THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
‘At the conclusion of that period,’ he states, these young men excelled in vitality and attractiveness. Observe the miraculous nature of this; witness how the Creator reveals His handiwork. Just as a sculptor possesses the ability not only to melt metal and fashion it but also to refine an existing statue, so too does God exhibit His power with these youths. Their continued health after consuming such simple nourishment serves as a testament to divine creativity, comparable to the formation of mankind from the dust of the earth. From where did their robust appearance originate? What accounts for their radiant complexion? How did they attain such vigor? It is well-known that consuming merely water and seeds tends to diminish strength.
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They even declined to partake of bread; consider how significant the contrast is between cooked and raw grain. Strength can be bolstered not just through consumption but also through the preparation of food, yet it is not unique to seeds to require cooking. It is important to note that this request stemmed not from mere ambition, but from a pressing necessity. Their willingness to be tested was not without reason; rather, it sprang from urgent need. The hearts of the young men were far from self-serving. In the midst of such faith, who among them, in a foreign land, would not desire to demonstrate to the authorities the favor bestowed upon them by God? Yet, they chose not to do so. Additionally, recognize how their challenge to the elders was motivated purely by necessity.