AN EATING AND DRINKING CONTEST
Daniel 1:1-15
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,
that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of
the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom [was] no
blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning
in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as [had] ability
in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach
the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king
appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the
wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the
end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these
were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he
gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of
Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile
himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine
which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the
eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought
Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord
the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why
should he see your faces worse liking than the children which
[are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to
the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the
eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us
pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be
looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that
eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal
with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and
proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their
countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the
children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
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