Daniel 1:12
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Original Language Analysis
נָ֥א
H4994
נָ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 13
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָמִ֣ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֣ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עֲשָׂרָ֑ה
I beseech thee ten
H6235
עֲשָׂרָ֑ה
I beseech thee ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
6 of 13
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
וְיִתְּנוּ
and let them give
H5414
וְיִתְּנוּ
and let them give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַזֵּרֹעִ֛ים
us pulse
H2235
הַזֵּרֹעִ֛ים
us pulse
Strong's:
H2235
Word #:
10 of 13
something sown (only in the plural), i.e., a vegetable (as food)
Historical Context
Pulse (Hebrew: zeroa'im, from zera, seed) refers to vegetables, legumes, or plant-based foods—likely lentils, beans, and grains forming typical Hebrew diet. This simple fare contrasted sharply with rich royal cuisine. Ten days represents a trial period—long enough to observe health effects but short enough to limit risk to Melzar if the experiment failed. Ancient understanding recognized that diet affected physical appearance and vigor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's willingness to be tested demonstrate confidence that God honors faithfulness with observable results?
- What does the proposal of a limited trial teach us about wise approaches to convincing others when conscience requires unconventional choices?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's proposal—'Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days'—demonstrates faith willing to be tested. The request for pulse (vegetables/legumes) and water represents the simplest diet, avoiding meat possibly offered to idols and rich foods violating dietary law. Ten days provides sufficient time to observe results without extended risk to Melzar. The humble 'I beseech thee' shows respectful petition rather than demand. Faith doesn't presume but trusts God to vindicate righteous choices through observable outcomes.