Daniel 1:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

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

NASB: Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach, and to Azariah Abed-nego.

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

NLT: The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego.

KJV: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

NKJV: To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

When Babylon conquered Israel, the best and brightest children of royal families were set aside for a special purpose. They were not merely trophies. Rather, they were placed into a reeducation program (Daniel 1:1–4). Nebuchadnezzar probably intended to lure Israel's youths to his side, making them more effective at controlling the conquered Jewish population. This plan included training in Babylonian language, religion, and culture, and living in relative luxury (Daniel 1:5). It also meant being given new names, replacing references to the God of Israel (Daniel 1:6) with mentions of Babylonian idols.

Daniel, or Daniye'l, whose name means "God is my judge," was assigned the Babylonian name Beltasha'tstsar, or "Belteshazzar." This seems to be an appeal for protection to the god Bel. The name may also mean "Lord of the straightened's treasure."

Hananiah, or Chananyah, whose name means "Yahweh has favored," was given the name Sadrak', or "Shadrach." This is most likely a reference to the Babylonian deity Marduk, or "decree of the moon-god" or "I fear a god."

Mishael, or Miysha'el, whose name means "who is what God is?" was renamed Meyshak, or "Meshach." This new title is translated as "guest of a king," or perhaps "I am humble before a god."

Azariah, or 'Azaryah, whose name means "Yahweh has helped" was called 'Abed Nagow, or "Abed-nego." His altered name means "servant of Nebo," probably referring to the son of the Babylonian god Marduk.

Scripture does not say how other Israelite captives responded to their new positions. These four, however, resisted the pressure to abandon their faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will become famous for their refusal to worship idols, even at the risk of their lives (Daniel 3). Daniel will be renowned for righteousness despite living under several pagan regimes (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Daniel 6).

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.