Daniel 1:8-10 - Daniel resolved not to defile himself

1:8

While they accepted the new names they refused to eat what they considered to be defiled food. So Daniel has accepted a new name, and Babylonian education, but refuses the food. Why the distinction? There are various possibilities. One is that the food and drink may have been involved in offerings to idols, though this might be importing a New Testament controversy into the Old Testament. Another is that the food would not meet with Levitical food laws. Yet another option is that it implied close friendship or commitment to the king. We do not necessarily need a nice clear cut explanation. It could be that it went against Daniel’s conscience, and it is usually not wise to do anything that goes against one’s conscience. So “Daniel resolved not to defile himself”.

1:9,10

Having resolved not to defile himself, see how Daniel goes about implementing this resolve. First, what he does not do. He does not go about it in a high handed manner. He does not exalt himself, but acts humbly. We need to beware of falling into the trap of acting out of our flesh, for even if we are “right” we can easily end up being wrong in the way we pursue our “right” action. Note also “God had caused the official to show favour”. We are not alone, it is not all down to us. God acts as well, and He acts in such a way that if we act graciously and righteously we will succeed. We are to walk humbly with our God (Mic 6:8).