Ziklag 11.20 - Bel Protect Him!
Midweek Teaching Notes on Daniel - Names and Insights - Chapter 1a
Resolving to be Faithful
Learn
• Identity: Babylon tried to change their names and assimilate them into pagan culture, but Daniel and his friends clung to their faith and God-given identities.
• Faithfulness: Daniel’s refusal to eat the king’s food reflects a commitment to holiness, even at personal risk
See
1. God’s Sovereignty: Even in exile, God is in control.
2. Conviction Matters: Faithfulness to God often requires standing against cultural pressure.
3. Identity in God: Even when the world tries to redefine us, we are ultimately defined by God’s covenant promises.
Know
• The events take place in 605 BC, during the first deportation of the Jews to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar.
• Theological Theme:
• God is sovereign even in exile. The defeat of Jerusalem is not the failure of God but part of His divine plan.
• Daniel and his friends face cultural assimilation yet resolve to remain faithful to God.
Names
1. Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל - Daniyyel)
• Meaning: “God is my Judge.”
• Etymology:
• דָּן (dan): To judge.
• אֵל (el): God.
• Physicality: Reflects divine authority and justice.
• Babylonian Name: Belteshazzar (בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר - “Bel protect his life”).
• Bel: Babylonian god (Marduk).
2. Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה - Ḥananyah)
• Meaning: “Yahweh is gracious.”
• Etymology:
• חָנַן (ḥanan): To be gracious or merciful.
• יָה (yah): A shortened form of Yahweh.
• Physicality: Highlights God’s kindness and covenant faithfulness.
• Babylonian Name: Shadrach (possibly from Shudur Aku - “Command of Aku”).
• Aku: Babylonian moon god.
3. Mishael (מִישָׁאֵל - Mīsha’el)
• Meaning: “Who is like God?”
• Etymology:
• מִי (mī): Who.
• כָּ (ka): Like.
• אֵל (el): God.
• Physicality: Exalts God’s uniqueness and supremacy.
• Babylonian Name: Meshach (related to Mish Aku - “Who is what Aku is?”).
• A distorted echo of his Hebrew name.
4. Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה - Azaryah)
• Meaning: “Yahweh has helped.”
• Etymology:
• עָזַר (ʿazar): To help.
• יָה (yah): Shortened form of Yahweh.
• Physicality: Depicts God’s active deliverance and aid.
• Babylonian Name: Abed-Nego (“Servant of Nego”).
• Nego: Variant of Nebo, the Babylonian god of wisdom.
Jehoiakim (יְהוֹיָקִים - Yehoiaqim)
• Meaning: “Yahweh raises up.”
• Etymology:
• יְהוֹ (Yeho): Yahweh.
• קוּם (qum): To rise or establish.
• Context: Jehoiakim was a vassal king under Babylon. His name contrasts his rebellion against God’s authority.
Nebuchadnezzar (נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר - Nebu-kad-nezzar)
• Meaning: “Nebo, protect the crown.”
• Etymology:
• Nebo: Babylonian god of wisdom.
• Kad: To protect.
• Nezzar: The crown or boundary.
Babylon (בָּבֶל - Babel)
• Meaning: “Gate of God” (in Akkadian).
• Hebrew Context: Associated with confusion (Genesis 11:9, Tower of Babel).
Focus Verses Breakdown
Verses 1-2: Historical Background
• Key Point: God allowed Jerusalem’s defeat.
• “The Lord gave Jehoiakim into his hand” shows that God’s will directs history, even through Babylonian conquest.
• The sacred articles taken to Babylon symbolize the desecration of God’s temple but hint at His presence beyond Jerusalem.
Verses 3-7: Babylonian Assimilation Program
• Key Point: The Babylonians sought to reshape identity.
• Education in Babylonian culture and language aimed to erase their Jewish identity.
• New names (see detailed meanings below) were imposed to align them with Babylonian gods and remove their connection to the God of Israel.
Verses 8-9: Daniel’s Faithful Resolve
• Key Point: Daniel refuses defilement.
• He chooses not to eat the king’s food or drink wine, likely because of Levitical laws (unclean food, possible idol sacrifices).
• Lesson: Faithfulness to God requires conviction and resolve, even under pressure.
