Lexical Summary meltsar: Melzar Original Word: מֶלְצָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Melzar Of Persian derivation; the butler or other officer in the Babylonian court -- Melzar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition perhaps guardian NASB Translation overseer (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶלְצָר noun masculine a Babylonian title; dubious; perhaps guardian ? (SchrCOT Daniel 1:11 DlBaer Dn xi conjecture loan-word from Assyrian maƒ(ƒ)aru, keeper, guardian, compare DlHWB 423; hardly connected with (modern) Persian mulsaru 'Kellermeister' (compare Meinh.), see against this Bev); — only with article ׳הַמּ Daniel 1:11,16. Topical Lexicon Identity and Administrative Role The term מֶלְצָר designates the steward or guardian directly responsible for the welfare of captives assigned to the royal training program in Babylon. Functionally, he stood between the chief eunuch (Ashpenaz) and the young Judean exiles, executing daily orders concerning their diet, appearance, and preparation for service before King Nebuchadnezzar. His charge was practical—food distribution, health assessment, and accountability for outcomes—yet it bore significant spiritual implications when confronted by Daniel’s request for an alternative regimen. Biblical Record Daniel 1:11 introduces the steward as the one “appointed by the chief official to oversee Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” Verse 16 records his compliance: “So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead”. These two mentions frame a brief but pivotal episode demonstrating the tension between imperial protocol and covenant fidelity. Historical Context Seventh-century-B.C. Babylon maintained a hierarchical bureaucracy in which captive youths with potential for court service underwent a three-year education (Daniel 1:5). The steward’s position, likely filled by a trusted Babylonian officer, ensured that Nebuchadnezzar’s investment produced physically fit and culturally assimilated advisors. That Daniel and his friends appealed at this mid-level rather than directly to Ashpenaz underscores the layered nature of Babylon’s administrative system and reveals their prudence: they sought accommodation without public defiance. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty in Exile: Though Judah had fallen, the Lord remained present, granting favor “in the sight of the chief official” (Daniel 1:9) and moving the steward to permit a ten-day test. His acquiescence becomes an instrument in God’s larger plan to exalt His servants even in a pagan court. Principles for Ministry and Discipleship • Respectful Engagement: Daniel models an appeal that honors authority while remaining uncompromising—an approach valuable for believers navigating secular institutions today. Christological and Redemptive Foreshadowing The steward’s mediating role anticipates the greater Mediator who secures life for His people within an alien dominion. Daniel’s commitment to purity, affirmed by the steward’s cooperation, prefigures the sinless resolve of Jesus Christ, whose obedience influences both earthly and heavenly authorities (Philippians 2:9-11). Application for the Church Today • Uphold biblical convictions in vocational settings, trusting God to grant favor through unexpected channels. Key References Daniel 1:5-20; Proverbs 16:7; 1 Peter 2:12 Forms and Transliterations הַמֶּלְצַ֑ר הַמֶּלְצַ֗ר המלצר ham·mel·ṣar hammelṣar hammelTzarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 1:11 HEB: דָּנִיֵּ֖אל אֶל־ הַמֶּלְצַ֑ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר מִנָּה֙ NAS: said to the overseer whom KJV: Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince INT: Daniel to the overseer whom had appointed Daniel 1:16 2 Occurrences |
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