Melzar is a figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 1:11-16. He is identified as the steward appointed by the chief official, often referred to as the "prince of the eunuchs," to oversee the well-being and dietary regimen of Daniel and his three companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—during their training in the Babylonian court.

Biblical Context

The narrative of Melzar is set during the Babylonian exile, a period when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took many Israelites captive, including members of the royal family and nobility. Among these captives were Daniel and his three friends, who were selected for their potential to serve in the king's palace. They were to be educated in the language and literature of the Chaldeans and were assigned a daily portion of food and wine from the king's table.

Role and Responsibilities

Melzar's role was to ensure that Daniel and his friends adhered to the prescribed diet and training regimen. However, Daniel, desiring to remain faithful to the dietary laws of his faith, requested permission to abstain from the royal food and wine, which may have been offered to idols or included unclean meats according to Jewish law. Instead, Daniel proposed a diet of vegetables and water.

Interaction with Daniel

Daniel 1:11-13 records Daniel's respectful request to Melzar: "Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who are eating the royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see."

Melzar, though initially hesitant due to the potential risk to his own position, agreed to Daniel's proposal. After the ten-day trial, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier and better nourished than those who partook of the king's food. Consequently, Melzar continued to provide them with their requested diet.

Significance

Melzar's compliance with Daniel's request highlights the providence of God in the lives of His faithful servants. Despite the potential consequences, Melzar's willingness to accommodate Daniel's dietary preferences allowed Daniel and his friends to maintain their religious integrity. This episode underscores the theme of God's favor and protection over those who remain steadfast in their faith, even in foreign and challenging environments.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Melzar's interaction with Daniel and his friends serves as an example of God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness to divine commandments. It illustrates how God can work through individuals, even those outside the covenant community, to accomplish His purposes and support His people. The account of Melzar also emphasizes the value of respectful dialogue and negotiation in resolving conflicts between cultural or religious practices and external expectations.

In summary, Melzar's role in the Book of Daniel, though brief, is integral to the narrative of Daniel's faithfulness and God's provision. His willingness to accommodate Daniel's request reflects the broader biblical theme of God's ability to influence the hearts of those in authority for the benefit of His people.Daniel 1:11-16
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Nave's Topical Index

Youthful Confessors
... and turns to another of the friends whom he had ... He is named Melzar in the Authorised
Version; but the ... a name of office, and translates it as 'steward.' He did ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus