Anatu was a servant-girl in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon between 600-530 B.C. She worked alongside her older sister preparing rich cuisine that included beef, mutton, pig, goat meat, eggs and stews made with flavorful gravy rich with animal fat. Anatu had the important task of presenting the prepared food to the king and his court. She was careful to garnish the dishes with fresh greens, chicken gizzards, and bird feathers when she felt especially creative.
One day, a loud commotion erupted throughout the king’s court. “What does this mean?” Anatu asked her sister. “There is talk that King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and brought back many captives,” she answered, chopping almonds for the pastry to be served at the evening meal. “It is said that those captured must be handsome, gifted in wisdom and quick to learn. They will serve in the palace,” she continued. Anatu raised her eyebrows in delight. “They are Jews, and they are captives,” her sister warned.
Ashpenaz, the one in charge of the captives, approached those preparing the food for the young men. “Some of the captives, Daniel and his three friends, do not wish to eat the king’s food,” he snarled. “Then I shall prepare beets, arugula, turnips, and legumes with onion and garlic,” Anatu said, setting to work immediately. “No gravy and no wine,” he snapped. “I will also give them figs, apples, and pomegranates with water,” she said, quietly. “They better not get sickly or it’s my head,” he barked as he stormed out.
“Thank you,” Daniel said, as Anatu set dishes of vegetables on the table. He looked to be about two years older that herself. She dared not look into his eyes, but simply nodded. Her sister poured their water. “Do you know the God who created the earth and the stars in the heavens?” Daniel asked, as Anatu set platters of fruit before them. “No, our god is Marduk,” she replied, avoiding his gaze.
When the men had their fill, Anatu and her sister gathered the dishes. “Why do you not eat the king’s food?” Anatu asked, without looking at Daniel. “We who believe in the Lord God do not eat food that is not prepared according to the law of Moses or food that has been offered to idols,” he said.
Most noteworthy after ten days, Anatu noticed that the four young men who ate only vegetables and drank water appeared healthier and had more energy than those who ate the king’s rich food.
Daniel was a well-educated Jew, chosen for special training in the palace in Babylon. He is a testimony to how God works out His purposes through His servants even in the courts of pagan rulers
Moral of the story: Eat clean foods for good health. Forget the chips and dips, the donuts and desserts, and the fats and carbs.
Other moral to the story: Serve well where you are. If you find yourself in a place not of your choosing, could it be that God is working out His purpose through you in your situation? Serve Him with gladness.