Daniel 1:1–7 Daniel was given the name Belteshazzar, Hananiah was given the name Shadrach, Mishael was given the name Meshach, and Azariah was given the name Abednego. 8 However, Daniel vowed not to clean himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the top official for permission not to do so.
Some young men from the court of the king of Judah were taken to Babylon to be re-educated so they could work as eunuchs for the king of Babylon. Daniel was one of them. Between 70 and 80 years after the Jews came back, Daniel worked as a government agent for the kings of Babylon and Medo-Persia.
One of the first things Babylon did was try to make these guys look like someone else. His old name, Daniel, meant “God judges,” but his new name, Bel, means “Bel will protect.” His old name was “inspired of Aku,” but his new name is “servant of Nego.” Azariah’s old name was “the LORD is my help,” but his new name is “servant of Nego.” His old name, Mishael, meant “who is like God,” but his new name, Aku, means “bound to.” These beautiful Hebrew names were changed to those of gods! That’s what everyone in the world wants to do to you. Names told you who someone was, what their fate was, and where they came from. Part of Babylon’s plan was to get young people to give up their own customs and beliefs and adopt Babylon’s.
What do you believe in Christ? What name did He give you? In the first century, people who became Christians changed their names to reflect who they were now. In heaven, those who win will get a white stone with their new name written on it. This is their identity in God. Babylon did the exact opposite. Could you see how the world wants to change who you are so that you fit in with them?
Think about this: Either you will change the world, or the world will change you. Keep your identity in Christ with all your might.
