Matthew Poole and continuators on Daniel 1:8

8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart, that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kings meat, nor with the wine which he drank : therefore he requested of the prince of of the eunuchs, that he might not defile himself.

There may be several weighty reasons assigned why Daniel did this. 1. Because many of those meats provided for the Kings Table, were such as were forbidden by the Jews Law, whereof Daniel made Conscience. 2. Daniel knew these delicates would too much gratifie and pamper the flesh, and therefore would prevent the defilements which too often do arise from delicious fate, Deut. 32.14, 15. Ezek. 16.49. Hos. 13.6. Rom. 13.13. so that those who fare deliciously would practice this. 3. Daniel knew he should by this bait be taken with the hook which lay hid under it, and insensibly be drawn from the true Religion to a false by eating, and drinking things consecrated to Idols. 4. Daniel saw his people lye under Gods displeasure, by their Captivity, and therefore could not but be sensible how unsuitable a courtly Lise would be in him to the afflicted state of Gods people, Heb. 11.24, 25, 26. Therefore Daniel was herein a rare pattern of avoiding all the occasions of evil, which he did with purpose of heart, saith the Text, Act. 11.23. he purposed in his heart to abstain.