Topical Encyclopedia Belteshazzar is the Babylonian name given to Daniel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Daniel. This name change is significant as it reflects the cultural and religious assimilation efforts by the Babylonians during the Jewish exile. The name Belteshazzar is derived from the Akkadian language, likely meaning "Bel, protect the king," with "Bel" referring to a Babylonian deity.Historical Context Daniel was among the young men of noble or royal lineage taken captive to Babylon during the first deportation in 605 B.C., under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian king sought to educate these young men in the language and literature of the Chaldeans, intending to employ them in his royal court. As part of this assimilation process, Daniel and his companions were given Babylonian names. Daniel 1:7 states, "The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego" . Significance of the Name Change The renaming of Daniel to Belteshazzar was not merely a change of nomenclature but an attempt to redefine his identity and allegiance. The name Daniel means "God is my judge," reflecting his Hebrew heritage and faith in the God of Israel. In contrast, Belteshazzar associates him with the Babylonian pantheon, specifically with the god Bel (or Marduk), indicating a shift towards Babylonian culture and religion. Despite this imposed identity, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to the God of Israel. His life and actions, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, demonstrate his unwavering devotion and the divine wisdom granted to him, which often set him apart in the Babylonian court. Role and Influence in Babylon Daniel, known as Belteshazzar in the Babylonian court, quickly distinguished himself through his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. In Daniel 2:26, King Nebuchadnezzar addresses him by his Babylonian name: "The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, 'Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?'" . Daniel's interpretation of the king's dream not only saved the lives of many wise men but also elevated him to a position of high authority in the kingdom. Throughout his life in Babylon, Daniel, or Belteshazzar, served under multiple kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. His integrity and faithfulness to God were evident in his refusal to defile himself with the king's food (Daniel 1:8), his interpretation of the writing on the wall (Daniel 5), and his deliverance from the lions' den (Daniel 6). Legacy The name Belteshazzar, while a symbol of Daniel's foreign captivity, also highlights the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity. Daniel's account is a testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms. His life serves as an example of how one can maintain spiritual integrity and influence a foreign culture without compromising one's beliefs. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 1:7To whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave to Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. Nave's Topical Index Library The Dream of the Tree Cut Down A King's Strange Dream Religious and Social State. The Courage of Four Captives Christian Names. On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... In the Court of Babylon Hebrews xi. 20-22 The Unseen Watcher The Historical Books. Resources Why do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? | GotQuestions.org Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |