A TEN-DAY TEST PROPOSED

To the guardian, Daniel proposed a test, saying: "Please, put your servants to the test for ten day, and let them give us some vegetables that we may eat and water that we may drink; and let our countenances and the countenances of the  children who are eating the delicacies of the king appear before you, and according to what you see do with your servants." -Daniel 1:12, 13.

Ten days on 'vegetables and water'-would they become "dejected looking" as compared  with the others?  "Vegetables" is translated from a Hebrew word that basically means "seeds."  Certain Bible translations render it as "pulse," which is defined as "the edible seeds of various leguminous crops (as peas, beans or lentils)."  Some scholars feel that the context indicates a diet including more than just edible sees.  One reference work states:  "What Daniel and his companions were requesting was the plain vegetable fare of the general populace rather than the richer, meaty diet of the royal table."  Thus vegetables could have included nourishing dishes prepared with beans, cucumbers, garlic, leeks, melons, and onions and bread made from various grains.  Surely no one would consider that a starvation diet.  Apparently the guardians saw the point.  "Finally he listened to them as regards this matter and put them to the test for ten days." (Daniel 1:14) What was the result?

At the end of ten days their countenances appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the children who were eating delicacies  of the king." (Daniel 1:15) This is not to be taken as evidence that a vegetarian diet is superior to a richer, meaty one. Ten days is short time for any kind of diet to produce tangible results, but it is not too short for Jehovah to accomplish his purpose.  "The blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it," says his Word. (Proverbs 10:22) The four young Hebrews put their faith and trust in Jehovah, and did not abandon them. Centuries later, Jesus Christ survived without food for 30 days.  In this regard, he quoted the words found at Deuteronomy 8:3, where we read: "Not by bread alone does man live but by every expression of Jehovah's mouth does man live."  Of this, the experience of Daniel and his friends is a classic example. 

Next time: INSIGHT AND WISDOM IN PLACE OF DELICACIES AND WINE

 From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999