A Name Matters

Read Daniel 1-2
 
Daniel 1:6-7 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 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.
 
THIS may seem an abrupt change from Jeremiah to move to Daniel. But this is Judah’s history. The Chronological Bible helps us understand Babylon twice entered Jerusalem to take some captive. The exile comes in two stages. Daniel and his friends were taken in the first exile while Jeremiah was still prophesying.
   Why the name change for the young Hebrews? 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 names and meaning of Yahweh are defined in Psalms 50:1 The LORD, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. The four men’s names represented “Mighty One”, “God” and “LORD”. He is the all-powerful, sovereign authority over all the earth. 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.
   In contrast, 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 with 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 “Spirit, Protector, Guide”? Is Jesus a “good teacher”? Or do you add to that by saying “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.