DANIEL 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. [King James translation]
Daniel 1:11 Daniel talked it over with the steward who was appointed by the superintendent to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Misha-el, and Azariah, and suggested a ten-day diet of only vegetables and water: then, at the end of this trial period the steward could see how they looked in comparison with the other fellows who ate the king’s rich food, and decide whether or not to let them continue their diet. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
The king of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem with his armies, because GOD allowed him victory, and many of the Israelites were taken to Babylon as captives. The king thinking into the future, decided to bring some of the captured youth into the Babylonian culture, by training them for three years and then taking “the cream of the crop” to become his counselors. Among the chosen youth were three young men from the tribe of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Misha-el and Azariah. The king assigned all of these captives the best food and drink from his own kitchen. (Daniel 1:5)
One of these young men, Daniel, “made up his mind” (the King James translation states “purposed in his heart”) not to eat the king’s food and wine. Much speculation has been given why Daniel was so resolute about rejecting the King’s food and drink and instead proposing a simple diet of vegetables and water. Some believe that the refusal was based on “not defiling himself” it was a matter of Daniel not wanting to go against his faith or the WORD of GOD. Some believe that King’s meat probably included meats that under the law of Moses, were unclean animals. For example, the law forbade eating camel, hare, pigs (i.e., swine), vulture, ravine, owl, swan, pelican, hawk, eagle, the cuckoo, heron, bat, stork and water creatures without fins or scales. (See, Leviticus 11:12-19).
Some believe that following Proverbs 23:1, Daniel did not want to eat with a ruler or desire his delicacies, knowing that the food was just a trap and step toward Babylonian indoctrination and the worship of Babylonian gods instead of the worship of the one true GOD.
Some believe that Daniel was familiar with Proverbs 23:20-21, which warned young men [which wisdom today extends to everyone] about the dangers of becoming a drunkard and which describes excessive alcohol use as a path to poverty. Proverbs 23:29-35 describes a number of problems of drinking too much, including: bloodshot eyes, delirious tremors, hallucinations, the tendency to fight and quarrel, saying foolish things or silly thing that would embarrass a person if he (or she) were sober, staggering about and not even knowing when he (or she) is hurt or beaten; instead, just looking to find another drink. (See Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-35; Living Bible translation).
One old testament scholar, Robert Dick Wilson, speculates that the Babylonians may have been fond of drinking blood with wine, a practice which Daniel would have also again considered defiling. See, Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17. See, Robert Dick Wilson, Studies in the Book of Daniel, one vol. ed. (n.p.: By the author, 1917; repr., Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1979), 2:251.
Others have speculated that Daniel’s rejection of the king’s food and drink was because it was first offered to idol gods.
Some might suggest the Daniel test as to whether to eat or drink included the following:
- Is eating or drinking this consistent with scripture (e.g., is it consistent with scripture that I treat my body as a temple of GOD’s Holy Spirit (See, 1 Cor 6:19);
- Are my motives and the giver’s motives pure? (e.g. Am I drinking too much because everyone else is drinking too much? Am I trying “to look” or act like someone else I envy? Does someone else have an un-pure motive in trying to influence me to eat or drink this?
- Would eating or drinking this do harm to me or others? (e.g., Will I likely do something that will be embarrassing after drinking or eating this? Am I role-modeling the right behavior?)
When presented with his food or drink test, Daniel chose his faith and won.
Inflammation and Foods
Inflammation is a part of the body’s immune system. It can be both good and bad. For example, when there is an infection or bacteria or virus, the body’s white cells and the substances they produce recognize damaged cells, an irritant or pathogen and begin the healing process. So inflammation is part of the body’s repair system. However, sometimes the body’s own protective immune system causes damage to the body itself. In other words, the body responds to normal tissue as if it were infected or abnormal. Sometimes certain diseases are associated with inflammation, such as some types of arthritis, (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, allergy and others. See, “What is Inflammation,” by https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation#1-2.
Some foods are also considered anti-inflammatory and some foods are considered inflammatory foods. Some experts will suggest that if you have a medical condition or disease that causes inflammation, in addition to medication that your personal physician may prescribe, an anti-inflammatory diet may help too. See, “Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Road to Good Health?” https://www.webmd.com/diet/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health#1. However, you should always consult your own personal physician regarding your own condition and what is best for you.
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Some anti-inflammatory foods include: lots of fruits and vegetables (e.g. leafy greens like kale and spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, tomatoes and beans), broccoli, avocado, grapes, nuts and whole grains.
See, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods#section9/.
Inflammatory Foods
Some foods that can cause inflammation include cakes, cookies, soda, sweet drinks, high fat and processed meats (like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, smoked meats, beef jerky), butter, whole milk, cheese. However, low fat dairy products are not considered inflammatory.
See also, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation.
Again. consult your physician for what’s right for you.
Have Faith
Sometimes what to eat or drink is not simple. In fact, sometimes, food and drink decision-making can be really difficult, especially when the decision seems to be going against the tidal wave of popular culture or against the cultural flow. But, like Daniel, sometimes we, whether young or old, simply have to refuse to submit and have faith, especially when there are better physically and spiritually healthy alternatives.
Today, consider all of your food and drink alternatives. Pray about them. Make an appointment with your personal physician if you have questions or concerns. Learn how you can improve your food and drink choices to improve your health.
Have faith. Be resolute and BE BLESSED!
