June 26 Daily Devotional

Daniel 1

King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler in Babylon, ordered that from the captives of Judah a number of handsome, intelligent young men should be selected to become his helpers in the affairs of the government. These young men should get special instruction for three years. They had to study the Chaldean language and become familiar with the wisdom and knowledge of Babylon. For these young men the king appointed a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank. In the group were four God-fearing youths–their names were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They purposed in their heart not to defile themselves with the meals that were offered unto them. They knew that the king and his court worshipped idols, and they did not wish to be involved in this pagan worship. Then, too, the laws of the Jews were very strict in regard to what kind of food might be eaten. The meat of certain animals was called “unclean” and devout Jews were forbidden to touch it.

When the royal food was offered to Daniel and his friends, he bravely told the officers about his resolve and pleaded for his three friends. The officer replied, “I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drinks: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.” Then said Daniel, “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink … and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.” So he consented, and gave them a trial for ten days. And at the end of the ten days their faces appeared fairer than the faces of all the youths that did eat of the king’s meat. And God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. He became a great prophet of God.

And at the end of the three years, the chief of the chamberlains brought the young men that had been instructed, in before Nebuchadnezzar the king. And the king communed with them and examined them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in his realm. Nebuchadnezzar was well pleased with these young Jews. He gave them places of honor among his own people, and they continued to live in Babylon for many years.