Daniel 1:11

11 Alors Daniel dit à l'intendant à qui le chef des eunuques avait remis la surveillance de Daniel, de Hanania, de Mischaël et d'Azaria:

Daniel 1:11 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 1:11

Then said Daniel to Melzar
The prince of the eunuchs, having put off Daniel with the above answer, seems to have left him; or, however, Daniel, finding he could not obtain of him what he sought for, applies to Melzar, a subordinate officer, whom he hoped to find more pliable; and it may be that Ashpenaz might suggest it to him to apply to this person, and signify that if he could prevail upon him to give him other food instead of the king's; who might be under a temptation from profit, being a meaner officer; he for his part would wink at it, so be it he came not into any danger himself; however, be it as it will, Daniel did apply to this man, whose name was Melzar, for so most take it to be the proper name of a man; which, according to Hillerus F2, signifies one "in full splendour". Josephus calls F3 him Aschanes; though some think it is the name of an office, as a steward, or the like; but whether it is expressive of his name, or his office, he is described as one whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael,
and Azariah;
to give them their food at proper time.


FOOTNOTES:

F2 Onomast. Sacr. p. 600.
F3 Antiqu. l. 10. c. 10. sect. 2.

Daniel 1:11 In-Context

9 Dieu fit trouver à Daniel faveur et grâce devant le chef des eunuques.
10 Le chef des eunuques dit à Daniel: Je crains mon seigneur le roi, qui a fixé ce que vous devez manger et boire; car pourquoi verrait-il votre visage plus abattu que celui des jeunes gens de votre âge? Vous exposeriez ma tête auprès du roi.
11 Alors Daniel dit à l'intendant à qui le chef des eunuques avait remis la surveillance de Daniel, de Hanania, de Mischaël et d'Azaria:
12 Eprouve tes serviteurs pendant dix jours, et qu'on nous donne des légumes à manger et de l'eau à boire;
13 tu regarderas ensuite notre visage et celui des jeunes gens qui mangent les mets du roi, et tu agiras avec tes serviteurs d'après ce que tu auras vu.
The Louis Segond 1910 is in the public domain.