Topical Encyclopedia Meltzar is a figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 1:11-16. He is identified as a steward or overseer appointed by Ashpenaz, the chief official of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Meltzar's role was to oversee the daily provisions for Daniel and his three companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—who were among the young men of Judah taken into Babylonian captivity.Biblical Context In the narrative of Daniel 1, King Nebuchadnezzar orders Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility to serve in his court. These young men were to be educated in the language and literature of the Chaldeans and were to be given a daily portion of the king's delicacies and wine. However, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, seeking instead to adhere to the dietary laws prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Role of Meltzar Daniel 1:11-16 describes Daniel's interaction with Meltzar. Daniel requests that he and his friends be allowed to consume only vegetables and water for ten days as a test to see if they would appear healthier than those who ate the king's food. Meltzar, though initially hesitant due to fear of the king's displeasure, agrees to the test. The passage reads: "Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, '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 king’s food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.' So he consented to this and tested them for ten days. And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. Thus the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead." (Daniel 1:11-16) Significance Meltzar's compliance with Daniel's request highlights the providence of God in the lives of His faithful servants. Despite the potential risk to his own position, Meltzar's willingness to accommodate Daniel's dietary preferences allowed Daniel and his friends to remain obedient to their faith. This episode underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as He grants favor to those who remain steadfast in their commitment to His commandments. Meltzar's actions, though seemingly minor, play a crucial role in the narrative by facilitating the demonstration of God's power and the superiority of His ways. The outcome of the test not only vindicates Daniel's faith but also sets the stage for the subsequent events in the Book of Daniel, where Daniel and his friends continue to exhibit wisdom and understanding far surpassing that of their peers, ultimately leading to their elevation in the Babylonian court. Concordance Meltzar (2 Occurrences)Daniel 1:11 Daniel 1:16 Thesaurus Meltzar (2 Occurrences)...Meltzar (2 Occurrences). ... Daniel 1:16 And the Meltzar is taking away their portion of food, and the wine of their drink, and is giving to them vegetables. (YLT). ... /m/meltzar.htm - 6k Melts (11 Occurrences) Vegetables (5 Occurrences) Melzar (2 Occurrences) Mish'a-el (7 Occurrences) Azari'ah (46 Occurrences) Hanani'ah (28 Occurrences) Overseer (84 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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