John Gill Commentary Daniel 1:14

"So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days." — Daniel 1:14 (ASV)

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.