ETB Daniel 1:8-21

Jehoiakim was one of Judah’s last kings. In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, laid siege to Jerusalem (Dan. 1:1). Nebuchadnezzar defeated Jehoiakim, and took to Babylon many vessels from the temple to deposit in the house of his god (1:2). The king ordered his chief official, Ashpenaz, to bring to Babylon as a resource many youths from the Judean royal family and nobility (1:3-4). Ashpenaz gathered for the king those young people who showed the most promise in both aptitude and appearance. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that these young people learn the literature and language of the Babylonians so that he might utilize them in service to him.

The king treated these new captives well, appointing a daily ration of his best food and wine (1:5). They would undergo a three-year training period, after which they were to enter the king’s service. Included among the captives to enter the king’s training were four Judean youths: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (1:6).

[LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Winter 2022. LifeWay Press.]

One of the ways to force captives into the new culture is change their name removing and references to their past way of living. It is not surprising therefore that these youth names were changed. All of their birth names direct us to the God that they faithfully serve and the major themes throughout the rest of the book: God has judged (Daniel), God helps them (Azariah), God gives them favor (Hananiah), Who is like their God (Mishael).

Our lesson passage starts after the 3 years of training began for those youths identified within the captives as “without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent” (Dan 1:4).

Explore the Text

Daniel 1:8–10 ESV

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.”

Our passage begins with a “but” letting us know that Daniel’s choice is opposition to the desires of the captors. This was not a quick rash decision but a thoughtful resolution. The word translated here in the ESV as resolved is more than on Hebrew word. The verb in the phrase is sometimes translated as commit, consider, or set in place (Job 5:8). The noun in the phrase speaks to the heart, mind, will or emotions. KJV may have the best English translation with “he purposed in his heart”. New Testament references have the phrase “decided in his heart” (1Cor 7:37; 2Cor 9:7). This resolution to follow God set the tone for all the rest of the events surrounding these youths within the book. Daniel led the little group to live out Psa 119:106 “I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.”

Although defile gives the proper spiritual connotations of the word in our text, I think pollute gives a better mental image of what would happen if he and his friends yielded to eating the king’s food.Polluted water can sometimes be harmful to drink even though it looks clear in the glass. In the book of Ezekiel that we just finished reviewing, the Lord warns the people about becoming defiled in the captivity by eating the foreign foods (Eze 4:13). In the New Testament, Paul tells the Corinthians that the eating certain foods may also lead others to compromise their convictions as well (1Cor 8:7-10).

The king’s food and drink may have been unclean because of food type (Babylonian diet at that time included non-kosher meat such as horseflesh and pork), improper preparation (being done by Gentiles), contact with dead or other impure objects, or because it was sacrificed or poured out to idols. The youths go to extreme measures to protect themselves from defilement. Their activities also show their resistance to assimilating into Babylonian culture but are respectful of authority and follow protocol in seeking a new diet. [Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.]

One author points out that the captivity, forced education in Babylonian’s ways, and name changes were not areas of concern or at least not directly opposed to any of God’s laws. But when the choice of what to eat was given and other options where available, the wise and devoted youth chose not to defile himself.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament Chapter 1

The Babylonians could change Daniel’s home, textbooks, menu, and name, but they could not change his heart. He and his friends purposed in their hearts that they would obey God’s Word; they refused to become conformed to the world. Of course, they could have made excuses and “gone along with” the crowd. They might have said, “Everybody’s doing it!” or “We had better obey the king!” or “We’ll obey on the outside but keep our faith privately.” But they did not compromise. They dared to believe God’s Word and trust God for victory. They had surrendered their bodies and minds to the Lord, as Rom. 12:1–2 instructs, and they were willing to let God do the rest.

Three times in this first chapter the statement “God gave” appears. This time He grants favor to Daniel through the eyes and hearts of his captors. Also translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness”. Most other occurrences speak as God having this toward a person, here God directs this “good will” toward Daniel through the chief of the eunuchs. The same wording is used for another youth in a foreign land sovereignly positioned for future national recognition - Gen 39:21 “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

This favor also reminds of the proverb linking faithful service to God and protection from enemies: Prov 16:7

Proverbs 16:7 (ESV)

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Not only did the relationship between captor and captive seems peaceful, but God also added compassion or emotions to the bond. This word translated as compassion appears to be very feminine in connotation referring more to the feelings of a nurturing mother. Heart sometimes refers to bowels or “guts”, this word refers to the womb. We may be able to render these two benevolent tendencies as favor by choice and compassion with emotion.

Very wisely the young man made a request of the authority over him and his friends instead of demanding or making a scene of some kind. This subtle humble attitude may have added to the favorable relationship being formed. The chief eunuch’s response also shows some respect toward Daniel as there was not a flat denial but a truthful expression of his concerns about the request. I doubt those within the death camps under the Nazi regime received such empathetic responses.

The chief’s concerns were legitimate as he was responsible for maintaining the health of all those whom the king had given into his care (Dan 1:3). We also know from the rest of the stories in this book and other historical books in Scripture that death was a common sentence for those that disobeyed the king’s commands. Knowing that Daniel cared for his personal well-being further solidifies the truth of the God given favor between these two.

Not letting the matter go completely because of his desire to honor God more than fearing man, Daniel proposes another option to his captors that could give both parties increased favor in the eyes of those they serve.

Daniel 1:11–13 ESV

Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

Very tactfully, Daniel moves down the chain of command to the steward and proposes the “test”. If the test fails, then the chief eunuch is absolved of the responsibility and the steward’s head would be on the chopping block. The steward however understands the situation and also is bent in favor to Daniel’s proposal by the sovereign will of God and His directing of their hearts (Prov 21:1).

The test is simple. 10 days within the 3 years of training is barely noticeable. It is unclear as to why Daniel chose this particular length of time. Some speculate that this was the typical interval that the king asked for reports or came to check on the progress of the youths himself. Regardless, this was enough time for the effects of the diet to be noticeable, not because of physical changes but because of God’s direct blessings in their lives.

Daniel and his friends could have just eaten the king’s food and not bothered with Jewish dietary laws. They could have said: “We’ll follow the Babylonian religion outwardly but continue to be Jews inwardly”—an impossibility for anyone of true faith. But Daniel and his friends resisted those thoughts; their faith was true. Nebuchadnezzar could change their home, their dress, their names, and their curriculum; but he could not change their hearts. [Hale, Thomas. The Applied Old Testament Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO; Ontario, Canada; East Sussex, England: David C. Cook, 2007. Print.]

Although the test was a restricted diet compared to the king’s offerings, it may not have been a limited as the word used implies. More literal translation for the word “vegetables” could be “seeds and that which grows from them”. Gen 1:29 use of the word includes “fruits” of trees. Seeds and grains also may not have been categorized differently in ancient cultures. Even if they were not later allowed to eat their chosen diet these youth probably had already been taught Deut 8:3 and were trying to live it out even in exile.

It is unclear whether other non-Hebrew youths were present at this time. Given Nebuchadnezzar’s warring tendencies, other nations may have been represented in his court-training school. However, the contrast established by the author between right and wrong action suggests that all the players are probably Jews. Apparently some of them had resigned themselves to indulge in the pleasures of the palace. In the end, those who do right according to God’s Law excel—a theme carried throughout the remainder of the book. [Faithlife Study Bible]

We know from Dan 1:2-5 that there were more than just 4 Jewish youths being trained for 3 years. We are not told in this book what happened to the rest of them. Maybe because they did not remain “Jews” and were so integrated into the culture that they were no longer a part of God’s chosen people. They may have also just been placed with the other exiles in the land like Ezekiel and his contemporaries. Regardless God used them as a means to help elevate the 4 faithful youth to positions of authority and respect that the Lord needed them to be in for future events to glorify His name.

Although not stated this time, God guides the will of the steward to yield to Daniel’s proposal.

Daniel 1:14–16 ESV

So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

Another proof of the favor and compassion God gave is seen in how a master listened to and did what the captive slave suggested. God also revealed His hand upon Daniel and his friends by letting the “pass the test”.

The word used here translated as “fatter” is the contrast to what the chief eunuch thought would happen to the youth becoming “worse” in their condition. That word in verse 10 is a single Hebrew word that appears to mean more about the person’s countenance then the physical appearance. Similar to how Jesus warned the disciples what not to do when they were fasting (Matt 6:16-18).

The root idea of this word is to storm, which is seen in the use of the related noun zaʿap̱ (2197) to describe the raging sea in Jonah 1:15. The word describes an unsettled storm within a person that exhibits itself in either dejection or rage. The cupbearer and baker were dejected when they couldn’t understand their dreams (Gen. 40:6). [Baker, Warren, and Eugene E. Carpenter. The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament 2003: 299. Print.]

This “worsening” may be the reason that a 10-day test was more likely to be visible than a physical change within the youths. The word in verse 15 however has more physical connotations in its definition than the word in verse 10. Some translations render the word as “healthier” which again would be nearly miraculous for a 10-day test. “Fat and healthy” seem oxymoronic to us today but in a time when under-nourishment and near starvation was more typical having any excess fat or weight would be a visible sign of good eating and probably wealth.

Having proven that the diet would not cost anyone their heads, the steward wisely continued to allow these 4 to eat as they requested and stopped presenting them with portions that they would not consume. I have heard sermons about this verse saying this taking away was from all the youths and not just these 4 Jerusalem exiles and also claiming this was part of the animosity between the “wise men” in later Chapters. From the structure and literary resources I understood, the verbs all point to only a few meals being changed not all of them. The verses before and after this also very clearly point to only the 4 youths named in the passage, so a change in the encompassing limits of the pronoun would not be likely in verse 16.

God provides small and large opportunities to live our integrity before others. When others see us trust God’s Word, God can use that to draw them to Christ. The text several times contrasts Daniel and his friends with the rest of the trainees. We do not know how many other Judean exiles were in the group, but how tragic that they missed God’s blessing by compromising in a relatively small area of their faith.

[LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Winter 2022. LifeWay Press.]

That is probably the biggest and more difficult question that arose from my studies this week. What areas in my life did I not properly “resolve” not to compromise in that has led to missed blessings? What things to I need to remove that are “defiling” my communion with God and preventing Him from using me more fully?

For these youths however, the blessing continued, and we get to the third “God gave”.

Daniel 1:17 ESV

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

The statement God gave them learning and skill highlights God’s work in the lives of Daniel and his friends during their training period. As in verse 9, the text emphasizes God’s sovereignty over the events of chapter 1. As newcomers to Babylon, they had much to learn about Babylonian life and culture, and God gave them the ability to do so.

[LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Winter 2022. LifeWay Press.]

Not only were they able to gain knowledge but they had the aptitude to be able to use the knowledge well. We hear of a similar granting of intelligence and wisdom in the early reign of King Solomon (1Kings 3:12). There were some distinctions to what the young men learned - literature and wisdom. Wisdom in Scripture is generally attributed to or distributed by God. Here it is in contrast or maybe in supplement to literature, which could the written form of man’s wisdom. All 4 grew in knowledge but Daniel’s mind and spirit were especially tuned to perceive more, and this verse foreshadows future events in the book of the Bible.

“Visions and dreams” is the third couplet given by God but this time exclusive to Daniel. Simplified, you could categorize these into day visions and night dreams. Visions are often thought of as communications from divine beings to their messengers and sometimes are 2-way. Dreams are more one directional and more imagery than spoken word. Daniel would experience and write about both in his 60+ years of ministry in service to foreign kings.

Although the 10-day test was over and God’s way had prevailed, the final test at the end of the 3 years of training revealed more of God’s plan for these young men.

Daniel 1:18–21 ESV

At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

How much would you study if you knew you were going to be orally quizzed by the most powerful king of all the known world of the day? Three years would not be enough for me but these youth did not learn all of this by their own prowess, God gave them this ability and they used it to prove His worth to the king. They trusted their God, and their God helped them again and again. As children in Jerusalem, they may have already memorize parts of Psalm 119.

Psalm 119:98–100 (ESV)

Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.

Not only did the Nebuchadnezzar recognize the gifts of knowledge and wisdom within this youth, but he also saw and understood how much more valuable they would be in his court than many of the adults that he already consulted. The terms “magicians and enchanters” or “wise men” is used through the book of Daniel.

These people seem to have had knowledge of astrology or divination and were commonly associated with the magicians of Egypt in Pharaoh’s court. While enchanters, conjurers of spirits, necromancers, or astro-logers. Found only in the plural, this word is borrowed from the Aramaic language. It is found only in the book of Daniel [The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament]

This is our final couplet of contrast in our passage today. Both of these groups of people specialize in natural, pagan, or even spiritually occult practices which contrast with the 4 youths “wisdom and understanding” from God’s perspective. God’s help, favor, and sovereignty placed these youths with their faithful hearts that they needed to remain true to Him while still being held captive in a foreign land and force to “labor” over books.

Chapter one starts with one king being overthrown by another. It ends with Daniel out lasting them all.

1 John 2:17 ESV

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Daniel 1:21 ESV

And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

God’s sovereignty and blessing continued on Daniel until the appointed 70 years were completed. Even though he was taken captive for service to Nebuchadnezzar, God’s plan for Daniel spanned through a total of 4 kings. While kings were removed and kingdom authorities transitioned, Daniel was there. While global powers and seasons shifted, Daniel was there.

Believers find knowledge and understanding when they trust God. God is able to take what He has given us and use it powerfully for His kingdom. His Word challenges us to live with integrity when we face the world’s suggestion to compromise. Who knows what God plans to do through our lives in the future? At any rate, standing strong in our convictions regarding little things may indeed provide a foundation for God to do a great work in our future to His glory. [LifeWay Adults (2021). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Winter 2022. LifeWay Press.]

Apply the Text

Faithlife Study Bible Introduction to Daniel

Daniel teaches us to persevere. It teaches us to refuse to let the world’s stories distract us from the story that God is telling. We are to resist the empire that wants us to think that actions like praying and showing integrity are insignificant; when in reality these actions provide opportunities for God’s power to break through.

The Moody Bible Commentary C. Daniel and the Lord’s Reward (1:17–21)

In 1924, in an event made famous by the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell sat out a race because of his convictions as a follower of Jesus Christ. Later on, as he prepared to run the 400-meter race, a man slipped him a note that contained the words of 1Sm 2:30, “Those who honor Me I will honor.” Liddell won the gold medal and broke the world record for that race at that time. As it was true for Liddell, for Daniel and his friends, and for the faithful remnant of Israel, it will be true for any follower of Christ—the Lord will honor those who honor Him.

Daniel (§1 Daniel and His Three Friends Avoid Defilement (Dan. 1:1–21))

In our day, living as we do with fears of terrorism, of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, of global warming, of a worldwide energy and economic crisis when fossil fuels are depleted, and of disease epidemics, we need to remember that God is still on his throne. He may not intervene as often as we like in human history, but we know that nothing happens without his allowing it, and we know he is bringing this world to its consummation according to His plan, in His time.

Daniel §1 Daniel and His Three Friends Avoid Defilement (Dan. 1:1–21)

Finally, we should ask ourselves what it means to avoid the defilements of this world. For Daniel and his companions that means abstaining from certain foods. The NT, however, discourages being overly concerned about diet (Acts 11:5–9; Rom. 14:17; Col. 2:20–23). John warns us not to love the world, which is characterized by “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16 KJV)

Thankfully if, or maybe when, we do become entangled in this world’s distractions, as believer in Christ we have His power within us to find and use the “way of escape” made possible through the power of the gospel (1 Cor 10:13).

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