SERMON: “Results of an Uncompromised Life” (Dan. 1:11–21)
“Results of an Uncompromised
Life”
(Dan. 1:11–21)
Series: “Daniel:
God’s Sovereign Plans” #4 Text: Daniel 1:11–21
By: Shaun
Marksbury Date: June 29, 2025
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church Occasion: PM Service
I.
Introduction
The world is a powerful force, constantly pressing us to
conform to its values, its priorities, and its ways. Last time, we talked about how the world wants
us to conform. We don’t always realize
the subtle cues around us, and sometimes, they stand as literal billboards on
the roadside. Either way, there is a god
of this age (2 Cor. 4:4) that calls us away from the Lord of Hosts. Therefore, this world will urge us to
compromise our convictions for the sake of comfort, acceptance, or survival.
We noted that Daniel and his friends were facing such
pressures. Yet, Daniel takes a stand
despite the dangers to himself, and his companions do the same. This remnant wasn’t satisfied to compromise conviction
and chose to stand without compromise.
This didn’t mean that they were arrogant, but they followed the revealed
will of God with reverence and respect.
We might ask what the consequences are for living such an
uncompromised life. We would be lying to
say that there is always a favorable outcome — from the world’s
perspective. We know Jeremiah was being
mistreated around the same time for his faithfulness to God. Many of the saints have been persecuted and
died. That’s the potential cost we must
count when we serve God: there is a risk!
However, that is not always required of the Lord, nor is it
the lot of the majority of believers. The
Lord has many plans, and that includes placing people into positions of
influence in society. That is what we
see with Daniel and his friends.
Whatever the Lord’s plans are for us, there are certain results
in our lives if we live them committed to the Lord. First, an uncompromising life is bold (vv.
11–16). Second, an uncompromising life
is blessed (v. 17). Third, an
uncompromising life is recognized (vv. 18–21).
Let’s consider the first of these.
II.
First, An Uncompromising Life is Bold (vv. 11–16)
But Daniel said to
the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please
test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and
water to drink. Then let our appearance
be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating
the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
So he listened to them in this matter
and tested them for ten days. At the end
of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the
youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. So the overseer continued to withhold their
choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.
You will remember that Daniel had already asked Ashpenaz,
the command of the officials, if he could abstain from the meat and wine of the
king’s table (v. 8). Even though God had
granted Daniel favor in his sight, he still responded in the negative — he was
afraid of the king (vv. 9–10)! For most
people, that would be the end of that.
However, God seems to grant young Daniel here a boldness, as
well as an idea. He doesn’t give up but
instead turns to a lower-ranking official, described here as “the overseer” — a
term often translated “steward” or “guardian.”
The KJV transliterates this Hebrew noun as a name (“Melzar”), but that isn’t
what’s indicated here. Instead, this is
a role of oversight, not merely guarding but nurturing the young men as they
adjusted to Babylonian life.[1] This person was directly responsible for the
care of Daniel and his friends, as a subordinate of Ashpenaz.[2]
Daniel’s choice to approach this overseer shows strategic
boldness. He approached a lesser
magistrate of sorts, someone with direct authority over their daily provisions. Perhaps this person had less risk than Ashpenaz
did, but the request also takes the chief official’s concerns into
consideration.
Daniel’s proposal in v. 12 was both humble and tactful. He suggests a test: “Please test your
servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to
drink.” Now, we might think of some
nice, buttery, roasted vegetables, but that may not have been all he had in
mind. The Hebrew word for “vegetables,” translated
“pulse” in the KJV, refers to things all things grown from seed — potentially
including grains like wheat and barley[3] and even fruits. [4]
We might think of this as a healthy diet, but it is
potentially “high-carb” with little-to-no protein. We might also think the same about water. Studies repeatedly show the benefits of
drinking water, especially in our culture that takes in way too many sugars and
caffeine in our drinks. However, plain water could be dangerous in the
ancient world, full of disease, which is why most — Jews and Gentiles — mixed
in a little wine to kill what we understand to be microbes. Daniel’s diet would not have been considered
the healthiest choice by Babylonian standards, with valid concern.
Yet, Daniel was trusting God. Unlike the king’s rich food and wine, which were likely dedicated to idols
(v. 8), these foods were clean according to Mosaic law. By avoiding wine, he underscores his desire to
avoid anything associated with pagan worship.
Yet, he places a safe time-constraint on this test: ten days. The Babylonian officials assumed Daniel and
his friends would appear weaker, so this would test that theory without
providing danger to Ashpenaz. Yet,
Daniel trusts God will demonstrate His faithfulness through this test. This is not just a bold proposal, but also
bold faith!
Daniel continues in v. 13, calling for objective evaluation. Daniel continues, “Then let our appearance be
observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the
king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.” He invites the overseer to personally inspect them,
ensuring an objective comparison between their appearance and that of the other
youths. Daniel’s willing to let the results speak for themselves — the God of
heaven is the Creator of all, and His ways are visible to those who inspect
them.
What’s the result of Daniel’s boldness? In v. 14, we read that the overseer agrees! His decision likely required Ashpenaz’s
approval, as the overseer was under his authority,[5] so this approval may also demonstrate
more of v. 9, that “God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the
commander of the officials.” In other
words, God moves the hearts of these pagan officials to honor Daniel’s request.
As Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s
heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever
He wishes.” God’s sovereignty ensures
that His faithful servants have success, even in a foreign land!
And, in v. 15, we indeed see miraculous results. We read that, at the end of the ten days, “Their
appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been
eating the king’s choice food.” The
phrase “fatter” isn’t a reference to obesity, but rather, healthiness and
robust development; the NET Bible captures this well: “Their bodies were
healthier.” On a diet of vegetables, grains, and water, they had a notable increase
developmentally over the other youth, having grown in muscle and vitality. This outcome defies natural expectations, as any
diet should not produce such superior results in such a short time, especially when
compared to the king’s rich provisions.
They proved that man doesn’t live by bread alone (cf. Deut. 8:3; Matt.
4:4), as the only explanation is God’s miraculous intervention.
The overseer, convinced by the results, makes the change
permanent in v. 16. Even an unbeliever
could not deny the work of the Lord! The
test’s success validates Daniel’s faith and ensures their continued adherence
to God’s standards.
How do you handle the issues of life? As one commentator notes,
When it comes to solving the
problems of life, we must ask God for the courage to face the problem humbly
and honestly, the wisdom to understand it, the strength to do what He tells us
to do, and the faith to trust Him to do the rest. Our motive must be the glory of God and not
finding a way of escape. The important
question isn’t, ‘How can I get out of this?’ but, ‘What can I get out of this?’
The Lord used this private test to
prepare Daniel and his friends for the public tests they would face in years to
come. The best thing about this
experience wasn’t that they were delivered from compromise, as wonderful as
that was, but that they were developed in character. No wonder God called Daniel ‘greatly beloved’
(Dan. 9:23; 10:11, 19), for he was very much like His Beloved Son.[6]
An uncompromising life receives boldness from God, rooted in
a faith trusts God to act. It isn’t arrogant
— Daniel’s respectful approach shows us how to stand firm without alienating
others. God not only grants but also honors
such bold faith, even preparing us for greater tests as our trust in God’s
faithfulness grows.
III.
Second, An Uncompromising Life is Blessed (v.
17)
As for these four
youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature
and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.
We might consider the decision to withhold the defiling food
from these young men as a win, and it is.
However, God isn’t finished with just that blessing! They are endowed with the everything they
need to rise to their new positions. Sometimes,
a trial gives way to abundant blessings!
Note that this is a nod again to God’s sovereignty. Just as we’ve seen God can give one over for
judgment (v. 2) or give one favor in the sight of another (v. 9). We wrongly think of intelligence as static,
and God can grant wisdom and knowledge.
He did with Solomon; “Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning
heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like
you arise after you” (1 Kings 3:12). In
Daniel 2:21, we’ll read, “He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of
understanding.” If we find ourselves
lacking, we can seek the Lord, who grants both wisdom and knowledge as He sees
fit. There may be times He withholds for
His purposes, but we should not ever see our condition as immutable.
What God granted here applied to “every branch of literature and wisdom.” This likely refers to
the Chaldean curriculum, including sciences, astrology, omen-reading, and
divination practices; one study notes that this included “the examination of
livers, kidneys, and other animal entrails, and the examination of the organs
and flight patterns of birds.”[7]
To be clear, Daniel and his friends
would have avoided any pagan rituals condemned by Scripture (Lev. 19:26). Yet, they understood the information of the
day and could interact with it in a God-honoring way, without being drawn away
after the world. They demonstrated more maturity,
by God’s grace, than most adults!
The text also singles out a unique gift for Daniel: he “understood
all kinds of visions and dreams.” This
gift foreshadows his role as a prophet interpreting divine revelations in this
book (cf. Dan. 2:19; 7:1; 8:1). As The
Reformation Study Bible notes, this is like Joseph in Pharaoh’s court (Gen.
41:16); Daniel’s ability to interpret dreams and visions sets him apart as
God’s spokesman.
In case there was any doubt, these are divine revelations.[8] A vision takes place while the prophet is
awake, and a dream while he is asleep. This
gift was highly valued in Babylon, where dream interpretation was a prized
skill among magicians.[9] Yet, this gift isn’t so much for Daniel’s benefit
as it is for the glory of God!
An uncompromising life receives God’s blessings, often in
ways that equip us for His service. God
may not grant us the same gifts as Daniel, but James 1:17 reminds us that
“every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.” When we stand firm, God provides what we need —
wisdom, strength, or opportunities — to fulfill His purposes. He invites us to seek His wisdom (James 1:5)
and to trust that He equips us for the tasks He assigns.
Some may wonder if God still speaks through dreams and
visions today. While such revelations
were common in biblical times, the completed canon of Scripture now serves as
our primary source of divine guidance (2 Tim. 3:16–17). We should test any supposed revelation against
God’s Word, ensuring it aligns with His truth. [10]
Will others be able to tell that God has blessed us? Of course!
That brings us to the final point:
IV.
Third, An Uncompromising Life is Recognized (vv.
18–21)
Then at the end of
the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the
officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all
not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered
the king’s personal service. As for
every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them,
he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in
all his realm. And Daniel continued
until the first year of Cyrus the king.
The education and training of the youths lasted three years (v.
5). At the end of that time, they must
face King Nebuchadnezzar.[11] So, Ashpenaz brings them before the king — a
moment of high stakes for both the youths and their overseers. The phrase “end of the days” here may hint at
the eschatological themes that will unfold in Daniel’s visions, but here it
simply marks the completion of their training.
This will be a time for the king’s own personal
examination. So, in v. 19, he conducts
his interviews. He finds that, “out of
them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” This indicates their unparalleled excellence,
set apart by their God-granted wisdom (v. 17).
So, they enter “the king’s personal service.” Again, like Joseph before Pharaoh (Gen.
41:46), they find themselves elevated to positions of influence, serving as
advisors in the king’s court. As one
commentary notes, “Daniel was not boasting by including this information, for
he already had made clear that wisdom was a gift from God.”[12] This was a testimony to God’s work through
them.
The next verse continues to explain highlight their
superiority, saying they were “ten times better than all the magicians and
conjurers who were in all his realm.” That
phrase is likely a rhetorical expression for complete superiority,[13] not
a literal measurement (cf. Gen. 31:7). This
was all to God’s glory.
Daniel and his friends will need the blessing of the Lord. Their co-workers will be “magicians” and
“conjurers.” Don’t think of magicians as
men in suits pulling rabbits out of hats; these were occultists who spent most
of their time as scribes, chronicling information like movements in the stars for
divine information[14]
(as such, the term “astrologer” might be more fitting, though they also studied
omens and dream interpretation). The “conjurers”
were enchanters, those who cast spells and engaged in necromancy, communicating
with the dead.[15]
These seems like an extent kind of world, but it is not. As one commentary notes, “These pagan
practices today seem distant and, frankly, ridiculous to most people, yet
throughout the centuries there have been those committed to such activities. With the rise of certain modern religious
movements, communicating with the spirit world through mediums or channels
(called witches and sorcerers in the Bible) is again becoming popular.”[16] There are popular forums for people who want
to experiment with witchcraft and sorcery, and in this post-Christian culture,
it is a growing trend.
Yet, we need not fear.
Daniel and his friends, empowered by God, surpassed them without
engaging in pagan practices. This exalts
God’s wisdom above the world’s (cf. Dan. 2:2; 4:18), and the same
God reigns today.
The passage concludes, “And Daniel continued until the first
year of Cyrus the king.” This highlights
the divine endurance God gave Daniel in this pagan land throughout the
Babylonian captivity. He remained until
Cyrus’s decree in 539 BC, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem (Ezra
1:1–4).[17] In fact, this doesn’t mean he died immediately
after that — only that God kept him through the entire captivity.[18] Daniel’s career, spanning over six decades,
demonstrates God’s faithfulness to sustain His servant in a pagan environment.
Unbelievers recognize an uncompromising life. Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, saw God’s hand
in Daniel and his friends. Similarly,
our faithfulness can shine as a light in a dark world (Matt. 5:16). Yet, recognition is not our goal; glorifying
God is. Daniel’s life fulfilled Israel’s
calling to be a light to the nations (Isa. 42:6), and we, too, are called to
reflect God’s truth in our spheres of influence.
V.
Conclusion
Daniel 1:11–21 shows us the results of an uncompromised
life: it is bold, blessed, and recognized. Daniel and his friends stood firm in a pagan
culture, trusting God to honor their faith. Their boldness led to a miraculous test of
God’s provision, their faithfulness brought divine blessings, and their
excellence was acknowledged by a pagan king. Their story is a powerful reminder that God is
sovereign, even in the darkest of times.
As believers, we face similar pressures to conform. The world may tempt us to compromise our
convictions, but Daniel’s example calls us to stand firm. Whether God calls us to suffer or to serve in
places of influence, we can trust Him to work through us for His glory. Let’s ask for the courage to live boldly, the
faith to seek His blessings, and the humility to let our lives point others to
Him.
[1] Stephen R. Miller, Daniel, The New American Commentary,
(Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 18:69.
[2] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael
S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R.
Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study Bible, (Bellingham, WA:
Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Da 1:11.
[3] John MacArthur Jr., Ed., The MacArthur Study Bible,
electronic ed., (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 1227.
[4] Miller, 18:69.
[5] J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
1985, 1, 1331.
[6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Resolute, “Be” Commentary Series,
(Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2000), 17.
[7] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne
House, The
Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version, (Nashville: T.
Nelson Publishers, 1997), Da 1:17.
[8] Barry, et. al., Da 1:17.
[9] Miller, 18:70.
[10] Ibid., 18:71.
[11] Some wonder about the spelling of his name. “In
the ancient texts, usually in Jr, and always in Ezk, the Babylonian king’s name
is spelled Nebuchadrezzar (with an r). In Dn, 2 Kg, Jr (8 times), 1 and 2 Ch,
Ezr, Neh, and Est the spelling is Nebuchadnezzar (with an ‘n’). The rendition with an ‘r’ is closer to the
Babylonian name, Nabu-kudurri-usur (‘O Nabu [the god], protect the
offspring/boundary,’). For this reason
some critics deem the spelling Nebuchadnezzar in Dn incorrect. However, the change from ‘r’ in Akkadian and
Aramaic to ‘n’ in Hebrew was an accepted literary practice.” Ted Cabal, Chad Owen Brand, E. Ray
Clendenen, Paul Copan, J. P. Moreland, and Doug Powell, The Apologetics Study Bible: Real
Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith, (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), 1268.
[12] Miller, 18:71.
[13] MacArthur, 1228.
[14] Miller, 18:72.
[15] Ibid., 18:73.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Barry, et. al, Da 1:21.
[18] Cabal, et. al, 1269.
