Daniel 1:10

fear my lord the king who hath appointed your meat and drink.

The fear of the officer was that if these young Hebrews lived so abstemiously, their emaciation and pale countenances would indicate it. Inquiry would be made, and if he had permitted. change of the food appointed by the king, his own head would be in danger for disobedience to the royal orders. It was placing him in. dangerous position to grant the request. For slighter matters than this caused. man to lose his head in those days.. monarch, in in angry mood, or at any caprice, would order. man to death without. trial. This reply must be looked upon as. kind but not very positive refusal to grant the request, so gentle that Daniel was persuaded that if he secured the favor of Melzar,. subordinate officer, the chief would not interfere.