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Chapter 4—Daniel’s Example
We can have no right understanding of the subject of temperance
until we consider it from a Bible standpoint. And nowhere shall we
find a more comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temper-
ance and its attendant blessings than is afforded by the history of
the prophet Daniel and his associates in the court of Babylon.—
The
Signs of the Times, December 6, 1910
.
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 favored, and skillful in
all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science,
and such as had ability in them.” Perceiving the superior talents
of these youthful captives, King Nebuchadnezzar 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. In
all this the king considered that he was not only bestowing great
honor upon them, but securing for them the best physical and mental
development that could be attained.
Meeting the Test
—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. There Daniel was brought to a severe test. Should
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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
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