The setting of the book of Daniel is when the Babylonians plundered Judah and carried off the people and their temple treasures to exile in Babylon. Then, the best of Judah’s young noblemen were trained for the king’s service and in Babylonian literature and language. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, who were given new names after the Babylonian gods. As captives, they had no rights and had to submit.

By faith, Daniel resolved not to eat the royal food or drink the royal wine given to them. Daniel’s decision required faith to keep his identity as God’s holy people and not give in to the pleasure-seeking and idol-worshiping culture. Thus, Daniel boldly asked for permission not to defile himself. God caused the king’s chief official to show Daniel favor. But the chief official refused Daniel’s request out of fear of the king. It seemed impossible to live a holy life.

Yet Daniel did not give up. By faith he asked his guard to give him and his friends only vegetables and water for ten days and test if they were not healthier. When he made a decision of faith, God blessed them to be healthier and the best of all those being trained. At the end of their 3 years of training, the king himself found none equal to them.
Application: Father, please help me to have the courage and wisdom to live a holy life by faith.
One Word: Daniel’s decision of faith to be holy