Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Daniel 1:3-4
It may be that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah suffered castration in Babylon. They were, after all, under the charge of Ashpenaz, the master of the eunuchs. And castration was often the fate of men taken captive by ancient conquering nations.
Nevertheless, these four youths were God’s men in God’s time. They remained faithful despite extremely difficult circumstances and displayed exemplary courage. This is all the more remarkable if they were indeed eunuchs. To God be the glory!
