Daniel 1:16

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

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}.

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

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

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

Daniel 1:16 describes a pivotal moment in the life of Daniel and his three friends in Babylon. After a ten-day trial period, the steward Melzar, who was responsible for their daily provisions, observed that Daniel and his companions looked healthier and better nourished on a simple diet of vegetables and water than the other young men who ate the king's rich food and wine. This verse records Melzar's decision to continue providing them with "pulse" instead of the royal fare, signifying God's blessing on their faithfulness.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a bold request made by Daniel. Having been taken captive to Babylon and selected for training in King Nebuchadnezzar's court, 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" (Daniel 1:8). This refusal stemmed from a commitment to Mosaic dietary laws and a desire to avoid food potentially sacrificed to idols or prepared in an unclean manner. Daniel proposed a ten-day test, asking Melzar to give them only water and "pulse" (vegetables/legumes) while the others ate the king's provisions. The positive outcome of this test, detailed in Daniel 1:15, led directly to Melzar's action in verse 16.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness and Conviction: Daniel and his friends demonstrated unwavering commitment to God's laws, even when it meant risking their lives or privileges in a foreign land. Their decision was an act of profound spiritual integrity.
  • Divine Favor and Blessing: God honored their obedience by granting them a healthier appearance, which in turn moved Melzar to grant their request. This illustrates how trusting God's way often leads to unexpected favor.
  • Wisdom and Discernment: Daniel's proposal of a test was a wise and diplomatic approach, avoiding outright defiance while still upholding his convictions. The outcome proved the wisdom of their choice.
  • Integrity in Exile: The narrative highlights the possibility and importance of maintaining one's spiritual and moral principles even when immersed in a culture that opposes them.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "pulse" translates the Hebrew word zero'im (זֵרֹעִים), which literally means "seeds" or "things sown." In this context, it refers to vegetables, grains, or legumes – simple, plant-based foods. This stood in stark contrast to the rich "meat" (likely referring to the king's elaborate, possibly non-kosher, meals) and "wine" that were part of the royal diet. The choice of "pulse" indicates a desire for a clean, plain, and biblically compliant diet, emphasizing their commitment to purity before God.

Practical Application

Daniel 1:16 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. It encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with cultural pressures or personal discomfort. It reminds us that God honors those who honor Him, and that faithfulness in seemingly small decisions can lead to significant blessings and opportunities to glorify Him. Our daily choices, including what we consume and how we live, can be acts of worship and a testimony to our trust in God's provision and principles.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 1:12

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

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