16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
16 So the steward continued to exempt them from the royal menu of food and drink and served them only vegetables.
16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 1:16
Commentary on Daniel 1:8-16
(Read Daniel 1:8-16)
The interest we think we make for ourselves, we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of an Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special care that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of young people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who would excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under. Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear that than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.