READ: Daniel 6:1-7
“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.” – Daniel 1:6–7
Daniel, Hananaiah, Mishael, and Azariah had to “adjust” their names in order to work with the king. Even your name may have to be adjusted if you want to successfully work with the king. The ability to adapt to your new name is a sign of your honour. For whatever reason, the king seemed not to be able to pronounce the names of the Jewish eunuchs. He gave them his own names. As you can see he was totally bending them to be fully adjusted to him. It is a great privilege when you receive a name from the king. You would greatly dishonour the king if you despised or rejected the name.
I have given names to different people and have had different responses. Some were so happy to be given a name, that they changed their names in their passports, and in all official documents. They were so honoured and so happy to have received a new name. They did not allow anyone to refer to them by their old name. I noticed their responses and I felt that I had the honour of a father who had given a name to his child.
However, not everyone had the same response to the names I gave. I did not receive the same honour from everyone whose name I changed. I once gave a name to someone and this person dishonoured me by despising the name time and time again, until I virtually regretted giving the name. This person never used the name outside my circles. It was as though the name was used in my presence just to humour me.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were names given to them by King Nebuchadnezzar. They deemed it an honour to be given a name by the one they worked for. Today, we mention the Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as though they are Jewish names