So he consented to thisThis phrase indicates the agreement of the Babylonian official, likely Ashpenaz or the steward under him, to Daniel's request. Daniel and his friends had asked to be tested with a diet of vegetables and water instead of the king's food and wine. This consent shows the favor Daniel found in the eyes of the official, which can be seen as God's providence at work. It reflects the theme of divine intervention and favor, as seen in other biblical narratives like Joseph in Egypt (
Genesis 39:21).
and tested them
The testing implies a trial period to evaluate the effects of the proposed diet. This reflects the wisdom and faith of Daniel and his friends, who trusted God to sustain them. The concept of testing is prevalent in Scripture, often associated with proving faithfulness and reliance on God, as seen in the testing of Abraham (Genesis 22) and the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2).
for ten days
The specific period of ten days is significant, as the number ten often symbolizes completeness or a full cycle in biblical numerology. This short period was sufficient to demonstrate the effectiveness of their diet and God's provision. The number ten is also seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the ten plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12), representing a complete set of divine instructions or judgments.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DanielA young Hebrew man of noble lineage taken into Babylonian captivity. He is known for his unwavering faith and wisdom.
2.
Hananiah, Mishael, and AzariahDaniel's companions, also taken into captivity. They are later known by their Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
3.
AshpenazThe chief official of King Nebuchadnezzar, responsible for the training of the young captives.
4.
BabylonThe empire that conquered Judah and took Daniel and his friends into captivity.
5.
The Ten-Day TestA period during which Daniel and his friends were allowed to eat only vegetables and drink water to prove their dietary choice would not diminish their health.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small ThingsDaniel's commitment to God's laws in dietary matters shows the importance of faithfulness in seemingly small decisions. This teaches us that our daily choices reflect our devotion to God.
Courage to Stand ApartDaniel and his friends demonstrated courage by choosing a different path from their peers. This encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it means being different from the world.
Trust in God's ProvisionBy choosing a simple diet, Daniel trusted that God would sustain him. This reminds us to rely on God's provision rather than conforming to worldly standards for success or well-being.
The Power of TestingThe ten-day test was a period of proving God's faithfulness. It teaches us that trials can be opportunities to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 1:14?
2.How does Daniel 1:14 demonstrate the importance of faith in God's provision?
3.What can we learn from Daniel's resolve to honor God in dietary choices?
4.How does Daniel 1:14 connect to Romans 12:2 about not conforming?
5.How can we apply Daniel's example of obedience in our daily lives today?
6.What role does trust in God play in making difficult decisions, like Daniel's?
7.How does Daniel 1:14 demonstrate faith in God's provision over human authority?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 1:14?
9.How does Daniel 1:14 challenge modern dietary practices and beliefs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 1?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'hair like wool'?
12.What is the Tribulation?
13.Does Daniel 1:12-15 realistically depict that a mere ten-day vegetable diet could visibly improve health compared to the king's provisions?
14.What are the ten days of tribulation?What Does Daniel 1:14 Mean
So he consented to this• The steward’s agreement shows God’s hidden hand turning hearts in favor of His faithful servants (Proverbs 21:1;Genesis 39:21).
• Daniel and his friends had respectfully appealed (Daniel 1:8–13); their integrity earned trust, echoingProverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”.
• This consent also underscores personal responsibility—Daniel didn’t wait for ideal circumstances; he acted in obedience where he was (James 4:17).
and tested them• A test measures authenticity. The steward wanted observable proof, much like Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40) or Elijah’s altar on Carmel (1 Kings 18:21-39).
• God often allows tests to refine rather than to ruin (1 Peter 1:7;Psalm 66:10).
• For Daniel’s group, diet became the arena; for us, it may be finances, relationships, or time—yet the principle remains: obedience invites examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).
for ten days• Ten in Scripture frequently signals completeness within limits—enough time to see results yet short enough to keep the door open for faith (Numbers 14:22;Revelation 2:10).
• Ten days paralleled common Babylonian evaluation periods for new captives, so the request was reasonable, not reckless.
• God’s people sometimes face “short-term” trials with long-term impact. Joseph’s two years in prison (Genesis 41:1) began with smaller tests; here, ten days paved the way for three years of royal training (Daniel 1:5).
summaryDaniel 1:14 highlights that obedience invites God’s favor, opens doors with authorities, and turns even brief trials into platforms for His glory. The steward’s consent, the deliberate test, and the defined ten-day window together reveal a God who honors faithfulness, proves His servants, and delivers tangible results that testify to His sovereignty.
Verse 14. -
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. The literal rendering is, And he
hearkened unto
them as to this matter,
proved them ten days. The Septuagint reading is again peculiar, "And he dealt with them after this manner, and proved them ten days."
ישמע is not very unlike
יעשה, nor
לדבד very unlike
כדבר, and this is all the change implied. The Massoretic reading seems the more natural, but it might be argued that this very naturalness is the result of an effort to make the Hebrew more flowing. But further, from the fact that
עֲשֵׂה. ('
asayh), imperative of the same verb, precedes almost immediately, the word might come in by accident, or another word somewhat like it might be misread into it. The consent of the subordinate official implies, if not the consent, at least the connivance, of the superior. As we have already explained from the arrangements of a Babylonian feast, the plan of the Hebrew youths could the more easily be carried out.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So he consentedוַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto thisהַזֶּ֑ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatand tested themוַיְנַסֵּ֖ם(way·nas·sêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5254:To test, to attemptfor tenעֲשָׂרָֽה׃(‘ă·śā·rāh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235:Tendays.יָמִ֥ים(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
Links
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OT Prophets: Daniel 1:14 So he listened to them in this (Dan. Da Dn) 
