Idolatry and Seductive Temptation

At the very start the young men faced a decisive test of character. Arrangements had been made for them to eat the food and drink the wine that came from the king’s table. In this the king thought to express his interest in their welfare. But the food from the king’s table was consecrated to idols, and partaking of it would be seen as offering worship to the gods of Babylon. If they did this, Daniel and his companions would deny their faith and dishonor the principles of the law of God. Nor did they dare to risk the weakening effect of luxury and wrong habits of living on their physical, mental, and spiritual development. They were acquainted with the intemperance of Nadab and Abihu and its results (see Leviticus 10:1-11), and they knew that wine would injure their own physical and mental powers.RR 170.7

Daniel and his associates had been taught that God would hold them accountable for their capabilities and that they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers. The temptations in that corrupt and luxurious court were strong, but these Hebrew youth remained uncontaminated. No influence could sway them from the principles they had learned in early life by studying the Word and works of God.RR 171.1

Daniel might have found a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate habits. He might have argued that if he held to the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably lose his position and his life. By disregarding the commandment of the Lord, he would secure intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects.RR 171.2

But Daniel did not hesitate. He determined to stand firm. He “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank.” His three companions supported him in this.RR 171.3

In reaching this decision the Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously. They did not choose to be different, but they would accept being different rather than dishonor God. If they took the first wrong step, it would lead to others until, with their connection to Heaven broken, they would be swept away by temptation.RR 171.4

“God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs,” and the request was received with respect. Yet the chief hesitated. “I fear my lord the king,” he explained to Daniel. “For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”RR 171.5