Daniel 1:10, commentary and pictures

The king had appointed the meat and drink for Daniel and his companions, and the prince of the eunuchs who had charge of them feared his lord the king lest their faces should appear worse than the other youths of their sort and he should be held accountable and endanger his head to the king. God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince, yet he still hesitated, and Daniel with his companions humbly and courteously asked for simple food without defiance, keeping the fear of the Lord before him and gaining confidence with God and men. The appointed provision was wine and rich luxurious food from the king's table, which the officer expected would make the youths ruddy and vigorous, while simple food would make them pale and sickly and worse in appearance. Daniel answered the fear by urging a ten days' trial of pulse and water with examination of appearance at the end, and the trial was granted. At the examination the fear was proved unfounded, for Daniel and his companions appeared healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, and they were permitted to continue on simple food and were honored by God with superior wisdom.

Setting and Official's Fear

The king himself had appointed the meat and drink for Daniel and his companions, and the prince of the eunuchs who had charge of them feared his lord the king on that account. He feared that if they abstained from the royal provision their faces would appear worse liking than the other youths of their sort, and that he would thereby be brought into disfavor with the king, be held accountable, and endanger his head, even to the losing of his life. God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs, yet the prince still hesitated and feared to grant the request. Daniel kept the fear of the Lord before him and carried a Christlike disposition, and he with his companions first took the matter to God in earnest prayer and then humbly, courteously and prayerfully asked for simple food. They did so without defiance, without excuses for compliance, without storming or angry protest and without insisting on eating and drinking as they pleased, and by that course they gained the confidence of those who had power to control the matter and obtained favor with God and with men.

The provision appointed from the king's table was wine and rich, stimulating, luxurious food, including wine, flesh meats and luxuries. The officer expected that such rich food would make the youths ruddy, beautiful and vigorous, while simple food would make them pale, sickly, weak and worse in appearance. Those who ate the king's luxuries and drank his wine were expected to keep the clear sparkle of the eye and the ruddy healthful glow, which it was feared the abstainers would lose. Daniel and his three companions were captive Hebrew youths taken from home to Babylon to be educated in the king's court to become statesmen. Their request for different food was made under pressure from authority where refusal could bring danger, making it a real test of trust, resolve and faithfulness in duty as representatives of God who were to honor Him without compromising faith even in adversity.

Reasons for Refusing Food

Daniel and his companions had purposed in heart not to defile themselves, reasoning that to fulfill God's purpose for them they must keep appetite under control so the mind would stay clear and keen to comprehend instruction. Part of the king's appointed provision included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, and the original human diet held up as the standard was fruits and grains without flesh. The food and wine from the royal table and cellar had also been dedicated to idols, so that to eat and drink would associate the young captives with heathen worship, mix faith with heathen religion, and dishonor God. Daniel therefore regulated diet by the knowledge God had given for his benefit, governing appetite by sound reasoning from Christian temperance and not by impulse, keeping what was placed in the stomach under his own control.

They refused the king's wine, flesh meats, luxuries, rich stimulating food and drink because that class of food would not keep mind and body in best health for God's service and for hard, stern labor. Such food clogs the mind, is difficult of digestion, oppresses the mental powers with luxurious indulgence, confuses the brain so they could not distinguish between right and wrong and between the sacred and the common, and could not receive and appreciate the education and knowledge God had to give to make them successful. By contrast their simple diet kept the mind clear and free, kept the stomach healthful and a healthful current of blood flowing through the veins, kept them from sickness, made them better prepared for study and for taxing labor, and enabled them to think and work vigorously with strength of thought and memory. Their plain food together with a life of prayer is therefore the reason given for Daniel's clear mind, firm purpose, and strength in learning, and for intelligence depending on what is eaten and drunk.

To comply with the demand of the king and his officers would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God, because a vital principle involving loyalty to God and the light God had given was at stake. To have yielded to pressure to eat and drink as the Babylonians did would have been a single departure from principle that would have weakened the sense of right and abhorrence of wrong, sacrificed physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power, and one wrong step would have led to others until connection with Heaven was severed and they were swept away by temptation. Here was the turning point in their Christian life, and they refused to compromise in the least degree and determined to be true whatever the consequences and however men might judge them, valuing God's favor above princes. No influence was to come between them and their Maker, and no earthly mandate that detracted from God's honor was to be obeyed, for it is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God.

Their stand was prepared beforehand by careful training in the home in the hills of Judea in pure, sound truth and right principles, which preserved them when brought into captivity and enabled God to make right impressions on their minds. Daniel knew the danger beforehand because of that home training, having formed from childhood the resolve not to cloud his mind with improper food and to eat and drink to God's glory. Because they kept the fear of God before them and presented themselves to God as needy and dependent in prayer, they refused to indulge appetite in order to keep the mental machinery in condition to receive God's education.

Ten-Day Test and Outcome

To meet the officer's fear, Daniel earnestly urged a ten days' trial on pulse and water and other simple food, asking that he and his companions then be examined and judged by physical appearance whether the diet had harmed them, and the trial was granted. The request was made with true courage and Christian courtesy, without anger, defiance, or insistence on eating and drinking as he pleased, after first taking the matter to God in earnest prayer because religious principle was at stake. The fear that made the request risky was that abstinence would make them look less healthy than the other young men eating the royal food and bring the king's punishment on the officer, yet the ten-day test showed healthy, fair appearances.

At the examination the fear was proved unfounded and groundless, for Daniel and his companions appeared far healthier, more favorable, and far ahead in physical appearance than those who ate the king's dainties and drank his wine. Their abstinence made a visible distinction in every way between them and the youths who indulged appetite, showing physical soundness joined with moral purity as the certificate of honoring God by steadfast self-denial. The youths who ate the luxuries and drank the wine had lost the clear sparkle of the eye and the ruddy healthful glow, while the four Hebrew captives did not suffer loss but were sustained in body and mind. Because the result was decidedly in their favor they were permitted to continue on pulse and water instead of the king's appointed fare.

God honored their loyalty and cooperation by giving them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with clearer comprehension, sounder judgment, strength of thought and memory, and vigor to think and work, and to Daniel understanding in visions and dreams. Their simple diet kept their minds clear and free from the oppression caused by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and for taxing labor, and kept them from sickness. When the king examined them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm, which opened the way for a better education and for witness that God reigns over all kingdoms.

Temperance and Health Lessons

Daniel 1:10 belongs to an account that gives a comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance, self-denial, and obedience to natural and moral law. In it Daniel controlled appetite, practiced strict temperance in all things, denied selfish appetite, and stood as a bold representative of pure hygiene. The danger shown is not from scarcity but from abundance and constant temptation to excess, and the attendant blessings preserve physical and mental powers and bring divine favor.

What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so right physical habits promote mental superiority. Plain, healthful, simply prepared food of fruits and grains, eaten sparingly and in proper quantity, together with a life of prayer, preserves physical powers, keeps the stomach healthful and the blood current free, and keeps every faculty in vigor for service instead of offering enfeebled powers as a blemished sacrifice. Such simple diet keeps the mind clear and free from the oppression caused by luxurious food, giving clearness of mind, firmness of purpose, strength of intellect and memory, calm nerves, and unimpaired judgment, making those faithful even in little things better prepared for study and for taxing labor, keeping them from sickness, and leaving them far ahead in physical appearance.

In light of this history, no human testimony about the advantages of a meat diet or a great variety of food should have the least weight, and no human reasoning set against refusal should prevail. The proved result is a sum for study: health reform sustains body and mind rather than causing loss of strength, and those who dedicate themselves without reserve are honored with a clear mind. The example is to be studied from a Bible standpoint with caution against extreme or overstrained applications, reasoning from cause to effect and caring for the body as divine property.

Faithful Witness in Babylon

The Hebrew captives in Babylon were to represent God and honor Him without compromising faith even in adversity. Their loyalty gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements, and the results of obedience. They refused the meat from the royal table and the wine from the royal cellar in order to carry out the principles of truth and to exalt God as a living God above the king of Babylon, above idols, and above an idolatrous court with its literature and practices constantly before them. By that abstinence they showed the Babylonians that there is a King above the king of Babylon. Their conduct showed loyalty without compromise with idolatry, and to comply would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God, because loyalty to God and the light given were at stake.

Here was the turning point in their Christian life, and the lesson is never to sacrifice principle even in the slightest particular, for it is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God. Their later fidelity forced open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, but God vindicated His servants, and through their steadfastness spread the knowledge of the true God throughout the empire of Babylon. God had ordained them to be connected with the great men of Babylon so those men might learn that God reigns over all kingdoms, and He cooperated with them by giving them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and to Daniel understanding in visions and dreams. Their faithfulness and close connection with God brought them wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and God honored them. Their abstinence from the prescribed bill of fare made a visible distinction in every way between their appearance and the appearance of youth who indulged appetite, leaving them far ahead in physical appearance despite remarks from others, because they were faithful even in little things. Their simple diet kept their minds clear and free from the oppression caused by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and for taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and by obedience to God gave them vigor to think and work and strength of thought and memory.

Daniel was placed first as leader, and his strong influence decided the course of his companions, for the four were bound together in Christian fellowship and had he failed to take a firm stand for the right and had he pleased and indulged self, his companions also would have failed and would not have been handed down as young men signally honored by the God of heaven. His firm stand helped them stand with him, and their strict adherence to principle exerted a good influence in Daniel's time. Faithfulness in the little thing of appetite and in the smallest duties gave character to the whole life, for whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, being faithful in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, not only professing truth but living truth and acting in accordance with the principles of temperance. That faithfulness meant refusing to choose self-will and gratify selfish desires and inclinations, refusing to sacrifice conscience to save life, conquering all unlawful appetites and passions, purifying the soul by belief of the truth, and living out the high and holy principles of truth under constant obligation to God from birth to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony. Daniel's faithfulness in this little thing enabled him to see the necessity of faithfulness in larger responsibilities and gave completeness to his whole life, proving that being true to principle in small things and bringing work as near as possible to perfection keeps one from hesitating when the larger test of sacrifice is presented even though life is involved. Their faithfulness honored God and God honored them, and as people ruled by Christ they left lasting impressions on others and carried their influence throughout the world.

Those who follow this example are to be in the world but not of the world, standing distinct from the world in their manner of dealing, showing purity of character and honesty so the world sees that truth sanctifies those who receive and obey it and makes them sons and daughters of God, children of the heavenly King, members of the royal family, faithful, true, honest and upright in small as well as great acts of life, and to all who follow it the Lord gives encouragement similar to the encouragement He gave Daniel. The blessing of the Lord was not a substitute for the taxing effort required of them. They were diligent in study, used their time diligently, brought all their ability to the work, and by close, severe taxation of their powers made the most of their opportunities for study and labor, discerning that through the grace of God their destiny depended upon their own will and action, and they did not let selfish motives or amusement distract them. God read Daniel's heart and looked with pleasure upon his purity of motive and his determination of purpose to honor the Lord, and success in obtaining an education is not chance or destiny but is from God to such a heart. He did not walk in sparks of his own kindling but made the Lord his wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation of his education, welcomed the counsel of the Lord, submitted to divine discipline, made God's word his guide and lived by it, and so revealed heavenly wisdom superior to the learning of the highest schools. His life is preserved as an encouragement to those who face trial and temptation, as an example of what people may become when united with God, the source of wisdom.

When required to eat the luxuries of the king's table, Daniel and his companions first took the matter to God in earnest prayer and sought wisdom from the Lord, because their religious principles were at stake. They depended on God whom they loved and served for grace to overcome and for strength and efficiency in labor. When their decision was made, Daniel with true courage and Christian courtesy presented the case to the officer who had them in charge and humbly asked for the privilege of a simple diet instead of the wine and luxuries of the king's table, without becoming angry, without speaking defiance, without insisting on eating and drinking as he pleased, without making excuses to comply, and without storming or angry protest. The officer set over them feared the king who had appointed the meat and drink, lest they look worse than the other youths of their sort and he lose his head, and Daniel's decision to remain faithful placed the official under pressure. By this courteous course Daniel stood as a witness for God, courteous toward both elders and youth, taking a course heaven could approve in word and work, keeping the fear of the Lord before him and living so that his companions never saw anything in his life that would lead them astray. Those who had charge over him loved him because he carried with him the fragrance of a Christlike disposition, and because of this course he obtained favor with God and with men, gained the confidence of those who had power to control the matter, and his request was granted and a ten-days test was allowed, showing how any may become mighty men by the same dependence on God.

Their course teaches how to eat properly on a simple diet to use the muscles and keep health, and how fear and love of God, cheerful service, a clean conscience and a bright countenance bring cooperation of man with God so that God gives knowledge and skill in learning to fit for usefulness and duty. Standing next to the king in the highest position in the court of Babylon, Daniel practiced strict temperance in all things and sought God constantly and earnestly as a man of prayer with self-control, clinging to Jesus and enjoying His perpetual presence, with power to prevail with God, showing that to those who ask in faith the Lord grants wisdom to do His work acceptably and full joy. His example shows that a bad disposition can be made good, that victory over self can be begun at once, and that God will help in gaining that victory, giving a pattern for men in positions of trust to be earnest men of prayer and missionaries who train themselves and others for holy society. As a student in a worldly school he lived out what he believed without pretension and without sacrificing principle, and faithfulness is shown by prudent, wise methods: studying the situation, respecting all the rules and regulations of the school, letting principles put into practice speak through the life, depending on the power of God in the life more than on words spoken, and then telling inquirers in simple language of Bible doctrines. It gives the pattern for those established, rooted, and grounded in the truth to enter institutions of learning as students, keep the living principles of the truth and observe the Sabbath, and still have opportunity to drop seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit will spring up to save souls, while those without decided connection with God are in danger of being led astray instead.

Example for Youth Today

The history in which the officer fears the king over the appointed food and drink was recorded for the benefit of youth in all succeeding ages to show what men have done men may do, and Daniel and his companions stand as the pattern of integrity, earnestness and steadfastness under trial of what young men and women today may be when earnest and whole-souled, determined to be true to principle at any cost, and bound to God's throne by truth. They reasoned out the situation and saw that to fulfill God's purpose for them they must keep appetite under control so the mind would be clear and keen and able to comprehend God's instruction, and Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat nor with the wine but requested freedom from it. God brought him into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs, who feared they would look worse liking than the other youths of their sort and that the king who had appointed their meat and drink would hold him responsible, yet the request was granted so that he and his companions were allowed to eat and drink as conscience told them they should. God blessed their efforts to honor Him by giving them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with learning and understanding that honored reverence for God and resisting indulgence despite the pressure of life in the royal court, so that when the king examined them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm. The first chapter of Daniel is thus full of valuable instruction and consistency in the testing over eating which they endured, teaching the gains of self-denial in appetite and standing as an example for youth who feel they do not have the advantages they should have in eating, calling students to practice self-denial in eating and drinking, to choose diet carefully, and to seek knowledge and mental excellence in ways that honor God.

Students and workers are to copy that self-denial by bringing habits, appetites, passions and circumstances into conformity to God's requirements as servants not rulers, ruling animal passions rather than being enslaved by hereditary or cultivated habit. This conformity qualifies young men and young women for higher work as laborers for God who earnestly acquire in order to impart and constantly receive light to be channels of communication, and it requires putting from the mind all that is cheap and frivolous and discarding nonsense and amusement-loving propensities as out of place in the life of those living by faith in the Son of God, eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Their experience under pressure where refusal could put the official responsible for them in danger teaches that young people can remain faithful to God's requirements and resist appetite even when doing so requires sacrifice, and that firm adherence to the principle of self-denial leaves them no losers. Daniel did not associate with those who walk in the paths of sin nor was charmed by their society, but discarded unprofitable amusements and indulgence of appetite, and by that firm adherence to the right he enjoyed the favor of God, kept his mind clear for the pursuit of knowledge, and gained moral power to remain unmoved when assailed by temptation. The Lord was working out in His dealings with them lessons of value for those living in the present stage of this world's history, which young men are to study diligently from the highest standpoint and gospel ministers are to proclaim as thrilling truths appropriate for this time, that all may be as Daniel and his fellows, light-bearers gathering rays of light from heaven and shedding them abroad as workers called for now, having denied appetite and made conditions in order to remain fit for a life of useful service.

Daniel is the pattern for remaining true in worldly schools and foreign institutions while respecting rules, letting practiced principles speak through the life, and dropping seeds of truth. He lived out what he believed without pretension and without sacrificing principle by prudent, wise methods: studying the situation, respecting all the rules and regulations of the school, letting principles put into practice speak through the life, depending on the power of God in the life more than on words spoken, and then telling inquirers in simple language of Bible doctrines. Those thus established, rooted and grounded in the truth may enter institutions of learning as students, keep the living principles of the truth and observe the Sabbath, and still have opportunity to drop seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit will spring up to save souls, while those without decided connection with God are in danger of being led astray instead, yet God's people can let conduct make principles known and remain faithful where Daniel lived faithfully while studying. His refusal to apostatize and break God's commandments even at risk to life, prepared by careful training in his home in the hills of Judea, is the pattern for youth in the last days who will face tests just as severe when all are required to observe a spurious man-made sabbath in place of the seventh-day Sabbath of the Bible set apart in Eden, and who must choose to remain loyal to the Sabbath commandment come what may. Kindness and faithfulness are owed to earthly authority and its wishes should be met in everything that does not conflict with duty to God, but no one may come between the soul and God, so the teaching is to do good by being true to principle, praying for grace to live the religion of Christ, remaining faithful through trials, temptations in various forms and opposition, holding firm convictions of duty such as Sabbath observance, loving the Lord with all heart and soul and serving Him with undivided heart under all circumstances. Because they walked humbly with God and preserved simplicity of faith amid temptations on every hand in the courts of Babylon, God manifested Himself to them and set a hedge about them so they would not be corrupted, and heavenly intelligences cooperated with them, for them that honor God He will honor, and this is a lesson to watch and pray and heed in the perils of the last days.

To all who do as these youth did, closing the door to temptation, denying appetite, and placing themselves in right relation to God, the Lord manifests Himself with strength, wisdom, sound judgment and moral power to remain unmoved. Those who resolutely follow God's guidance in self-denial and in diet receive strength, wisdom and sound judgment from Him, and Daniel's resolve to obey God about food was met with that gift even while the prince of the eunuchs feared the king's reaction and punishment if they appeared less healthy than the other young men receiving the royal food. Daniel and his companions nevertheless bore witness to God through disciplined self-denial and strict temperance, preparing themselves to endure trial. Those brought into trial in the way of duty while doing their duty are protected by God, in contrast to those who place themselves under temptation and fall.