Charles Spurgeon Commentary Daniel 1:4

"youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king`s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." — Daniel 1:4 (ASV)

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.

Nebuchadnezzar was, in many respects, an enlightened ruler. He considered it one of the best things he could do for his court and vast empire that he should pick out the best of the young men of every nation, who would bring their national knowledge with them; and then, being sprightly in body and nimble in mind, they were to be trained to become counselors, or advisers to the court, or prepared to fill important offices as they became vacant.