Deeper Reflection
The scene has moved from holy Jerusalem to unholy Babylon,
to King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Nebuchadnezzar gave orders
for some of the captured Israelites – among whom were Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (v.6) – to be developed and deployed
for “serving in the king’s court” (vv.3-4). And for this purpose, these
Israelites were put though a Babylonisation programme. They were
to be “educated for three years” by immersing in “the literature and
language of the Chaldeans” (vv.4, 5). In so doing they were to adopt the
Babylonian culture.Now, these Israelites were captives of Babylon. Things were not in their
control. They had no say in what was given to them, done to them and
required of them. Even their identities were Babylonised. Their Hebrew
names contained the names of the true God: Daniel – “God is judge”,
Hananiah – “Yahweh is gracious”, Mishael – “Who is what God is?” and
“Azariah – “Whom Yahweh helps”. But they were replaced by Babylonian
names, which contained names of heathen gods: Belteshazzar – “May Bel
protect his life”, Shadrach – “command of Aku” (moon god), Meshach
– “Who is what Aku is?” and Abednego – “servant of Nebo” (v.7).
These four Judahite youths accepted these names without protest, and
without any sense of theological compromise, spiritual defilement, being
idolatrous or dishonouring God’s name.No matter how things are beyond our control on the outside, our
hearts on the inside remain within our control. Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego remained as “servants of the Most High God” (Dan 3:26). And
Daniel remained as “Daniel, servant of the living God” (Dan 6:20).