Daniel 1:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

NIV: So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

NASB: So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.

CSB: So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.

NLT: So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.

KJV: Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

NKJV: Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

It appears the steward (Daniel 1:11) allowed Daniel and his three friends to continue their chosen diet (Daniel 1:12–15) for the rest of the three years of their education (Daniel 1:1–5). Surely God was working in the minds and hearts of pagan officials to perform His will regarding Daniel and his friends.

God always honors those who honor Him. Centuries before Daniel was a slave in Babylon, Joseph was a slave in Egypt. He was even thrown into prison, but Genesis 39:21 says, "But the Lᴏʀᴅ was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." Similarly, "God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs" (Daniel 1:9). God's purpose for Joseph was to elevate him to a high position in the government of Egypt, and His purpose for Daniel was to elevate him to a position of immense influence in Babylon. This emphasizes the idea that nothing can overrule God's purposes, even if the circumstances seem evil (Genesis 50:20).

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 4:56:48 PM