But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Daniel 1:8, 17 NIV
Around 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army conquered Jerusalem, taking some of the Judean nobility back to Babylon. At least some portion of the young men brought to Babylon were selected to train for service within the Babylonian government. Among these were Daniel and three of his friends, best known by their Babylonian names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their three-year training program included eating the same food served to the king, which would have been the best food in the land.
But Daniel, and by implication, his friends, resolved not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine. The reason for the potential defilement is not given here, but the meat would likely include unclean animals like pork. Also, the meat and wine may have first been offered to the Babylonian gods. And eating and drinking from it would be a participation in the sacrifice to idols. Something Daniel and his friends were unwilling to do.
The pressure to conform would have been great. Israel had been given over to the Babylonians because of their sin and rampant participation in idolatry. So, most of their companions would have had no compulsion against eating it. They were living in a culture that had no food laws. The food was the best available. And it was what they were expected to eat. To not eat could have severe consequences.
Resolved to Be Pure
But their resolve to be pure was greater. Ultimately, they were given a diet of water and vegetables, food that would not have been in danger of being defiled by sacrifice. And God blessed their commitment to live in obedience to the terms of the covenant God had established with Israel at Sinai. He gave them knowledge and understanding that exceeded those already in the king’s service. And these four young men prospered in service to the king while remaining faithful to the Lord God.
What was true of Daniel and his friends is just as true today. God will bless and use us when we resolve to be pure and holy, faithful to him. Despite the pressure or appeal to conform to the world around us. And despite the potential consequences of failing to conform.
