Daniel 1:7

The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Study Bible

The chief official gave them new names:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, renaming was a common practice to signify authority or a change in status. The chief official, likely Ashpenaz, was acting under the orders of King Nebuchadnezzar to assimilate these young men into Babylonian culture. This act of renaming was an attempt to strip them of their Hebrew identity and heritage, aligning them with Babylonian society and its gods.

To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar:
The name Daniel means "God is my judge," reflecting his Hebrew faith and identity. The new name, Belteshazzar, is likely derived from the Babylonian god Bel, meaning "Bel protect the king" or "Bel's prince." This change was intended to associate Daniel with the Babylonian deity, thus attempting to shift his allegiance from the God of Israel to the gods of Babylon.

To Hananiah, Shadrach:
Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious." His new name, Shadrach, possibly means "command of Aku," with Aku being a Babylonian moon god. This renaming was another effort to replace his connection to Yahweh with a connection to Babylonian deities, reflecting the cultural and religious assimilation process.

To Mishael, Meshach:
Mishael means "Who is like God?" His Babylonian name, Meshach, might be a variation of "Who is like Aku?" This change mirrors the attempt to replace the worship of the God of Israel with that of Babylonian gods, further emphasizing the cultural and religious transformation imposed on these young men.

And to Azariah, Abednego:
Azariah means "Yahweh has helped." The name Abednego is thought to mean "servant of Nego" or "servant of Nebo," another Babylonian deity. This renaming was part of the broader strategy to integrate these Hebrew youths into Babylonian society by aligning their identities with Babylonian religious practices and beliefs.

This passage highlights the tension between maintaining one's faith and identity in a foreign culture that seeks to impose its own beliefs and practices. It sets the stage for the challenges Daniel and his friends will face as they strive to remain faithful to their God amidst pressure to conform.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel (Belteshazzar)
A young Hebrew man of noble lineage taken into Babylonian captivity. His name, meaning "God is my judge," was changed to Belteshazzar, which may mean "Bel protect his life," reflecting Babylonian influence.

2. Hananiah (Shadrach)
Another Hebrew youth whose name means "Yahweh is gracious." His name was changed to Shadrach, possibly meaning "command of Aku," a Babylonian moon god.

3. Mishael (Meshach)
A Hebrew whose name means "Who is what God is?" His Babylonian name, Meshach, might be derived from "Who is what Aku is?"

4. Azariah (Abednego)
His Hebrew name means "Yahweh has helped." The name Abednego could mean "servant of Nebo," a Babylonian god of wisdom.

5. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took many Israelites, including Daniel and his friends, into exile. It was a center of pagan worship and culture.

Teaching Points

Identity in God vs. Worldly Identity
Despite the Babylonians' attempt to redefine Daniel and his friends through new names, their true identity remained rooted in their relationship with God. Christians today must remember their identity in Christ, even when the world tries to impose a different identity.

Cultural Pressure and Faithfulness
Daniel and his friends faced immense pressure to conform to Babylonian culture. Their account encourages believers to remain faithful to God's commands, even when cultural norms conflict with biblical values.

God's Sovereignty in Exile
The renaming of Daniel and his friends shows God's sovereignty in allowing them to be in Babylon. It reminds us that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances, and can use them for His purposes.

The Power of Names
Names in the Bible often reflect character and destiny. Understanding the meaning behind the names given to Daniel and his friends can deepen our appreciation of their account and God's work in their lives.

Witness in a Foreign Land
Daniel and his friends serve as examples of how to be a witness for God in a foreign land. Their account challenges us to live out our faith boldly, regardless of our surroundings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the changing of names in Daniel 1:7 reflect the broader theme of identity in the book of Daniel, and how can this apply to maintaining our Christian identity today?

2. In what ways do Daniel and his friends' experiences in Babylon parallel the experiences of Christians living in a secular world?

3. How can understanding the meanings of the Hebrew and Babylonian names deepen our understanding of the spiritual challenges faced by Daniel and his friends?

4. What other biblical figures experienced a change of name or identity, and how did they respond to it? How can their responses guide us in our own lives?

5. How does the account of Daniel and his friends encourage us to remain faithful to God when faced with cultural pressures that conflict with our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's experience in Egypt parallels Daniel's in Babylon, where both were given new names and roles in foreign courts.

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters describe the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the beginning of the exile, providing context for Daniel's situation.

Revelation 2
The letter to the church in Pergamum discusses remaining faithful in a place where Satan's throne is, similar to Daniel's faithfulness in Babylon.