Daniel 1 tells of the early life of Daniel in Babylonian exile and of his resolute faithfulness to God in this foreign and pagan context. Daniel and 3 other young Jews were chosen for a 3-year training course to immerse them in Babylonian culture, cuisine, literature and language so as to prepare them for work in the Babylonian court. However "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine" scheduled for him and he politely yet firmly refused it, insisting on a vegetarian diet in keeping with Israelite culture. God honoured his faithfulness and he and his colleagues were healthier and stronger on the Jewish diet. What is more Nebuchadnezzar found the 4 men to be 10 times wiser that his magicians and enchanters, and Daniel received the special gift of interpreting dreams and visions. God blesses those who are faithful and Daniel served in the royal court for many years.
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