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;
The word "certain" is supplied by the translators of the King James Version. But it is supplied for a reason. It would be folly to believe that the text would have read better without it.[1] As far as I can tell, every modern version also supplies words to make the passage make sense - most of them just do not tell you which words they have supplied. That said, the word, being supplied, is highlighted in italics. It stands out. And that gives me reason to take note of it.
- There is a reason the translators chose "certain."
- There is a reason the translators did not choose "some."
- There is a reason the translators supplied a word at all.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary gives this as the definition of the word,[2]
“Certain:
1. Sure; true; undoubted; unquestionable; that cannot be denied; existing in fact and truth.
2. Assured in mind; having no doubts.
3. Unfailing; always producing the intended effect;
4. Not doubtful or casual; really existing.
Virtue that directs our ways
5. Stated; fixed; determinate; regular.
6. Particular.”
I imagine the most common way to understand the word, as it is found in the text is "particular." What I see in the word is the determinate counsel and will of God. It's no accident that:
Daniel 1:6 (KJV)
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
God knew exactly who was going to be taken, and God picked them for the assignment. They were exactly who the KING[3] was looking for,
Daniel 1:4 (KJV)
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.
We have a tendency, in times of trouble, to cry out, "Why me?" Did you ever consider that God has handpicked you because He believes you are the one who can and will do His will in a difficult situation?
Perhaps none of us would have wanted to go through what Daniel did in the earlier chapters of this book. But all sincere Christians look to Daniel as an example of faith.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, trust that God has brought you there, and dare to be a Daniel.
#ChosenByGod #DivineAppointment #GodsWill #DareToBeDaniel #FaithfulServant
Chosen for a Purpose: Dare to Be Daniel
[1] “...that he should bring [...] of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes...”
[2] I’ve removed some of the supporting statements in Webster’s definition. Please look it up to see the full version.
[3] Not of Babylon, but of glory.
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