Daniel 1:8-21 - Daniel's Resolve

⁸ Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's special food and wine. He requested permission from the officer in charge that he might not defile himself. ⁹ God caused the officer in charge to show special favor and kindness to Daniel. ¹⁰ The officer in charge said to Daniel: I fear my lord the king. He has appointed your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces worse looking than other young people your age? Would you endanger my head with the king?

¹¹ Daniel answered the officer appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: ¹² Test your servants, please, for ten days. Give them vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ You compare our appearance and the appearance of the young people who eat the king's special food. Then you deal with us according to what you see. ¹⁴ So he listened to them and allowed them to prove the matter for ten days. ¹⁵ They looked better when the ten days ended! They were fairer in appearance and fatter in flesh than the young people who ate the king's special food. ¹⁶ So the steward took away their special food and wine and gave them vegetables and water.

¹⁷ God gave these young people knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of all types of literature and learning. Daniel had understanding and wisdom in all visions and dreams. ¹⁸ When the appointed time for learning ended the chief officer brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. ¹⁹ The king interviewed them and found out that none was found to be like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they served the king. ²⁰ The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding. ²¹ Daniel continued to the first year of king Cyrus.