TRV
Translation
King James Version
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Complete Jewish Bible
"Please! Try an experiment on your servants - for ten days have them give us only vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Berean Standard Bible
“Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink.
American Standard Version
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
World English Bible Messianic
Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Proue thy seruants, I beseeche thee, ten dayes, and let them giue vs pulse to eate, and water to drinke.
Young's Literal Translation
`Try, I pray thee, thy servants, ten days; and they give to us of the vegetables, and we eat, and water, and we drink;
Study This Verse
Commentary on Daniel 1 verses 8–16
8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: 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.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
We observe here, very much to our satisfaction,
I. That Daniel was a favourite with the prince of the eunuchs (Dan 1:9), as Joseph was with the keeper of the prison; he had a tender love for him. No doubt Daniel deserved it, and recommended himself by his ingenuity and sweetness of temper (he was greatly beloved, Dan 9:23); and yet it is said here that it was God that brought him into favour with the prince of the eunuchs, for every one does not meet with acceptance according to his merits. Note, The interest which we think we make for ourselves we must acknowledge to be God's gift, and must ascribe to him the glory of it. Whoever are in favour, it is God that has brought them into favour; and it is by him that they find good understanding. Herein was again verified That work (Psa 106:46), He made them to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. Let young ones know that the way to be acceptable is to be tractable and dutiful.
II. That Daniel was still firm to his religion. They had changed his name, but they could not change his nature. Whatever they pleased to call him, he still retained the spirit of an Israelite indeed. He would apply his mind as closely as any of them to his books, and took pains to make himself master of the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans, but he was resolved that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, he would not meddle with it, nor with the wine which he drank, Dan 1:8. And having communicated his purpose, with the reasons of it, to his fellows, they concurred in the same resolution, as appears, Dan 1:11. This was not out of sullenness, or peevishness, or a spirit of contradiction, but from a principle of conscience. Perhaps it was not in itself unlawful for them to eat of the king's meat or to drink of his wine. But, 1. They were scrupulous concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. Sometimes such meat would be set before them as was expressly forbidden by their law, as swine's flesh; or they were afraid lest it should have been offered in sacrifice to an idol, or blessed in the name of an idol. The Jews were distinguished from other nations very much by their meats (Lev 11:45, Lev 11:46), and these pious young men, being in a strange country, thought themselves obliged to keep up the honour of their being a peculiar people. Though they could not keep up their dignity as princes, they would not lose it as Israelites; for on that they most valued themselves. Note, When God's people are in Babylon they have need to take special care that they partake not in her sins. Providence seemed to lay this meat before them; being captives they must eat what they could get and must not disoblige their masters; yet, if the command be against it, they must abide by that. Though Providence says, Kill and eat, conscience says, Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has come into my mouth. 2. They were jealous over themselves, lest, though it should not be sinful in itself, it should be an occasion of sin to them, lest, by indulging their appetites with these dainties, they should grow sinful, voluptuous, and in love with the pleasures of Babylon. They had learned David's prayer, Let me not eat of their dainties (Psa 141:4), and Solomon's precept, Be not desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat (Pro 23:3), and accordingly they form their resolution. Note, It is very much the praise of all, and especially of young people, to be dead to the delights of sense, not to covet them, not to relish them, but to look upon them with indifference. Those that would excel in wisdom and piety must learn betimes to keep under the body and bring it into subjection. 3. However, they thought it unseasonable now, when Jerusalem was in distress, and they themselves were in captivity. They had no heart to drink wine in bowls, so much were they grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Though they had royal blood in their veins, yet they did not think it proper to have royal dainties in their mouths when they were thus brought low. Note, It becomes us to be humble under humbling providences. Call me not Naomi; call me Marah. See the benefit of affliction; by the account Jeremiah gives of the princes and great men now at Jerusalem it appears that they were very corrupt and wicked, and defiled themselves with things offered to idols, while these young gentlemen that were in captivity would not defile themselves, no, not with their portion of the king's meat. How much better is it with those that retain their integrity in the depths of affliction than with those that retain their iniquity in the heights of prosperity! Observe, The great thing that Daniel avoided was defiling himself with the pollutions of sin; that is the thing we should be more afraid of than of any outward trouble. Daniel, having taken up this resolution, requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself, not only that he might not be compelled to do it, but that he might not be tempted to do it, that the bait might not be laid before him, that he might not see the portion appointed him of the king's meat, nor look upon the wine when it was red. It will be easier to keep the temptation at a distance than to suffer it to come near and then be forced to put a knife to our throat. Note, We cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour than by making use of them to keep us from sin.
III. That God wonderfully owned him herein. When Daniel requested that he might have none of the king's meat or wine set before him the prince of the eunuchs objected that, if he and his fellows were not found in as good case as any of their companions, he should be in danger of having anger and of losing his head, Dan 1:10. Daniel, to satisfy him that there would be no danger of any bad consequence, desires the matter might be put to a trial. He applies himself further to the under-officer, Melzar, or the steward: "Prove us for ten days; during that time let us have nothing but pulse to eat, nothing but herbs and fruits, or parched peas or lentils, and nothing but water to drink, and see how we can live upon that, and proceed accordingly," Dan 1:13. People will not believe the benefit of abstemiousness and a spare diet, nor how much it contributes to the health of the body, unless they try it. Trial was accordingly made. Daniel and his fellows lived for ten days upon pulse and water, hard fare for young men of genteel extraction and education, and which one would rather expect they should have indented against than petitioned for; but at the end of the ten days they were compared with the other children, and were found fairer and fatter in flesh, of a more healthful look and better complexion, than all those who did eat the portion of the king's meat, Dan 1:15. This was in part a natural effect of their temperance, but it must be ascribed to the special blessing of God, which will make a little to go a great way, a dinner of herbs better than a stalled ox. By this it appears that man lives not by bread alone; pulse and water shall be the most nourishing food if God speak the word. See what it is to keep ourselves pure from the pollutions of sin; it is the way to have that comfort and satisfaction which will be health to the navel and marrow to the bones, while the pleasures of sin are rottenness to the bones.
IV. That his master countenanced him. The steward did not force them to eat against their consciences, but, as they desired, gave them pulse and water (Dan 1:16), the pleasures of which they enjoyed, and we have reason to think were not envied the enjoyment. Here is a great example of temperance and contentment with mean things; and (as Epicurus said) "he that lives according to nature will never be poor, but he that lives according to opinion will never be rich." This wonderful abstemiousness of these young men in the days of their youth contributed to the fitting of them, 1. For their eminent services. Hereby they kept their minds clear and unclouded, and fit for contemplation, and saved for the best employments a great deal both of time and thought; and thus they prevented those diseases which indispose men for the business of age that owe their rise to the intemperances of youth. 2. For their eminent sufferings. Those that had thus inured themselves to hardship, and lived a life of self-denial and mortification, could the more easily venture upon the fiery furnace and the den of lions, rather than sin against God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–16. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
ON FASTING 9
The exception of certain kinds from use as food is a partial fast.… Daniel and his companions, preferring as they did a diet of vegetables and the beverage of water to the royal dishes and decanters, were found “more handsome” … and in addition were more spiritually cultured. For God gave to the young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature, and to Daniel in every word, and in dreams and in every kind of wisdom; which [wisdom] was to make him wise in this very thing also, namely, by what means the recognition of mysteries was to be obtained from God.
Hippolytus of RomeAD 235
Hippolytus Exegetical Fragments - Scholia on Daniel
"Prove now thy servants." They teach that it is not earthly meats that give to men their beauty and strength, but the grace of God bestowed by the Word. "And after a little." Thou hast seen the incorruptible faith of the youths, and the unalterable fear of God. They asked an interval of ten days, to prove therein that man cannot otherwise find grace with God than by believing the word preached by the Lord.
JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER ONE
Verse 12. "I beg thee, try us thy servants for ten days, and let pulse be given us to eat and water to drink." His faith was so incredibly great that he not only promised he would be in good flesh by eating the humbler food, but he even set a time-limit. Therefore it was not a matter of temerity but of faith, for the sake of which he despised the sumptuous fare of the king.
Leander of SevilleAD 601
THE TRAINING OF NUNS 13
A fish is caught by being enticed by a hook. A bird falls into a net while trying to get food. Animals that are tough by nature’s endowment fall into a pit from the desire to eat, and what nature does not soften, food deceives. Therefore, learn temperance and parsimony from the prayer and the examples of ancients: from prayer, because the Lord says, “Lest your hearts be overburdened with self-indulgence and drunkenness”; from examples, because David was unwilling to drink the water he wanted, since he recognized the danger of being responsible for another’s blood;6 because Daniel scorned the feasts of kings and lived on vegetables. What you possess in common with your companions should be acceptable to you, and you should not cause others to be intemperate; also, do not become a cause for scandal to those to whom you wish to set an example by encouragement and by proof of a good life.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 1:12 presents Daniel's strategic and faith-filled proposal to Melzar, the chief eunuch, for a ten-day dietary trial for himself and his three companions during their Babylonian captivity. This pivotal verse encapsulates Daniel's unwavering commitment to his spiritual convictions and the covenantal laws of God, demonstrating profound trust in divine provision and a diplomatic approach to navigating a challenging environment without compromising his faith. It sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of God's favor upon those who honor Him, establishing a foundational theme of divine vindication for faithfulness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Daniel 1:12 employs several potent literary devices. Contrast is profoundly prominent, setting the simple, pure diet of "pulse and water" against the king's rich, potentially defiling food and wine. This highlights the stark choice Daniel and his friends faced between cultural assimilation and spiritual integrity. The "ten days" functions as a Test or Trial, a common biblical motif where a period of challenge is used to reveal character, faith, or divine power. This specific period also acts as Foreshadowing, hinting at the greater tests of faith Daniel and his companions will face later in the book (e.g., the fiery furnace in Daniel 3 and the lions' den in Daniel 6), where God's miraculous preservation is likewise demonstrated. Furthermore, Daniel's diplomatic and respectful approach to Melzar, proposing a verifiable experiment rather than outright defiance, embodies Wisdom, showcasing a strategic intelligence that navigates a dangerous political landscape without compromising divine principles.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:12 is a profound testament to the power of conviction and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It underscores the theological principle that obedience to God, even in seemingly small matters or under duress, invites divine favor and vindication. Daniel's request is not merely about diet; it is fundamentally about maintaining spiritual purity and identity in a pagan environment. This act of faith demonstrates that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in exile, and that He honors those who honor Him. The outcome of this test, where Daniel and his friends appear healthier and wiser than all the others (Daniel 1:15-17), serves as a visible sign of God's blessing on their integrity, proving that true sustenance and wisdom come from Him, not from worldly provisions or human systems. This narrative reinforces the truth that God is able to provide for and protect His faithful servants, even when they stand against prevailing cultural norms.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:12 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating a world that often challenges biblical principles and seeks to conform us to its patterns. It calls us to cultivate a deep-seated conviction that prioritizes God's commands above cultural pressures, personal comfort, or perceived advantages. Like Daniel, we are invited to trust God implicitly with the consequences of our obedience, knowing that His provision and vindication often manifest in unexpected and miraculous ways. This verse also teaches us the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in standing for our faith; Daniel did not defiantly reject the king's decree but proposed a testable, respectful alternative. This approach minimized risk for Melzar while upholding Daniel's principles, demonstrating that faithfulness does not equate to foolishness, but rather to Spirit-led discernment and strategic action. In our own lives, this means seeking creative and respectful ways to live out our faith boldly, trusting that God will honor our integrity and use our faithfulness to display His power and goodness to those around us, even in seemingly small acts of obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Daniel and his friends refuse the king's food and wine?
Answer: Daniel "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8). The king's food and wine were likely considered ritually unclean for several reasons: they might not have adhered to the dietary laws given to Israel in the Mosaic covenant (e.g., Leviticus 11), they could have been offered to Babylonian idols before consumption, or they may have been prepared by non-Israelites in ways that rendered them impure. For Daniel and his companions, consuming these provisions would have been an act of compromise, a symbolic assimilation into a pagan culture that would violate their covenantal relationship with God. Their refusal was an act of profound spiritual conviction and a declaration of their allegiance to the God of Israel.
Why did Daniel suggest a "ten-day" test?
Answer: The "ten days" (H3117, yôwm') was a strategic and diplomatic proposal. It was a sufficient period to observe a noticeable physical change in the young men, allowing Melzar to assess the outcome without undue risk to himself. If they appeared unhealthy after ten days, the experiment could be ceased without severe repercussions from the king. Conversely, if they thrived, it would provide undeniable proof of God's blessing on their obedience, validating Daniel's request. This specific duration demonstrates Daniel's wisdom in navigating a delicate situation, offering a reasonable and verifiable trial period that honored both his convictions and Melzar's predicament.
What is "pulse" and why was it chosen?
Answer: "Pulse" (H2235, zêrôaʻ') refers to a simple, plant-based diet, such as seeds, grains, legumes, or vegetables. It represents a stark contrast to the rich, meat-heavy, and wine-filled diet of the king's court. Daniel chose pulse and water because it was a pure, unadulterated diet, free from the potential defilement of the royal provisions. This choice aligned with the dietary principles of the Mosaic Law and symbolized their commitment to a life of purity and separation unto God, even in exile. It was a humble yet powerful statement of their spiritual identity and their reliance on God's provision rather than the king's.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 1:12, with its emphasis on obedience, trust, and divine sustenance in a foreign land, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Daniel's refusal of the king's defiling food and his reliance on simple "pulse and water" points to Christ's perfect obedience and His role as the true, undefiling sustenance for His people. Just as Daniel chose spiritual purity over worldly indulgence, so too did Jesus perfectly resist the temptations of the world, flesh, and devil, notably during His forty days in the wilderness (as recounted in Matthew 4:1-11). There, He refused to turn stones into bread, declaring that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). This echoes Daniel's reliance on God's provision beyond mere physical sustenance. Furthermore, Daniel's vindication through a visible display of health and wisdom prefigures Christ's ultimate vindication through His resurrection and ascension, proving His perfect obedience and God's absolute faithfulness to Him. Ultimately, Jesus is the true bread of life and the living water, offering eternal spiritual nourishment that far surpasses any earthly food or drink, enabling believers to live a life of purity and obedience in a world often hostile to God, just as Daniel did. Our spiritual sustenance comes not from worldly provisions but from Him who is the Word made flesh.