Topical Bible: Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel

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The account of Daniel's abstinence from wine is found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in the first chapter. Daniel, a young Hebrew of noble lineage, was taken into captivity during the Babylonian exile under King Nebuchadnezzar. As part of the king's program to assimilate the best and brightest of the captives into Babylonian culture, Daniel and his companions were selected to be trained in the language and literature of the Chaldeans. This training included a daily provision of the king's delicacies and wine.

Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine that he drank. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself." Daniel's decision to abstain from the king's wine and food was rooted in his desire to remain faithful to the dietary laws prescribed in the Torah, which he believed would be compromised by consuming the royal provisions. This act of abstinence was a demonstration of his commitment to God's commandments and his refusal to be assimilated into the pagan practices of Babylon.

Daniel's request to abstain from the king's wine was granted after he proposed a test to the chief official. Daniel and his friends were allowed to consume only vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of this period, they appeared healthier and better nourished than those who partook of the king's food and wine (Daniel 1:12-15). This outcome not only affirmed Daniel's faithfulness but also served as a testament to God's favor and provision.

The abstinence from wine by Daniel and his companions is often viewed as an example of maintaining spiritual integrity and purity in the face of cultural pressure. It highlights the importance of adhering to one's convictions and the belief that obedience to God's laws brings divine blessing and wisdom. Daniel's resolve and the subsequent favor he received from God are seen as a model for believers who seek to live righteously in a world that often promotes values contrary to biblical teachings.

Furthermore, Daniel's abstinence from wine can be interpreted as a symbolic act of separation from the corrupting influences of the world. By choosing not to partake in the king's wine, Daniel set himself apart for God's purposes, demonstrating that true nourishment and strength come from reliance on God rather than earthly indulgences. This narrative encourages believers to prioritize spiritual commitments over worldly pleasures, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 1:5,8,16
And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
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Daniel 10:3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
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Library

From Fasts Absolute Tertullian Comes to Partial Ones and ...
... to Elijah, just as the breakfast of the reapers was carried into the den of lions
and presented to Daniel in his ... 1071] For abstinence from wine withal has ...
/.../chapter ix from fasts absolute tertullian.htm

Youthful Confessors
... Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink;
and gave them pulse.17 ... The conscientious abstinence of Daniel had limits ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

Faustus Repels the Insinuation that the Prophecy of Paul with ...
... a divine ordinance, and not a doctrine of devils; if Daniel in the ... abstain, do it
not at the instigation of devils; if your abstinence from wine and flesh ...
/.../faustus repels the insinuation that.htm

Whether Insensibility is a vice?
... Dan.10:2,3): "In those days Daniel mourned the ... ate no desirable bread, and neither
flesh nor wine entered my ... Now abstinence from all pleasures of touch is most ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether insensibility is a vice.htm

Babylon.
... it a golden table where meats and wine were served up ... So blessed was their abstinence,
that they excelled all the ... Soon after, Daniel was shown to be a prophet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... will permit (2 Samuel 3:35; Ezra 10:6; Daniel 10:3 ... For what shall it profit a man
by abstinence to humble ... or to forbear wine and strong drink, and to be drunk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Daniel 1:8 ... might spring the very ancient custom of abstaining from flesh and wine
during such times as were set apart for fasting and abstinence; " if it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... Eddy, Charles Elliott, Robert Hopkins, Daniel Limerick, Wilder B ... of strict and exemplary
abstinence from indulgence ... Be not drunk with wine " wine and new wine ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... of what is sinful, but an abstinence even from ... wear soft clothing are in kings' houses."
Daniel was first ... no pleasant bread, neither flesh nor wine coming in ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm

Rom. xiv. 1, 2
... "Redeem thy sins with alms." (Daniel 4:24 ... former view is that they could not have
derived their doctrine of entire abstinence from meat and wine from the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv rom xiv 1.htm