of foreign derivation; Belteshatstsar, the Babylonian name of Daniel; Belteshazzar.
Transliteration:Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar
Pronunciation:bale-tesh-ats-tsar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר (Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar, `{{H1095}}`) is the transliteration of the Babylonian name given to the prophet Daniel. As the base definition indicates, it is "of foreign derivation," specifically Babylonian. While the precise etymology in Akkadian is debated among scholars, it is widely understood to be a theophoric name, meaning "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince." Bel (`{{H1078}}`) was a prominent Babylonian deity, often identified with Marduk, the chief god of Babylon. This name stands in stark contrast to Daniel's original Hebrew name, דָּנִיֵּאל (Dāniyyēʼl, `{{H1840}}`), which means "God is my judge." The semantic range of Belteshazzar is therefore limited to this specific personal name, but its implications are rich, signifying an attempt by a foreign power to impose a new identity and religious allegiance upon an Israelite captive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar (`{{H1095}}`) occurs exclusively in the Book of Daniel, where it is consistently used to refer to Daniel by his Babylonian captors and associates. Its first appearance is in [[Daniel 1:7]], where Ashpenaz, the chief eunuch, renames Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, giving them Babylonian names. This act was a common practice in the ancient Near East, intended to signify ownership, assimilation, and loyalty to the new regime and its gods.
Throughout the book, the name Belteshazzar is frequently employed by King Nebuchadnezzar (e.g., [[Daniel 2:26]], [[Daniel 4:8-9]], [[Daniel 4:18-19]]) and King Belshazzar (e.g., [[Daniel 5:12]]) when addressing Daniel. This usage highlights Daniel's official capacity within the Babylonian court and the pagan perspective from which he was often viewed. Notably, Daniel himself often uses his Hebrew name, "Daniel," when narrating events or when his identity as a servant of YHWH is emphasized (e.g., [[Daniel 7:1]], [[Daniel 8:1]], [[Daniel 9:2]]). The interplay between the two names underscores Daniel's dual identity: a Hebrew servant of the one true God, yet serving in a high position within a pagan empire. The text often clarifies, "Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar" (e.g., [[Daniel 4:8]], [[Daniel 5:12]]), reinforcing his original identity despite the imposed moniker.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is Daniel's Hebrew name, דָּנִיֵּאל (Dāniyyēʼl, `{{H1840}}`). The juxtaposition of Belteshazzar and Daniel is central to understanding the theological message of the book. While Belteshazzar invokes the pagan deity Bel (`{{H1078}}`), Daniel explicitly points to the God of Israel. This contrast embodies the spiritual conflict between the worship of YHWH and the idolatry of Babylon.
Other related concepts include:
* **Bel (בֵּל, `{{H1078}}`):** The chief Babylonian god, whose name forms part of Belteshazzar. This connection highlights the religious syncretism or attempted assimilation inherent in the name.
* **Babylonian Exile:** The historical context in which Daniel and his companions were forcibly removed from their homeland and subjected to foreign rule and cultural pressures. The renaming was a significant part of this process.
* **Assimilation and Resistance:** The act of renaming was an attempt at cultural and religious assimilation. Daniel's continued faithfulness to YHWH, despite bearing a pagan name, exemplifies a profound spiritual resistance.
* **Identity:** The tension between the imposed name and Daniel's true identity in God is a recurring theme, emphasizing that one's ultimate identity is found in their relationship with the Divine, not in human-assigned labels.
### Theological Significance
The name Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar (`{{H1095}}`) carries profound theological significance, primarily serving as a symbolic representation of the spiritual and cultural conflict faced by God's people in exile.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Authority:** The renaming of Daniel by a pagan king demonstrates the extent of human authority and its attempt to assert control, even over personal identity and religious allegiance. Yet, Daniel's unwavering faithfulness to YHWH throughout his life, despite bearing a name dedicated to a false god, powerfully testifies to God's ultimate sovereignty over all human rulers and their intentions. The Lord preserves Daniel's true identity and uses him mightily, even under a pagan name.
2. **Witness in a Foreign Land:** Daniel's ability to maintain his integrity, wisdom, and prophetic insight while operating under a name dedicated to a pagan deity highlights the call for God's people to be a faithful witness in hostile or ungodly environments. His life demonstrates that true worship and identity in God can persist even when external circumstances attempt to suppress it.
3. **Conflict of Worldviews:** The contrast between "Bel protect his life" (Belteshazzar) and "God is my judge" (Daniel) encapsulates the fundamental clash between the idolatrous worldview of Babylon and the monotheistic faith of Israel. It underscores the spiritual battle between the worship of human-made deities and the exclusive worship of the living God. Daniel's story affirms that YHWH is the true God, superior to all pagan gods, including Bel.
4. **Preservation of True Identity:** Despite the attempt to strip Daniel of his Hebrew identity through renaming, the biblical narrative consistently reminds the reader of his original name and, more importantly, his uncompromised allegiance to YHWH. This reinforces the theological truth that one's true identity is rooted in their relationship with God, not in the labels or circumstances imposed by the world.
### Summary
Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar (`{{H1095}}`) is the Babylonian name given to the prophet Daniel, meaning likely "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince." This name, of foreign derivation, contrasts sharply with his Hebrew name, Daniel (`{{H1840}}`), meaning "God is my judge." Its occurrences exclusively within the Book of Daniel highlight the Babylonian attempt to assimilate Daniel into their culture and religion. The theological significance of Belteshazzar lies in its symbolic representation of the spiritual conflict between pagan idolatry and the worship of YHWH. It underscores God's sovereignty over human authority, Daniel's steadfast witness in a foreign land, and the enduring nature of true identity in God, even when external forces seek to redefine it. Despite bearing a name dedicated to a false god, Daniel remained a faithful servant of the one true God, demonstrating that divine allegiance transcends human labels and circumstances.
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