King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:2 Mean?

Daniel 1:2 in the King James Version says “And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried ... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Daniel 1:2 · KJV


Context

1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3

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;

4

Children in whom was no blemish , but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's giving not just the king but 'part of the vessels of the house of God' emphasizes the religious dimension of judgment. These sacred items, made for Yahweh's worship, end up in Shinar (Babylon), in the house of Nebuchadnezzar's god. This desecration represents covenant cursing—Israel's God allows His temple treasures to be offered to idols, demonstrating judgment's severity. Yet 'part' (not all) hints at future restoration; the exile isn't final.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple vessels included golden and silver implements for sacrifices and worship (1 Kings 7:48-51). Their placement in Babylon's god's house (likely Marduk's temple) symbolically represented Marduk's victory over Yahweh in pagan thinking. Shinar refers to Mesopotamia, recalling Babel (Gen. 11:2) and representing human pride. These vessels were later returned under Cyrus (Ezra 1:7-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's allowing sacred vessels in a pagan temple teach us about His willingness to humble His own name for redemptive purposes?
  2. How does the partial confiscation ('part of the vessels') give hope that judgment, though severe, isn't final abandonment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּתֵּן֩1 of 22

gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֲדֹנָ֨י2 of 22

And the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

בְּיָד֜וֹ3 of 22

into his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶת4 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוֹיָקִ֣ים5 of 22

Jehoiakim

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

מֶֽלֶךְ6 of 22

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה7 of 22

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמִקְצָת֙8 of 22

with part

H7117

a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

הַכֵּלִ֣ים9 of 22

of the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בֵּ֖ית10 of 22

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהָֽיו׃11 of 22

of God

H430

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

הֵבִ֔יא12 of 22

and he brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶֽרֶץ13 of 22

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁנְעָ֖ר14 of 22

of Shinar

H8152

shinar, a plain in babylonia

בֵּ֖ית15 of 22

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהָֽיו׃16 of 22

of God

H430

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

וְאֶת17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֵּלִ֣ים18 of 22

of the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הֵבִ֔יא19 of 22

and he brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֖ית20 of 22

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אוֹצַ֥ר21 of 22

into the treasure

H214

a depository

אֱלֹהָֽיו׃22 of 22

of God

H430

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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