“Daniel Purposed In His Heart”

Daniel one focuses on Daniel and his three friends refusing to eat the king’s food for fear of eating things that God considered unclean (v. 8-16). These four young men stand out for their bravery and resolve to stand for the Lord even while living in a foreign land where they are considered slaves and captives from Jerusalem. If we were in their place, would we be this brave? Would we give up on God? Would we consider this “no big deal” and just go with the “flow”? It is interesting to me to note that while Daniel and his three friends could not go back to Jerusalem, they saw a way in which they could serve God in captivity and acted.

We see a significant statement when we learn, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8). To purpose in one’s heart means he had made this decision already. He had not made this decision haphazardly or at the proverbial “last minute.” He had determined what he would do and why and then set about to make sure this would happen.

Once he decided this, we see he started early to request of the “prince of the eunuchs” that he would not defile himself with this food (Dan. 1:8). In reading this text, it seems there was a “chain of command” where Daniel dealt with a man with the title “Melzar” (butler or court officer, v. 11) who then reported to the prince of the eunuchs concerning Daniel’s request and then the prince gave the decision to Melzar who told Daniel, etc. I find this chapter very interesting for a few reasons.

First, this section shows us the character of Daniel and his friends. Daniel’s “purpose” must have come very early, for he is speaking to Melzar about their food. Seeing that these young men were fed daily, he had to have said something very early in their captivity. This is not describing someone waiting weeks and months before taking action. Once he has a chance to speak to Melzar, he speaks.

Second, we see a young man who finds a way to compromise with his captors without compromising God’s commands. These young men show they have a “level head” in this situation (Prov. 15:1). This was not their attempt at a hunger strike! This was not some kind of protest that would make Melzar and the prince look bad before Nebuchadnezzar. This was a firm and sincere request that the food be changed so they could honor their God while living in this land. When word came back that their request was denied (Dan. 1:10), Daniel did not give up but suggested an alternative. “Prove thy servants,” he requested (v. 12). This was satisfactory to all involved (v. 14), and the testing began.

The result was that these men looked very healthy, so the king’s food was removed so they could eat things that were “clean” in the sight of God (Dan. 1:15-16).

What do I learn from this? I learned that as often as I can, I need to have the foresight to decide what I will do before I get into situations that can become sinful. What do I mean by this? “No one can predict the future,” someone says. It is true that no one can predict the future. Still, we can decide ahead of time that we will make decisions that will honor Christ! Single people can determine that when they go on dates, they will make sure these are events that do not stir up lust and similar problems (I Jn. 2:16). Paul said, “Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:14). Young people can spend time together and help one another not to stir up lusts that ought not to be stirred (Song of Sol 2:7, 3:5, 8:4).

Temptations to do drugs or drink, to lie and many other actions can be avoided if we plan and decide how we will act before it becomes an issue! Sometimes, it means not hanging around certain people or not working in certain environments. While I recognize temptations can come from many places, and we cannot avoid them altogether (Jas. 1:14-15), we can certainly fight against many such sins when we “purpose in (our) heart” what we will do before it becomes an issue! Indeed, this applies to many areas of life, not merely the things named in this short article.

This text also teaches me how to approach others (Prov. 15:1). Notice that Daniel requested that he would not have to eat that food he considered “unclean.” He did this early in his captivity and first worked within the system to effect a change. He tried to work with those over him for a compromise where he could please God and still have those over him look good. Daniel did not give up when told “no” the first time, either (Dan. 1:10, 12). He did not crumble at the first sign of opposition from someone who did not appreciate or care about his God or his feelings.

Are there not times when we could do the same thing? When an employer asks us to work during worship times, can we not speak up and offer some alternatives? While I recognize some jobs require us to be on-call or present 24/7 (doctors, etc), not all jobs are this way. What about our children and their sports or other extra-curricular activities? Too many will give in to a coach, etc., and will allow their children not to be present at worship or on a mid-week Bible study because they are afraid to speak up. Don’t be afraid! Be a Daniel and speak up early about these things! Maybe you can suggest moving the practice or other event to an earlier time or another day and be able to have the best of both! When my boys were in sports and other activities, I found it interesting that many times, coaches and others never considered alternatives simply because no one spoke up! Evidently, others were too afraid! Don’t be afraid, be a Daniel!

Who knows what good can be accomplished when we follow in the footsteps of such a man as Daniel and his three friends (Rom. 15:4)?

- Jarrod M. Jacobs