Tuesday: Firm Resolution
Read Daniel 1:7-20. We see two factors at work here: Daniel’s free will and the intervention of God. What important principle also exists here?
It appears that the four Hebrew captives do not object to their Babylonian names. Most likely there is nothing they can do about it, apart from using their Hebrew names among themselves.
Image © Providence Collection at GoodSalt.com
But in regard to the food and wine from the king’s table, it is certainly in their power to consume it or not. Thus, the free choice of the four men is very important here.
However, if an officer can change their names, he can also change the menu. There are two likely reasons why the four do not want to eat from the king’s table.
First, the meals from the king’s table may contain unclean meats (Leviticus 11). Second, food is first offered as a meal to the god’s image and then sent to the king for his consumption. Thus, when Daniel makes clear, without resorting to subterfuge or deception, that his request has a religious motivation, i.e., the food at the palace will defile him and his friends (Dan. 1:8), he is being very courageous.
As we look into the interaction between Daniel and the Babylonian officer, a few important points stand out. First, Daniel seems to understand well the difficult position of the officer, so he proposed a test. Ten days of consuming the alternative meals should suffice to demonstrate the benefits of the diet and thus to put down the fears of the officer. Second, Daniel’s certainty that the outcome would be so positive within such a short time span stems from absolute confidence in God. Third, the choice of a diet of vegetables and water points back to the food God gave humanity at Creation (see Gen. 1:29), a fact that perhaps influences Daniel’s choice as well. After all, what could be a better diet than the one God originally gave us?
| What is so important about Daniel’s free choice that opens the way for God to act as He does (see Dan. 1:9)? What lessons can we draw from this about the importance of our choices? How should our trust in God impact our choices? |
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Reading Our Bible Friends to children and grand children we got used to the word pulses not vegetables, what is the difference, what does the original language say? Internet says it was leguminous, ie lentils, beans, chickpeas etc.
I thought the diet in the garden of Eden was herbs that yield seed and fruit from trees with seeds. Gen 1:29 Was the diet grains, legumes, nuts and fruit?
We know the capitives were chosen because among other things they were good looking, Dan 1:4 but they had just walked 500 miles? The head eunuch said he was worried they would look worse Dan 1:10. Is it possible (without a miracle) for them to look that much better, after all what had they been eating in their long walk to captivity, I think it was more likely that the other young looked much worse after all that rich food and wine?
They were chosen because they had no blemishes Dan 1:4, but then it appears that they were made into eunuchs? 2Kings 20:18, Dan 1:9
If we had to choose today which we would think is worse - being called a Moslem or a Buddhist when you are a Christian, or the other way round - or eating bacon?
Which is more important - your soul or your body?
Praise the Lord Shirley.
The original diet of Adam and Eve was fruits, grains and nuts. It was a fruitarian diet. Gen 1:29.
After sin, they couldn't eat from the tree of life and God added vegetables to their diet. Gen 3:18.
People who practice this kind of diet are the healthiest people in the world today.
1. IKARIA,GREECE
With their traditional diet, which is heavy in vegetables and healthy fats and contains smaller amounts of dairy and animal products.
2. OKINAWA,JAPAN
With its staples like sweet potatoes, soybeans, mugworts,turmeric and bitter melon. It's home to the world's longest-lived woman.
OGLIASTRA REGION, SARDINIA (Italian island)
Where people consume a low-protein diet associated with lower rates of diabetes, cancer and death for people under age 65.
4. LOMA LINDA CALIFORNIA
They have the highest concentration of SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS in the United States. Here some residents live 10 more healthy years than the average American by following a biblical diet of grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.
NICOYA PENINSULA (COSTA RICA)
Their longevity secret lies partly in their strong faith communities, deep social networks and habits of regular low-intensity physical activities.
Wouldn’t Daniel’s family, being Hebrew and worshipping the Creator according the ceremonial laws from Mount Sinai, have observed the festivals given by God to them, Including the foods used to illustrate the plan of salvation?
Yes Gary and as we learn in Daniel 10:3, Daniel did eat meat. I think the reasons he asked for an alternative diet for 10 days was because the "king's food" was offered to idols and may have contained unclean meats.
We have to be more careful that we don't interpret the Bible so it conforms with our views. Not only does this cause us to believe in falsehoods, it makes us look ridiculous to others who arrive at the truth by studying their Bibles.
Perhaps we might think of external vs internal things. A name is external, but that which we consume is internal, therefore more important.
There is also a written prohibition against eating some, not all, animals. Perhaps vegetables were the "safe" food, most of which does not change the outward appearance. Especially not to become "fatter". I believe God , who provided favor, continued to provide in miraculous ways. Their appearance and the gifts for their minds came from Him.
No. The original diet for humans did not include "herbs," but only fruits, nuts, and grains. Herbs became part of man's diet after God expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
Hi Pete, I am getting confused with the different translations, in Daniel between "pulses" and "vegetables" and in Gen 1:29 KJV 'herb bearing seeds' and NIV 'seed bearing plant'. Also in Gen 3:18 some say plants and some say herbs? What it doesn't say is plants/herbs without seeds so where do we get this idea?
Gen 1:11 lists only three types of vegetation - grass, plants/herbs with seeds and fruit with seeds.
Any clarity you could provide would be appreciated.
I found this commentary, which is interesting but needs to be fact checked, if any can assist.
This constituted our original diet which God gave us when we were in a perfect environment. Let us understand what it was. "Behold, I have given you every herb [a plant without a strong woody stem or trunk] bearing seed" is generally understood to mean grains (wheat, oats, corn, rice, rye, barley, millet, etc.), seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame, flax, etc.), legumes (soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, split peas, peanuts, etc.), and other foods containing seed, some of which we call vegetables today (eggplant, bell pepper, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, squash, melons, etc.). ". . . and every tree [plant with a strong woody stem such as a shrub, bush, or tree], in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed." This is generally understood to mean fruits (oranges, lemons, cranberries, apples, pears, mangos, strawberries, dates, cherries, blueberries, bananas, coconut, avocados, olives, etc.), and nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, brazil, etc.). The green plants of the field were the food for the animals and birds.
After Adam and Eve sinned God told them, "Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb [plants] of the field." Gen. 3:18. Now God instructed man to also eat of the plants of the field, which originally was given for the animals to eat. This is generally understood to mean leafy, flower, and root vegetables (lettuce, spinach, parsley, fennel, beets, brussels sprouts, watercress, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, turnips, potatoes, garlic, onions, etc.). This was very wise on God's part because many of the vegetables contain medicinal properties that are necessary to sustain us in a sinful, polluted world. This new diet was God's appointed diet for man.
http://www.gilead.net/health/appointeddiet.html
See various translations of Gen 3:18
New International Version
and you will eat the plants of the field.
New Living Translation
though you will eat of its grains.
King James Bible
thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Good News Translation
and you will have to eat wild plants.
If we read all three verses together - Gen 3:17-19
17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;
Cursed is the ground because of you;
In toil you will eat of it
All the days of your life.
18“Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you;
And you will eat the plants of the field;
19 By the sweat of your face
You will eat bread,
Till you return to the ground,
Because from it you were taken;
For you are dust,
And to dust you shall return.”
The hebrew word for plant/herb in Gen 3:18 is the same word in Gen 1:29 so if we take verse 18 as changing the diet it could mean they will only eat the plant/herb H6212 and no fruit as in verse 29. Also the linking between 'plant' and 'bread' in 18 & 19 implies that plant/herb in 18 is grain, which produces seed so links back to Gen 1:29
I believe verses 17-19 with the emphasis on "eat or not eat" is saying that the bounteous fruit and plants that were freely available before will now only be available through toil and sweat not really about changing the diet.
I’m in hospital for a couple of days after surgery on my ear, so I won’t be commenting for a couple of days. Nothing serious - a tympanic harmagioma - removed by micro surgery.
May God bless u!
Get well Maurice! God BLESS 🙏🙏🙏
I am pretty sure I would be reflecting a widely held sentiment from readers here at ssnet when I say all the best for your recovery Maurice.
God bless you be back as soon as you can
Be well. We will miss your insights.
Prayers for speedy recovery!
Speedy recovery Bro. Ashton.
Will certainly miss your comments.
My prayers are with you.
God's richest blessings
Praying for your quick recovery. I really enjoy reading your comments each day.
God healing grace be with you
Get well soon 🙏 my mentor in this spiritual journey.
May God intervene even as you recover.
Feel better
God bless you, and I pray a speedy recovery with no complications. I always look forward to your thoughtful and enlightening comments. You are a blessing to this site.
Brother Maurice,
May God bless you as you recover, and please know that I look forward to your return. Since discovering this site days ago, I have truly been inspired, encouraged, and blessed. I look forward each day to reading, learning, studying and growing in Christ. Blesses and thanks to all contributors.
Sorry for you, may our Lord help you to recover quickly
BACK TO SCHOOL
Did you know that Daniel and his friends did not object to the schooling they were to undergo in Babylon ?
They were exposed to literature that espoused values and beliefs opposed to what they had been taught.
They were confronted with astrology,false gods, mythology and occult science.
But they didn't object it because:
What we read and what we are exposed to cannot help influencing our thoughts.
The studied the Caldean philosophy because they were captives but maybe as they did they were comparing it with the LORDs Word, thinking of how they could use that knowledge to open conversations with the pagans and share the LORDs Principles of Life. Ps 67:1-2
God thought is not men thoughts.
My dear brother, Did you say: What we read and what we are exposed to cannot help influencing our thoughts.
What does the Bible says? How is one brainwashed? What is the correlation between our thoughts and our everyday life? How are habits formed? Don’t what we read and what we are exposed to have a direct impact on our self esteem, our moral standards, our happiness and peace, whether we success or fail in life and how your life impact others. I have never heard no one name Judas except one. Why not? Names carry actions.
I also keep away from people who curse and swear because in my quiet moments I do hear those words being whisper back to me. Like if the take up a place in my mind. Have to be calling on the Holy Spirit for deliverance.
Jesus was called a bastard to hurt him. If you constantly tell children they are no good. They grow up believing it. Their grades are poor in class, they see themselves as no good
Good morning (at least it’s morning here) , I decided to end the weeks study, I would read the chapter in Prophets and Kings that covers this portion. It’s inspiring to read and encouraging as well. These young men were raised not only in strict adherence to temperance, but they understood why and how. Daily communication with God was their habit. They understood that to give in to this first test, would weaken them for any other test to come. I find it interesting that the first test mentioned in their captivity, is the same first test that Adam & Eve faced, and it was the first thing that Jesus was tempted with by Satan in the desert. It seems to me that something that is repeated that many times in scripture is worth taking a look at.
Sorry Cyrus, are you saying they were influenced by what they reading. I think their stand demonstrates otherwise.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Maurice. Xx
Praise the almighty God Sharon.
I think your point and that of Shirley and Lyn Lew, made clear and even added what I wanted to say.
But did you know that we also went to Babylonian schools and learnt almost the same things?
Sorry Maurice, God will do everything right. Quick recovery
Daniel's faith and courage is a challenge to modern youths and adults. on the other hand, it is a good example to emulate in all respects.
Perhaps God can use the choices we make based on our faith to show others about His care!
Good Morning Bro Maurice
Prayers are going up for you complete recovery. God is able.
I am sorry I hope you feel better soon Gods blessings over all of us and our family.
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,
Daniel resolved not to defile himself - choice made by Daniel and his friends.
God had caused the official - God moved upon the heart of an unbeliever to intervene.
I wonder how often, I have not seen the intervention of God because of my unbelief.
Holy Ghost, help me in my choice today to put into your temple what will bring praise to you.
Daniel and the three Hebrew boys had choices just like us today. Their lives at that time were even harder than us, it was on the line for death or life. Regardless, they choose to bring honor to God by refusing to partake of the wrong foods.
To reach our minds (mental) and soul ( spiritual) everything must pass through our bodies (physical). When we desecrate our bodies through our five senses, our minds and souls are also affected. That’s why we can’t live anyhow during the six days and expect to turn off same Friday afternoon, then turn on the Sabbath. We are fooling ourselves.
1 Cor 10: 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Daniel and the others realized the name changed didn’t matter, God can still be glorified. But putting the foods into their bodies will desecrate God temple.
So saying, we as SDA have to start making conscious choice what we serve in our homes, at potluck, what we serve during other functions held by our churches, conference, etc. The world is watching us. We ought to be the head, the leaders in both healthy and clean foods. Also anything with chocolate and cocoa has caffeine. When we start our diet change many will oppose us at first but will come along. Many people are still looking for healthy choice in food, we can all help each other in healthy choices. Even some of those process foods high in salt is bad for us.
My brothers and sisters God is looking for a people who can eat like Daniel and friends and be wise with his wisdom.
Yesterday's and today's Sabbath School lessons makes it clear that Daniel refused the kings food based on Leviticus 11 (being unclean), so to infer or suggest any other motive will be unscriptural and misleading!
▪The lesson correctly points out that "Daniel’s certainty that the outcome would be so positive within such a short time span stems from absolute confidence in God".This confidence can only come through the untainted knowledge of God's word... sola scriptura..and a committed daily relationship with him.
▪"The little incidents of everyday life often pass without our notice, but it is these things that shape the character. Every event of life is great for good or for evil. The mind needs to be trained by daily tests, that it may acquire power to stand in any difficult position. In the days of trial and of peril you will need to be fortified to stand firmly for the right, independent of every opposing influence."
(Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 561.)
Have a blessed day everyone, and our prayers are offered for a speedy recovery to Maurice.
Trust God and His Words !!!!!
Speedy recovery bro. Maurice I enjoy your comments.God blessing on you.
I revisited this lesson (Lesson 2: Tuesday 1/7/20) because, for the first time it is dawning on my understanding that there is a relationship between Lessons 2, 4 and 5. I wasn't aware that I have been missing some important practical principles embedded in the book of Daniel. So, I want to share some "food for thought".
The relationship between God, food and humans has never quite struck me as it did studying last week's and this week's lesson. According to Daniel (Dan 2:30), God gave a pagan king a dream for two reasons:
1) to save the life (Dan 2:13 NLT) and raise the credibility (Dan 2:18,28 NLT) of His faithfuls.
2) to reveal the CHARACTER of God (Dan 2:29 NLT) to the MIND of a pagan potentate (Dan 2:30 NLT).
If most of the readership is like me, then you might not have given much thought to the CHEMICAL nature of food and the short/long term or hereditary effects of FOOD CHEMISTRY on our MENTAL/BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES. But just how important is our mental and physical health to our daily living? Does our mental and/or our physical health play any role in our relationship to our Creator?
The Creator has from the very outset of human history sought to instruct our diet (Gen 1:29). Could the universe's greatest Chemist (actually its inventor!) have know what would sustain our peak mental and physical performance?
According to this quote from this lesson, "Thus, when Daniel makes clear, without resorting to subterfuge or deception, that his request has a religious motivation, i.e., the food at the palace will defile him and his friends (Dan. 1:8), he is being very courageous", Daniel was not only "very courageous", he and his companions were also being very wise--an attribute from God (Jam 1:5 NLT)! Perhaps Daniel's familiarity with prophetic Scripture (Hos 9:1,3) informed his and his companion's wise, tactful request and outcome (Dan 1:12-13,20 NLT). On the other hand, contrast Daniel's submission to the obstinacy of Israel (Jer 25:3,9; 2 Chr 36:16, 20-21 NLT) and Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 25:12 NLT). Perhaps long before Nebuchadnezzar had ever had his bout of insomnia, the prophet of a Sovereign God had declared His will (Isaiah 10:5-6 NLT). Yet a king who knew God was familiar with his THOUGHTS (Isaiah 10:7-8 NLT; Dan 2:30 NLT), arrogantly persisted in hard heartedness (Isaiah 10:12-13 NLT compare Dan 4: 29-30, 25 NLT).
So a "vengeful" God "punishes" an arrogant, meat-eating, wine-drinking, pagan--now insane--by driving him from his pampered palace. God "punishes" him by driving him out into nature and a cow's diet (Gen 1:29-30 NLT). For a king, I'm sure it was a humiliating experience. But, wow, what can some "punishment" of seven years of fresh air and a vegetation diet do for someone manifesting a CHEMICAL imbalance (Dan 4:36-37 NLT)?