Daniel 1:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

And look upon our faces, and the faces of the children that eat of the king's meat: and as thou shalt see, deal with thy servants.
Douay-Rheims

וְיֵרָא֤וּ לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ מַרְאֵ֔ינוּ וּמַרְאֵה֙ הַיְלָדִ֔ים הָאֹ֣כְלִ֔ים אֵ֖ת פַּתְבַּ֣ג הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּרְאֵ֔ה עֲשֵׂ֖ה עִם־עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom
Ephraem the Syrian
Theodoret of Cyrus

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Great courage, strong resolve, wise discernment, and deep faith! "Thou shalt make an experience of thy servants for ten days." And to clarify that the radiance of their countenance did not stem from the quality of the food, pay attention to the water, which does not provide sustenance. They were not only in good health but even fared better than those who partook of the king's delicacies; it is well-known that meat and wine are typically the most nourishing options. Observe how the steadfastness of the young men combined with God's grace led to an immediate positive outcome. Their resolve was evident in their determination to abstain, and grace was demonstrated in their ability to do so. "And then," he asserts, "let them appear before thee. It is up to you to render judgment.

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This grace is simple and accessible; verify it in action. Although I am aware of it personally, I refrain from declaring it prematurely for your benefit." Notice how he instructed the courtiers in this manner, revealing his devotion to God. He did not merely request, "Do this for us," but instead asked, "make an experience of thy servants." They did not shy away from honoring men when it did not detract from their piety. Paul exhibited a similar approach. In beginning his defense, he commended the judge, stating, "thou hast judged this people righteously for many years" (Acts 24:10), referring to civic matters. Similarly, Nathan honored David in his prophecies, Jacob spoke respectfully to Pharaoh, and Abraham acknowledged his fellow citizens. Daniel said, "King, thou shalt live forever" (Dan. 6:21). This language might seem flattering, but it reflects prudence and wisdom rather than mere flattery. Paul advises to "deal prudently with outward things, making use of the time" (Col. 4:5). Likewise, Christ taught, "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Luke 20:25). So what can we conclude? Were the seeds impure? Certainly not, nor was the water. Thus, they continued in this practice for three years.

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

Test and allow our faces, along with the faces of the young men who partake in the king's feast, to be presented before you. They sought such a sign so that their God, who has been blasphemed by the Babylonians, would receive glory, the Chaldeans would cease their mockery of the Lord, and even Nebuchadnezzar would realize that "the Lord has given Jerusalem into his hand" (Dan. 1:1-2). As noted in the opening of the book of Daniel, Jerusalem was not conquered by the might of his idols, despite Nebuchadnezzar's own exaltation of this notion.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Trust in the Lord stands as the most powerful of all beliefs; this is evident from numerous scriptures, but notably from the words of the wise Daniel. To fully believe and confidently rely on God's favor, while choosing to abstain from rich food, ultimately becoming healthier, more attractive, and taller than those indulging in royal feasts—does this not represent the pinnacle of faithfulness? The Prophet eloquently combined his request with reasoning. He proposed, “Examine your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink, and see how we look compared to the young men who eat the king’s delicacies.