Daniel 1:7

"The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego."

Key Reflection

The renaming by the prince of the eunuchs symbolizes the attempt to erase their Hebrew identity and integrate them into Babylonian culture. These new names, such as Belteshazzar (meaning "Bel protect his life"), reflect the pagan gods' names, highlighting the contrast between worldly assimilation and steadfast faith in God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names -This practice is common in Oriental courts. “The captive youths referred to in the notes onDaniel 1:5, in the Turkish court also receive new names, that is, Mahometan names, their former names being Christian.” - “Pict. Bible.” It is “possible” that this changing of their names may have been designed to make them forget their country, and their religion, and to lead them more entirely to identify themselves with the people in whose service they were now to be employed, though nothing of this is intimated in the history.

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