Daniel 1:8

Memory Verse

Daniel set upon his heart that he would not defile himself with portions for the king and with the wine which he drank. And he sought from the chief of the eunuchs that he should not defile himself (Daniel 1:8).

Among the captives given to the chief of the eunuchs were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, sons of Judah. Ashpenaz gave each of them a name related to the gods of the king. He changed Daniel’s name to Belteshazzar, meaning “May Bel (his god) protect the king.” Hananiah became Shadrach, meaning “one who serves Aku,” the moon god. Mishael was named Meshach, meaning “who is what Aku is?” Azariah was renamed Abed-Nego, “a servant of Nabu,” the Babylonian god of wisdom. The intent of renaming was to assimilate them into Babylonian culture and leadership (Daniel 1:7).

Since Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were to be brought into the service of the king, they were given access to the food the king ate. Having come from the sons of Judah, these four men were under the Mosaic law. Therefore, partaking of the food for the king had a strong possibility of defilement due to eating something forbidden under the Law.

Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food. However, as a slave, he had little say in the matter. The LORD had brought Daniel into favor and goodwill with the chief of the eunuchs, which enabled Daniel to request permission to abstain (Daniel 1:9). Ashpenaz, fearing the king, refused at first. It was only after God showed His favor on Daniel, who asked for Ashpenaz to test them for a week and found them to be healthier in appearance from just eating beans, than those who partook of the king’s food, that he permitted Daniel and his companions to abstain (Daniel 1:12–15).

Through God’s hand, Daniel and fellow Jews were able to honor the Mosaic Law in what they ate, even though they resided in a foreign land in captivity.