Daniel 1:14

14 And he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Daniel 1:14 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 1:14

So he consented to them in all this matter
Or, "hearkened to them" ^F5; being convinced that it was a very reasonable request, and the matter was fairly put; and especially as he saw, if it succeeded to their wish, it would be to his profit; since the meat and drink of these four persons would be his perquisite, and fetch him money; pulse and water being to be obtained at an easy rate: and proved them ten days;
tried the experiment, by giving them pulse and water only during this time, in order to see how it would agree with them; and whether any visible alteration could be discerned in their countenances, so as to bring him or his master into suspicion and danger.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (Mhl emvyw) "auscultans eis", Junius & Tremellius, Broughtonus; "auscultavit eis", Pisator, Cocceius.

Daniel 1:14 In-Context

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 youths that eat of the king's delicate food: and as thou shalt see, deal with thy servants.

14 And he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and were fatter in flesh than all the youths that ate of the king's delicate food.

16 So the steward took away their delicate food, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.