Daniel 1:16
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַמֶּלְצַ֗ר
Thus Melzar
H4453
הַמֶּלְצַ֗ר
Thus Melzar
Strong's:
H4453
Word #:
2 of 10
the butler or other officer in the babylonian court
נֹשֵׂא֙
took away
H5375
נֹשֵׂא֙
took away
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְיֵ֖ין
and the wine
H3196
וְיֵ֖ין
and the wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
6 of 10
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
מִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑ם
that they should drink
H4960
מִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑ם
that they should drink
Strong's:
H4960
Word #:
7 of 10
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
Historical Context
Wine in ancient Near East was standard beverage, often safer than water in urban areas. Wine dedicated to gods in libation ceremonies created the same conscience problem as meat. Melzar's permanent policy change protected Daniel's group for the remaining training period (likely nearly three years). This unprecedented accommodation demonstrated God's favor and established precedent for future requests. The simple diet proved sustainably superior throughout their education.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's transformation of a trial into permanent accommodation encourage us that He rewards proven faithfulness with enlarged freedom?
- What does this teach us about the power of demonstrated results in convincing others to accommodate our convictions?
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Analysis & Commentary
The outcome—'Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse'—shows complete victory. The test became permanent policy. God's vindication of faithfulness convinced pagan authority to accommodate conscience. This represents the ideal outcome: maintaining convictions while fulfilling institutional requirements, with authority's blessing. The removal of wine (also potentially offered to idols) shows comprehensive triumph over compromise. God rewards faithfulness with enlarged freedom to obey.