As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
The Prophet here shows what we have already touched upon, how his authority was acquired for exercising the prophetic office with greater advantage. He ought to be distinguished by fixed marks, that the Jews first, and foreigners afterwards, might acknowledge him to be endued with the prophetic spirit.
Every gift comes from above, and God gave these four exceptional learning as a reward for their faithfulness to His law when they refused the king's meat. Daniel received a double portion: he understood visions and dreams by divine wisdom, not by human artifice, and became a prophet who conversed with God.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 1:17-21
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom,.... As they prospered in their bodies, they succeeded in their studies, and improved in their minds, and became great proficients in all kind of lawful and useful knowledge; not owing so much to their own sagacity and diligence, and the goodness and ability of their teachers, as to the...