May 6: WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Daniel 1:6
In all likelihood, all of the sons of Judah had been taught the Scriptures from birth. Yet only four of them are singled out by name. It seems that this is due to the fact that these four stood out instead of blending in. Later in the book of Daniel, this will come into a brighter spotlight. But in this first chapter, we will learn of simple decisions made by these four that laid a solid foundation for future events and circumstances.
Let us consider for a moment the fact that these Hebrew captives were called sons of Judah. Behind this unique wording is a reference to the divided kingdom of God’s chosen people — chosen to take the message of salvation to the world. Some 300 years before, when Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, became king of Israel, his harshness (see 1 Kings 12:13) brought about division. Ten of the tribes broke away, and became the northern kingdom of Israel*, but eventually lost their identity and influence due to intermarriage with pagan nations. The southern kingdom, called Judah, consisted of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and the Levites who returned to Rehoboam to serve as priests in the temple at Jerusalem. Christians today hold the name Judah, from which we have the term Jew, in high esteem because of the designation of our beloved Savior as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5; see also Genesis 49:8-10). Gentile believers in Christ are grafted in (Romans 11:17) as spiritual Jews (2:29).
Biblical history reveals that names given to babies were infused with meaning. The name of Daniel means God is my Judge. What a wonderful thing for Daniel to be reminded by his name that his Creator, the Giver of life, is also the Giver of the perfect law for living, which is also the standard by which all people will be judged by the Judge! To borrow a phrase from Paul, none of this was done in a corner (Acts 26:26). Do not be influenced by modern preachers who say that God’s law has been tossed aside!
Hananiah means Yahweh is gracious, and it directly references how freely His grace has been dispensed among people.
Mishael means Who is like God.** This can be taken as a rhetorical question pointing to the fact that there is only one true God. But it can also allude to the fact that He created us in His image and has revealed His plan to restore that image in those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (Romans 2:7).
Azariah means Yahweh has helped. It signifies total surrender and ongoing reliance upon the Lord for help in every area of life. Hope for the future can be firmly grounded upon the sure knowledge of what He has already done! This understanding brings us to these words:
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
*Notes: the meaning of the name Israel is Overcomer with God; it was first mentioned in Genesis 32:28 when an individual man, Jacob, found salvation in God. See also the seven promises of Jesus found in chapters 2&3 of Revelation. **Mishael has also been known to carry a meaning of belonging, as in “who belongs to God”.