Daniel 1:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.

NIV: Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.

NASB: Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

CSB: Among them, from the Judahites, were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

NLT: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah.

KJV: Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

NKJV: Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Only four of the children taken into Nebuchadnezzar's reeducation program (Daniel 1:3–5) are mentioned by name. There would have been others, but these are the only ones who factor directly into Daniel's story. These were descendants of Jewish royalty taken, in part, so they could be molded into mediators between Israel and their Babylonian captors. These four boys are identified as members of the tribe of Judah, the same tribe as David and the Messiah, Jesus Christ (1 Samuel 17:12; Luke 3:23–38; Revelation 5:5; 22:16). Each carries a birth name referring to the God of Israel, but their new masters will assign them names tied to Babylonian religion:

Daniye'l, or "Daniel," means "God is my judge." His given Babylonian name will be Beltasha'tstsar, or "Belteshazzar," a call for protection from the false god Bel, or possibly "Lord of the straightened's treasure."

Chananyah, or "Hananiah," means "Yahweh has favored." His assigned pagan name will be Sadrak', or "Shadrach," possibly a reference to the false god Marduk, or as meaning "decree of the moon-god" or "I fear a god."

Miysha'el, or "Mishael," means "who is what God is?" This is similar to the name Miyka'el, or "Michael," which means "who is like God?" His new designation will be Meyshak, or "Meshach," meaning "guest of a king," or perhaps "I am humble before a god."

'Azaryah, or "Azariah," means "Yahweh has helped." He will be given the Babylonian name 'Abed Nagow, or "Abed-nego," meaning "servant of Nebo," in reference to the son of the Babylonian deity Marduk.

All four captives will demonstrate that names, themselves, do not define a person's destiny. Daniel will be renowned for his faithfulness to God (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Daniel 6), only using the new Babylonian name is his book when others apply it to him. The other captives, most famously known be their new names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, will feature in a classic story about bravery in the face of persecution (Daniel 3).

Daniel 1:1–7 introduces several main characters featured in this book. Along with King Nebuchadnezzar are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These four young men came from royalty and nobility but were taken to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. King Nebuchadnezzar planned to educate them in Babylonian culture and immerse them in his lifestyle. The four were to be presented to the king after three years to see the results of their training. The four captive boys are given new names to correspond with their new lives: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

When Daniel was young, Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took many of its treasures and people back to their land. Daniel was chosen to become an advisor due to his good looks and bright mind. Along with other boys, he was educated and given a Babylonian name. Daniel and several friends demonstrate faithfulness to God by avoiding foods that might be unclean. They also excel in their roles. This leads Daniel to become an important advisor regarding dreams and visions, as described starting in chapter 2.

Daniel was taken captive when Babylon conquered the nation of Israel. The first chapter of the book establishes his history, his level of natural talent, and the depth of his faith. This is followed by a series of prophetic interpretations tied to Gentile nations in chapters 2—7. Chapters 8—12 focus on prophecies more closely related to the nation of Israel. Many of these details are restated or expanded in the book of Revelation.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.