May 11: THINGS THAT ARE SOWN

So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink…” Daniel 1:11-12

The steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over the young men was tasked with planning for them those things which required preparation. The royal kitchen workers fulfilled orders from their superior, the steward. In Daniel’s typical humble manner, he showed respect for this authority. Even in asking for a simple diet, he exhibited the utmost regard. In addressing the steward, he referred to himself and his friends as your servants and made his request for the brief period of ten days, confident that the results would speak for themselves.

Now ten days may seem too short a time for an eating plan to make a visible difference. Not only were the young men likely quite thin due to the scant provisions during the 1700-mile journey on foot, but their faces surely exhibited a pallor and gauntness with lackluster eyes. But, in Daniel’s Holy Spirit-led charge, his winsome request fell upon receptive ears.

The word that is translated vegetables comes from the same root word found in these phrases from Genesis: every herb that yields seed and every tree whose fruit yields seed (1:29). This same root word shows up in Isaiah 61:11 as things that are sown when he writes of the joyful witness of those who are saved.* Daniel’s request, in modern lingo, would be a variety of grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, providing a balance of protein, fiber, clean-burning carbs, and a plethora of nutrients essential for health. Pure water is the best drink of all for a clear mind and good health, as it facilitates a steady import of fresh nutrients as well as export of waste matter at the cellular level.

The number ten is often associated with testing in the Bible. The Ten Commandments are the perfect law, covering every possible sin that could be committed. They are the standard of judgment and those who gaze into them readily recognize their need for divine mercy, the covering of Christ’s righteousness, and His Holy Spirit of grace to enable sincere obedience to them, all motivated by love (John 14:15). In His letter to the church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), Jesus told the church ahead of time that severe testing—in this case, persecution that was very acute—would come upon them for ten [prophetic] days (meaning literal years which lasted from 303 to 313 under the Emperor Diocletian). This letter contained no rebuke, demonstrating that God allows testing of His faithful ones to refine them and increase their faith, often for the sake of others, that His Kingdom may gain citizens.

*I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:10-11