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 Abed-nego.
The prince of eunuchs changing their names represents Babylon's attempt to reshape identity. Daniel becomes Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life—invoking Babylon's god). Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, Azariah becomes Abednego—all incorporating Babylonian deity names. This assault on identity through renaming attempts to erase covenant faith and replace it with pagan religion. Yet God's preservation of their original names in Scripture shows that human attempts to redefine God-given identity ultimately fail.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern conquerors regularly renamed subject peoples to assert dominance and assimilation. Name changes signified ownership and new allegiance (cf. Joseph to Zaphnath-paaneah, Gen. 41:45). The Babylonian names invoke Bel (Marduk), Aku (moon god), and possibly Nebo—major Babylonian deities. This renaming was strategic: replace Yahweh-worship with Babylonian religious identity. Yet the youths' faithfulness shows that imposed names don't change true allegiance.
Questions for Reflection
How does Babylon's renaming strategy parallel modern attempts to redefine identity contrary to God's design?
What does the preservation of Hebrew names in Scripture teach us about God's determination to remember our true identity?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prince of eunuchs changing their names represents Babylon's attempt to reshape identity. Daniel becomes Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life—invoking Babylon's god). Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, Azariah becomes Abednego—all incorporating Babylonian deity names. This assault on identity through renaming attempts to erase covenant faith and replace it with pagan religion. Yet God's preservation of their original names in Scripture shows that human attempts to redefine God-given identity ultimately fail.