In the book of Daniel, we read about a young Israelite named Daniel who was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. When Daniel arrived in Babylon, the king assigned him a new name – Belteshazzar. This name change was customary for captives brought to Babylon, as Nebuchadnezzar sought to assimilate them into Babylonian culture by giving them Babylonian names. But why did the king specifically change Daniel’s name to Belteshazzar? The Bible does not explicitly tell us, but by examining the meaning and context behind this new name, we can gain some insight.
The Meaning Behind the Name Belteshazzar
In the Akkadian language of the Babylonians, the name Belteshazzar (Bēlṭšaṣṣar) is a theophoric name referring to the Babylonian god Bel. It means “Bel, protect the king!” or “May Bel protect his life!” The name Bel was another name for the Babylonian god Marduk, who was considered the chief and patron deity of Babylon. Marduk was associated with justice, magic, and protection. So by renaming Daniel as Belteshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar may have been invoking Marduk’s protection over the young exile.
Additionally, the name may have signified Nebuchadnezzar’s attempt to make Daniel a servant of the Babylonian gods. We know from later passages that Daniel resolutely maintained his devotion to the God of Israel despite this imposition of a pagan name. But the king intended the name to be a symbolic way of Daniel’s assimilation into Babylonian culture and religion. Every time Daniel was addressed as Belteshazzar, the expectation was that he would be reminded of his duty to submit to the gods of his new homeland.
The Significance of Babylonian Names
The practice of renaming captives was widespread in the ancient Near East. Conquerors often stripped subjects of their old identities and imprinted new names and allegiances. We see this pattern with Nebuchadnezzar, who also renamed Daniel’s three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:7). Just as Daniel was given a name pointing to the Babylonian god Bel, the other Hebrew youths received names relating to Babylonian deities as well.
By renaming his captives, Nebuchadnezzar imposed his sovereignty over them and sought to assimilate them as full subjects under his rule. Their Hebrew names, which glorified the God of Israel, were replaced with Babylonian names giving glory to Chaldean gods. This dilution of their former identities was meant to strengthen their loyalty to their new king and homeland. Of course, Daniel and his friends remarkably preserved their faith despite this cultural imperialism.
The Significance of the Name Daniel
To better appreciate the name change, it is helpful to examine Daniel’s original Hebrew name and what it signified. The name Daniel (Daniyyel) means “God is my judge.” This name points to the God of Israel who sovereignly governs the world and will judge all people. Unlike the pagan gods of Babylon, Daniel worshipped the one true God who created all things and ruled over all nations.
By giving Daniel a Babylonian name, Nebuchadnezzar intended to erase this steadfast devotion to Yahweh and replace it with reverence for Marduk and Bel. But despite embracing Daniel as one of his subjects, the king’s strategy ultimately failed. God preserved Daniel’s faith and granted him favor even in a foreign court that opposed His sovereignty (Daniel 1:9). Daniel’s story is one of astounding faith in God even when pressed to conform to an idolatrous culture.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride in His Sovereignty
Finally, Nebuchadnezzar’s renaming of Daniel must be seen in light of the king’s inflated ego and pride. We get a clear glimpse of his immense arrogance in Daniel 4 where he praises himself for establishing his kingdom through his own power and majesty. He saw himself as the supreme ruler who all peoples and nations must serve. His renaming of captivesdemonstratedthis hubris and challenge to any potential God who might claim higher authority.
By strippingDaniel of his Hebrew namethat honored Israel’sGod, Nebuchadnezzar promoted himself as the only sovereign worthy of worship and allegiance. Of course,we know from Scripture that God, not this self-exalting king, truly ruled over all creation. The Most High was patient for a time in allowing Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, but He ultimately humbled the king to show His unmatched sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37).
Conclusion
In summary, Nebuchadnezzar changed Daniel’s name to Belteshazzar to exalt Babylonian gods, assimilate Daniel into Chaldean culture, impose his sovereignty, and arrogantly glorify himself. But God preserved Daniel’s faith despitethis coercive renaming, and worked throughDaniel mightily in Babylon. As we face pressures to downplay our devotion to Christ, Daniel’s example encourages unashamed allegiance to the true God even in hostile cultural contexts.