9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,
9 The head of the palace staff, by God's grace, liked Daniel,
9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 1:9
Commentary on Daniel 1:8-16
(Read Daniel 1:8-16)
The interest we think we make for ourselves, we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of an Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special care that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of young people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who would excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under. Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear that than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.