Ardent American Patriot and Lover of Israel
The Four Friends of God
“Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8
In the first chapter of Daniel, the testimony of four unique friends of God are retold. Ashpenaz, the master of the eunuchs, was given the responsibility of grooming Israel’s finest children for service in the king’s palace. (Daniel 1:3)
These children, themselves slaves to a foreign king, were to be; without blemish, well favoured, possess unusual wisdom, be cunning in knowledge, understand science and more – in other words, represent the finest and elite of all of Israel’s children. The king’s reasoning was logical – by grooming Israel’s finest children for service, he would have at his disposal, an incredible wealth of talent ready for use in the daily operations of the kingdom. (Daniel 1:4)
From amongst all of Israel’s children were four young men in particular; Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Ashpenez, appointed by the king to groom them for his service, renamed them Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (Daniel 1:6-7)
Ashpenez was given explicit instructions to feed all of these elite Jewish slaves from the his own menu:
“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.” Daniel 1:5
Daniel though, perceived the king’s intentions. He knew that, within three years – the majority of his peers, having been “wined and dined” by the king – would become seduced into following after the “good life” living and serving a wicked king. More importantly, they would become more apt to forget the God of Israel.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8
Daniel had discernment and wisdom. Along with his three closest friends; the four appealed to the prince of the eunuchs -convincing Ashpenez to feed them nothing more than “bread and water” for ten days! The bible records an astounding fact. At the end of ten days these four friends of God were healthier, more vibrant and sharper in thought – more so than all their peers who enjoyed the temporary pleasures of the king’s seduction! (Daniel 1:11-14)
“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” Daniel 1:15
Did God notice? Yes!
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17
What can we Christians learn from this amazing story? God observes all we do and is pleased when we seek to obey and trust Him for our provisions. God is more than willing to bless that man, woman or child who – rejecting the pleasures of this world and all its trappings – seek Him first! (see Proverbs 4:24-27 )
“And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:19-20
