The answer is: Belteshazzar

Daniel 1:7

In the Book of Daniel, we meet a captivating cast of characters including Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who are more commonly known by their Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Now, why is this—Daniel, who also received a name change to Belteshazzar—sometimes caught in this confusion?

The name “Belteshazzar” is actually rooted in Babylonian culture, derived from the name of the god Bel. From a bright, young man in Jerusalem reclined in his faith, the change signifies the identity shifts that these captives underwent as they navigated life in Babylon. The use of their Babylonian names also emphasizes their, at times, precarious positioning within a foreign policy that often sought to suppress their Hebrew identity.

Fun fact: In the fiery furnace incident recounted in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly declared, “We will not serve your gods,” showcasing their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. This defiance further enhances the rich themes of faith, resilience, and standing up for convictions found within the narrative. Moreover, the Old Testament as a whole engages with the enduring interpretation of loyalty versus the pressures of assimilation—echoes that resonate through various historical eras, reminding us of the timeless struggle between maintaining one's identity amid foreign influences.