Daniel 1:13

Let our countenance be looked upon before thee.

One great object was to promote beauty. Only fair and unblemished youths had been selected, and it was desired to develop handsome men. "In all uncivilized countries stateliness and beauty of the body is held in high estimation, nor do they think him capable of great services or action to whom nature has not given. beautiful form or countenance. It has always been the custom of eastern nations to choose such for their principal officers, or to wait on princes or great personages."-- Curtius. Among the Jews the stateliness of Saul was his most kingly quality, the ruddy countenance of David was often praised, and the beauty of Absalom was the admiration of Israel. "From the sole of his feet, even to the crown of his head, there was no blemish upon him" (2 Samuel 14:25). Daniel asks that after the ten days' experiment the cold-water vegetarians be compared with the meat-eaters and winedrinkers.