Thematic Bible: Abstinence from


Thematic Bible



But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile (taint, dishonor) himself with the king’s finest food or with the wine which the king drank; so he asked the commander of the officials that he might [be excused so that he would] not defile himself. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceConformityAlcoholCivil authoritiesDefilement, Ceremonial CausesGood Decision Making ExamplesDecisivenessLuxurySelf DenialSelf DisciplineSelf IndulgenceTemptation, ResistingForbidden FoodDefilementEating Meatpork

I ate no tasty food, nor did any meat or wine enter my mouth; and I did not anoint (refresh, groom) myself at all for the full three weeks. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceAnointing With OilLipsMeatOintmentSelf DenialTen Or More DaysNot Drinking WineAnointing OneselfSavourinessEating Meat

The king assigned a daily ration for them from his finest food and from the wine which he drank. They were to be educated and nourished this way for three years so that at the end of that time they were [prepared] to enter the king’s service. Verse ConceptsThree YearsProviding WinePeople TeachingOnce A DayForbidden FoodRich FoodServing KingsDividing FoodAssignmentEducation

So the overseer continued to withhold their fine food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables. Verse ConceptsVegetables


The drinking was carried on in accordance with the law; no one was compelled [to drink], for the king had directed each official of his household to comply with each guest’s wishes. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceAlcohol ConsumptionUnlimitednessNo Compulsion