The Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ
Looking Toward the End and the Beginning
Daniel 1:6-7 Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
DOES it matter what names these men are called? Yes, it matters very much, especially to God. Here’s why. Note the “el” at the end of “Daniel” and “Mishael”. Then see the “ah” at the end of “Hananiah” and “Azariah”. In these Hebrew names, “el” means “God,” and “yah” or “ah” is a form of God’s name “Yahweh”. The three-fold names and meaning of Yahweh is given in Psalms 50:1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. The four men’s names represented “Mighty One”, “God” and “Lord”. He is the all-powerful, sovereign authority over all. Each man’s full name described other traits of God: “Daniel” means “my judge is God”; “Hananiah” means “Yahweh is gracious”; “Mishael” is “Who is what God is?” (This is in reference to no one or no god is as the Lord God) And “Azariah” means “Yahweh has helped.” Each time their names were spoken, these men would be reminded of God’s power, righteousness, judgment, help and salvation. Babylon is a pagan culture. Such cultures always strive to erase God from our minds. The new names would direct the men’s minds not only away from God but toward evil. “Belteshazzar” means “May Bel protect his life”. Bel is another name for Marduk, the chief Babylonian god. Worship of this evil idol included child sacrifice – a common thread of unbelief throughout the centuries. “Shadrach” meant “the command of Aku”. Aku was a Sumerian moon god. In turn, “Meshach” meant “Who is what Aku is?” as if Aku is the most powerful of all – the direct attack on the Lord God. And “Abednego” meant “servant of Nebo”, another god of Babylon. Words and names do matter. They matter very much. What we say affects our mind to influence our beliefs. Especially, you see a name’s power here, don’t you? How one sees himself or herself is often defined by their name. In many circumstances, I hear people live under nicknames. And I wonder, “What’s wrong with their given name?” There is very little that honors your family and friends more than to speak their names. Also, how do you name God? Is he the “Big guy in the sky?” or is he “Lord God Almighty”? Is he “someone’s watching over me”? Or is he “the Holy Spirit, Protector, Guide”? Is Jesus a “good teacher”? Or do you say the “Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of my life”. When you speak of God, be as the faithful Hebrews. Use the Bible’s names that point to his glory, power, dominion, justice and salvation. Honor the LORD God with each word you speak – both to him and to his people. John 12:49-50 “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
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