Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 1:9

"Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs." — Daniel 1:9 (ASV)

Now God had brought Daniel into favor — (Proverbs 16:7). By what means this had been done is not mentioned. It may be presumed, however, that it was by the attractiveness of his person and manners, and by the evidence of promising talent which he had shown. Whatever were the means, however, two things are worthy of notice:

1. The effect of this on the subsequent fortunes of Daniel. It was a great advantage to him that, by the friendship of this man, he was enabled to carry out the purposes of temperance and religion which he had formed, without coming into conflict with those who were in power.

2. God was the author of the favor which was thus shown to Daniel. It was by a controlling influence that he exerted that this result had been secured, and Daniel traced it directly to him.

   Therefore, we may learn that the favor of others toward us is to be traced to the hand of God. If we prosper in the world and are permitted to enjoy the friendship of those who have it in their power to benefit us, even if it is on account of our personal qualifications, we should learn to attribute it all to God.

   There would have been great reason to fear beforehand that the refusal of Daniel and his companions to partake of the food prepared for them would have been interpreted as an insult to the king, especially if it was understood to be on the ground that they regarded it as “defilement” or “pollution” to partake of it. However, God overruled it all so as to secure the favor of those in power.