COURAGE AND PERSISTENCE WERE REWARDING

Having resolved in his heart to resist corrupting influences, Daniel proceeded to act in harmony with his decision.  "He kept requesting of the principal court official that he might not pollute himself." (Daniel 1:8b)  "Kept requesting"-that is a noteworthy expression.  Most often, persistent effort is  needed if we hope to be successful in fighting off temptations or overcoming certain weaknesses. -Galatians 6:9. 

In Daniel's case, persistence paid off.  "Accordingly the true God gave Daniel over to loving-kindness and to mercy before the principle court official." (Daniel 1:9) It was not because Daniel and his companions were personable and intelligent individuals that things eventually worked out well for them.  Rather, it was because of Jehovah's blessing.  Daniel undoubtedly  remembered the Hebrew proverb: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.  In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6) Following that counsel was rewarding indeed. 

At first, the principal court official objected:  "I am in fear of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink.  Why, then, should he see your faces dejected-looking in comparison to the children who are of the same age as yours, and why should you have to make my head guilty to the king?"  (Daniel 1:10)  These were legitimate objections and fears.  King Nebuchadnezzar  was not one to take no for an answer, and the official realized that his "head" would be in jeopardy  if he were to go against the king's instructions.  What would Daniel do?

This was where insight and wisdom came into play.  Young Daniel probably remembered the proverb:  "An answer when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up." (Proverbs 15:1)  Instead of stubbornly insisting that his request be granted and possibly  provoking others to make a martyr out of him, Daniel let the matter rest.  At the right time, he approached "the guardian," who was perhaps more willing to allow a little leeway because he was not directly accountable to the king. -Daniel 1:11.

Next time: A TEN-DAY TEST PROPOSED 

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