Scripture to Read: Daniel 1:6–7
We need to take a closer look at Daniel 1:6–7. The names of these young men meant something. Daniel meant, “God is my Judge.” Hananiah meant, “Yahweh is gracious.” Mishael meant, “who is like God.” Azariah meant, “Yahweh has helped.” We know Daniel and his three friends came from Godly Jewish homes because their names reflected something in the character of God. They came from families who obeyed Deuteronomy 6:6–7, "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Nebuchadnezzar didn’t want them to have Hebrew names, so he gave them Babylonian names. Daniel was changed to Belteshazzar, Hananiah was changed to Shadrach, Mishael was changed to Meshach, and Azariah was changed to Abed-nego. Belteshazzar means “protect the king.” Shadrach means “I am fearful of God”—not fearful in a respectful way but in a negative way. Meshach means “I am of little account.” Abed-nego means “servant of Nebo.” Nebo was part of the Babylonian pantheon. Nebuchadnezzar wanted these young men as servants, not of Yahweh, but of the Babylonian pantheon. Satan used Nebuchadnezzar to try to get these four to think and act like Babylonians. God tells us in Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:17, Ephesians 4:23, and Philippians 4:8 how our minds must focus on Him and His Word. Our minds must be renewed through His Truth, for nothing’s stronger.
Challenge & Application
• What did we learn about the four young men and their families, and why is this important for us today?
• How are we to keep our minds protected from the infiltration of all the lies of this world?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!