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Daniel Stands Firm Whatever The Result, March 12
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz ... to bring in some of the Israelites from
the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect,
handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed,
quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
Daniel 1:3,
4
, N.I.V.
The prophet Daniel was an illustrious character. He was a bright example of
what men may become when united with the God of wisdom. A brief account of
the life of this holy man of God is left on record for the encouragement of those
who should afterward be called to endure trial and temptation.
When the people of Israel, their king, nobles, and priests were carried into
captivity, four of their number were selected to serve in the court of the king of
Babylon. One of these was Daniel, who early gave promise of the remarkable
ability developed in later years. These youth were all of princely birth, and are
described as “children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in
all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as
had ability in them” (
Daniel 1:4
).
Perceiving the superior talents of these youthful captives, King Nebuchadnez-
zar determined to prepare them to fill important positions in his kingdom. That
they might be fully qualified for their life at court, according to Oriental custom,
they were to be taught the language of the Chaldeans, and to be subjected for three
years to a thorough course of physical and intellectual discipline.
The youth in this school of training were not only to be admitted to the royal
palace, but it was provided that they should eat of the meat and drink of the wine
which came from the king’s table....
Among the viands placed before the king were swine’s flesh and other meats
which were declared unclean by the law of Moses, and which the Hebrews had
been expressly forbidden to eat. Here Daniel was brought to a severe test. Should
he adhere to the teachings of his fathers concerning meats and drinks, and offend
the king, and probably lose not only his position but his life? or should he disregard
the commandment of the Lord and retain the favor of the king, thus securing great
intellectual advantages and the most flattering worldly prospects?
Daniel did not long hesitate. He decided to stand firm in his integrity, let the
result be what it might. He “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (
verse 8
)....
He made God his strength, and the fear of God was continually before him in all
the transactions of his life.—
The Sanctified Life, 18-20
.
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