RobH_en_tn/dan/06/03.md

was distinguished above

"excelled above" or "was more capable than"

he had an extraordinary spirit

Here "spirit" refers to Daniel. It means he had was unusually capable. Alternate translation: "he was and exceptional person" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)

extraordinary spirit

spirit that made him do better than the others

to put him over

"to give him authority over" or "to put him in charge of"