Daniel 1:19

19 The king talked to them and found that none of the young men were as good as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So those four young men became the king's servants.

Daniel 1:19 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 1:19

And the king communed with them
He asked them several questions upon the several articles of literature in which they had been educated, to try and see what proficiency they had made; he discoursed with them on various topics of learning, that he might be able to form a judgment of them, and of their capacities, and what employments under him they would be most fit for, and capable of. This shows that the king was a man of learning and good sense, as well as prudence, to be capable of taking such a step as this: and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah;
for their learning and knowledge: after the king had gone through the examination of all the youths, these four appeared to be the greatest proficients, and were accordingly taken notice of and distinguished: therefore stood they before the king;
ministered unto him, became his servants, and even came to be of his privy council, especially Daniel; see ( Proverbs 22:29 ) .

Daniel 1:19 In-Context

17 God gave these four young men wisdom and the ability to learn many things that people had written and studied. Daniel could also understand visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the time set for them by the king, Ashpenaz brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar.

19 The king talked to them and found that none of the young men were as good as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So those four young men became the king's servants.

20 Every time the king asked them about something important, they showed much wisdom and understanding. They were ten times better than all the fortune-tellers and magicians in his kingdom!

21 So Daniel continued to be the king's servant until the first year Cyrus was king.