Translations
Interlinear
Notes
only vegetables … and water: Eating only vegetables and water would avoid forbidden foods (Daniel 1:8). This diet, as a kind of fast, would demonstrate mourning over their exile in a foreign land.
Daniel found a wise plan that would protect both his faith and Ashpenaz's safety.
Daniel decided not to eat the king's food or drink his wine. He wanted to keep his religious and moral independence. He allowed God to show kindness and care to his faithful servants. This strong trust in God by Daniel and his friends is an important theme in the book (see also Daniel 2:16–23; 3:16–18; 6:16).
God kept his promise by sending his rebellious people into exile (see Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10). He also showed grace to a small group (a remnant) in exile, protecting and helping Daniel and three other young Hebrew captives. These young men received the best training available in the Babylonian king’s court. This prepared them to be God’s witnesses in Babylon. They made the God of Israel known even while in exile.
Events
- Prophecies of Danielc. 606 BC
Glossary
Ashpenaz Azariah Belteshazzar Book of Daniel Daniel, Additions to Hananiah Melzar Mishael Pulse
Topics
Abed-Nego: Also Called Azariah: A Jewish Captive in Babylon Abstemiousness: Daniel and his Hebrew Companions Appetite: Kept in Subjection Daniel: A Jewish Captive, Also Called Belteshazzar: Abstinence of Diet Diet and Nutrition Government: Civil Service School Provided By Integrity: Daniel, in his Abstemiousness (I. E. Abstinent) Melzar: The Steward Whom the Prince of the Eunuchs Set Over Daniel and the Three Hebrew Young Men Mishael: Also Called Meshach: One of Three Hebrew Young Men Trained with Daniel at the Court of Babylon Prudence: Daniel Pulse: A Sort of Food School: State Self-Denial: Daniel Total Abstinence: Daniel Vegetables