Plate of Vegetables, Chickpeas and HummusBible World
1:16Daniel 1:16
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Melzar took away the appointed portion of the king's meat and the wine they should drink and gave them pulse instead, and after the ten-day trial this simple fare became their continued diet through their training. Pulse was plain plant-based vegetable food with water for drink, as they had first requested. They refused the royal food because it included meats forbidden as unclean, had been consecrated by offering to false gods so that even to seem to partake would deny their faith, and included wine that stimulates and beclouds judgment between right and wrong and sacred and common. The plain diet kept their minds clear and vigorous and their bodies healthy, so that at the end of the trial they appeared fairer and healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, and God honored their loyalty with knowledge, skill and wisdom ten times beyond all the wise men of the realm. Faithfulness in this little matter of appetite gave character to the whole life and prepared them to stand unmoved when life itself was at stake, and youth today may do the same by denying appetite and standing for right because it is right.
Words and Historical Setting
Melzar removed the appointed royal meat and the wine for drinking and gave pulse in their place, and after the ten-day trial this simple fare became the continuing diet through the whole period of training. The change was granted because the test had vindicated refusal to indulge perverted appetite, and it stood as temperance and self-denial in obedience to natural and moral law, preserving physical and mental powers and bringing favor and blessing. Determination to banish everything defiling from the diet was met by power from above working with human effort, giving the privilege of following a simple course and gaining a better education than all the magicians, astrologers and wise men of the realm. The plan thus proved is a tested sum for all who desire right relation to God to study and prove for themselves, showing that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory.
Pulse means simple plant-based vegetable food, and water was the drink with it as the simple fare first requested. The royal food and wine were set aside altogether for pulse and water as the continuing food, illustrating true temperance and its attendant blessings of health. That conscientious refusal of the stimulus of flesh and wine was obedience in self-denial, keeping mind and body in best health for service, leaving the mind clear and free from the oppression of luxurious food and the body better prepared for taxing labor. Students who carefully choose such a diet honor God and can seek knowledge and excellence of mind, while also caring for the organs that make blood.
The ten days proved the value of the simple fare, for at the end Daniel and his companions appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all those eating the king's portion. They were found far more healthy in appearance than those who ate the king's dainties, with ruddy healthful glow of countenance, clear sparkle of the eye, fair countenance, erect form, firm elastic step, undimmed senses and untainted breath. Those who ate the king's luxuries and drank his wine had lost that clear sparkle and glow, while the four were decidedly in their favor upon examination. Trust that the Lord would work for them in only ten days on pulse and water had held them firm in integrity whatever the result, and the outcome proves that God cooperates with everyone who does his best to overcome, granting divine power for every noble purpose and sending blessing upon the obedient.
The setting is Hebrew captives in a strange land, young Jews taken from their homes to Babylon to be educated for service in the king's court. They had not sought the court from pride or ambition, but Infinite Wisdom had placed them there among those who neither knew nor feared the true God, amid the most promising youth gathered from all lands. Their course covered three years of training, tested at the end by the king, when none were found like them. Success did not come from relying on blessing instead of effort, for through grace destiny depended on their own will and action, and they studied diligently, taxed their powers, and used abilities and opportunities fully in secular and religious knowledge while remaining faithful to God's way even in the highest schools.
Reasons for Refusing Food
The appointed food included meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses and forbidden to Jews, such as swine's flesh and other unclean meats. That same class of flesh meats was difficult of digestion, would clog the mind, and was not healthful or necessary for physical strength. Daniel and his companions had been taught that such food would not keep mind and body in the very best health for God's service, so they regulated diet by knowledge given for their benefit and governed appetite by reason rather than impulse. Their abstemious choice illustrates temperance in using only food that can nourish the body when eaten in proper amounts and at proper times.
The king first asked the blessing of his gods on the food and set apart a portion of food and wine as an offering to false gods. By the religious ideas of the day that consecrated the whole meal to heathen gods. Even a pretense of eating or drinking would therefore deny their faith, implicate them with heathenism and heathen worship, and dishonor God and the principles of His law. Their abstinence was faithfulness in carrying out principles of truth, witnessing in idolatrous Babylon that their God is a living God and King above the king of Babylon. To accept food and drink thus dedicated to idols, even without drinking the wine, would compromise faith and character.
Wine was judged a snare contrary to temperance because it could become more desirable and pleasurable than water and displace water. It would stimulate, excite and intoxicate, becloud the brain, enfeeble brain and muscle, impair judgment, and confuse the ability to distinguish right from wrong and sacred from common, as it had for Nadab and Abihu. For that reason they would not partake of wine or any stimulating drink or stimulating narcotics, but kept all faculties in perfect training under God and kept the mind clear and composed. While gaining an education they proved by experience in the ten-day trial the advantages of temperance in eating and strict abstinence from fermented wine over the rich food and wine of the king's table.
The royal table offered rich, highly seasoned luxuries and stimulating drink and the stimulus of flesh and wine. Such luxuries were unknown in their temperate Judean homes and that class of food would not keep mind and body in the best health. They would clog the mind, oppress with luxurious food, weaken body and mind, and leave them unfit for God's service and for hard, stern labor and taxing study. In a court surrounded by indulgence and intemperance, control of appetite by refusing to defile themselves was fear of the Lord, resistance to corrupting influences, obedience to God's natural and moral laws, and bold representation of pure hygiene preserving physical and mental powers.
Temperance and Health Effects
What is eaten and drunk shapes the powers of the mind, and the taking away of the king's meat and wine and the giving of pulse with water kept the four youths clear, keen, vigorous and fit to receive instruction. The ten-day trial proved this, for they appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than those eating the king's meat, and that healthier appearance demonstrated the benefit of a simple, abstemious diet free from wine and richly seasoned meat. Careless eating to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs, burdens the body, oppresses and beclouds the brain, confuses thought, and brings weakness so that neither body nor brain can act its part as intended. Determination to banish everything defiling from the diet is met by power from above working with human effort, giving the privilege of a simple course, freedom from the oppression of luxurious food, fitness for taxing labor without sickness, strength of thought and memory, and a better education than all the magicians, astrologers and wise men of the realm, even ten times better at examination. Their intelligence depended on what they ate and drank, and refusing wine and rich foods kept them standing high in clear intellect and clear presentation of the knowledge of God and truth, which was the fitness to be placed before the king and their associates. Health reform so proved does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory, and students should therefore avoid food that burdens the body and clouds the mind.
The exchange is true temperance and its attendant blessings, fulfilled when faithfulness even in little things replaced royal food and wine with simple plant food. By temperance and self-denial in avoiding the luxuries of the king's table and obeying natural and moral laws, physical powers were preserved and prepared for mental strength, wisdom, usefulness and God's favor and blessing in His service. Firmness in this choice illustrates Christian temperance, integrity and firmness, controlling appetite and making its holder a bold representative of pure hygiene. Purity in appetite brings health of body, mind and soul, preserving God-given physical, intellectual and moral powers and elevating the moral standard.
Temperance requires governing appetite by sound reasoning rather than impulse, regulating diet by the knowledge given for benefit and using wisdom to reason from cause to effect about food and drink. Even with healthful food such as pulse there must be restriction of quantity, eating sparingly even of plain food, choosing a plain variety without many kinds at one meal, never touching liquor or tobacco or anything of that kind, and not surfeiting or overloading the stomach but giving it a chance to work. Rich and luxurious meat, wine and luxuries clog the mind, are difficult of digestion, and oppress mind and body, so they are to be kept off the table, especially when the brain is constantly taxed with lack of physical exercise. Keeping the food in the stomach under control cooperates with God in keeping the stomach healthful, keeping a healthful current of blood in the veins, keeping body and mind free from oppression and fit for hard, stern labor, and keeping the body as God's property in good order. Plainness of diet so joined with a life of prayer gives clearness of mind, firmness of purpose, strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge, strength of voice, and force of character, and it prepared its followers to be exalted to the highest station.
Flesh meats and wine are not healthful or necessary for physical strength, for meat strengthens the animal propensities while self-denial and wholesome food preserve a clear brain and understanding mind for spiritual life. Those who resolutely deny appetite, give up flesh foods, and follow divine guidance can receive strength, wisdom and sound judgment, while the means saved can support God's work. Health institutions should therefore serve fruits and grains simply prepared and unmixed with wine or other harmful elements, so that food will not defile the body or impair the mind.
The diet is an example of health reform and reform in appetite, refusing appetite-driven customs and faithfully following given light on healthful eating and drinking to gain physical and mental strength for service. Balanced care of body and mind so supports faithful preparation for tests and trials, and its results testify to the value of the way of living. Eating and drinking can thus mark a people set apart from the world and devoted to good works, and this history speaks sermons on health reform for physical, mental and moral health that are to be heeded as a lesson from Scripture.
Purity of tastes, appetite and habits gives calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment and clear perceptions, with restraint supporting freedom from ailments, effective work and spiritual fervor. Keeping from defilement of appetite and passion preserves every faculty in health for presentation to God in service, keeps the body as God's holy property by creation and redemption and as His temple consecrated to Him, places its keeper behind the commandments as a wall of protection, helps subdue passions, develop Christian character and become a partaker of the divine nature usable by God. To educate an appetite for tobacco, liquor or any hurtful thing is presumptuous sin that defiles God's temple, enfeebles the body through which mind and soul are developed, makes health-destroyers and self-made invalids, wars against the soul, and violates the law of God, since any violation of the laws of nature is a violation of the law of God.
Faithfulness Under Trial
Daniel purposed not to defile himself, and with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah decided in the fear of God to be true to the religion of their fathers and to obey the divine law, both physical and moral, at any cost, even at risk of the king's displeasure and of life itself. They reasoned that to fulfill God's purpose for them they must keep appetite under control so the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend instruction, and they trusted the Lord would work for them in only ten days on pulse and water, standing firm in integrity whatever the result. Because even a pretense of eating or drinking the king's portion would deny their faith, implicate them with heathenism and dishonor the principles of God's law, since the king first asked the blessing of his gods and set apart food and wine as an offering to false gods which by the ideas of the day consecrated the whole meal, they asked to eat and drink as conscience told them they should. God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs to make this possible, and after the ten-day test proved the value of simple food their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all eating the king's portion, so Melzar took away the meat and wine and gave them pulse continually. Their obedience gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements and the results of obedience, making them His representatives among heathen nations who neither knew nor feared the true God, placed there by Infinite Wisdom and not by pride or ambition.
Faithfulness in this little matter of diet gave complexion to the whole life, for a vital principle was involved concerning light given them and no influence could come between them and their Maker. To have complied with the king and his officers would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth and apostasy from God, so though men might judge them scrupulous and needlessly different they determined to be true whatever the consequences, because God is the great Judge over all, never sacrificing principle even in the slightest particular. Daniel acted as leader over his three companions, who looked to him and were bound to him in fellowship, and his firmness held them firm, for had he failed they also would have failed. His faithfulness in doing the little things entrusted to him, living the truth and not only professing it and acting in accordance with temperance, enabled him to see the necessity of faithfulness in larger responsibilities and gave completeness to his whole life, protecting his physical powers so he could honor God where yielding at this point would have made it easier to yield later. Their later open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, God's vindication of them, the spreading of the knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon and the accomplishing of God's purpose in permitting their captivity all grew from this stand, teaching youth today to be true to principle in small things so they will not hesitate when the larger test of sacrifice comes even though life is involved. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, so faithfulness is required in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, and faithfulness to God must not be adjusted to suit circumstances even at the risk of life.
When required to partake of the luxuries of the king's table, Daniel did not fly into a passion or speak defiance or insist on eating and drinking as he pleased, but with his companions took the matter to God in earnest prayer seeking wisdom, feeling that religious principles were at stake and depending upon God for grace to be overcomers and for strength and efficiency in labors. Coming from prayer with decision made, he with true courage and Christian courtesy and most perfect courtesy toward elders and youth presented the case to the officer in charge and asked for a simple diet, standing as a witness for God so that heaven could hear his word and behold his works without shame, relying upon God whom they loved and served. He was obedient and courteous among idolatrous associates, adapting to the court's practices only when they did not dishonor God and maintaining integrity, respecting the rules of the school while living out what he believed and keeping the living principles of truth. Because they had obtained favor with God and with men their request was granted and pulse was given instead of meat and wine, a lesson for all who would become mighty men. His godly life itself became known and drew inquiry, so that his steadfastness made his principles known and caused others to ask why he could not be induced to swerve, his life a witness more powerful than words.
Their stand was rooted in right education in childhood when separated from home influences, holding true to principle in captivity by early training from childhood to youth that gave acquaintance with God and stored the mind with pure, sound, honest principles, with truth engraved upon the tablets of the soul and memory stored with precious truths of the Word. Truths only dimly comprehended in the past became essential when brought into captivity, flashing out in time of need like concealed treasure and newly discovered jewels revealing all their beauty. Taken from homes in the hills of Judea to be educated in the king's court in Babylon, they held fast to the godly education received at home and remained faithful to Jehovah under every circumstance and consequence, choosing loyalty to God's commandments even at the cost of life rather than apostatizing and breaking them. Children taught from babyhood to keep the commandments of God, to be obedient and to form characters after the divine similitude will have Christ reveal Himself to them, as this history proves and shows what God expects from children and youth.
God's blessing did not replace effort, for through grace their destiny depended on their own will and action, so they studied diligently, taxed their powers, and used abilities and opportunities fully. They did not feel the blessing of the Lord was a substitute for the taxing effort required of them, but discerned they were to bring all ability to the work, and by close, severe taxation of their powers were to make the most of opportunities for study and labor. They worked with willing hearts and ready minds and did not let selfish motives or love of amusement consume their time, showing the value of close connection with God, prayer and training abilities to meet duties under God's watchful care. Their faithfulness involved their own earnest effort as well as God's help.
God's grace enabled them to resist temptation in perilous surroundings, for though young and continually exposed to temptations that could lead to self-indulgence and corrupt their morals, their godliness and purity remained firm despite surroundings filled with temptation. Like Daniel, students who resist sinful associations, unprofitable amusements and indulgence of appetite can enjoy God's favor and gain clear minds and moral strength to resist temptation, since resisting appetite and other harmful influences helps preserve clear judgment and moral strength. God protects His people when brought into trial in the way of duty, as when the official removed the king's food and wine and gave pulse instead, but not when they place themselves under temptation. Conformity to the world and familiarity with sin make sin less repulsive, so those who place themselves under temptation will fall.
Divine Blessing and Witness
God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs so that his purpose not to defile himself could be granted, and Melzar took away the meat and wine and gave pulse and water so the four could eat and drink as conscience directed. Their determination to keep appetite under control to keep the mind clear and keen was met by power from above working with human effort, and God honored the right by giving strength and comeliness and intellectual power, with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and to Daniel understanding in visions and dreams. Because after the ten-day test they appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than those eating the king's meat, the exchange became permanent, and at the end of three years of training among the most promising youth gathered from all lands, when examined by the king none were found like them and in all matters of understanding he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm. Their refusal of wine and rich foods kept intelligence clear and presentation clear for matters bringing a knowledge of God and the truth, which was the fitness God wanted placed before the king and their associates.
Their healthy appearance with erect form, firm elastic step, fair countenance, undimmed senses, untainted breath, clear sparkle of the eye and ruddy healthful glow became a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity and of good habits. Their simple diet made a visible distinction that left them far ahead physically of the youth who indulged appetite at the king's table, kept minds clear from oppression by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave vigor to think and work with strength of thought and memory. Their obedience gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements and the results of obedience, for as captives placed by Infinite Wisdom in a strange land among those who neither knew nor feared the true God they were His representatives among heathen nations. By carrying out principles of truth and being faithful even in little things in refusing meat from the royal table and wine from the royal cellar, they exalted God and witnessed that their God is a living God and a King above the king of Babylon, ordained to acquaint the great men of Babylon that God reigns over all kingdoms, and this is the pattern every Seventh-day Adventist institution is to follow in being to the world what they were in Babylon.
Their faithfulness in standing firm under trial in food and drink opened the way for an angel of God to give Daniel the king's forgotten dream and its interpretation to declare to the people. That refusal to compromise in the least degree, though men might judge them scrupulous and needlessly different, preserved loyalty to God as great Judge over all, and their later open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, God's vindication of them, the spreading of knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon, and the accomplishing of God's purpose in permitting their captivity all grew from this stand. The outcome proves that God cooperates with everyone who does his best to overcome and grants divine power for every noble purpose and sends blessing upon the obedient, so that all human testimony about the advantages of a meat diet or a great variety of food should have no weight against self-denying faithfulness honored with a clear mind. When children of faith with earnest prayer dedicate themselves to God without reserve He honors their faith and keeps them in touch with Him through prayer and study and humble conscientious practical life as Enoch walked with God.
Through self-denial, connection with God and commitment to every good work Daniel gained his position, for his refusal protected physical powers and character and spiritual growth from hindrance so he could give glory to God. His firmness in this first test prepared him to stand firm in later tests, and God upheld the uncorrupted seekers of secular and religious knowledge with wisdom, understanding, skill and influence. Living on simple wholesome food, never touching liquor or tobacco or anything of that kind, choosing a plain variety without many kinds at one meal and not overloading the stomach, keeps the body in health and gives strength of voice and strength of intellect, and thus prepared Daniel and his companions to be exalted to the highest station, proving that a place of responsibility is proved through enduring trials and remaining true to principle.
Pattern for Present Life
Melzar's removal of the king's meat and wine and giving of pulse shows students granted liberty to eat and drink as conscience directs, choosing diet carefully to honor God, caring for the blood-making organs, and avoiding food that burdens the body and clouds the mind. Such self-denial in eating and drinking keeps body healthy and mind clear and keen to comprehend instruction, so that knowledge and excellence of mind can be sought and the mind made fit for God's service. Success in education is not chance or destiny but from God, who looks with pleasure on purity of motive and determination to honor Him, when the learner makes the Lord wisdom, makes divine philosophy the foundation of education, welcomes divine counsel and submits to divine discipline. Remaining faithful in the highest schools while joining spiritual work with learning brings blessing with knowledge, skill in all learning, wisdom, and standing ten times better than the learned of the realm, becoming patterns of integrity whose choices decide eternal destiny with no second probation.
Young men and women today may be what Daniel and his companions were by closing the door to temptation, denying appetite, placing themselves in right relation to God, and standing steadfastly for the right because it is right. The ten days' trial revealing health and fairness of countenance not possessed by those eating from the king's table proves they were not losers by firm adherence to self-denial, but gained healthful blood, freedom from mental and physical weakness, and rich blessings through training in temperance. Their experience was worked out to teach lessons of value for the present stage of history, to be diligently studied from the highest standpoint, calling youth in this age not to indulge extravagance in luxurious eating and drinking that weakens moral and physical power. All are to be as Daniels in this world of temptation and trial, thereby overcoming intemperance and becoming light-bearers who gather rays of light from heaven and shed them abroad on those around them.
Every gospel minister is to proclaim these thrilling truths appropriate for this time, and canvassers are to be temperate like Daniel, chaste like Joseph and meek like Moses, uniting self-culture, agreeable manners, kindness of heart, industry, discretion and copying Christ so that power attends them wherever they go. Daniel and his fellows honoring God in both prosperity and adversity while God honored them in return give the pattern every Seventh-day Adventist institution is to follow in being to the world what they were in Babylon, representing God among a heathen people without compromising faith.
Those established, rooted and grounded in truth, with truth wrought into the being, can enter colleges and institutions of learning as Daniel lived the truth as a student in a worldly school without sacrificing principle. They are to live out what they believe, keep the living principles of truth including Sabbath observance, respect all rules and regulations of the school, start no open controversies, and let godly life itself leaven other minds rather than trusting in words. Then inquiry is aroused, light flashes into minds, and telling inquirers the simple Bible doctrines in simple language sows seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit spring up to bear fruit for the glory of God in the saving of souls.
Careful training in the home in the hills of Judea prepared Daniel to stand firm when faith was severely tried in captivity, choosing loyalty to God's commandments even at cost of life rather than apostatizing and breaking them. Now is the day of probation and preparation to form a loving, Christlike character firm to right principles that refuses evil and delights in good, for the same kind of severe test will come upon youth in the last days over obedience to the seventh-day Sabbath of Eden and the Bible against idolatry and a man-made spurious sabbath. Serving the Lord with undivided heart under all circumstances means complying with human wishes only so far as they do not conflict with service to Christ, letting no one interpose between the soul and God, praying much for grace, remaining faithful through trials, temptations and opposition, loving the Lord with all heart and soul, never swerving from allegiance, holding firm conviction of duty to observe the Sabbath and keeping it the best possible under all circumstances. Watching and praying and reading and heeding Daniel and Revelation preserves simplicity of faith amid temptations on every hand, walking humbly with God as Enoch did, so that heaven sets a hedge against corruption and cooperates with the faithful.
The exchange is Bible testimony for doing one's best for oneself through temperance and self-denial, bringing all habits, appetites and passions into conformity to God's requirements, putting from the mind all that is cheap and frivolous and discarding amusement-loving propensities as out of place for those living by faith. Inward transformation works outward victory, so that instead of being ruled by circumstances the learner rules circumstances, seeks power from God alone to represent truth in righteousness rather than self and imperfection, and is weighed with the Spirit of wisdom without pride or self-importance. Close connection with God and willing, diligent use of abilities make examples of the high standard Christian youth can reach, qualifying them for higher work as laborers who earnestly acquire in order to impart and constantly receive light to be channels of communication. Purity in appetite and habits is thus rewarded with health of body, mind and soul, with calm solidity of character, moral dignity, reverence, cheerful service, the holy perfume of Christ's character, and an influence for good that draws others to truth.
Melzar took away the appointed portion of the king's meat and the wine they should drink and gave them pulse instead, and after the ten-day trial this simple fare became their continued diet through their training. Pulse was plain plant-based vegetable food with water for drink, as they had first requested. They refused the royal food because it included meats forbidden as unclean, had been consecrated by offering to false gods so that even to seem to partake would deny their faith, and included wine that stimulates and beclouds judgment between right and wrong and sacred and common. The plain diet kept their minds clear and vigorous and their bodies healthy, so that at the end of the trial they appeared fairer and healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, and God honored their loyalty with knowledge, skill and wisdom ten times beyond all the wise men of the realm. Faithfulness in this little matter of appetite gave character to the whole life and prepared them to stand unmoved when life itself was at stake, and youth today may do the same by denying appetite and standing for right because it is right.
Words and Historical Setting
Melzar removed the appointed royal meat and the wine for drinking and gave pulse in their place, and after the ten-day trial this simple fare became the continuing diet through the whole period of training. The change was granted because the test had vindicated refusal to indulge perverted appetite, and it stood as temperance and self-denial in obedience to natural and moral law, preserving physical and mental powers and bringing favor and blessing. Determination to banish everything defiling from the diet was met by power from above working with human effort, giving the privilege of following a simple course and gaining a better education than all the magicians, astrologers and wise men of the realm. The plan thus proved is a tested sum for all who desire right relation to God to study and prove for themselves, showing that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory.
Pulse means simple plant-based vegetable food, and water was the drink with it as the simple fare first requested. The royal food and wine were set aside altogether for pulse and water as the continuing food, illustrating true temperance and its attendant blessings of health. That conscientious refusal of the stimulus of flesh and wine was obedience in self-denial, keeping mind and body in best health for service, leaving the mind clear and free from the oppression of luxurious food and the body better prepared for taxing labor. Students who carefully choose such a diet honor God and can seek knowledge and excellence of mind, while also caring for the organs that make blood.
The ten days proved the value of the simple fare, for at the end Daniel and his companions appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all those eating the king's portion. They were found far more healthy in appearance than those who ate the king's dainties, with ruddy healthful glow of countenance, clear sparkle of the eye, fair countenance, erect form, firm elastic step, undimmed senses and untainted breath. Those who ate the king's luxuries and drank his wine had lost that clear sparkle and glow, while the four were decidedly in their favor upon examination. Trust that the Lord would work for them in only ten days on pulse and water had held them firm in integrity whatever the result, and the outcome proves that God cooperates with everyone who does his best to overcome, granting divine power for every noble purpose and sending blessing upon the obedient.
The setting is Hebrew captives in a strange land, young Jews taken from their homes to Babylon to be educated for service in the king's court. They had not sought the court from pride or ambition, but Infinite Wisdom had placed them there among those who neither knew nor feared the true God, amid the most promising youth gathered from all lands. Their course covered three years of training, tested at the end by the king, when none were found like them. Success did not come from relying on blessing instead of effort, for through grace destiny depended on their own will and action, and they studied diligently, taxed their powers, and used abilities and opportunities fully in secular and religious knowledge while remaining faithful to God's way even in the highest schools.
Reasons for Refusing Food
The appointed food included meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses and forbidden to Jews, such as swine's flesh and other unclean meats. That same class of flesh meats was difficult of digestion, would clog the mind, and was not healthful or necessary for physical strength. Daniel and his companions had been taught that such food would not keep mind and body in the very best health for God's service, so they regulated diet by knowledge given for their benefit and governed appetite by reason rather than impulse. Their abstemious choice illustrates temperance in using only food that can nourish the body when eaten in proper amounts and at proper times.
The king first asked the blessing of his gods on the food and set apart a portion of food and wine as an offering to false gods. By the religious ideas of the day that consecrated the whole meal to heathen gods. Even a pretense of eating or drinking would therefore deny their faith, implicate them with heathenism and heathen worship, and dishonor God and the principles of His law. Their abstinence was faithfulness in carrying out principles of truth, witnessing in idolatrous Babylon that their God is a living God and King above the king of Babylon. To accept food and drink thus dedicated to idols, even without drinking the wine, would compromise faith and character.
Wine was judged a snare contrary to temperance because it could become more desirable and pleasurable than water and displace water. It would stimulate, excite and intoxicate, becloud the brain, enfeeble brain and muscle, impair judgment, and confuse the ability to distinguish right from wrong and sacred from common, as it had for Nadab and Abihu. For that reason they would not partake of wine or any stimulating drink or stimulating narcotics, but kept all faculties in perfect training under God and kept the mind clear and composed. While gaining an education they proved by experience in the ten-day trial the advantages of temperance in eating and strict abstinence from fermented wine over the rich food and wine of the king's table.
The royal table offered rich, highly seasoned luxuries and stimulating drink and the stimulus of flesh and wine. Such luxuries were unknown in their temperate Judean homes and that class of food would not keep mind and body in the best health. They would clog the mind, oppress with luxurious food, weaken body and mind, and leave them unfit for God's service and for hard, stern labor and taxing study. In a court surrounded by indulgence and intemperance, control of appetite by refusing to defile themselves was fear of the Lord, resistance to corrupting influences, obedience to God's natural and moral laws, and bold representation of pure hygiene preserving physical and mental powers.
Temperance and Health Effects
What is eaten and drunk shapes the powers of the mind, and the taking away of the king's meat and wine and the giving of pulse with water kept the four youths clear, keen, vigorous and fit to receive instruction. The ten-day trial proved this, for they appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than those eating the king's meat, and that healthier appearance demonstrated the benefit of a simple, abstemious diet free from wine and richly seasoned meat. Careless eating to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs, burdens the body, oppresses and beclouds the brain, confuses thought, and brings weakness so that neither body nor brain can act its part as intended. Determination to banish everything defiling from the diet is met by power from above working with human effort, giving the privilege of a simple course, freedom from the oppression of luxurious food, fitness for taxing labor without sickness, strength of thought and memory, and a better education than all the magicians, astrologers and wise men of the realm, even ten times better at examination. Their intelligence depended on what they ate and drank, and refusing wine and rich foods kept them standing high in clear intellect and clear presentation of the knowledge of God and truth, which was the fitness to be placed before the king and their associates. Health reform so proved does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory, and students should therefore avoid food that burdens the body and clouds the mind.
The exchange is true temperance and its attendant blessings, fulfilled when faithfulness even in little things replaced royal food and wine with simple plant food. By temperance and self-denial in avoiding the luxuries of the king's table and obeying natural and moral laws, physical powers were preserved and prepared for mental strength, wisdom, usefulness and God's favor and blessing in His service. Firmness in this choice illustrates Christian temperance, integrity and firmness, controlling appetite and making its holder a bold representative of pure hygiene. Purity in appetite brings health of body, mind and soul, preserving God-given physical, intellectual and moral powers and elevating the moral standard.
Temperance requires governing appetite by sound reasoning rather than impulse, regulating diet by the knowledge given for benefit and using wisdom to reason from cause to effect about food and drink. Even with healthful food such as pulse there must be restriction of quantity, eating sparingly even of plain food, choosing a plain variety without many kinds at one meal, never touching liquor or tobacco or anything of that kind, and not surfeiting or overloading the stomach but giving it a chance to work. Rich and luxurious meat, wine and luxuries clog the mind, are difficult of digestion, and oppress mind and body, so they are to be kept off the table, especially when the brain is constantly taxed with lack of physical exercise. Keeping the food in the stomach under control cooperates with God in keeping the stomach healthful, keeping a healthful current of blood in the veins, keeping body and mind free from oppression and fit for hard, stern labor, and keeping the body as God's property in good order. Plainness of diet so joined with a life of prayer gives clearness of mind, firmness of purpose, strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge, strength of voice, and force of character, and it prepared its followers to be exalted to the highest station.
Flesh meats and wine are not healthful or necessary for physical strength, for meat strengthens the animal propensities while self-denial and wholesome food preserve a clear brain and understanding mind for spiritual life. Those who resolutely deny appetite, give up flesh foods, and follow divine guidance can receive strength, wisdom and sound judgment, while the means saved can support God's work. Health institutions should therefore serve fruits and grains simply prepared and unmixed with wine or other harmful elements, so that food will not defile the body or impair the mind.
The diet is an example of health reform and reform in appetite, refusing appetite-driven customs and faithfully following given light on healthful eating and drinking to gain physical and mental strength for service. Balanced care of body and mind so supports faithful preparation for tests and trials, and its results testify to the value of the way of living. Eating and drinking can thus mark a people set apart from the world and devoted to good works, and this history speaks sermons on health reform for physical, mental and moral health that are to be heeded as a lesson from Scripture.
Purity of tastes, appetite and habits gives calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment and clear perceptions, with restraint supporting freedom from ailments, effective work and spiritual fervor. Keeping from defilement of appetite and passion preserves every faculty in health for presentation to God in service, keeps the body as God's holy property by creation and redemption and as His temple consecrated to Him, places its keeper behind the commandments as a wall of protection, helps subdue passions, develop Christian character and become a partaker of the divine nature usable by God. To educate an appetite for tobacco, liquor or any hurtful thing is presumptuous sin that defiles God's temple, enfeebles the body through which mind and soul are developed, makes health-destroyers and self-made invalids, wars against the soul, and violates the law of God, since any violation of the laws of nature is a violation of the law of God.
Faithfulness Under Trial
Daniel purposed not to defile himself, and with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah decided in the fear of God to be true to the religion of their fathers and to obey the divine law, both physical and moral, at any cost, even at risk of the king's displeasure and of life itself. They reasoned that to fulfill God's purpose for them they must keep appetite under control so the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend instruction, and they trusted the Lord would work for them in only ten days on pulse and water, standing firm in integrity whatever the result. Because even a pretense of eating or drinking the king's portion would deny their faith, implicate them with heathenism and dishonor the principles of God's law, since the king first asked the blessing of his gods and set apart food and wine as an offering to false gods which by the ideas of the day consecrated the whole meal, they asked to eat and drink as conscience told them they should. God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs to make this possible, and after the ten-day test proved the value of simple food their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all eating the king's portion, so Melzar took away the meat and wine and gave them pulse continually. Their obedience gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements and the results of obedience, making them His representatives among heathen nations who neither knew nor feared the true God, placed there by Infinite Wisdom and not by pride or ambition.
Faithfulness in this little matter of diet gave complexion to the whole life, for a vital principle was involved concerning light given them and no influence could come between them and their Maker. To have complied with the king and his officers would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth and apostasy from God, so though men might judge them scrupulous and needlessly different they determined to be true whatever the consequences, because God is the great Judge over all, never sacrificing principle even in the slightest particular. Daniel acted as leader over his three companions, who looked to him and were bound to him in fellowship, and his firmness held them firm, for had he failed they also would have failed. His faithfulness in doing the little things entrusted to him, living the truth and not only professing it and acting in accordance with temperance, enabled him to see the necessity of faithfulness in larger responsibilities and gave completeness to his whole life, protecting his physical powers so he could honor God where yielding at this point would have made it easier to yield later. Their later open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, God's vindication of them, the spreading of the knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon and the accomplishing of God's purpose in permitting their captivity all grew from this stand, teaching youth today to be true to principle in small things so they will not hesitate when the larger test of sacrifice comes even though life is involved. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, so faithfulness is required in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, and faithfulness to God must not be adjusted to suit circumstances even at the risk of life.
When required to partake of the luxuries of the king's table, Daniel did not fly into a passion or speak defiance or insist on eating and drinking as he pleased, but with his companions took the matter to God in earnest prayer seeking wisdom, feeling that religious principles were at stake and depending upon God for grace to be overcomers and for strength and efficiency in labors. Coming from prayer with decision made, he with true courage and Christian courtesy and most perfect courtesy toward elders and youth presented the case to the officer in charge and asked for a simple diet, standing as a witness for God so that heaven could hear his word and behold his works without shame, relying upon God whom they loved and served. He was obedient and courteous among idolatrous associates, adapting to the court's practices only when they did not dishonor God and maintaining integrity, respecting the rules of the school while living out what he believed and keeping the living principles of truth. Because they had obtained favor with God and with men their request was granted and pulse was given instead of meat and wine, a lesson for all who would become mighty men. His godly life itself became known and drew inquiry, so that his steadfastness made his principles known and caused others to ask why he could not be induced to swerve, his life a witness more powerful than words.
Their stand was rooted in right education in childhood when separated from home influences, holding true to principle in captivity by early training from childhood to youth that gave acquaintance with God and stored the mind with pure, sound, honest principles, with truth engraved upon the tablets of the soul and memory stored with precious truths of the Word. Truths only dimly comprehended in the past became essential when brought into captivity, flashing out in time of need like concealed treasure and newly discovered jewels revealing all their beauty. Taken from homes in the hills of Judea to be educated in the king's court in Babylon, they held fast to the godly education received at home and remained faithful to Jehovah under every circumstance and consequence, choosing loyalty to God's commandments even at the cost of life rather than apostatizing and breaking them. Children taught from babyhood to keep the commandments of God, to be obedient and to form characters after the divine similitude will have Christ reveal Himself to them, as this history proves and shows what God expects from children and youth.
God's blessing did not replace effort, for through grace their destiny depended on their own will and action, so they studied diligently, taxed their powers, and used abilities and opportunities fully. They did not feel the blessing of the Lord was a substitute for the taxing effort required of them, but discerned they were to bring all ability to the work, and by close, severe taxation of their powers were to make the most of opportunities for study and labor. They worked with willing hearts and ready minds and did not let selfish motives or love of amusement consume their time, showing the value of close connection with God, prayer and training abilities to meet duties under God's watchful care. Their faithfulness involved their own earnest effort as well as God's help.
God's grace enabled them to resist temptation in perilous surroundings, for though young and continually exposed to temptations that could lead to self-indulgence and corrupt their morals, their godliness and purity remained firm despite surroundings filled with temptation. Like Daniel, students who resist sinful associations, unprofitable amusements and indulgence of appetite can enjoy God's favor and gain clear minds and moral strength to resist temptation, since resisting appetite and other harmful influences helps preserve clear judgment and moral strength. God protects His people when brought into trial in the way of duty, as when the official removed the king's food and wine and gave pulse instead, but not when they place themselves under temptation. Conformity to the world and familiarity with sin make sin less repulsive, so those who place themselves under temptation will fall.
Divine Blessing and Witness
God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs so that his purpose not to defile himself could be granted, and Melzar took away the meat and wine and gave pulse and water so the four could eat and drink as conscience directed. Their determination to keep appetite under control to keep the mind clear and keen was met by power from above working with human effort, and God honored the right by giving strength and comeliness and intellectual power, with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and to Daniel understanding in visions and dreams. Because after the ten-day test they appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than those eating the king's meat, the exchange became permanent, and at the end of three years of training among the most promising youth gathered from all lands, when examined by the king none were found like them and in all matters of understanding he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm. Their refusal of wine and rich foods kept intelligence clear and presentation clear for matters bringing a knowledge of God and the truth, which was the fitness God wanted placed before the king and their associates.
Their healthy appearance with erect form, firm elastic step, fair countenance, undimmed senses, untainted breath, clear sparkle of the eye and ruddy healthful glow became a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity and of good habits. Their simple diet made a visible distinction that left them far ahead physically of the youth who indulged appetite at the king's table, kept minds clear from oppression by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave vigor to think and work with strength of thought and memory. Their obedience gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements and the results of obedience, for as captives placed by Infinite Wisdom in a strange land among those who neither knew nor feared the true God they were His representatives among heathen nations. By carrying out principles of truth and being faithful even in little things in refusing meat from the royal table and wine from the royal cellar, they exalted God and witnessed that their God is a living God and a King above the king of Babylon, ordained to acquaint the great men of Babylon that God reigns over all kingdoms, and this is the pattern every Seventh-day Adventist institution is to follow in being to the world what they were in Babylon.
Their faithfulness in standing firm under trial in food and drink opened the way for an angel of God to give Daniel the king's forgotten dream and its interpretation to declare to the people. That refusal to compromise in the least degree, though men might judge them scrupulous and needlessly different, preserved loyalty to God as great Judge over all, and their later open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, God's vindication of them, the spreading of knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon, and the accomplishing of God's purpose in permitting their captivity all grew from this stand. The outcome proves that God cooperates with everyone who does his best to overcome and grants divine power for every noble purpose and sends blessing upon the obedient, so that all human testimony about the advantages of a meat diet or a great variety of food should have no weight against self-denying faithfulness honored with a clear mind. When children of faith with earnest prayer dedicate themselves to God without reserve He honors their faith and keeps them in touch with Him through prayer and study and humble conscientious practical life as Enoch walked with God.
Through self-denial, connection with God and commitment to every good work Daniel gained his position, for his refusal protected physical powers and character and spiritual growth from hindrance so he could give glory to God. His firmness in this first test prepared him to stand firm in later tests, and God upheld the uncorrupted seekers of secular and religious knowledge with wisdom, understanding, skill and influence. Living on simple wholesome food, never touching liquor or tobacco or anything of that kind, choosing a plain variety without many kinds at one meal and not overloading the stomach, keeps the body in health and gives strength of voice and strength of intellect, and thus prepared Daniel and his companions to be exalted to the highest station, proving that a place of responsibility is proved through enduring trials and remaining true to principle.
Pattern for Present Life
Melzar's removal of the king's meat and wine and giving of pulse shows students granted liberty to eat and drink as conscience directs, choosing diet carefully to honor God, caring for the blood-making organs, and avoiding food that burdens the body and clouds the mind. Such self-denial in eating and drinking keeps body healthy and mind clear and keen to comprehend instruction, so that knowledge and excellence of mind can be sought and the mind made fit for God's service. Success in education is not chance or destiny but from God, who looks with pleasure on purity of motive and determination to honor Him, when the learner makes the Lord wisdom, makes divine philosophy the foundation of education, welcomes divine counsel and submits to divine discipline. Remaining faithful in the highest schools while joining spiritual work with learning brings blessing with knowledge, skill in all learning, wisdom, and standing ten times better than the learned of the realm, becoming patterns of integrity whose choices decide eternal destiny with no second probation.
Young men and women today may be what Daniel and his companions were by closing the door to temptation, denying appetite, placing themselves in right relation to God, and standing steadfastly for the right because it is right. The ten days' trial revealing health and fairness of countenance not possessed by those eating from the king's table proves they were not losers by firm adherence to self-denial, but gained healthful blood, freedom from mental and physical weakness, and rich blessings through training in temperance. Their experience was worked out to teach lessons of value for the present stage of history, to be diligently studied from the highest standpoint, calling youth in this age not to indulge extravagance in luxurious eating and drinking that weakens moral and physical power. All are to be as Daniels in this world of temptation and trial, thereby overcoming intemperance and becoming light-bearers who gather rays of light from heaven and shed them abroad on those around them.
Every gospel minister is to proclaim these thrilling truths appropriate for this time, and canvassers are to be temperate like Daniel, chaste like Joseph and meek like Moses, uniting self-culture, agreeable manners, kindness of heart, industry, discretion and copying Christ so that power attends them wherever they go. Daniel and his fellows honoring God in both prosperity and adversity while God honored them in return give the pattern every Seventh-day Adventist institution is to follow in being to the world what they were in Babylon, representing God among a heathen people without compromising faith.
Those established, rooted and grounded in truth, with truth wrought into the being, can enter colleges and institutions of learning as Daniel lived the truth as a student in a worldly school without sacrificing principle. They are to live out what they believe, keep the living principles of truth including Sabbath observance, respect all rules and regulations of the school, start no open controversies, and let godly life itself leaven other minds rather than trusting in words. Then inquiry is aroused, light flashes into minds, and telling inquirers the simple Bible doctrines in simple language sows seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit spring up to bear fruit for the glory of God in the saving of souls.
Careful training in the home in the hills of Judea prepared Daniel to stand firm when faith was severely tried in captivity, choosing loyalty to God's commandments even at cost of life rather than apostatizing and breaking them. Now is the day of probation and preparation to form a loving, Christlike character firm to right principles that refuses evil and delights in good, for the same kind of severe test will come upon youth in the last days over obedience to the seventh-day Sabbath of Eden and the Bible against idolatry and a man-made spurious sabbath. Serving the Lord with undivided heart under all circumstances means complying with human wishes only so far as they do not conflict with service to Christ, letting no one interpose between the soul and God, praying much for grace, remaining faithful through trials, temptations and opposition, loving the Lord with all heart and soul, never swerving from allegiance, holding firm conviction of duty to observe the Sabbath and keeping it the best possible under all circumstances. Watching and praying and reading and heeding Daniel and Revelation preserves simplicity of faith amid temptations on every hand, walking humbly with God as Enoch did, so that heaven sets a hedge against corruption and cooperates with the faithful.
The exchange is Bible testimony for doing one's best for oneself through temperance and self-denial, bringing all habits, appetites and passions into conformity to God's requirements, putting from the mind all that is cheap and frivolous and discarding amusement-loving propensities as out of place for those living by faith. Inward transformation works outward victory, so that instead of being ruled by circumstances the learner rules circumstances, seeks power from God alone to represent truth in righteousness rather than self and imperfection, and is weighed with the Spirit of wisdom without pride or self-importance. Close connection with God and willing, diligent use of abilities make examples of the high standard Christian youth can reach, qualifying them for higher work as laborers who earnestly acquire in order to impart and constantly receive light to be channels of communication. Purity in appetite and habits is thus rewarded with health of body, mind and soul, with calm solidity of character, moral dignity, reverence, cheerful service, the holy perfume of Christ's character, and an influence for good that draws others to truth.