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Q3. Taking a Stand


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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?​

 

Daniel did not want to compromise with his beliefs and his faith in the one true God.  He was not sure if the Kings food clean according to the law of Moses which he followed.  This tells us that Daniel was always ready to stand for his faith.

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Why did Daniel take a stand?  I am sure he did this because of great faith and knowing that to obey God would mean that he would have a closer relationship with God.  to defile himself with food would be to him as bad as conmitting a sin.  The food would not have been prepared in a way that was correct and also Daniel would not just eat any meat and it would be better to eat fruit and vegetables and know that the food would be "pure".

 

This tells us that Daniel was a faithfully servant to God and that no matter what he would trust in God and know that he would be looked after. So although life was hard and not the same as at home he still could keep his faith.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

 

Daniel was a devout Jew and knew the OT laws about food.  This was the beginning of stands Daniel and his friends would take for their faith in God against the laws and customs of Babylon.  He had purposed in his heart not to defile himself with food that was against God's laws.  When once we give in to that which we believe or know to be wrong we weaken ourselves and our stance.  We feel humiliation and in this case probably immoral.  As we are betrothed to Christ the Jews were also to God.

​Daniel had good character, and was very devoted to his God before he came to Babylon and in Babylon when the pressure to conform would have been great his love for God came first.  He served God where he was put by God.

 

God bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

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It could be several reasons why Daniel declined the king's food and wine; but somewhere in my mind, I remember reading in the Bible that if you are offered food without knowing the circumstance of the person or the food, you take it in 'good faith' and you were without blame for whatever that person did or was doing to obtain such; but if you know the character or circumstance is against your beliefs then you refuse because if you accept the food it would mean that you are in agreement with the person, thus defiling yourself, your beliefs.  

 

Daniel, although young, had a good up-bringing, a strong belief in God and a strong mind. He knew the God he served and so he had no fear of the king.

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Daniel took a stand because he believed that eating and drinking of the food and wine at the king's table would defile him. They believed in dedicating their food and wine to false gods and Daniel believed in the one true God.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience?

Because these people knew "NOT" the one true God, instead, they believed in many god's, that the food most likely included forbidden foods, foods not prepared according to Mosaic regulations, and because it was customary for the Babylonians to dedicate the meat to idols, and pour a portion of the wine out on their pagan altars, that Daniel, who was devoted to God, knew that God was the one who brought judgment to Judah for their disobedience and idol worship, that he purposed in his heart "NOT" to do the same thing and defile himself, that God brought Daniel into favor and good will with the chief of the eunuchs.

 

Q4. What does this tell you about Daniel?

What it tells me is Daniel was a true believer, one who was circumcised from within.  It tells how important it is for the believer to stay strong in their faith, for it is not on the mountain tops that we grow, it is in the valley times that we will be proved, and I would rather find favor with God, for He has my good in mind.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

 

Daniel had courage, he stood up for what was right and honored God. The notes suggest that the reason why Daniel was concerned not to partake of the King's food was probably for two reasons: He did not want to be under any undue obligation to the Babylonian heathen king by accepting the food which the King provided. In addition, Daniel was keen to attribute good health from his God, not from the Babylonian King. Daniel must have loved the God of Israel.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

Daniel 1/8-10

Any right thinking faithful man would not defile himself by offering to eat  on a same table ,on par with a conqueror ,it was not a happy situation of merry making ,but a solemn and sad oppression ,

 

It was a situation where unmerited equality in sharing a table with a king who has brought them by force ,.

 

Separation/        There are deep differences in  culture and rituals associated with food offered in pagans and idols ,,,,,,I am not very sure of the pattern  that existed  at the kings palace ,,

 

The incident tells that Daniel was firm and faithful , In his resolve to deal with the official ,he showed restaint and gave the option to be his own master ,as far as food is concerned .,,he was open to make a request,that showed  his ultimate commitment is to his own tribe and his God ,,

 

Daniel allowed the Will of God in his life that the Plan of God is fulfilled through him ,by Taking The Stand !!!!

,

 

 

 

 

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

Daniel 1/8-10

Any right thinking faithful man would not defile himself by offering to eat  on a same table ,on par with a conqueror ,it was not a happy situation of merry making ,but a solemn and sad oppression ,

 

It was a situation where unmerited equality in sharing a table with a king who has brought them by force ,.

 

Separation/        There are deep differences in  culture and rituals associated with food offered in pagans and idols ,,,,,,I am not very sure of the pattern  that existed  at the kings palace ,,

 

The incident tells that Daniel was firm and faithful , In his resolve to deal with the official ,he showed restaint and gave the option to be his own master ,as far as food is concerned .,,he was open to make a request,that showed  his ultimate commitment is to his own tribe and his God ,,

 

Daniel allowed the Will of God in his life that the Plan of God is fulfilled through him ,by Taking The Stand !!!!

,

 

 

 

 

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I think Daniel took that stand because he knew he had no control over what the meat was to be, nor how it was handled.  I think he knew that he wanted a clear mind--open to God's leading, which he couldn't have if he partook of the heavy meats and the alcohol.  He would have been compromising himself.  I think Daniel had wisdom beyond his years and it was obvious that God was with him.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel? 

 

The Jewish faith includes rules on diet that are strict, even today, with kosher foods being the norm. Back then these rules were even more important. Daniel was accepting many things that he'd never expected perhaps. Imposing a diet seemed unwise, and he proved that the diet he lived by was better for him and probably for the others who were not willing to try his cultural heritage. Daniel had a deep rooted faith in the bible's commandments. His diet and faith in God's word kept him steadfast.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

Daniel took a stand when ordered to eat and drink the food from the king of Babylon's table because he did not want to defile the Jewish diet he kept, because of his belief's in the Mosaic law's, their food was to be of kosher preparation.

Eating the king's food would cause him to defile his conscience and belief in the law's handed down from Moses. These laws were received from the Lord.

By doing and obeying the laws of Leviticus 3:17, 11:1-47, 17:10-14, Daniel displays his love for the Lord his God and refuses to break the laws set down for food and preparation.     

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Food consumption is part of God's decrees given to Moses that the Jews must observe.  Naturally, Daniel was concern about defying God's law but he also trust in God's protection.  This trust is truly the faith that we need to have when we have to face a challenge of choice between obeying God's law and man's ruling.

It was Daniel's faith that had saved him and his friend from deifying God's law and the king's order.  God had use Daniel's faith to prove to the Babylonian king that there is no other gods than the one of the Jews.

The wisdom of Daniel was to submit himself to God's will by accepting the authority of the Babylonian king and let God showing His saving power.  His attitude was to stay humble at all times and ready to act as the Spirit of God inspired him.  Daniel did not claim any credit unto himself but God.  His obedience to God's will was the proof of his faith at all times.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) 

Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? 

How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? 

What does this tell you about Daniel?

The Jewish people were strict about obeying the dietary requirements of the Mosaic Law. So Daniel was concerned that he would be given food that had been offered to idols, and that it would contain the meat of unclean animals. Besides, the fact that it had been prepared by Gentiles also rendered it also unclean. To partake of such food would defile them. When it came to the wine, some commentators say that the Jewish people at that time drank their wine diluted with water – sometimes up to 10 parts of water to one part wine. The Babylonians did not dilute their wine. So both the food and the drink would have defiled these Jewish young men. Knowing the requirements of the Law governing what he should and should not eat and drink, Daniel wanted to please God in all he did. So even though he was not in his own land and living under a culture that did not follow God’s laws, he would still consider himself obedient to the Law. By excusing himself from eating and drinking the king’s food and wine, we find Daniel being courageous, determined, and obedient to God. 

 

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Daniel and his friends grew up knowing that the body is the temple of the Lord so they could not risk by defiling their bodies with the kings food and wine.

The Babylonians believed that the gods of the land were the ones who provided them with the food and by eating the food they will be defiling their bodies because they believed God as the only provider.

Daniel's faith in God could not be shaken even when it was tested. He stood his ground in his belief in God.

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I think that Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine because that was going to affect him physically. He might have believed in what you eat is what you are. The food that was being offered to Daniel was probably food that was cooked in pork or some other unclean meat and he didn’t want anything to do with that. This tells me that Daniel stood on his principles.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

 

Daniel resolved not to eat this food, either because it was forbidden by Jewish law, such as pork or because accepting the king’s food and drink was the first step toward depending on his gifts and favors. Although Daniel was in a culture that did not honor God, he still obeyed God’s laws.

 

Daniel “made up his mind” to be devoted to principle and to be committed to a course of action. When Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. Merely wanting or preferring God’s will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God.

 

It is easier to resist temptation if you have thought through your convictions before the temptation arises. Before such situations arise, decide on your commitments and what you will do. Then when temptation comes, you will be ready to say no.

 
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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

 

Daniel resolved not to eat this food, either because it was forbidden by Jewish law, such as pork or because accepting the king’s food and drink was the first step toward depending on his gifts and favors. Although Daniel was in a culture that did not honor God, he still obeyed God’s laws.

 

Daniel “made up his mind” to be devoted to principle and to be committed to a course of action. When Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. Merely wanting or preferring God’s will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God.

 

It is easier to resist temptation if you have thought through your convictions before the temptation arises. Before such situations arise, decide on your commitments and what you will do. Then when temptation comes, you will be ready to say no.

 
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Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

 

Here we see 4 boys, led by one in particular, and who knows out of how many total, that was probably just fed up and tired with all of the changes (and frankly, possibly some of the nonsense that was being presented to him as factual).  There are times in life when we are in situations or dealing with personalities that over time may seem wearing on the soul - it's tiring to have that feeling that you are pushing against a wall in your attempt to move forward (in life).  And that may have been what drove Daniel to take a stand - he can learn the language, he will listen to their thoughts on educational matters and theory, but now you are just crossing a line with telling me what I need to put inside of my body...especially considering that the food you want to give me has been food I have grown to detest even the site of.  And he took a stand.  

 

But even if my thought is correct that he was tired and fed up with all of the changes being forced up on him, he doesn't allow that to show through in his conversation with the official as he presents his request for an exception.  He remains calm and controlled and while we readers today do not discover until the new testament that we are more than conquerors through Christ, I think that Daniel may have already had a concept of God's favor on His people and those who seek to follow Him wholeheartedly and how that applied to him personally.  Oftentimes we are able to be more bold or ask for things that others may be to shy to (as we see here) because we have an understanding that we are a unique and purposeful creation.  Having this level of comfort and confidence allows us to maintain a peaceful nature when approaching or in the midst of a conflict.    

 

Daniel may not had needed to go to the extreme of eating only vegetables and drinking only water but what I love about the outcome here was that when the time came for a comparison to the others, there was no room for the king's food / program to receive the credit - once again we see that Daniel, knowingly or unknowingly at the time, sets up for God to be the only one that could receive the credit for the success and continued thriving of these boys that had been set apart.  With his actions in refusing to eat the king's food and masterful navigation for this be an acceptable exception for not only himself but his close friends, Daniel shows a maturity in his knowing of who he was, what he believed and where (Who) he came from that I think many individuals never reach.

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Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?

I believe that the king's diet included eating unclean animals because it seems obvious that it was sure to defile. Strictly observing jewish dietary rules meant not accepting the type of food. Daniel was brought up knowing that it was sin to eat any food that was forbidden by the jewish law. This simply means that Daniel was devoted to God and strictly stood for what he believed.

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Daniel was not going to eat the king's food because as a staunch Jew he followed strict regulations the Jews had concerning food. Eating that food was going to torment Daniel's conscience and show that he is not obedient to His God. Daniel was a true believer and obedient child of God.

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