Melzar
Summary
The official appointed over Daniel and his companions in Babylon, sometimes considered a title rather than a personal name.
☩Role in Babylon
After Ashpenaz, the chief eunuch, assigned Daniel and his friends to be trained for royal service, 'the prince of the eunuchs set over them' the melzar (Daniel 1:11). This official was directly responsible for their care and training during the three-year preparation period.
☩Title or Name?
Many scholars consider melzar a title meaning 'steward' or 'guardian' rather than a personal name. The Hebrew has the definite article ('the melzar'), suggesting an official designation. The Septuagint translates it as 'Abiesdri,' treating it as a proper name.
☩Daniel's Request
When Daniel purposed not to defile himself with the king's food, he requested a vegetable diet from the melzar. Though initially fearful of Nebuchadnezzar's wrath, the melzar agreed to a ten-day trial. God blessed their faithfulness, and after ten days they appeared healthier than those who ate royal provisions (Daniel 1:11-16).