Introduction:
Melzar is a figure mentioned in the Book of Daniel, specifically in the context of the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. The name "Melzar" is often understood to be a title rather than a personal name, possibly referring to a steward or overseer in the Babylonian court. This entry explores the role and significance of Melzar within the biblical narrative, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.

Biblical Reference:
Melzar is mentioned in Daniel 1:11-16. The passage describes the early experiences of Daniel and his companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—who were taken into the Babylonian king's service. The king had ordered that these young men be trained in the language and literature of the Chaldeans and be provided with a daily portion of the king's delicacies and wine.

Role in the Narrative:
In Daniel 1:11-16 , Daniel requests permission from the chief official to abstain from the royal food and wine, proposing instead a diet of vegetables and water. The chief official is hesitant, fearing the king's displeasure if Daniel and his friends appear less healthy than the other young men. Daniel then turns to Melzar, the steward appointed over them, and proposes a ten-day test of their diet:

"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 royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.' So he consented to this and tested them for ten days." (Daniel 1:11-14)

Melzar agrees to the test, and at the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends appear healthier and better nourished than the others. As a result, Melzar allows them to continue with their chosen diet.

Significance:
Melzar's role, though brief, is significant in demonstrating God's providence and favor towards Daniel and his companions. The willingness of Melzar to accommodate Daniel's request highlights the theme of divine intervention and the faithfulness of God's people in maintaining their religious convictions even in a foreign land. The narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws and the blessings that follow such obedience.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The term "Melzar" is believed to be of Babylonian origin, possibly derived from the Akkadian word "masharu," meaning "guardian" or "overseer." This aligns with the role Melzar plays as a steward responsible for the well-being of the young captives. The Babylonian practice of assimilating captives into their culture by educating them and providing them with royal provisions is well-documented, and Melzar's actions fit within this historical framework.

Theological Implications:
The account of Melzar and the dietary test serves as an early example of the theme of faithfulness under trial, which is prevalent throughout the Book of Daniel. It illustrates the principle that God's people can remain faithful to His commandments even in adverse circumstances, trusting in His provision and protection. The narrative also foreshadows the greater trials and deliverances that Daniel and his friends will experience later in the book.

Conclusion:
While Melzar is a minor character in the biblical text, his interaction with Daniel and his friends provides a crucial turning point in the narrative, setting the stage for the demonstration of God's power and faithfulness throughout the Book of Daniel.Melzar

circumcision of a narrow place, or of a bond

Melzar

(steward). The Authorized Version is wrong in regarding melzar as a proper name; it is rather an official title, (Daniel 1:11,16) the marginal reading, "the steward," is therefore more correct.

Melzar

The name or the official title of a butler or steward at the court of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 1:11-16.

Probably a Persian word meaning master of wine, i.e., chief butler; the title of an officer at the Babylonian court (Dan. 1:11, 16) who had charge of the diet of the Hebrew youths. MELZAR

mel'-zar (ha-meltsar; Septuagint Abiesdri, Theod. Hamelsad): Possibly a transliteration of the Babylonian Ameluucur, the officer to whom was entrusted the bringing-up of Daniel and his three companions (Daniel 1:11 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "the steward," margin "Hebrew: Hammelzar"). It has been suggested that the name is not the name of a person, but denotes the office of guardian, like the Babylonian maccaru. In this case the "l" would come by dissimulation from the first of the two "s" sounds, which on its side has come from an assimilated "n", the root being nacaru, "to protect" "to guard."

R. Dick Wilson

4453. meltsar -- perhaps guardian
... Melzar. Of Persian derivation; the butler or other officer in the Babylonian court --
Melzar. 4452, 4453. meltsar. 4454 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4453.htm - 5k

Youthful Confessors
... king.11. Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had
set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12. Prove ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... Daniel then appealed to Melzar, the officer in special charge of the Hebrew youth,
requesting that they might be excused from eating the king's meat and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

The Four Captive Children.
... But Daniel turned to Melzar, the steward, and begged him to prove them by giving
them only vegetables to eat and water to drink for ten days, and "Then," said ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the four captive.htm

Melzar (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MELZAR. mel'-zar (ha-meltsar; Septuagint Abiesdri,
Theod. ... Multi-Version Concordance Melzar (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/melzar.htm - 8k

Meltzar (2 Occurrences)

/m/meltzar.htm - 6k

Mem (2 Occurrences)

/m/mem.htm - 7k

Steward (23 Occurrences)
... fitted to enter the king's service. He was thus rather a steward of persons
than of property (see MELZAR). In Isaiah 22:15 Shebna ...
/s/steward.htm - 21k

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