Daniel 10:3

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

I ate {H398} no pleasant {H2532} bread {H3899}, neither came {H935} flesh {H1320} nor wine {H3196} in my mouth {H6310}, neither did I anoint {H5480} myself at all {H5480}, till three {H7969} whole {H3117} weeks {H7620} were fulfilled {H4390}.

I hadn't eaten any food that satisfied me - neither meat nor wine had entered my mouth, and I didn't anoint myself once, until three full weeks had passed.

I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Commentary on Daniel 10:3 (KJV)

Daniel 10:3 describes the prophet Daniel's specific practices of self-denial during a period of intense prayer and mourning. This verse provides insight into his spiritual discipline as he sought understanding and revelation from God, preceding a significant angelic visitation and prophetic vision.

Context

This verse is part of the opening of Daniel's final major vision, which begins in Daniel 10:1. Daniel states that he was in mourning for "three full weeks" (21 days). His sorrow was likely due to the political and spiritual state of his people, Israel, who were still in exile or recently returned but facing significant challenges and opposition. This period of fasting and self-denial was a physical manifestation of his deep spiritual anguish and earnest desire to hear from God regarding the future of his people and the "great conflict" he had perceived.

Key Themes

  • Fasting and Self-Denial: Daniel's actions demonstrate a profound commitment to seeking God through spiritual discipline. Abstaining from "pleasant bread," "flesh," and "wine" indicates a deliberate avoidance of rich foods and luxuries, focusing instead on spiritual matters. This is often referred to as "Daniel's Fast" today.
  • Mourning and Humiliation: The refusal to anoint himself, a common practice for hygiene and comfort in that culture, signifies a state of deep mourning, humility, and dedication. It was a visible sign of his sorrow and his desire to humble himself before God.
  • Spiritual Preparation for Revelation: This period of intense spiritual discipline was a preparation for receiving profound divine revelation. Daniel's physical and mental focus, unburdened by worldly comforts, positioned him to be receptive to the angelic messenger and the intricate prophecies that followed. His earnestness is recognized in Daniel 10:12, where the angel tells him his words were heard from the first day.

Linguistic Insights

  • "pleasant bread" (Hebrew: לֶחֶם חֲמֻדוֹת - lechem chamudot): This phrase literally means "bread of desires" or "delicacies." It refers to rich, desirable, or luxurious foods, not merely bread in general. Daniel was not starving himself, but rather abstaining from a normal, comfortable diet.
  • "anoint myself" (Hebrew: סוּךְ - suk): To anoint oneself with oil was a daily custom for hygiene, comfort, and often a sign of prosperity or joy. Refraining from this practice was a common sign of mourning or deep distress, as seen in other biblical contexts (e.g., 2 Samuel 14:2).

Practical Application

Daniel's example in this verse offers timeless lessons for believers:

  • The Value of Spiritual Discipline: While not prescriptive for all believers, Daniel's fast highlights the power of intentional self-denial and focused prayer to draw closer to God and to seek His will.
  • Humility in Seeking God: His actions reflect a humble heart, willing to set aside personal comfort for the sake of spiritual communion and understanding.
  • Preparation for Divine Encounter: Just as Daniel prepared himself to receive a significant message, we too can create space in our lives through focused prayer and spiritual disciplines to be more attentive to God's voice and guidance. This commitment often precedes deeper spiritual insight or breakthrough, much like Jesus' own period of fasting before His ministry.
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.

  • Matthew 6:17

    But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

  • Amos 5:11

    Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

  • Daniel 11:8

    And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue [more] years than the king of the north.

  • Daniel 6:18

    ¶ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

  • Isaiah 24:6

    Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

  • Isaiah 24:11

    [There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27

    But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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