"development. They were acquainted with the history of Nadab and Abihu, the record of whose intemperance and its results had been preserved in the parchments of the Pentateuch; and they knew that their own physical and mental power would be injuriously affected by the use of wine. PK 482.1"
"Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:"
The EGW passage refers to the story of Nadab and Abihu and their intemperance, which is directly related to the command in Leviticus 10:9.
"Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught that God would hold them accountable for their capabilities, and that they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers. This education was to Daniel and his companions the means of their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences of the court of Babylon. Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court, but they remained uncontaminated. No power, no influence, could sway them from the principles they had learned in early life by a study of the word and works of God. PK 482.2"
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
The EGW passage elaborates on the context and motivations behind Daniel's decision in Daniel 1:8, highlighting the importance of parental training and accountability to God. It directly amplifies the principle of remaining true to one's convictions even in the face of temptation.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of early training and its lasting impact, which aligns with the theme of Proverbs 22:6 about training a child.
"Had Daniel so desired, he might have found in his surroundings a plausible excuse for departing from strictly temperate habits. He might have argued that, dependent as he was on the king's favor and subject to his power, there was no other course for him to pursue than to eat of the king's food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere to the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably lose his position and his life. Should he disregard the commandment of the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and secure for himself intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects. PK 482.3"
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
EGW elaborates on the principle established in Daniel 1:8, where Daniel refuses to defile himself with the king's food. She explores the reasoning Daniel might have used to justify compromising his principles, directly relating to the core idea of the verse.