What does Daniel 1:9 mean?

God honored Daniel's decision regarding the king's food and wine (Daniel 1:8). Much as Joseph (Genesis 39:1–6) earned deep respect from his captors (Genesis 39:20–22), so did Daniel. This is another example of the Lord working behind the scenes to accomplish His will. Even the conquest of Judah by Babylon was part of that plan (Daniel 1:1–2). Without God's work in Ashpenaz's heart (Daniel 1:3), Daniel might have been executed for resisting the king's order. Clearly, God was rewarding Daniel's faith through Ashpenaz's favor and compassion (Daniel 1:14).

At the same time, Daniel's tactful approach would have been influential. Had Daniel acted rudely, rather than politely, Ashpenaz might have responded with anger. Instead of showing compassion, he might have enacted punishment. Daniel's conversation (Daniel 1:9–12) shows he understood the chief eunuch's concerns and wanted to alleviate them. Daniel's concern was to maintain faithful integrity—not merely to be obstinate. In every potentially risky situation, a believer should be tactful and reasonable (Matthew 10:16; 1 Peter 3:14–17).