Who is Ashpenaz?
Ibn Ezra: He was a Seris (eunuch) appointed over all the Serisim and wives. It says in Yechezkel "v'Hayu Serisim b'Heichal Melech Bavel."
Why is he called "Rav Sarisav"?
Ibn Ezra: He was the greatest. This is like "Kiryas Melech Rav."
Were Daniel and his colleagues among Sarisav?
Ibn Ezra citing Yefes: Yes 1 .
Ibn Ezra: No. Castration decreases intellect. The king wanted people in front of him who know all Chochmos! He appointed a Seris over them, for he wanted beautiful Yisraelim, and base people are suspected of Mishkav Zachar.
Ibn Ezra citing R. Yehoshua: Yes, but 'Seris' can be a eunuch, or a servant, like "ha'Sarisim veha'Giborim" of David. (Surely he did not castrate them!) 2
Ibn Ezra: This is wrong. It says "va'Yhi Vahem mi'Bnei Yehudah Daniel Chananyah, Misha'el va'Azaryah" (verse 6). Others mi'Zera ha'Meluchah were Sarisim. Daniel is not called a Seris. "Ein Bahem Kol Mum" ? castration is the ultimate Mum! The king commanded to teach to them Sefer (Arame'ic writing and language) so they can stand in front of the king? not in front of his wives!
Ibn Ezra: This is wrong. David captured castrated men. To this day, kings appoint eunuchs to guard their wives.
Why does it say "mi'Bnei Yisrael" and "umi'Zera ha'Meluchah"?
Malbim: The king wanted both commoners for simple service, and also from the king's seed to stand in Beis ha'Melech. From the Sarim's children will come later Sarim in Yehudah submissive to the king, who know Bavli etiquette and language. Nebuchadnetzar himself was a Chacham, and he had Chachamim from all lands to conduct based on their counsel. He knew that Jews are extra wise due to Shechinah and Nevu'ah among them. Eichah Rabasi elaborates about their Chochmah!
What are "Partemim"?
Rashi: They are dukes.
Ibn Ezra: This word is found in Tanach only [here, and] in Megilas Esther. Perhaps it is a Bavli or Persian word for deputy.
