Chapter 1c - The Faithfully Committed

Read Daniel 1:8-21

The Resolve For Holiness

verses 8-13

The Babylonians changed Daniel’s name, but they were not able to change his nature.

Above everything else, Daniel was a servant of the living God and he intended to remain faithful to Yahweh.

Daniel’s priority list was God first, the king second.

The fact that Daniel appears as the spokesperson gives weight to the fact that he was probably also the leader among the four.

Now, we must not look past the reality that Nebuchadnezzar was making abundant provision for those he was raising up to be his representatives.

They were being given food and wine from the king’s own table

However, it is very likely that Hebrew dietary laws forbade certain foods that were served at the Babylonian king’s table.

Obviously they could not eat pork, shellfish, and other things.

But the problem with the wine was that the Babylonian custom was to offer the first part of their drink as a libation to their gods.

Thus, to participate meant they would be participating in an idolatrous act. So the safe bet was to stick with vegetables and water.

Read Exodus 34:13-16.

Daniel was humble and respectful when it comes to making his request. He did not demand anything or set-up a protest. He made a respectful request for different food, and a test to assure the chief eunuch that things would go well for him, as well.

This is a good example of the principle in Romans 12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

God Is In Control

verses 14-21

It started with the fact that God gave Daniel favor in the sight of the chief eunuchs.

Only God can orchestrate such a situation.

It is our job to live faithfully, it is His job to bring about His desired outcome.

The fact that they looked healthier and better nourished than the rest has nothing to do with the vegetarian diet, and everything to do with God blessing their faithfulness and putting them in a position to continue to make His sovereignty known through the rest of the book.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.