The Names - Daniel 1

Daniel 1:6-7 "Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah of Abednego."

I feel sure that there were more Hebrew children who did well and remained true to God but we are given these as examples. They stirred up quite a fuss in the Chaldean kingdom.

The meanings:

Daniel - God is judge. Belteshazzar - the lord's leader. (Don't confuse this name with the son of Nebuchadnezzar whose name is very similiar and was Belshazzar, notice the 'te' in Daniel's name.

Hananiah - Jehovah is gracious. (Nice name) . Shadrach - Royal (?) the meaning is a perhaps.

Mishael - who is what God is? Meshach - can't find a meaning for that name

Azariah - Jehovah is keeper Abednego - servant of Nego

These are wonderful names, that is the original names. It is no wonder they wanted to change them, otherwise every time they called the boys, they would be calling out an attribute of the one true God. However, Daniel kept his original name most of the time. God is judge.

v8 "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."

Daniel did not wait 'for the right time' to do what he felt was right. He started right off and it seems to me, in a quiet manner. He made friends or rather God gave him favor which allowed him to prove that serving God was a good way.