Nougat 9

The young Hebrews were migrants. They were also prisoners of war. As the educated elite of their country, one could see the roots of what is now known as “brain drain.” Although this was problematic for the economic sustainability of Judah, God had a plan for God’s people, which included them receiving favour with those in authority.

Here, favour refers to approval, acceptance, and possible exemption from particular requirements or tasks. It does not include bribes, nor anything done by the favoured person. It is like God’s grace, given as a precious gift, whether or not the person expects or chooses it.

As prisoners of war, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were not necessarily expected to have access to the prince of eunuchs. But they did. Moreover, God granted favour to the young Hebrews through him. So much so, that he didn’t immediately refuse their unusual request. Let’s consider what that looks like in Today’s Holy Nougat.

Daniel 1:10 ASV

[10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king.

Uncommonly Favoured

From the chief eunuchs response, it is very clear that operating outside of the King’s wishes carried serious consequences to the extent that the request triggered fear. That the chief eunuch opened conversation, rather than move toward punishment, is an indicator of favour.

What then was the concern of the eunuch? Our Nougat indicates that he was worried about their health if they remained on the Hebrew diet. It was a valid concern, as the rich diet of the King’s kitchen. This was no different from the typical Babylonian fare and was assumed to be healthy food. Malnutrition was likelily the eunuch’s very legitimate concern.

Siblings, it is worth noting that when we’re placed in a situation of uncommon favour, it does not mean that we abuse the trust. I don’t know that hunger strikes were popular then, but it might also have been a concern. No one wishes to be unnecessarily punished for trying to help someone. Least of all, for helping a prisoner of war.

We don’t know the nationality or religion of the eunuch, but it is safe to assume that he wasn’t from Israel or Judah. This suggests that YHWH’s favour doesn’t have to come from our own people. YHWH’s favour is a it needs to be. When we need to make a request outside of the norm, we do not need to hold ourselves back because it does not align with the religious standards IF it aligns with God’s will. While ensuring that we don’t abuse privilege or favour, we can still make our requests.

This reminds me of Philippians 4:6-7, which says we ought not worry about anting, as we should prayerfully ask God for what we need, allowing God’s peace to confirm that we’re in God’s will. That peace is extremely important, for it keeps us and assures us that it will be well despite the odds.

So, as we proceed through this work week, let us be open to receiving God’s favour. When it unfolds, we will not abuse the grace given, but under God’s guidance, make the requests needed, believing that God will come through.

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May all we seek be found in Christ