INSIGHT AND WISDOM IN PLACE OF DELICACIES AND WINE

The ten days were just a test, but the results were most convincing.  "So the guardian kept on taking away their delicacies and their drinking wine and giving them vegetables."  (Daniel 1:16) It is not difficult to imagine what the other youths in the training program thought of Daniel and his companions.  Turning down a king's feast for vegetables every day must have seemed very foolish to them.  But great tests and trials were looming on the horizon, and these would call for all the alertness and sobriety the young Hebrews could muster. Above all, it was their faith and trust in Jehovah that would see them through their tests of faith. -Compare Joshua 1:7. 

Evidence that Jehovah was with these young people can be seen in what is next said:  "As for these children, the four of them , to them the true God gave knowledge and insight in all writing and wisdom; and Daniel himself had understanding in all sorts of visions and dreams."  (Daniel 1:17)  To deal with the difficult  times that were coming, they needed more than physical strength and good health.  "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way."  (Proverbs 2:10-12)  That was precisely what Jehovah  bestowed upon the four faithful youths to equip them for what lay ahead. 

It is stated that Daniel  "had understanding in all sorts of visions and dreams."  This is not in the sense that he had become psychic. Interestingly, though, Daniel is regarded as one of the great Hebrew prophets, he was never inspired  to utter such declaration as "this is what Jehovah of armies has said."  (Isaiah 28:16;p Jeremiah 6:9)  Yet, it was only under the guidance of God's holy spirit that Daniel was able to understand and interpret visions and dreams that revealed Jehovah's purpose. 

Next time: FINALLY, THE CRUCIAL TEST

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