Daniel 1:8-13 meaning

Daniel chose to follow God, so he made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank. The mosaic law forbade Daniel from eating certain food and drinking certain drinks, especially if they were not properly prepared in the way God commanded (Nebuchadnezzar's food and drink, which Daniel was order to consume, was most certainly was not). Many scholars believe that the wine—and possibly much of the food—was prepared as a sacrifice to the Babylonian gods. So Daniel sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not disobey God by eating the food of the king. And because God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials they listened to him and wanted to give Daniel what he asked for.

Daniel could have been obstinate, but he seeks the welfare of his masters, and asks permission. But they were afraid that if Daniel and his friends did not eat what the king appointed they would look weak, thin, and sickly before the king. Daniel sought their welfare as well as his own, and suggested that they run a trial period, "Test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food."