H1095 בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The word Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar, represented by H1095, is of foreign derivation and is known as the Babylonian name given to Daniel.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar is introduced as part of an effort to assimilate Daniel and his companions into Babylonian culture. The prince of the eunuchs assigns this new name to Daniel, while also renaming Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah Daniel 1:7. Later, the name is used to identify the prophet in the context of divine revelation, where a vision is revealed “unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar” in the third year of king Cyrus Daniel 10:1.

Theological Significance

The significance of Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar is found in the context of identity and faithfulness under pressure.

• Imposed Identity: The assignment of the name Belteshazzar was an attempt by a foreign power to supplant Daniel's Hebrew identity, which was rooted in his God Daniel 1:7.
• Unchanged Character: Immediately following the renaming, Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” with the king's provisions Daniel 1:8. This demonstrates that while his name was changed, his core character and devotion to God remained steadfast.
• Divine Acknowledgment: God continued to communicate with the prophet regardless of the name men used for him. A significant revelation was given to Daniel under his Babylonian name, showing that God's connection to His servant transcends earthly labels Daniel 10:1.

Summary

In summary, Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar is not merely a foreign name but a symbol of divine faithfulness amid worldly assimilation. It was given to Dânîyêʼl H1840 by his captors Daniel 1:7, yet it did not redefine him. His steadfast character and his reception of divine truth while being called Belteshazzar Daniel 10:1 prove that a person's true identity is found in their relationship with God, not in the names or titles assigned by the world.