Study note

Daniel 1:6–7

Their new Babylonian names were meant to help bring the young Hebrews into Babylonian culture. Daniel, whose name means "God is my Judge" or "God has judged," became Belteshazzar, which means "Bel [a Babylonian god] protects his life." Hananiah, whose name means "the Lord is grace," became Shadrach, which may mean "command of Aku," another Babylonian god. Mishael, whose name means "who is God?" became Meshach, which means "who is Aku?" Azariah, whose name means "the Lord helps," became Abednego, which means "servant of Nego/Nebo," another Babylonian god.