon recognized for his outstanding virtues. He determined in his heart not to compromise his purity by partaking of the king’s delicacies, choosing instead simple sustenance. As a result, the Lord bestowed upon him favor in the eyes of the chief of the eunuchs. Thus, we can infer that when saints receive affection from those who are unbelievers, it is solely by the grace of God and not a reflection of the positive attributes of sinful individuals.

God's concern for us aligns with our desires. When these young men embraced the divine, they experienced God's assistance. A similar example can be seen in the life of Joseph, as it is written: "And the Lord was with Joseph, and the man was prosperous, and He lavished on him mercy and grace before the prison guard" (Gen. 39:2, 21). From this, we understand that God never abandons those who place their faith in Him. This is echoed by another prophet who proclaims, "Ask the ancient generations that were before you, Who hath believed the Lord, and is ashamed" (Sir. 2:10)?