9 “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
1:9
Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
Note that it was “God” who “brought Daniel into favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.” God intervened upon Daniel’s superiors to view him with goodwill. God did this for Joseph as well (Ge 39:21). God processes everything that every believer goes through. He never deserts us. God is faithful.
The word “goodwill” is often used in the Old Testament for God’s favor and unfailing love. God effected this attitude in Ashpenaz.
1:10
And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, ‘I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.’
Ashpenaz did not want the four young men to look less healthy, for he could lose his head through decapitation by the whim of Nebuchadnezzar. The king had specifically ordered the menu.
PRINCIPLE:
We trust God to deliver in His faithfulness.
APPLICATION:
Daniel willingly put his faith to the test because of his confidence in God’s sovereign provision for any need. Would he follow God or Nebuchadnezzar? He was on the horns of a dilemma. After having his name exchanged for a pagan Babylonian name, attending “Babylonian University,” working for a pagan government, and being challenged to eat non-kosher food, he drew a line in the sand.
The mark of a great man or woman is the willingness to go contrary to the herd. When great pressure comes upon you, can you make the right decision in the face of great odds?
