The account of Daniel's decision that "he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine" (Dan. 1:8) is a story with which Latter-day Saints can greatly identify.

Daniel and three friends - Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego - were taken to the king's court to be taught "the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." (Dan. 1:4.)While in the king's court, the young men were offered meat (food) and wine, of which they refused to partake. It is generally believed among many scholars,

particularly Latter-day Saints, that Daniel's refusal to eat the food provided in the king's court may have included the following:

- Some of the foods used by the Babylonians were likely among the items forbidden for consumption in the Mosaic law.

- Babylonians, like other heathens, ate beasts that had not been properly drained of blood and thereby violated the Mosaic law.

- The heathens consecrated the food at their feasts by offering up part of the food and drink as sacrifices to their gods. Consuming such food would be participating in the worship of false gods.

By refusing to partake of the king's food and drink, Daniel and his companions were faithful to the Lord's commandments that had been outlined in the Mosaic law.

The John A. Dickson Publishing Company's commentary in the King James Bible states:

"These four young men were placed in an embarrassing position when the luxuries of the court were placed before them. . . . They proposed a simpler and coarser fare which they declared would be more beneficial. They specified a certain time as a test to justify their choice of food and drink. But the real test in the matter was the test of character.

"What an example for young men placed in circumstances in which they should withstand the temptations of companions! This is one of the great examples in the Word of God, setting before the young the course of conduct in the testing time."

President Spencer W. Kimball noted there was a direct tie between Daniel's adherence to the laws of health and the additional spiritual powers he received later. In an address at the Mexico Area Conference in 1972, President Kimball said:

"The gospel was Daniel's life. The Word of Wisdom was vital to him. In the king's court, he could be little criticized, but even for a ruler he would not drink the king's wine nor gorge himself with meat and rich foods."

President Kimball said Daniel's moderation and purity brought him health, wisdom, knowledge, skill and understanding. And, said President Kimball, Daniel's faith linked him closely to his Father in heaven, and revelations came to him as often as required.

"His revealing of the dreams of the king and the interpretations thereof brought him honor and acclaim and gifts and high position such as many men would sell their souls to get," said President Kimball.

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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: The Voice of Israel's Prophets, by Sidney B. Sperry; October 1985 and October 1986 general conference reports.