What does Daniel 1:13 mean?
The Babylonians who captured Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:1–4) would not have followed Jewish laws regarding unclean foods (Leviticus 3:16; 11; 17:10–14; Deuteronomy 14). The king's meat would have been ceremonially offered to a false god, as would have their full-strength, undiluted wine. Holding to his convictions, Daniel boldly asked that he be allowed to eat vegetables and water, instead (Daniel 1:8). Since they were responsible for presenting the king with well-prepared servants, Daniel's handlers were reluctant (Daniel 1:10). So, Daniel proposes a short test to prove that he can thrive without partaking in the king's lifestyle (Daniel 1:12).Daniel believed determination to honor the Lord would have a positive result. He was willing to undergo a health inspection between those who followed his diet, and other youths who ate the king's food. One reason the Babylonians immersed the children of Jewish nobles in their culture and language was to turn them from the God of Israel and into supporters of King Nebuchadnezzar. This verse suggests that not all the captured boys shared Daniel's conviction.
It is important to note that Daniel does not indicate that he will eat the king's food if the test fails. He only tells the steward to act according to what he thinks is best. Other stories in this book suggest that both Daniel (Daniel 6) and his three friends (Daniel 3) would have still refused to compromise their convictions, even if it meant death.
