As the king permitted all who wished to embrace their liberty and return to their homeland, many, having established lives in Babylon and feeling tied to it, chose to remain instead of returning. Some devout individuals, faithful to the laws of their homeland, disregarding their possessions in Babylon, preferred the desolation of their homeland over their current situation. This led to profound sorrow for the blessed Daniel. Witnessing not the falsehood of God’s promise, but rather the meekness and kindness of the king alongside the disobedience and waywardness of the people, he was deeply troubled within and continually wept and shed tears.
One might wonder why, during such tears and lamentations, the Prophet himself did not return to his homeland while lamenting others as foolish and indifferent about their own return. The answer lies in understanding the reasons behind the captivity. God permitted Daniel to enter captivity, not because of his personal failings but as a measure of care for the people, sending him into exile alongside the Jews in a role akin to a guardian or teacher. Consequently, during their return, as many preferred their lives in Babylon, the holy Prophet found himself once again compelled to remain among them, so they would not stray into wickedness without his spiritual guidance. Hence, although the reigning king esteemed piety, honored the Prophet, and favored him above all, the blessed Daniel found no solace in this and was deeply troubled by the people's disobedience and their forgetfulness of the holy city. Thus, he spent three weeks without consuming food. He declared, “I have not eaten the bread of the coveted bread, neither has meat or wine entered into my mouth, nor has mastic been anointed with ointment, until the three weeks of days are fulfilled.” During this time, he stated, he took no care of his body, did not anoint himself, nor did he nourish himself. He referred to bread as “coveted” because it is a fundamental sustenance for everyone; while sufficient people partake in meat, the less affluent rely primarily on bread. Therefore, he termed bread “coveted” as it is a more cherished food than any other.
THEOSIS