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Daniel’s Example
153
of earthly rulers were held subordinate. He would not be induced by
any selfish consideration to swerve from his duty.
The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking
example of what God’s grace can make of men fallen by nature and
corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an
encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather
strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of
meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial.
God’s Approval Dearer Than Life
—Daniel might have found
a plausible excuse to depart from his strictly temperate habits; but
the approval of God was dearer to him than the favor of the most
powerful earthly potentate,—dearer even than life itself. Having
by his courteous conduct obtained favor with Melzar, the officer in
charge of the Hebrew youth, Daniel made a request that they might
not eat of the king’s meat, or drink of his wine. Melzar feared that
should he comply with this request, he might incur the displeasure
of the king, and thus endanger his own life. Like many at the present
day, he thought that an abstemious diet would render these youth
pale and sickly in appearance, and deficient in muscular strength,
while the luxurious food from the king’s table would make them
ruddy and beautiful, and would promote physical and mental activity.
Daniel requested that the matter be decided by a ten days’ trial,—
the Hebrew youth during this brief period being permitted to eat of
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simple foods, while their companions partook of the king’s dainties.
The request was finally granted, and then Daniel felt assured that he
had gained his case. Although but a youth, he had seen the injurious
effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health.
God Vindicates His Servants
—At the end of the ten days the
result was found to be quite the opposite of Melzar’s expectations.
Not only in personal appearance, but in physical activity and mental
vigor, those who had been temperate in their habits exhibited a
marked superiority over their companions who had indulged appetite.
As a result of this trial, Daniel and his associates were permitted to
continue their simple diet during the whole course of their training
for the duties of the kingdom.
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial
of these Hebrew youth, and His blessing attended them. He “gave
them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel