Feasting and Fasting

                                                                         Sunday School Lesson

                                            

Lesson: Daniel 1:5, 8-17; Matthew 6:16-18
                                                                                                 
Golden Text: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:17-18).
I.  INTRODUCTION.  Our first lesson for this quarter under Stewardship for Life, highlights the concept of fasting which means limiting or denying ourselves food so that we have more time for spiritual endeavors.  May our study this week help us to learn the value of limiting rather than indulging so that we can be effective stewards of the lives the Lord has given us.
II. BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON.  Daniel found himself in Babylon as a result of King Nebuchadnezzar’s first invasion of Jerusalem in 605 B.C. during the reign of Jehoiakim (see Daniel 1:1-2; II Kings 24:1).   The third and final invasion occurred in 586 B.C. when the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed (see II Kings 25:1-2, 8-10).  However, during the first invasion, in addition to taking some of the sacred vessels from the temple, the king also captured some young men of Judaean royalty and nobility (see Daniel 1:3).  He wanted them primarily to train for service to him.  But before these young captives could be useful to the king, they had to be taught “the learning and the tongue (language) of the Chaldeans” or Babylonians (see Daniel 1:4).  The king wanted mentally alert, well-rounded, well-informed persons capable of even further intellectual growth through this training. This is where our lesson begins.
III. THE KING’S PURPOSE (Daniel 1:5).  This verse says “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.”  As part of preparing these young Jewish men for his service “the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank.”  In other words, only the finest food and drink was considered appropriate for these young men.  Each day they were to receive the same food and wine that the king enjoyed.  The reason they were given the same food was “so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.”  This refers to the time allotted to develop their bodies and minds before appearing before the king.  The Hebrew term for “nourishing” means to grow up or make great.  During this training period they were to mature physically, socially, and intellectually so that they could “stand before the king” or in his presence.  Note:  The wonderful treatment given the young Hebrews came with a price attached.  Education in Babylonian literature and customs was intended to wean them from their Jewish outlook.  The change in their names (see Daniel 1:6-7) was also designed to erase thoughts of their God and instill the message of service to pagan deities.  Daniel was given the name Belteshazzar; Hananiah’s name was changed to Shadrach; Mishael’s name was changed to Meshach and Azariah’s name was changed to Abednego.  The four of them were given Babylonian names.
IV. DANIEL’S DECISION (DANIEL 1:8-17)
A. The request (Daniel 1:8).  This verse continues to say “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.”  There was nothing inherently wrong with serving politically in a Gentile court and submitting to the training necessary for doing so.  However, the prescribed diet demanded that a Jew compromise his godly principles.  Because of his loyalty to the Lord “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.”  Daniel firmly resolved that he wouldn’t “defile himself” by eating the king’s food and drinking his wine.  He undoubtedly discerned “in his heart” or internally that what was proposed for them to eat would make him and his three friends either morally or ceremoniously unclean, and thus affecting their relationship with God.  The king’s food certainly included some foods God had declared unclean for Israelites (see Leviticus chapter 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-20).  In addition, both food and wine would have been dedicated to pagan gods before being served, indicating the eaters’ desire to receive blessings from those gods.  It was a decision they didn’t make lightly because to disobey the king meant inviting his wrath.  Because of his convictions, Daniel “requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”  He was not brash nor was he trying to be a martyr; he approached Ashpenaz, the head of the eunuchs (see Daniel 1:3) with courtesy and tact.  He demonstrated the spirit of respect and cooperation that should always guide believers even when taking a strong stand.
B. The resistance (Daniel 1:9-10).
1. (vs. 9).  This verse says “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”  God honors those who honor Him.  He intervened on behalf of these four young men.  He “brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”  In other words, the head of the eunuchs had unusual compassion toward Daniel as he explained why they didn’t wish to eat the king’s food.  Note:  These choice youths were under the supervision of Ashpenaz, the master of the king’s eunuchs.  The Hebrew word for “eunuch” has more than one meaning.  It may signify persons in royal courts who were physical eunuchs.  These were servants in the royal household who were often castrated as a precautionary measure especially if they served among the wives in a ruler’s harem.  The same Hebrew word may also refer to court officials in general.  It is uncertain whether Ashpenaz was a physical eunuch or a royal officer.
2. (vs. 10).  This verse says “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.”  Although Ashpenaz “the prince of the eunuchs” was sympathetic to Daniel, he also faced a problem. He said to Daniel “I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink.”  It appears that the prince of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz wanted to help Daniel, but he was also afraid of the king he served.  This is seen in his words “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.”  The officer feared that any change in diet would soon show up in the four young men’s appearance.  When they would stand before Nebuchadnezzar after three years he would spot them immediately.  The words “worse liking” means “worse looking,” or “appearing saddened.”   Ashpenaz believed that changing the young men’s diet would take the color from their faces and leave them leaner than others of their own age.  This would reflect on the quality of care he was giving these four youths.  If Nebuchadnezzar discovered that a trusted official had gone against his orders, Ashpenaz told Daniel “then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.”  He would surely lose his head and Daniel and his three friends would be to blame for it.  The king was the law; when he was offended, his fury knew no bounds (see Daniel 2:12; 3:19).
C. The plan (Daniel 1:11-13). 
1. (vs. 11).  This verse says “Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.”  It appears that at this point in time Ashpenaz refused Daniel’s request.  However, the issue was so important to Daniel that he refused to give up.  He went to “Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.”  The Hebrew word for “Melzar” is not a proper name, but simply means “the steward.”  Ashpenaz, the prince of the eunuchs had put this man in charge of Daniel and his four friends.  The names for the four youths given here were their Hebrew names.  Remember they were given Babylonian names to replace their Hebrew names (see Daniel 1:6-7).  Note:  It may seem backward (and maybe even presumptuous) for Daniel, after being refused by the commander, to appeal to his subordinate.  But this steward probably didn’t have the direct contact with the king that his superior, Ashpenaz had and therefore didn’t have to be so cautious. 
2. (vs. 12).  In this verse Daniel says to Melzar “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”  Daniel proposed a test to Melzar.  He begged the steward to “let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink” for “ten days.”  The word “pulse” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to sow seed.”  Therefore it refers to anything that grows from seed.  It could have included vegetables and grains.  Obviously it ruled out meat.  The vegetable diet would be nourishing and the omission of all kinds of meat would eliminate the risk of eating anything unclean.  Wine would be replaced by water.  Note:  Such a diet is not God’s prescription today for all godly people and God didn’t prescribe it for Israel when giving the law.  It was His formula for this occasion to establish an important principle: He will care for those who honor Him.  In every generation there are those who often claim a higher spirituality on the basis of having restricted their diets; yet Scripture rejects such a teaching (see Mark 7:14-19; I Timothy 4:1-5).
3. (vs. 13).  In this verse Daniel continued with his proposal.  He said “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.”   Daniel said that after the ten days “let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat.”  The word “countenance” refers to appearance.  Daniel was asking the steward to compare the overall appearance of him and his three friends with those who ate the king’s food.  Much faith was required for Daniel to suggest this test.  He had to trust the steward to be fair in his judgment and willing to make the right decision.  But more important, He had to trust God to keep the four of them healthy during the ten days so that their appearance might not become less attractive than those who ate the king’s food.  Daniel left the final decision with the steward saying “as thou seest, deal with thy servants.”  In other words, Daniel was telling the steward that if after ten days on a diet of vegetables and water, if the four of them didn’t look as healthy as the others, he could deal with them as he saw fit.  Daniel was determined to honor God in his life, but he also recognized the authorities over him and didn’t want to embarrass or put them in danger.  But through it all, he trusted God to keep him and his friends healthy on the diet he proposed.
D. The consent (Daniel 1:14).  This verse says “So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.”  The fact that the steward “consented” or agreed to Daniel’s proposal reveals that he was favorably inclined toward Daniel and his friends.  Since Daniel’s proposal was very reasonable and wouldn’t be a risk for Ashpenaz, the steward approved it and “proved (or tested) them ten days.”
E. The result (Daniel 1:15-16).     
1. (vs. 15).  This verse says “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.”  The steward agreed to Daniel’s request and the results were remarkable.  When the ten days were completed “their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.”  The word “fairer” simply means better.  Daniel and his friends looked better nourished than all the others who ate the king’s food.  They hadn’t lost weight, nor did they appear sickly.  Instead, they looked healthier than the others.  Note:  The physical superiority of Daniel and his three friends after ten days was not due entirely to their diet.  It seems rather remarkable that ten days would reveal this much difference.  God intervened on their behalf to give them a good result, thus honoring those who strove to honor Him.  Later on He would again intervene in challenges these four would face (see Daniel 3:20-27; 6:16-23). 
2. (vs. 16).  This verse says “Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.”  Convinced by what he saw, the steward, Melzar “took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.”  The phrase “took away” means that he continued to take their food and wine away.  In other words, he continued to withhold the royal food and drink from Daniel and his three friends.  However, we can be sure that he kept a close eye on the four and that at the first sign of deteriorating health he would have stopped this unique arrangement.
F. The reward (Daniel 1:17).  This verse says “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”  These young men are referred to as the “four children.”  The word “children” can also mean “youths” since they were probably in their late teens after the three year period.  God gave them “knowledge” which refers to understanding the content of what they had been taught and “skill” which means insight into the meaning of this knowledge.  These abilities extended to “all learning and wisdom” an expression referring to the various types of Babylonian literature they studied.  Note:  The text says that God gave these four youths their abilities.  This does not mean that they didn’t put any effort into studying.  They must have spent untold hours mastering the prescribed language, history, literature, and customs.  God gave them the innate gifts and prospered their work because they honored Him; yet He expected them to develop and sharpen those gifts through continuous effort.  God still works this way.  Those who eventually excel in His service don’t become instant successes.  They develop the gifts God has given them and trust Him to do what they cannot.  Those who wait lazily for God to drop excellence into their laps wait in vain.  God gave Daniel an additional gift “understanding in all visions and dreams.”  This understanding was entirely from God and couldn’t be learned from Babylonian resources.  This wasn’t an automatic knowledge of all supernaturally revealed dreams because only after fervent prayer was Daniel able to reveal Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him (see Daniel 2:17-23).  Daniel’s special gift of understanding visions and dreams is introduced here to prepare us for his interpretations recorded later in the book.  Those who serve God in public office have an honorable calling, but they face unique temptations to compromise their standards.  They must therefore at the outset of their careers resolve as Daniel did to place God’s will above every other consideration.
V. THE LORD’S GUIDANCE (Matthew 6:16-18).  The second portion of our lesson shows the contrast between the motivation behind Daniel and his three friends’ actions and the motivations of those who perform religious acts simply to receive praise from men.  Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were not motivated by a desire to maintain their integrity and properly honor their God.  The religious folk Jesus discusses in the remaining verses did things just to receive honor and acclaim from the people.
A.  Avoid hypocrisy (Matthew 6:16).  This verse says “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”  As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His followers instructions about fasting.  He began by saying “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces.”  Fasting was a voluntary practice and was meant to set aside time from eating and the routines of life to devote completely to the Lord in humble repentance and seeking His will.  Unfortunately, some people abused this practice by making it a show of spirituality.  Jesus called them “hypocrites” and they were found mostly among the scribes and Pharisees (see Matthew 5:20; 23:13).  The Pharisees were a Jewish religious party who prided themselves on keeping the law.  But in reality, they gave more importance to their own man-made laws than they did to God’s law (see Matthew 15:1-9).  Jesus said not to be like them and described them as having “a sad countenance (appearance): for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.”  In other words many of them wanted people to know when they were fasting.  They had sad expressions and some even disfigured their faces probably by putting ashes on them.  All this was designed to show people how devoted to God they were.  But their fasting was directed more at the people than at God.  They wanted to be seen as holy, and therefore Jesus said “They have their reward.”  They received their reward when people acknowledged their so-called holiness.  They couldn’t expect anything from God.
B. Seek the Father (Matthew 6:17-18).  
1. (vs. 17).  In this verse Jesus goes on to say “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face.”  Jesus told His followers that unlike the scribes and Pharisees who flaunted their spirituality, they were not to show any evidence that they were fasting.  In other words they were to “anoint thine head” meaning they were to put oil on their heads to keep their hair from looking unkempt and also “wash thy face.”  Jesus’ followers were to look as they always looked.  Nothing outward was to indicate that they were fasting and seeking the Lord.  When we are fasting we should continue all our normal activities.
2. (18).  In this last verse, Jesus continues to say why fasting should be private.  He said “That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”  Fasting is not to be directed toward men but to the Father “which is in secret.”   This means that unlike men who have to see things publicly, God sees everything that we do in secret.  There is no need to proclaim one’s fast in public.  If we are fasting to the Father, He will be well aware of it and even know why we are doing it.  If we keep our fasting private and it’s really directed toward God, Jesus said that He will “reward thee openly.”  Like Daniel and His three friends who honored God with their actions and were rewarded openly with special gifts, God will do the same for us as we honor Him secretly when we fast.  Note:  The fasting in the Bible is always for spiritual reasons and not for some selfish, personal reason.  The purpose of fasting is, among other things, to teach us to do without.  The fewer things that we consider to be essential, the more independent we become from the world and more dependent on God.  Biblical fasting is a very personal thing.  It’s just between us and the Lord.  It’s not a way to lose weight or a way to impress people with how spiritual we are.  It’s a time when a person draws nearer to God.  Only those who seek the approval of people would want to make their fasting public knowledge.
                    
VI. Conclusion.  Fasting is for God’s benefit, not for the people around us.  In fact, Jesus tells us that when we fast, others shouldn’t know it.  There should be no “spiritual look” about us.  If the Lord directs you to fast for a period of time, please follow His leading.  Your fasting may involve abstaining from all food or merely from some kinds of food as we saw with Daniel.  In any kind of fasting, the Scripture is clear: don’t do it to be seen by people.  Do it so that you can devote more time to prayer or to other spiritual disciplines.