But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. (Daniel 1:8 NIV).
Daniel and his three friends were among those who were taken captive to Babylon. They were among the young men from the royal family and nobility who were selected to be trained for three years in the language and literature of the Babylonians and be given the royal food and wine, which might have been offered to idols or not prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.
Daniel’s decision to avoid defilement shows his courage and integrity. He and his friends remained faithful to their beliefs despite being in a foreign land with different customs and pressures. Their action serves as an example to us on making difficult choices to uphold our faith and principles. As Christ’s disciples, we should know what and when to abstain from things that do not glorify our master and be courageous enough to remain faithful to our faith, even in challenging or difficult circumstances.
