The god vs gods

the Bible, the chief official of Babylon changed the names of Daniel and his three friends to erase their Hebrew identities and assimilate them into Babylonian culture. [123]

The original Hebrew names—which honored the God of Israel—were replaced with new names dedicated to Babylonian pagan gods. [12]

  • Daniel (meaning “God is my judge”) became Belteshazzar (meaning “Bel protect his life”).
  • Hananiah (meaning “Yahweh has been gracious”) became Shadrach.
  • Mishael (meaning “Who is like God?”) became Meshach.
  • Azariah (meaning “Yahweh has helped”) became Abednego (meaning “Servant of Nabu”). [12]

You can read more about their time in exile and why their names were altered in the Bible Study Tools Daniel 1:7 Commentary or this GotQuestions Study on Daniel and Belteshazzar.

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