This chapter sets the tone for the entire book. It tells us Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are some of those taken captive into Babylonian exile, and they’re taught to be advisors to the king of Babylon.
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank… At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. So the steward… gave them vegetables… the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and… none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah… And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.” (v8, 15-16, 18-20 abr)
In scripture, the kingdom of Babylon is synonymous with a sinful / worldly way of living. In fact, the ‘spiritual tradition of Babylon’ continues into Revelation and the final judgement. Daniel and his three friends resolve ‘not to defile themselves’ – this is mentioned specifically in a physical way, though based on the context in the book, they remain spiritually undefiled as well.
This is still applicable for us today – the sinful ways of the world tempt us with tasty morsels of (spiritual) food; yet, we need to let God define for us what is ‘good for food’ and what is ‘forbidden’. The world teaches that everything is permissible, though God clearly teaches what defiles us.
We get to choose what we consume – let’s make the healthy choice and eat the spiritual food God provides, keeping ourselves undefiled and pure for His service. If have have defiled ourselves, do not fear, God will purify and forgive us when we invite His cleansing / renewing work in our hearts.
Father God, our Sovereign Provider, we praise You for nurturing us spiritually. Thank you Holy Spirit for Your guidance, and for helping guard our hearts and minds from defilement. Please purify us from anything worldly that defiles us, for the Father’s glory and honor, and the building of Your kingdom, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training