Daniel 1:12

"Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Study Bible

Please test your servants for ten days
This phrase begins with a humble request from Daniel, demonstrating his faith and reliance on God. The Hebrew word for "test" is "nassah," which implies a trial or proving of one's faith and character. Daniel's request for a test reflects his confidence in God's provision and the belief that God will honor their commitment to His dietary laws. The number "ten" often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible, suggesting that this period is sufficient for God to reveal His faithfulness.

Let us be given only vegetables to eat
The word "vegetables" in Hebrew is "zeroa," which can refer to seeds or things sown. This choice of diet is significant because it aligns with the Jewish dietary laws and represents a commitment to purity and obedience to God. In the context of Babylon, where Daniel and his friends were offered rich foods from the king's table, choosing a simple diet was a bold statement of faith and identity. It highlights their desire to remain undefiled and faithful to God's commandments, even in a foreign land.

and water to drink
Water, in the biblical context, often symbolizes purity and life. By choosing water over the king's wine, Daniel and his friends are making a conscious decision to avoid indulgence and maintain spiritual clarity. This choice underscores their reliance on God for sustenance and strength, rather than the luxuries of the Babylonian court. It also reflects a spiritual discipline and a commitment to holiness, setting an example of faithfulness and integrity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A young Hebrew man of noble lineage taken into Babylonian captivity. He is known for his unwavering faith and wisdom.

2. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took many Israelites, including Daniel, into exile. It was a center of power and culture.

3. King Nebuchadnezzar
The Babylonian king who ordered the selection of young Israelites to be trained for service in his court.

4. Ashpenaz
The chief official appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to oversee the training of the young Israelites.

5. The Test
Daniel's proposal to be tested for ten days by consuming only vegetables and water, as a demonstration of faith and reliance on God.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Small Things
Daniel's request for a simple diet demonstrates faithfulness in seemingly minor decisions, which can lead to greater spiritual victories.

Courage to Stand Apart
Daniel's willingness to propose a test shows the courage to stand apart from cultural norms when they conflict with God's commands.

Trust in God's Provision
By choosing a diet of vegetables and water, Daniel exemplifies trust in God's provision over human resources.

The Power of Testing
The ten-day test serves as a reminder that trials can strengthen faith and reveal God's faithfulness.

Influence Through Integrity
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness influenced those around him, showing that living out one's convictions can impact others positively.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Daniel to propose a test of eating only vegetables and drinking water, and how can this inspire us to make faith-based decisions in our daily lives?

2. How does Daniel's example of not conforming to the Babylonian culture challenge us to live distinctively as Christians in today's world?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate trust in God's provision in our own lives, similar to Daniel's reliance on a simple diet?

4. How can we apply the principle of being faithful in small things to our current circumstances, and what might be the potential outcomes?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to stand apart from cultural norms for your faith. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it impact your spiritual growth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:29
This verse describes God's provision of plants for food, connecting to Daniel's choice of a plant-based diet as a return to God's original design.

Romans 12:2
This verse encourages believers not to conform to the world, similar to Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food.

1 Corinthians 10:31
This verse emphasizes doing everything for the glory of God, reflecting Daniel's intention behind his dietary choice.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus' response to temptation highlights reliance on God's word, paralleling Daniel's dependence on God rather than royal provisions.