Bible Study: Daring to Stand - Part 2

In part 1 of this study, we noted that the situation for Daniel and his people was pretty grim. Daniel was kidnapped and taken far from home, given an new pagan name, and forced to learn Babylonian ways. In this second part, we will see how Daniel dared to stand for what he knew to be right. 

Daring to Stand (A Study of Daniel 1) Part 2  

<Recommended Reading: Daniel 1>


Verse 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.


Verse 8 is a challenge to each of us. Daniel was a teenager, faced with persecution and pressure like most of us have never seen. Yet, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself...” 

In the midst of the worst trial he had ever faced, this young man, far from home, far from the eyes of his parents and the eyes of the temple priest, chose to do what was right in God’s eyes. We are not told exactly how many young men were taken from Jerusalem, but we do know that only 4 took a stand – Daniel and his three friends.

Can you imagine the peer pressure under those circumstances? The others in the group were likely trying to discourage Daniel. “Come on, Daniel. Don't make waves. It was good to keep Torah back home, but it doesn't apply here. We're not in Israel any more. Your family will never know. Don't worry about it. Don't make waves. Don't be so uptight.”

But Daniel determined to keep himself pure and obey the commandments of the Lord despite what others were doing, despite pressure, despite possible punishment from his captors.


Think about the choice Daniel made here. If offered a choice between a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and a little bowl of mashed corn, what would you choose? David knew that the food from the king’s table had been offered to idols. He knew that it would not honor his God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, if he ate such food. He also knew that it might anger the king if he refused what was offered. The king could have killed him for it.


Verse 9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.


Think about that statement for a moment. Here was Daniel, snatched away from his family, far from all the comforts of home, and probably lonely and homesick. Do you see what God did? God brought him a friend and brought him comfort. 

Daniel was taken to Babylon around 605 B.C. Fast forward a few centuries to the time of the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation...” (2 Cor. 1:3-4). 

Both Daniel’s and Paul’s experiences seem so long ago and far away to us, but God has not changed. He is still the God of all comfort. He WILL comfort you in all your troubles, extending love and mercy to you and your situation.



Verse 10. The prince of the eunuchs liked Daniel and wanted to honor his request to keep himself undefiled with food from the king’s table, but was understandably afraid. When he said, “then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king,” it was no exaggeration. If Daniel and his friends had become ill, the king could very well have had this man beheaded for not insisting that his instructions be carried out. Regardless of the outcome, Nebuchadnezzar still may have been angered that his decree was not obeyed. So this man was in a very difficult situation. It is not recorded whether this man turned to the God of Israel or not but, for us as believers, we need to be aware that there may come a time when we have to make such a choice.


In America, we know little of persecution. Some of us have experienced negativity from coworkers or even family members because of the stand we have taken for the Lord in some way. But we have never faced real life threatening persecution as our brothers and sisters in places like China and India have. There is coming a day, and perhaps quite soon, when this will be a reality for American Christians who have become too comfortable in our cushioned pews. If it becomes illegal to pray in public, worship together and speak the truth, what will our response be? Will we defy the king to do what we know to be right? Will we obey the King of kings even if it means severe punishment from ungodly rulers? Something to think about...  Go to Part 3