What does Daniel 1:10 mean?
Ashpenaz (Daniel 1:3) hesitated to grant Daniel's request (Daniel 1:8), because he was responsible for preparing these young men for service to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:4–5). Kings during Daniel's era held absolute, unlimited power over their subjects. Anything, especially disobedience, could lead to death. Later in this book we learn how Nebuchadnezzar punished Daniel's three friends for refusing to worship his idol (Daniel 3). The king might execute Ashpenaz if a trainee deviated from their reeducation plan and ended up in worse shape than other captives.Yet Scripture indicates Ashpenaz had a loving respect for Daniel (Daniel 1:9). Daniel realizes his conviction creates risks for others, so he proposes a test. He does not bargain or compromise or suggest he will accept the king's food. Daniel only asks his captors to see what happens and act as they see fit (Daniel 1:12–13).