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Melzar

Melzar was the steward or guard appointed over Daniel and his three companions during their training in Babylon, who compassionately granted their request to eat only vegetables and water rather than the king's rich food.

Overview

Melzar served as the official in charge of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah during their three-year training period in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Though his exact role is debated—whether steward, guard, or attendant—Melzar demonstrated kindness by permitting Daniel's group to follow their dietary convictions rather than consuming the king's provisions, which may have violated Jewish dietary laws.

Key Scriptures

"Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah" (Daniel 1:11, ESV). "Please test your servants for ten days: let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink" (Daniel 1:12, ESV). "And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food" (Daniel 1:15, ESV).

Application

Melzar's willingness to accommodate Daniel's convictions reminds us that God can work through the openness of others to honor our faithful obedience to His Word.

Scripture References 6
Daniel 1:11 Daniel 1:12 Daniel 1:13 Daniel 1:14 Daniel 1:15 Daniel 1:16
Full Topical Reference List 6 total — Nave's Topical Bible

The steward whom the prince of the eunuchs set over Daniel and the three Hebrew children.

Daniel 1:11 Daniel 1:12 Daniel 1:13 Daniel 1:14 Daniel 1:15 Daniel 1:16
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