“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. Then the king told Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom there was no impairment, who were good-looking, suitable for instruction in every kind of expertise, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability to serve in the king’s court; and he ordered Ashpenaz to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king also allotted for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and ordered that they be educated for three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach, and to Azariah Abed-nego.’ (Daniel 1:1-7 NASB)
The name changes of the young men above were to make them more Babylonian. Daniel which means “God is judge” was changed to Belteshazzar which means “May Bel protect his life” Note: Bel is associated with Marduk, a Babylonian false god. Hananiah which means “Yahweh is gracious” was changed to Shadrach which possibly means “command of Aku.” Aku is the Babylonian false god of fate and destiny. Mishael which means “Who is what God is?” was changed to Meshach which mean “Who is what Aku is?” Azariah which means “Whom Yahweh helps” was changed to Abed-nego which means servant of Nebo.” Nebo a false god of wisdom, writing, and scribes.
You read the title above: “Don’t Let Anybody Change Your Name!’ As believers we are referred to as sons and daughters of the Most High God. Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. As believers we are called members of a holy nation and a royal priesthood. Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. As disciples, you are called followers of Christ! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. You are called Born again! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. Christians, you are called saints (holy ones)! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. You are called believers because of your faith and trust in God! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. You are named friends of God! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. You are called the elect or the chosen ones, called by God. Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name.
You are called ambassadors for Christ! Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. You are called the Bride of Christ believers! He is coming back! Wait in excited anticipation! Don’t let anybody change your name while you wait. Live according to your name.
We are called the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name. We are called “His witnesses.” Don’t let anybody change your name! Live according to your name.
Have a wonderful day! Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King