Daniel 1:8-21 - Daniel's Resolve

⁸ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the ruler of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. ⁹ Now God made Daniel find kindness and compassion in the sight of the ruler of the eunuchs. ¹⁰ And the ruler of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink. For why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? So ye would endanger my head

¹¹ Then Daniel said to the steward whom the ruler of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ¹² Test thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink. ¹³ Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king's food. And as thou see, deal with thy servants. ¹⁴ So he hearkened to them in this matter, and tested them ten days. ¹⁵ And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared finer, and they were fuller in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties. ¹⁶ So the steward took away their food, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them vegetables.

¹⁷ Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. ¹⁸ And at the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the ruler of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. ¹⁹ And the king conversed with them. And among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. ²⁰ And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm. ²¹ And Daniel continued even to the first year of king Cyrus.