The name Ashpenaz (Hebrew: ’Ašpənaz) is likely of Old Persian origin, possibly meaning “head of the treasury” or “chief of the eunuchs.” He was a high-ranking official in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who played a central, though brief, role in the early life of the prophet Daniel and his three companions.
His story is recorded exclusively in the Book of Daniel, chapter 1.
1. Chief of the Eunuchs
Ashpenaz held the title of “master of his eunuchs” (or chief of the eunuchs), a position of great trust and influence in the Babylonian court. Eunuchs often managed the king’s household, treasury, and personal affairs, placing Ashpenaz close to the seat of imperial power.
After Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried off a selection of the royal and noble youth of Israel, Ashpenaz was given the important task of overseeing their complete assimilation into Babylonian culture:
“And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3-4, KJV, emphasis added).
This program was intended to transform these Hebrew nobles into loyal, culturally Babylonian civil servants.
2. The Conflict over Diet
Ashpenaz’s role becomes crucial when Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) decided they would not defile themselves with the king’s rich, unkosher food and wine. They were committed to observing the dietary laws given to Israel.
Daniel approached Ashpenaz with a humble request to be allowed a simple diet of pulse (vegetables) and water. Ashpenaz immediately feared for his own safety, knowing the king would hold him personally responsible if the youths lost their health:
“And Ashpenaz said to Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.” (Daniel 1:10, KJV, emphasis added).
This shows Ashpenaz to be a cautious, high-level bureaucrat whose primary motivation was obedience to the king and self-preservation.
3. The Divine Favor
The text immediately points out that Daniel received “favour and tender love” from Ashpenaz, indicating that God was working through the Babylonian official’s heart to protect His servants:
“Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” (Daniel 1:9, KJV, emphasis added).
Although Ashpenaz was concerned, he agreed to allow Daniel to test the diet under the supervision of a subordinate, the Melzar. The successful ten-day trial ultimately resulted in the Hebrew youths being granted their preferred diet for the entire three-year training period.
The Theological Significance
Ashpenaz serves as an important figure in the narrative of God’s Providence. He represents the highest levels of the hostile Gentile world, yet God placed favor in his heart to protect Daniel. His concern for his own safety ironically became the means by which God protected the purity of His faithful servants in a pagan court. This demonstrates that God can use the very structures and officials of earthly power to ensure the spiritual safety and ultimate success of His chosen people.