of Persian derivation; the butler or other officer in the Babylonian court; Melzar.
Transliteration:meltsâr
Pronunciation:mel-tsawr'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4453 (מֶלְצָר, meltsâr) is understood to be of Persian derivation, signifying an official within a royal court, specifically identified as a "butler" or a supervisor of provisions. Its semantic range points to an administrative role, likely overseeing the daily sustenance and well-being of those under their charge within the hierarchical structure of a foreign empire. It is not a personal name but rather a title or designation of office, much like "steward" or "overseer." The Persian origin underscores the foreign context in which this word appears in the biblical narrative, reflecting the administrative lexicon of the Babylonian court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4453 appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in [[Daniel 1:11]] and [[Daniel 1:16]]. In these passages, Melzar is introduced as the officer to whom the chief of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, had entrusted Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. His primary responsibility was to oversee their daily provisions, including food and wine, as they were being trained for service in King Nebuchadnezzar's court.
The pivotal interaction occurs when Daniel, committed to adhering to the dietary laws of his God, requests that he and his friends be given only vegetables and water instead of the rich food and wine from the king's table. Melzar initially expresses apprehension, fearing that a change in diet might cause the young men to appear less healthy than their peers, thus risking his own standing with the king ([[Daniel 1:10]]). Daniel, however, proposes a ten-day test: "Please test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence, and the appearance of the young men who eat the king’s rich food; and according to what you see, deal with your servants" ([[Daniel 1:12-13]]).
Melzar's agreement to this test ([[Daniel 1:14]]) is crucial. After the ten days, Daniel and his companions appeared healthier and better nourished than all the young men who ate the king's rich food ([[Daniel 1:15]]). Consequently, Melzar continued to provide them with vegetables and water, removing the king's rich food and wine ([[Daniel 1:16]]). This demonstrates Melzar's willingness to observe and act upon the evidence, facilitating Daniel's faithfulness and God's providential care.
### Related Words & Concepts
The role of H4453 (meltsâr) can be understood in relation to other court officials and administrative titles found in the ancient Near East. These include:
* **Chief Eunuch/Chief of the Eunuchs:** As seen with Ashpenaz, the "chief of the eunuchs" (`{{H7227}}` `{{H5631}}`), who was Melzar's superior, these officials held significant power and responsibility within the royal household, often overseeing various departments, including personnel and provisions.
* **Steward/Overseer:** Concepts like `{{H5057}}` (nāgîd) or `{{H5324}}` (nāṣîb) can denote an overseer or appointed official, though H4453 specifically points to a role concerning provisions.
* **Dietary Purity:** The narrative involving Melzar highlights the theme of dietary laws and purity (e.g., Kashrut) central to Israelite identity, even in exile. The conflict over food underscores the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity.
* **Divine Provision:** The outcome of the ten-day test, facilitated by Melzar, points to the concept of divine provision and blessing for those who remain faithful. God ensures the well-being of His servants even through unexpected means.
### Theological Significance
The character of Melzar, though a minor figure, plays a significant role in demonstrating several profound theological truths:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** God's hand is evident in the narrative, orchestrating circumstances even through a foreign official like Melzar. God works through human agents, regardless of their nationality or faith, to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. Melzar's cooperation, initially hesitant, ultimately serves God's plan for Daniel and his friends.
* **Faithfulness Under Pressure:** Melzar's role highlights Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's commands, even when it meant risking his life or future prospects in a foreign court. Daniel's request to Melzar was an act of faith, trusting that God would honor his obedience.
* **Wisdom and Discernment:** Daniel's wise and discerning approach to Melzar—proposing a test rather than making an outright demand—demonstrates a God-given wisdom. Melzar's willingness to consider and then act upon Daniel's proposal also reflects a degree of discernment, allowing him to observe God's favor firsthand.
* **God's Favor and Blessing:** The remarkable outcome of the ten-day test, where Daniel and his friends appeared healthier, served as a clear sign of God's favor upon their obedience. Melzar's observation of this tangible blessing led him to continue providing their preferred diet, thereby becoming an instrument in the ongoing demonstration of God's power and care.
### Summary
H4453 (מֶלְצָר, meltsâr) is a Persian-derived term denoting a court officer, specifically a "butler" or supervisor of provisions, within the Babylonian royal court. Its sole biblical appearance is in Daniel 1, where Melzar is the official responsible for the daily sustenance of Daniel and his three companions during their training. His interaction with Daniel is pivotal: despite initial apprehension, Melzar agrees to Daniel's request for a vegetarian diet, which, after a ten-day test, results in the young men appearing healthier than their peers. This outcome leads Melzar to continue providing them with the simpler diet. The narrative involving Melzar powerfully illustrates God's sovereign providence, Daniel's unwavering faithfulness in exile, and the tangible blessings that accompany obedience to God, even when mediated through unexpected human agents.
TRV