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).