Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ashpenaz is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 1:3. He is identified as the chief of the court officials, or the chief eunuch, serving under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. His role was significant during the early period of the Babylonian captivity, a time when the Kingdom of Judah was conquered, and many of its inhabitants were exiled to Babylon.Biblical Account In the Book of Daniel, Ashpenaz is tasked with selecting young men from the Israelite nobility and royal family to serve in the king's palace. These young men were to be without physical defect, handsome, and well-versed in every branch of wisdom, knowledgeable, and quick to understand. The purpose was to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans, preparing them for service in the Babylonian court. Daniel 1:3-4 states: "Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, and quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans." Role and Responsibilities Ashpenaz's responsibilities included overseeing the education and diet of these young men, ensuring they were well-prepared to serve the king. Among those selected were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were later renamed Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, respectively. Ashpenaz was instrumental in implementing the king's orders regarding their training and sustenance. Interaction with Daniel Daniel, known for his devout faith and adherence to the laws of his God, requested not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. Ashpenaz, though initially hesitant due to fear of the king's reaction, allowed Daniel and his friends to follow a diet of vegetables and water for ten days as a test. This decision demonstrated Ashpenaz's willingness to accommodate Daniel's convictions, highlighting his role as a mediator between the king's commands and the personal beliefs of those under his charge. Daniel 1:9 notes: "Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official." Historical and Cultural Context Ashpenaz's position as the chief eunuch or court official was one of considerable authority and influence within the Babylonian empire. Eunuchs often held high-ranking positions in ancient Near Eastern courts due to their perceived loyalty and lack of familial ties, which minimized the risk of power struggles. Ashpenaz's role underscores the complex interactions between the Babylonian authorities and the exiled Israelites, as well as the challenges faced by the latter in maintaining their cultural and religious identity. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, Ashpenaz's account illustrates God's providence and favor towards His faithful servants, even in foreign lands. Despite the challenges of exile, God provided Daniel and his companions with favor in the eyes of their overseers, allowing them to remain true to their faith while serving in a pagan court. Ashpenaz's willingness to accommodate Daniel's dietary request can be seen as part of God's overarching plan to protect and elevate His people, even in captivity. Ashpenaz's mention in the Book of Daniel serves as a reminder of the faithfulness required of God's people in times of trial and the ways in which God can work through individuals, even those outside the covenant community, to accomplish His purposes. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ashpenaz(horse-nose), the master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 1:3) ATS Bible Dictionary AshpenazChief of the eunuchs of king Nebuchadnezzar, who had the charge of Daniel and his young companions, and was led to show them favor at his own peril, Daniel 1:3-18. Easton's Bible Dictionary The master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:3), the "Rabsaris" of the court. His position was similar to that of the Kislar-aga of the modern Turkish sultans. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHPENAZash'-pe-naz ('ashpenaz): The master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar was an officer into whose hands the king entrusted those of the children of Israel, and of the princes, and of the seed of the king of Judah, whom he had carried captive to Babylon, that they might be taught the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans in order to serve in the king's palace. He is mentioned by name in Daniel 1:3 only. It used to be supposed that the name was Persian; but it now seems more probable that it is Babylonian. We would suggest Ashipu-Anu-Izzu, "the Aship-priest of Ann is mighty," as a possible form of the original. Strong's Hebrew 828. Ashpenaz -- a Bab. eunuch... 827, 828. Ashpenaz. 829 . a Bab. eunuch. Transliteration: Ashpenaz Phonetic Spelling: (ash-pen-az') Short Definition: Ashpenaz. ... /hebrew/828.htm - 5k Library In the Court of Babylon The Courage of Four Captives Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon. Against Jovinianus. Thesaurus Ashpenaz (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ASHPENAZ. ash'-pe ... original. R. Dick Wilson. Multi-Version Concordance Ashpenaz (1 Occurrence). Daniel ... /a/ashpenaz.htm - 7k Daniel (74 Occurrences) Ash'penaz (1 Occurrence) Ashore (11 Occurrences) Nobility (5 Occurrences) Shadrach (14 Occurrences) Unsexed (26 Occurrences) Captain (167 Occurrences) Eunuchs (33 Occurrences) Eunuch (20 Occurrences) Resources Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ashpenaz (1 Occurrence)Daniel 1:3 Subtopics Ashpenaz: A Prince in Nebuchadnezzars Court Related Terms |
    |