Daniel 1:16

So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and he gave them vegetables instead.

Study Bible

So the steward continued to withhold their choice food
The steward, likely under the authority of Ashpenaz, the chief official, was responsible for the daily provisions of the young men in training. The "choice food" refers to the royal diet from King Nebuchadnezzar's table, which included meats and wines. This diet was considered luxurious and was meant to prepare the young men for service in the Babylonian court. The withholding of this food was a result of Daniel's request to avoid defiling himself with food that may have been offered to idols or not prepared according to Jewish dietary laws (Leviticus 11). This act of withholding demonstrates the steward's compliance with Daniel's faith-based decision, highlighting the favor Daniel found in the eyes of his overseers (Daniel 1:9).

and the wine they were to drink
Wine in ancient Babylon was a common part of the diet, often used in religious rituals and feasts. Daniel's abstention from the wine, like the food, was likely due to its association with idolatrous practices. This decision reflects a commitment to maintain purity and obedience to God's laws, even in a foreign land. The refusal of wine also prefigures the Nazarite vow, which included abstaining from wine (Numbers 6:1-4), and can be seen as a type of Christ, who also abstained from worldly indulgences to fulfill His mission (Matthew 11:19).

and he gave them vegetables instead
The term "vegetables" here can be understood broadly to include grains, legumes, and other plant-based foods. This diet aligns with the Jewish practice of eating foods that are clean and not associated with pagan rituals. The success of Daniel and his friends on this diet (Daniel 1:15) serves as a testament to God's provision and blessing. It also echoes the dietary laws given to Israel, emphasizing reliance on God rather than the opulence of Babylon. This choice of diet can be seen as a precursor to the spiritual discipline and fasting that Jesus practiced and taught (Matthew 4:2, Matthew 6:16-18).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Melzar
The steward appointed by the chief official to oversee Daniel and his friends during their training in Babylon.

3. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took many Israelites, including Daniel, into exile.

4. The King's Table
Refers to the royal food and wine provided by King Nebuchadnezzar, which Daniel and his friends chose not to defile themselves with.

5. Vegetables and Water
The diet that Daniel and his friends requested to maintain their purity according to their faith.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Small Things
Daniel's decision to eat only vegetables and drink water demonstrates faithfulness in seemingly small matters, which God honors.

Courage to Stand Apart
Daniel and his friends showed courage by choosing a different path from their peers, reminding us to stand firm in our convictions.

God's Provision and Favor
Despite their unconventional diet, God provided for Daniel and his friends, showing that He honors those who honor Him.

Cultural Engagement with Integrity
Daniel's respectful request to Melzar shows that it is possible to engage with culture without compromising one's beliefs.

The Power of Influence
Daniel's faithfulness influenced those around him, including Melzar, highlighting the impact of a godly example.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Daniel 1:16 illustrate the importance of faithfulness in small decisions, and how can this be applied in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage to stand apart from cultural norms that conflict with our faith, as Daniel did?

3. How does Daniel's respectful approach to Melzar provide a model for engaging with authority figures while maintaining our convictions?

4. What are some modern-day "king's tables" that we might need to avoid to maintain our spiritual integrity?

5. How can we rely on God's provision and favor when we choose to honor Him in our decisions, as seen in Daniel's experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
This chapter outlines the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which Daniel adhered to by choosing vegetables and water over the king's food.

Romans 12:2
This verse encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, similar to how Daniel and his friends chose not to conform to Babylonian customs.

1 Corinthians 10:31
This verse speaks about doing everything for the glory of God, which aligns with Daniel's decision to honor God through his dietary choices.