Topical Encyclopedia Name and Meaning:Mishael, later known as Meshach, is a Hebrew name meaning "Who is what God is?" This name reflects a deep connection to the God of Israel, emphasizing the uniqueness and incomparability of the Lord. The name Meshach, given to Mishael in Babylon, is of uncertain meaning but is thought to be related to the Babylonian god Aku. Biblical References: Mishael is first introduced in the Book of Daniel as one of the young men from Judah taken into Babylonian captivity. Alongside his companions Hananiah (Shadrach), Azariah (Abednego), and Daniel (Belteshazzar), Mishael is selected for his wisdom, knowledge, and physical appearance to serve in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 1:6-7 : "Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego." Role in the Book of Daniel: Mishael, as Meshach, plays a significant role in the narrative of Daniel, particularly in the account of the fiery furnace. Along with Shadrach and Abednego, Meshach refuses to bow down to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrating unwavering faith and loyalty to the God of Israel. Daniel 3:16-18 : "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.'" Their faith is rewarded when God miraculously delivers them from the furnace, unharmed and accompanied by a divine presence, often interpreted as an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Daniel 3:24-25 : "Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Did we not throw three men, firmly bound, into the fire?' 'Certainly, O king,' they replied. 'Look!' he exclaimed. 'I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!'" Theological Significance: Meshach's account is a powerful testament to the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. His refusal to compromise his faith, even under the threat of death, serves as an enduring example of courage and devotion. The miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace underscores God's ability to protect and save His people, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention and the ultimate triumph of faith over adversity. Historical and Cultural Context: The Babylonian exile was a period of great trial for the people of Judah, as they were removed from their homeland and faced pressure to assimilate into a foreign culture. The renaming of Mishael to Meshach reflects the broader attempt by the Babylonians to integrate these young men into their society, stripping them of their Hebrew identity. Despite this, Meshach and his companions maintained their distinctiveness and commitment to God, highlighting the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity. Legacy: Meshach's legacy is one of steadfast faith and courage. His account, along with those of Shadrach and Abednego, has inspired countless believers to stand firm in their convictions, trusting in God's power and faithfulness. The account of the fiery furnace remains a powerful narrative of divine deliverance and the enduring strength of faith in the face of persecution. ATS Bible Dictionary Mishael or MeshachA fellow-captive with Daniel in Babylon. See ABEDNEGO. Strong's Hebrew 4335. Meshak -- a Bab. name given to Mishael... Definition: Meshach. Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a Bab. name given to Mishael NASB Word Usage Meshach (1). Meshak. Borrowed ... /hebrew/4335.htm - 6k Library In the Court of Babylon The Courage of Four Captives Christian Names. The Four Captive Children. A King's Strange Dream Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Resources Summary of the Book of Daniel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Prayer of Azariah? | GotQuestions.org Where was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mishael: A Jew Who Stood by Ezra when he Read the Law to the People Mishael: A Son of Uzziel, Helps Carry the Bodies of Nadab and Abihu out of the Camp Mishael: Also Called Meshach: Assists Daniel in Interpreting Nebuchadnezzars Dream Mishael: Also Called Meshach: Thrown Into the Fiery Furnace Related Terms |
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