Daniel 1:14

KJV

So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he consented {H8085} to them in this matter {H1697}, and proved {H5254} them ten {H6235} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He agreed to do what they had asked and gave them a ten-day test.

Berean Standard Bible

So he consented to this and tested them for ten days.

American Standard Version

So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 1:14 records the crucial moment when the steward, Melzar, accedes to Daniel's unconventional request to abstain from the king's rich provisions. This verse marks the initiation of a ten-day trial period, during which Daniel and his three companions would consume only vegetables and water, a test designed to demonstrate the efficacy of their faith-driven dietary choice and, by extension, God's providential care. This consent sets the stage for a divine demonstration of wisdom and health, pivotal to Daniel's subsequent service in the Babylonian court.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 1:14 is a direct narrative progression from Daniel's bold and diplomatic proposal in [Daniel 1:12-13](/daniel/1-12 "Daniel's Proposal for a Test"). Following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the deportation of its elite youth, Daniel and his three friends were chosen for a three-year training program in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. This training included partaking of the king's rich food and wine. Daniel, however, "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" ([Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile Himself")), likely due to Mosaic dietary laws or the food's association with idolatry. The chief of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, initially expressed fear of the king's wrath if the young men appeared less healthy than their peers ([Daniel 1:10](/daniel/1-10 "Ashpenaz's Fear of the King")). Daniel's wisdom and tact are evident in his approach to Melzar, the steward, suggesting a trial rather than a defiant refusal. This verse, therefore, represents the acceptance of Daniel's faith-filled challenge, moving the narrative from proposal to execution, and anticipating the divine vindication described in [Daniel 1:15](/daniel/1-15 "The Outcome of the Ten-Day Trial").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon in the early years of the Judean exile, specifically during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605-562 BC). The practice of taking promising young men from conquered territories and training them for royal service was common in ancient Near Eastern empires, serving to assimilate elites and secure loyalty. The king's food and wine were not merely sustenance but symbols of royal favor and often involved ritualistic aspects, potentially including dedication to Babylonian deities. For a devout Jew, consuming such provisions would constitute defilement, a breach of the covenant. The steward, Melzar, was likely a lower-ranking official directly responsible for the daily care of these trainees. His initial hesitation and subsequent consent highlight the immense power dynamics at play – his fear of the king's displeasure versus Daniel's persuasive and God-given favor ([Daniel 1:9](/daniel/1-9 "God Grants Daniel Favor")). The "ten days" was a practical, measurable period, culturally understood as sufficient to observe a noticeable change in physical appearance or health.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Faith and Obedience** in the face of cultural pressure, as Daniel's request stems from a deep commitment to God's law even in a foreign, hostile environment. The steward's consent, despite the inherent risk, points to **Divine Favor and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ability to work through human agents and circumstances to protect and advance His purposes for His faithful servants. Furthermore, the "ten days" introduces the theme of **Testing and Vindication**, where a period of trial is undertaken to prove a truth or validate a claim, ultimately leading to God's public demonstration of His power and faithfulness. This episode also highlights **Integrity and Wisdom**, as Daniel navigates a perilous situation with both unwavering conviction and diplomatic skill, setting a precedent for his later actions throughout the book, such as his interpretation of dreams in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **consented (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this word means "to hear intelligently," often implying not just audition but also attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience or compliance. In this context, Melzar's "consent" is more than a passive hearing; it signifies his active agreement and willingness to act upon Daniel's proposal, acknowledging its perceived wisdom or perhaps influenced by the divine favor already granted to Daniel ([Daniel 1:9](/daniel/1-9 "God Grants Daniel Favor")). It implies a positive response to Daniel's request.
* **matter (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term is highly versatile, meaning "a word," but by implication, "a matter," "thing," "affair," "counsel," or "request." Here, it refers specifically to Daniel's proposition regarding the dietary trial. It encapsulates the entire scope of Daniel's argument and suggested course of action, highlighting the specific "thing" or "affair" about which Melzar gave his consent.
* **proved (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** From H5254, this primitive root means "to test," "to attempt," or "to try." It denotes a deliberate experiment or a period of probation designed to ascertain the truth, quality, or outcome of something. In Daniel 1:14, it signifies Melzar's agreement to conduct a verifiable experiment to see if Daniel's proposed diet would indeed maintain or improve their health, thereby providing empirical evidence for Daniel's claim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he consented to them in this matter,"**: This clause reveals Melzar's crucial decision. Despite the initial fear expressed by his superior, Ashpenaz ([Daniel 1:10](/daniel/1-10 "Ashpenaz's Fear of the King")), Melzar agrees to Daniel's request. This consent is not merely passive agreement but an active willingness to proceed with Daniel's unconventional plan. The phrase "to them" indicates that the agreement extended to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as well, who shared Daniel's conviction. "In this matter" refers directly to Daniel's proposal of a ten-day trial with a diet of vegetables and water, as outlined in [Daniel 1:12-13](/daniel/1-12 "Daniel's Proposal for a Test").
* **"and proved them ten days."**: This second clause specifies the action taken as a result of Melzar's consent. The verb "proved" (Hebrew _nâçâh_) signifies a deliberate test or trial. The duration of "ten days" is a specific, measurable period chosen for the experiment. This short, defined timeframe was sufficient to observe any immediate adverse effects of the diet or, conversely, to demonstrate its benefits. This period was crucial for providing concrete evidence to Melzar and, ultimately, to the chief of the eunuchs, thus validating Daniel's faith-driven choice.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 1:14 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse marks a pivotal turning point, transitioning from Daniel's persuasive request to the steward's agreement, thereby setting the stage for the crucial test. This immediate acceptance of Daniel's terms builds narrative tension, leading directly to the outcome in [Daniel 1:15](/daniel/1-15 "The Outcome of the Ten-Day Trial"). There is an element of **Irony** in Melzar's consent, as he, a Babylonian official, agrees to a plan that implicitly challenges the king's prescribed regimen and risks his own standing, yet it is this very agreement that ultimately redounds to his benefit by avoiding the king's displeasure. Furthermore, the "ten days" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the positive outcome that will validate Daniel's faith and God's faithfulness. The brevity and specificity of the trial period emphasize the impending divine vindication, making the subsequent revelation of their superior health all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:14 stands as a testament to the power of unwavering faith combined with wisdom and diplomacy. It illustrates that God is sovereign even in the courts of foreign kings, capable of moving the hearts of those in authority to facilitate His purposes for His faithful servants. Daniel's willingness to put God to the test, not out of presumption but out of conviction, demonstrates a profound trust in divine providence. This episode highlights that obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly minor matters like diet, can lead to supernatural favor and vindication, proving that God honors those who honor Him. The steward's consent to the trial is a direct manifestation of the favor God had already granted Daniel ([Daniel 1:9](/daniel/1-9 "God Grants Daniel Favor")), setting the stage for a public demonstration of God's blessing on those who prioritize His will above worldly conformity.

* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "God Honors Those Who Honor Him")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "When a Man's Ways Please the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalm/37-23 "The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often at odds with biblical values. It encourages us to cultivate a deep-seated conviction in God's Word, enabling us to stand firm in our faith even when faced with significant pressure to compromise. Daniel's approach was not confrontational but diplomatic, suggesting a test rather than making a demand. This teaches us the importance of wisdom, respect, and strategic thinking when seeking to live out our faith in challenging environments. We are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples")), seeking creative and respectful ways to uphold our convictions without alienating others. Ultimately, Daniel's willingness to undergo a "proof" period underscores the necessity of trusting God for the outcome. Our obedience is our responsibility; the results are God's. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to vindicate those who honor Him, often in ways that surprise both us and those around us, turning potential adversaries into witnesses of His power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to compromise your convictions for the sake of conformity or convenience?**
* **How can you, like Daniel, approach challenging situations with both unwavering faith and diplomatic wisdom?**
* **What "ten-day trials" might God be calling you to undertake, trusting Him for the outcome even when it seems risky?**
* **How does Daniel's example encourage you to prioritize obedience to God over the fear of human disapproval?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel propose a "ten-day" trial, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Daniel proposed a "ten-day" trial as a practical, measurable, and diplomatic way to demonstrate that his chosen diet of vegetables and water would not negatively impact his and his friends' health, and indeed, would prove superior to the king's rich food. The significance of this specific duration lies in its sufficiency to show a noticeable physical change, while also being short enough to mitigate the steward Melzar's fears of immediate repercussions from the king ([Daniel 1:10](/daniel/1-10 "Ashpenaz's Fear of the King")). It was a test designed to provide empirical evidence, allowing God to publicly vindicate Daniel's faith and obedience, as seen in the remarkable outcome described in [Daniel 1:15](/daniel/1-15 "The Outcome of the Ten-Day Trial")). This trial period served as a concrete demonstration of God's favor and the benefits of living according to His principles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 1:14, though set in the Old Testament, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate obedience and vindication found in Jesus Christ. Daniel's resolve not to defile himself, even at great personal risk, mirrors Christ's perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Just as Daniel submitted to a period of testing to prove his faithfulness and the efficacy of his chosen path, so too did Jesus undergo profound trials and temptations, most notably His forty days in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "The Temptation of Jesus")), where He resisted every allure to compromise His divine mission. The steward's consent to Daniel's trial, an act of divine favor, can be seen as a dim reflection of the Father's ultimate consent and affirmation of Christ's perfect life and redemptive work, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation. Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of faithful obedience, trusting that God will honor their commitment, not based on their own strength, but on the perfect obedience of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who has already passed the ultimate test on our behalf, securing for us true spiritual nourishment and an eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Christ, the Source of Eternal Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.