Daniel 1:16

KJV

Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus Melzar {H4453} took away {H5375} the portion of their meat {H6598}, and the wine {H3196} that they should drink {H4960}; and gave {H5414} them pulse {H2235}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the guard took away their food and the wine they were supposed to drink, and gave them vegetables.

Berean Standard Bible

So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and he gave them vegetables instead.

American Standard Version

So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 1:16 marks the definitive outcome of Daniel's bold request for a dietary test, revealing God's favor upon his faithfulness. Following a ten-day trial where Daniel and his three companions consumed only "pulse" and water, their health and appearance surpassed those who ate the king's rich provisions. Consequently, Melzar, the chief steward, permanently removed the royal meat and wine from their daily allocation, substituting it with a simple, plant-based diet. This pivotal moment not only secured their physical well-being but also powerfully demonstrated divine vindication for prioritizing obedience and purity in a hostile, pagan environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 1:16 serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative arc initiated by Daniel's resolute decision in [Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel 1:8 - Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile Himself") not to defile himself with the king's royal food and wine. This verse directly follows the successful outcome of the ten-day test proposed by Daniel in [Daniel 1:12](/daniel/1-12 "Daniel 1:12 - Daniel's Proposal for a Dietary Test"), where he requested a diet of "pulse" (vegetables/legumes) and water. The preceding verse, [Daniel 1:15](/daniel/1-15 "Daniel 1:15 - The Positive Results of the Test"), explicitly states that at the end of the trial, Daniel and his companions "appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the king's food." Thus, verse 16 is the direct and permanent consequence of this visible divine blessing, solidifying Melzar's decision to permanently alter their diet, thereby confirming God's approval of their uncompromising faith and setting the stage for their future roles in the Babylonian court.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian court of King Nebuchadnezzar, following the initial deportation of Judeans, including young men of noble or royal lineage, to Babylon (c. 605 BC). These young men, like Daniel and his friends, were selected for a three-year training program designed to assimilate them into Babylonian culture, language, and administration, preparing them for service to the king. The "portion of the king's meat, and the wine" represented not only the finest provisions but also carried significant cultural and religious implications. Such food was often dedicated to Babylonian idols, prepared according to non-kosher standards, or consumed in ways that violated Mosaic dietary laws. Refusing the king's food was a bold act, potentially interpreted as disloyalty or an insult to the king, carrying severe risks. Daniel's request for "pulse" (simple vegetables/legumes) was a deliberate choice to maintain ritual purity and avoid idolatrous association, demonstrating profound spiritual integrity and allegiance to the God of Israel in a foreign, hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights **Faithfulness and Obedience** to God's commands, even when faced with significant personal risk and cultural pressure. Daniel and his friends' commitment to their convictions, rooted in the Mosaic Law, exemplifies unwavering trust in God. Second, it underscores **Divine Favor and Provision**, as God actively intervenes to honor their obedience, granting them a healthier appearance that secures their desired diet. This illustrates the principle that God blesses those who honor Him, as seen in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him"). Third, the narrative showcases **Wisdom and Discernment** in Daniel's diplomatic approach. Instead of outright defiance, he proposes a test, demonstrating a shrewdness that aligns with God's wisdom, proving that faithfulness does not preclude strategic thinking. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Integrity in Exile**, demonstrating that it is possible, and indeed crucial, to maintain one's spiritual and moral identity and purity even when immersed in a dominant, opposing culture. This sets the stage for future acts of faithfulness in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace") and [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Melzar (Hebrew, _meltsâr'_):** This term refers to a specific officer in the Babylonian court, likely a butler or steward responsible for the provisions and training of the young men. His role was crucial in the narrative, as he was the one with the authority to grant or deny Daniel's request. His decision in this verse is not merely an administrative one but a direct response to the evident divine favor on Daniel and his friends, highlighting God's ability to work through human authorities and even to influence those in power to accomplish His purposes.
* **took away (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb signifies "to lift," "to carry away," or "to remove." In this context, it denotes a definitive cessation of the previous arrangement. Melzar permanently "took away" the royal food and wine, indicating that the trial period was over and the new dietary regimen was established as the norm. This action is a direct consequence of God's blessing on the simple diet and signifies a permanent change, validating Daniel's initial request and demonstrating Melzar's recognition of the positive outcome.
* **pulse (Hebrew, _zêrôaʻ'_):** This word, often translated as "vegetables," "legumes," or "things sown," refers to a simple, plant-based diet. It stands in stark contrast to the rich, potentially defiling "meat" and "wine" of the king's table. The choice of "pulse" emphasizes a commitment to purity, simplicity, and adherence to Mosaic dietary principles, representing a diet that was both ritually clean and nutritionally sufficient by God's grace. It highlights Daniel's deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly indulgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink;":** This clause describes Melzar's decisive action, a direct consequence of the successful ten-day trial. Based on the visibly superior health and appearance of Daniel and his friends, Melzar ceased providing them with the royal "meat" (likely elaborate, possibly non-kosher meals) and "wine." This removal signifies a permanent change in their diet, validating Daniel's initial request and demonstrating Melzar's recognition of the positive outcome. It highlights the steward's willingness to go against standard court procedure due to compelling evidence of divine blessing.
* **"and gave them pulse.":** This second clause specifies the alternative diet that Melzar permanently provided. Instead of the king's provisions, Daniel and his companions were consistently given "pulse," a simple diet of vegetables, grains, or legumes. This confirms that their initial request was not merely a temporary experiment but became their sustained dietary regimen throughout their training. This outcome underscores God's faithfulness in honoring their commitment to purity and providing for them in a way that upheld their convictions without compromising their health or position within the Babylonian court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, setting the simple "pulse" against the rich "meat" and "wine" of the king's table. This highlights the stark difference between the world's lavish provisions, which carried spiritual risks, and God's simple, pure provision, which brought health and favor. There is also an element of **Divine Irony**, where the seemingly inferior diet of vegetables and water proves to be superior in nourishing the young men, confounding human expectations and demonstrating God's power to work outside conventional means. Furthermore, the "pulse" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not just food but also Daniel's unwavering commitment to purity, obedience, and trust in God's provision, even in a pagan environment. The entire episode serves as a **Microcosm** of the larger conflict between God's kingdom and the kingdoms of the world, where faithfulness to God ultimately triumphs over worldly pressures and where God's wisdom is vindicated over human wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:16 profoundly illustrates the principle that God honors those who honor Him, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants. This verse is a testament to the power of conviction and obedience, showing that even in seemingly small decisions, God can manifest His favor and provide for His people in miraculous ways. It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of cultural assimilation and pressure, reminding believers that true nourishment and well-being come not from worldly provisions but from divine blessing. The narrative serves as a foundational example of how faithfulness in personal choices can lead to public vindication and opportunities for God's glory to be revealed, setting a precedent for Daniel's later acts of courage and wisdom.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart") – "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Daniel's trust led to divine direction and blessing.
* [Psalm 37:3-4](/psalm/37-3 "Psalm 37:3-4 - Delight in the Lord and He Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart") – "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." This passage echoes the theme of God's provision for the righteous.
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") – "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Daniel's prioritization of God's ways resulted in physical and professional favor.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:16 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating a world often at odds with biblical values. It challenges believers to examine their own convictions: where are we compromising for comfort, acceptance, or perceived security? Daniel and his friends demonstrate that true security comes from God's favor, not from conforming to worldly standards. This verse encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's provision, believing that His way, though seemingly counter-cultural or inconvenient, always leads to the best outcome. Our daily choices, from what we consume to how we conduct our work and relationships, can be acts of worship and powerful testimonies to God's faithfulness. It reminds us that integrity in the small things prepares us for faithfulness in the larger challenges, and that God delights in honoring those who honor Him, often in ways that surprise and bless not only us but also those around us, even those in positions of authority. This passage calls us to live lives of uncompromising faith, knowing that God is able to sustain and vindicate us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "royal food" in your life might be subtly compromising your spiritual purity or commitment to God?**
* **In what areas are you being called to stand firm in your convictions, even if it means going against cultural norms or personal comfort?**
* **How does Daniel's diplomatic approach inspire you to seek wise and gracious ways to uphold your faith in challenging situations?**
* **How has God demonstrated His provision or favor in your life when you have chosen obedience over convenience?**

### FAQ
**Why was the king's food considered defiling by Daniel?**

Answer: The king's food was likely considered defiling for several reasons. Firstly, it would have included meats and other foods that did not conform to the Mosaic dietary laws (kosher laws) outlined in books like [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws Concerning Clean and Unclean Animals"). Secondly, food served in pagan courts was often dedicated to idols before consumption, which would have been an act of idolatry for faithful Israelites. Thirdly, consuming the king's provisions could symbolize allegiance and assimilation into the Babylonian culture and religious system, which Daniel and his friends sought to avoid to maintain their distinct identity as God's people. Their refusal was an act of worship and a declaration of their primary allegiance to God, demonstrating their commitment to holiness even in exile.

**What exactly is "pulse" as mentioned in Daniel 1:16?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "pulse" (zêrôaʻ) literally means "things sown" or "seeds." In this context, it refers to a diet consisting of vegetables, grains, and legumes—simple, plant-based foods. This stood in stark contrast to the rich, elaborate, and potentially ritually unclean meals served at the king's table. It was a diet of basic, natural provisions, emphasizing purity and simplicity, and demonstrating that God could sustain them perfectly well without the king's elaborate provisions.

**Was Daniel's request a form of civil disobedience?**

Answer: Daniel's request was a remarkable example of principled non-conformity rather than outright civil disobedience. He did not openly defy the king's decree or rebel against the authorities. Instead, he respectfully requested an alternative and proposed a test, demonstrating wisdom and deference while upholding his convictions. His approach was diplomatic and strategic, seeking a way to obey God without unnecessarily provoking the authorities. This allowed God to work through Melzar to grant their request, showcasing divine favor within the existing system and providing a model for how believers can maintain their integrity in challenging environments without resorting to unnecessary confrontation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in Daniel 1:16, and God's subsequent provision and vindication, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate faithfulness and provision found in Jesus Christ. Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food points to Christ, who was utterly pure and undefiled, the [Holy One of God](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God"), who never yielded to the temptations of the world or the devil. While Daniel sought ritual purity through diet, Jesus offers ultimate spiritual purity, cleansing us from all sin through His blood, making us [holy and blameless before Him](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"). Furthermore, just as God provided "pulse" for Daniel, sustaining him physically, Jesus is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), offering eternal spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies the soul and never runs dry. His perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross, secured for us divine favor and eternal life, far surpassing the temporary physical blessings Daniel received. In Christ, we find not merely an alternative diet, but a complete transformation and an unshakeable foundation for life, embodying the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision for His faithful ones. We are called to follow His example of uncompromising obedience, trusting in His ultimate provision and vindication, knowing that in Him, we are truly nourished and made whole, as [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs") promises.

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.

Cross-References

Daniel 1:12

Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.