Daniel 1:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

NIV: Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,

NASB: But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

CSB: So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief eunuch had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

NLT: Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

KJV: Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

NKJV: So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel and three other boys were among those captured from Judah by the Babylonian Empire (Daniel 1:1–2). Some of these captives were placed in a reeducation program to make them advisors helping the king rule his new subjects (Daniel 1:3–7). However, Daniel's faith would not allow him to eat the unclean, idol-consecrated food given to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:8). The chief eunuch, Ashpenaz, was sympathetic, but concerned about fulfilling his obligations (Daniel 1:9–10).

Scripture is not clear about whether Ashpenaz approved Daniel's conversation with the steward. It's possible he simply said "no" because of his reservations, and Daniel arranged this test in response. Or the suggestion of a test might have been made to both Ashpenaz and the steward at the same time. Either way, the results would be dependent on God's intervention.

This steward is referred to as ha melsār' in Hebrew, apparently adapting a Persian word referring to a cupbearer (Genesis 40:1) or butler. Though some translations present this as a proper name, the Hebrew contains a definite article, meaning "the." To be a steward required being trustworthy in the eyes of the king in part because stewards served the food and wine, providing opportunity to poison their rulers. It seems Nehemiah held a similar position in King Artaxerxes' court. Nehemiah 2:1 quotes him as saying, "I took up the wine and gave it to the king [Artaxerxes]."

Daniel 1:8–16 explains one of the ways Daniel and three other captured Hebrew boys (Daniel 1:1–7) resisted being corrupted by the pagan culture of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar assigned the Hebrew youths the same kind of food and wine that he ate and drank. These would have been unclean, for various reasons, under the Law of Moses. Daniel received permission from his supervising steward to eat only vegetables and water for a ten-day test. When the Hebrew youths were healthier than those who ate the king's food, they were allowed to continue their special diet.

When Daniel was young, Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took many of its treasures and people back to their land. Daniel was chosen to become an advisor due to his good looks and bright mind. Along with other boys, he was educated and given a Babylonian name. Daniel and several friends demonstrate faithfulness to God by avoiding foods that might be unclean. They also excel in their roles. This leads Daniel to become an important advisor regarding dreams and visions, as described starting in chapter 2.

Daniel was taken captive when Babylon conquered the nation of Israel. The first chapter of the book establishes his history, his level of natural talent, and the depth of his faith. This is followed by a series of prophetic interpretations tied to Gentile nations in chapters 2—7. Chapters 8—12 focus on prophecies more closely related to the nation of Israel. Many of these details are restated or expanded in the book of Revelation.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.