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Daniel's Abstinence
Dan.1:8-15 (Full lesson, vs.8-20)
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 favor 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.
Golden Text. — “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” — Dan. 1:8
The Lesson Story
Many years before Jesus was born, the king of Babylon came with an army to Jerusalem and carried off many of God’s people. Among them were four princes about fourteen years old, one of whom was Daniel. The king had them taught for three years the same as the princes of Babylon were taught. He also sent them meat and wine from his own table. Sometimes this food was such as God had forbidden Jews to eat. Daniel and his three friends had learned in Jerusalem to worship and serve God, and therefore would not eat or drink what he had forbidden. Daniel asked the king’s servant not to bring them anything more from the king’s table. He replied, "If you do not eat the meat and drink the wine I fear the king will be displeased with me, for he wants you to look as strong and well as the young princes in Babylon." Daniel said, "Try us for ten days. Give us pulse (peas) to eat and water to drink, and see if we grow thin." So he gave them pulse and water for ten days and they grew fatter and fairer than the young men who had eaten the king’s food. God helped them to do right, and gave them great skill and wisdom, and the king made them officers in his palace. We must ask God to help us to do right and boldly say, "I will not touch anything that will harm me."
1. Who were carried from Jerusalem to Babylon?
Daniel and his
three friends.
2. What did the king want them to do?
To eat meat and drink
wine from his table.
3. What did Daniel say to this?
I will not defile myself
with the king’s meat and wine.
4. What did the servant say?
You will grow thin and
sickly.
5. What did Daniel ask of him?
Give us pulse and water for
ten days.
6. How did they look at the end of this time?
Fairer and
fatter than the other young men.
7. How did the king reward them?
He made them great
officers.
8. What did God give to them?
Great learning and wisdom.
Lesson Hymn
May our lips be kept for Jesus
Closed to
all that leads to sin;
Things forbidden cannot please us
When his
Spirit rules within.
Can You Sign this Promise?
I hereby promise (looking to
God for help) that I will not buy, sell, give, nor use any drink that has
alcohol in it, nor tobacco in any form; also that I will not speak any profane
or vulgar words.
A Brave Drummer Boy A drummer boy was asked to drink a glass of run. He refused, saying "I am a temperance boy, and do not touch strong drink." "But you must take it," said his captain. "You have been marching all day, and you must not refuse." The boy stood firm. The captain asked, "Do you refuse to obey orders?" "Sir," said the boy, "I have tried to do my duty, but I must refuse to drink rum, for I know it will harm me." The captain said sternly, "I command you to drink it. You know it is death to disobey." The boy bravely said, "My father died a drunkard, and I promised mother not to taste a drop of rum, and I mean to keep my promise." The captain praised him for his courage, and never tempted him again.
Lesson Truth
I must not injure my body.
121. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
That God
would keep us from sin.
122. How many sacraments are there?
Two.
Pages 70 & 71
Lesson 13
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