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Prophets and Kings
than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me
endanger my head to the king.”
Daniel then appealed to Melzar, the officer in special charge of the
Hebrew youth, requesting that they might be excused from eating the
king’s meat and drinking his wine. He asked that the matter be tested
by a ten days’ trial, the Hebrew youth during this time being supplied
[484]
with simple food, while their companions ate of the king’s dainties.
Melzar, though fearful that by complying with this request he
would incur the displeasure of the king, nevertheless consented; and
Daniel knew that his case was won. At the end of the ten days’ trial
the result was found to be the opposite of the prince’s fears. “Their
countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children
which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” In personal appearance
the Hebrew youth showed a marked superiority over their companions.
As a result, Daniel and his associates were permitted to continue their
simple diet during their entire course of training.
For three years the Hebrew youth studied to acquire “the learning
and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” During this time they held fast their
allegiance to God and depended constantly upon His power. With
their habits of self-denial they united earnestness of purpose, diligence,
and steadfastness. It was not pride or ambition that had brought them
into the king’s court, into companionship with those who neither
knew nor feared God; they were captives in a strange land, placed
there by Infinite Wisdom. Separated from home influences and sacred
associations, they sought to acquit themselves creditably, for the honor
of their down-trodden people, and for the glory of Him whose servants
they were.
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial of the
Hebrew youth, and their purity of motive; and His blessing attended
them. He “gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:
and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” The promise
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was fulfilled, “Them that honor Me I will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
. As
Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic
power came upon him. While receiving instruction from man in the
duties of court life, he was being taught by God to read the mysteries
of the future and to record for coming generations, through figures
and symbols, events covering the history of this world till the close of
time.