These sixteen verses illustrate the way culture is all around us, whether we are talking about deities (vs. 2), literature and language (vs. 4), foods (vs. 5), or any host of other elements of culture. In this opening chapter, Daniel – of the lion’s den fame – and others have been taken captive by the Babylonians (Chaldeans) and transplanted to a foreign land where the god is different, the literature and language are different, and the foods are different. Life is different–so different the king has directed several of the Jewish youth to be prepared for service in his court by being taught the ways of the Babylonians (vs. 3-6).
It’s not simply that the Babylonians were not religious and Daniel was religious. Their deities were different. It’s also not that the Babylonians were unable to read or speak and Daniel was able to do those things. Their languages and literature were different. It’s not that the Babylonians did not eat food, and Daniel did eat food. They simply had different foods.
Beginning in verse 8, we see Daniel refuse to eat the king’s food. Note that Daniel did not refuse the king’s food because the quality was poor. In fact, in verse 5 we see that the king appointed a ration from his choice foods for these Jewish young men. Daniel refused the king’s table because of two concerns, both of which were shaped by his religious commitments. First, God had given specific instructions to the Jews regarding which foods were permissible and which were not. Second, Daniel was concerned not to eat meat offered to the Babylonian deity. Thus, he requested permission to eat only vegetables, which were always permissible under Jewish dietary law.
A few things we can see in the life of Daniel. He made choices about which elements of culture he would embrace and which elements he would reject. The only things we see that Daniel rejected were related to his faith. First, he rejected the king’s food so as not to defile himself. Second, he refused to pray to King Darius, knowing that would be idolatry (see chapter 6). Otherwise, Daniel learned the Babylonian culture and excelled in it (vs. 17, 20), even serving faithfully and successfully in the government.
As you meditate on this week’s passage and discussion, consider the following:
- Think deeply about the similarities and differences between the culture of Jerusalem and the culture of Babylon.
- Think about your own culture.
- Identify the following elements of your own culture:
- Language
- Favorite style of music
- Favorite food(s)
- Favorite clothing style
- Preferred worship style
- Favorite pet(s)
- Preferred type of housing (e.g., single-family house, apartment, high rise, motor home, etc.)
- Preferred political model
- Favorite hobby
- Indicate which of the above elements are non-negotiable (i.e., you could not give them up) if you were to be transplanted into another culture by choice or force.
- Additionally, specify the level of ease with which you would give up any element.
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