Daniel 1:8 (AMP)
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile (taint, dishonor) himself with the king’s finest food or with the wine which the king drank; so he asked the commander of the officials that he might [be excused so that he would] not defile himself.”
Daniel was one of the young men who was chosen by the stewards of King Nebuchadnezzar to be incorporated into his service. The king instructed “…bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some from the royal family and from the nobles, young men without blemish and handsome in appearance, endowed with intelligence and discernment, and quick to understand, competent to stand in the presence of the king and able to serve in the king’s palace…” (Daniel 1:3-4)
After they were chosen, they were to be fed with the king’s finest food for many days so that they might be good-looking and presentable in the king’s court. But amazingly, Daniel and his three friends refused to be defiled by the king’s food. You might want to ask why the food that was meant for their nourishment becomes one that would defile these Hebrew men in particular. A study reveals that these foods must have been presented to idols before being served, and it is forbidden for any Israelite to eat foods presented to idols.
To obey the instruction of God, their captivity notwithstanding, these men chose to eat ordinary food and did not consider what the king might do to them if they didn’t meet up with his standard. Many times, the world presents us with goodies that we’ve been commanded not to enjoy; we must make our stand for God known. Never compromise your faith and obedience to the instructions of God because you want to please any man. Wherever you are, let obedience to God be your priority.
Confession: No matter what the world has to offer, I will not defile myself with its dainties.
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