Asphenaz

Asphenaz was King Nebuchadnezzar's chief steward after Babylon conquered Jerusalem. The king ordered him to select and train the finest young captives for service at court, including Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When the royal food conflicted with God's law, Daniel asked for a ten-day test using only vegetables and water. Asphenaz allowed the experiment, and the four young men appeared healthier than those eating from the king's table. He then permitted them to continue their chosen diet. Although he served a powerful pagan ruler, Asphenaz showed enough flexibility to let the captives act on conscience and enough fairness to judge their request by its results rather than reject it immediately.