Daniel 1:10

but he said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!"

Study Bible

but he said to Daniel,
This phrase introduces the response of Ashpenaz, the chief official, to Daniel's request. Daniel, a young Hebrew captive, is in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar's rule. The interaction highlights Daniel's respectful approach and the official's concern, setting the stage for the test of faith and obedience to God's laws.

“I fear my lord the king,
Ashpenaz expresses his fear of King Nebuchadnezzar, known for his absolute power and harsh punishments. This fear reflects the political climate of Babylon, where the king's word was law, and disobedience could lead to severe consequences. The king's authority is a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel, illustrating the tension between earthly power and divine authority.

who has assigned your food and drink.
The king's provision of food and drink was intended to assimilate the captives into Babylonian culture, including dietary practices contrary to Jewish law. This phrase underscores the challenge faced by Daniel and his friends to maintain their religious identity in a foreign land. The dietary laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy emphasize purity and obedience to God, which Daniel seeks to uphold.

For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age?
Ashpenaz is concerned about the physical appearance of Daniel and his friends, which was a measure of their health and suitability for service in the king's court. This concern reflects the Babylonian emphasis on physical appearance and capability. The phrase also foreshadows the miraculous outcome of Daniel's faithfulness, as God honors their commitment by keeping them healthy.

You would endanger my head before the king!”
The phrase highlights the personal risk Ashpenaz faces if he disobeys the king's orders. In ancient Near Eastern courts, failure to comply with royal decrees could result in execution. This statement underscores the high stakes involved in Daniel's request and the courage required to stand firm in faith. It also sets the stage for God's intervention, demonstrating His sovereignty and protection over those who trust Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A young Hebrew man taken into Babylonian captivity, known for his faithfulness to God and his wisdom.

2. The Official (Chief of the Eunuchs)
The Babylonian official responsible for overseeing the young captives, including Daniel, and ensuring they adhere to the king's orders.

3. The King (Nebuchadnezzar)
The ruler of Babylon who ordered the training and assimilation of the young Hebrew captives.

4. Babylon
The empire where Daniel and his friends were taken captive, known for its wealth, power, and pagan practices.

5. The King's Food and Drink
The royal provisions assigned to Daniel and his friends, which they sought to avoid to remain faithful to their dietary laws.

Teaching Points

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
The official's fear of the king contrasts with Daniel's fear of God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize God's commands over human authority when they conflict.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Daniel's situation teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God's principles, even when faced with potential danger or loss.

Wisdom in Negotiation
Daniel's respectful and wise approach to the official demonstrates how to navigate challenging situations with tact and faith.

Trust in God's Provision
Daniel's confidence in God's provision, despite the official's concerns, encourages believers to trust God to meet their needs when they honor Him.

Influence through Integrity
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness eventually led to influence and favor in a foreign land, showing the power of a consistent, godly witness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Daniel's response to the official's fear reflect his trust in God, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

2. In what ways can the fear of man be a snare in our daily decisions, and how can we overcome it with a fear of God?

3. How does Daniel's approach to the official demonstrate wisdom and respect, and how can we apply similar principles in our interactions with authority figures?

4. What are some modern-day "king's foods" that might tempt us to compromise our faith, and how can we remain faithful like Daniel?

5. How does Daniel's account encourage us to maintain our integrity and witness in environments that are hostile to our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 1:8
This verse highlights Daniel's resolve not to defile himself with the king's food, setting the stage for the conversation in verse 10.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse speaks about the fear of man being a snare, which relates to the official's fear of the king.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels Daniel's commitment to God's laws over the king's commands.