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.
In this phrase, Daniel is speaking to the chief official in Babylon, requesting a trial period to prove the efficacy of a diet that aligns with Jewish dietary laws. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or a period of testing in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 24:55 and Revelation 2:10. Daniel's request reflects his faith in God's provision and his commitment to maintaining purity according to the Law of Moses, despite being in a foreign land. This act of faith and obedience sets a precedent for believers to trust God in challenging circumstances.

Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Daniel's proposal to consume only vegetables and water is significant in the context of maintaining ritual purity. The Hebrew term for "vegetables" can also include grains and legumes, which were considered clean foods. This diet contrasts with the royal food and wine, which may have been offered to idols or not prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. Daniel's choice underscores the importance of holiness and separation from pagan practices. This act of dietary discipline can be seen as a type of Christ, who lived a life of perfect obedience and separation from sin. Daniel's faithfulness in small matters foreshadows the greater faithfulness of Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly.

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.