Daniel 1:9-16

9-16. The Rab-saris objected to the proposed change of diet to pulse ( vegetables) and water out of “favor and compassion” for Daniel (Daniel 1:9, R.V.), and for fear of his own life if the boys should attract attention by their inferior appearance and it should thus be discovered that the royal orders concerning food had been disobeyed; but finally his assistant (Daniel 1:11) consented to a ten days’ experiment, which was so successful that all objections were removed. Melzar (Hebrews, the Melzar) is probably not a proper name but an official title: “steward” (R.V.) or “chief butler” (Haugh) or “pedagogue’’ (Hitzig). Lenormant thinks it corresponds to the Amil-ussur, or “treasurer,” an official prominent at the Assyrian court; but later Assyriologists have derived it from mazzar, “overseer” or “guardian.”