And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
Here Daniel pursues his narrative, and shows the manner in which he was led away together with his companions. The king had demanded young men to be brought, not from the ordinary multitude, but from the principal nobility, who stood before him, that is, ministered to him.
Nebuchadnezzar seized Jerusalem, took whom he pleased, and left Jehoiakim tributary, for a time. Mark how short-lived are the kingdoms of earth; Daniel lived to see this empire rise, reign, and fall within his own lifetime. The righteous who watch them take root shall see their ruin.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 1:1-7
And the king spake unto Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs,.... That is, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon spake to this officer of his, whose name was Ashpenaz; which, according to Saadiah, signifies a man of an angry countenance; but Hillerus (e) derives it from the Arabic word "schaphan", as designing one that excels in wit and understanding; for which reason he might have the command...