Daniel 1:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.”

NIV: Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.'

NASB: Then let our appearance be examined in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.'

CSB: Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king's food, and deal with your servants based on what you see."

NLT: At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.'

KJV: Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

NKJV: Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”

The Babylonians who captured Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:1–4) would not have followed Jewish laws regarding unclean foods (Leviticus 3:16; 11; 17:10–14; Deuteronomy 14). The king's meat would have been ceremonially offered to a false god, as would have their full-strength, undiluted wine. Holding to his convictions, Daniel boldly asked that he be allowed to eat vegetables and water, instead (Daniel 1:8). Since they were responsible for presenting the king with well-prepared servants, Daniel's handlers were reluctant (Daniel 1:10). So, Daniel proposes a short test to prove that he can thrive without partaking in the king's lifestyle (Daniel 1:12).

Daniel believed determination to honor the Lord would have a positive result. He was willing to undergo a health inspection between those who followed his diet, and other youths who ate the king's food. One reason the Babylonians immersed the children of Jewish nobles in their culture and language was to turn them from the God of Israel and into supporters of King Nebuchadnezzar. This verse suggests that not all the captured boys shared Daniel's conviction.

It is important to note that Daniel does not indicate that he will eat the king's food if the test fails. He only tells the steward to act according to what he thinks is best. Other stories in this book suggest that both Daniel (Daniel 6) and his three friends (Daniel 3) would have still refused to compromise their convictions, even if it meant death.

Daniel 1:8–16 explains one of the ways Daniel and three other captured Hebrew boys (Daniel 1:1–7) resisted being corrupted by the pagan culture of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar assigned the Hebrew youths the same kind of food and wine that he ate and drank. These would have been unclean, for various reasons, under the Law of Moses. Daniel received permission from his supervising steward to eat only vegetables and water for a ten-day test. When the Hebrew youths were healthier than those who ate the king's food, they were allowed to continue their special diet.

When Daniel was young, Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took many of its treasures and people back to their land. Daniel was chosen to become an advisor due to his good looks and bright mind. Along with other boys, he was educated and given a Babylonian name. Daniel and several friends demonstrate faithfulness to God by avoiding foods that might be unclean. They also excel in their roles. This leads Daniel to become an important advisor regarding dreams and visions, as described starting in chapter 2.

Daniel was taken captive when Babylon conquered the nation of Israel. The first chapter of the book establishes his history, his level of natural talent, and the depth of his faith. This is followed by a series of prophetic interpretations tied to Gentile nations in chapters 2—7. Chapters 8—12 focus on prophecies more closely related to the nation of Israel. Many of these details are restated or expanded in the book of Revelation.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.