Daniel’s Dilemma

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good:

and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Proverbs 16:20

Daniel had been taken captive during Nebuchadnezzar’s raid on Jerusalem. The Babylonians had marched Daniel hundreds of miles away from his home and family. He was but a youth. Most of the people were speaking a language he did not understand. He was among many teens who were to be trained in all the ways of the Babylonians. He would be expected to learn quickly. King Nebuchadnezzar had no qualms in disposing of those he did not like.

Daniel had been taught the Scriptures, and he loved the Lord. His family had probably participated in the revival under king Josiah. Daniel had three friends who also loved God and wanted to obey the Scriptures. We mostly know them by the Chaldean names they were given: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

What was Daniel’s dilemma?

The king had prepared a feast for the young men that included wine and ceremonially unclean meats such as pork. Daniel and the three young men with him did not want to offend those in charge of them; however, it was against their understanding of the Scriptures to eat and drink this food.

1. Daniel could have compromised and justified the situation saying, “Everyone else is doing it” “What happens in Babylon stays in Babylon.”

2. Daniel could have taken the food and drink but not have eaten it. But then he would damage his testimony and maybe even gotten in serious trouble.

3. Daniel wisely consulted meekly with Melzar.

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Melzar oversaw Daniel and the young men. He feared that if Daniel and his three friends did not eat the food provided for them, and if they started looking feeble, then he might lose his life. Daniel wisely and calmly negotiated a ten-day trial. Daniel and his three friends would eat vegetables and drink water for ten days, then Melzar could see if they looked healthy. They easily passed the test.

Daniel and his three friends studied and learned well all they needed to learn to be profitable in working in the king’s administration. Daniel would prosper for almost seventy more years as a leader in Babylon.