The Aramaic word Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar, represented by H1096, is the Babylonian name H8036 given to the Hebrew prophet Daniel H1841. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses. This name is explicitly defined as the Babylonian name of Daniel, used within the context of the royal court.
In the biblical narrative, H1096 is bestowed upon Daniel H1841 by the king H4430 Daniel 5:12. The name was chosen by King Nebuchadnezzar "according to the name H8036 of my god H426" Daniel 4:8. The name is primarily used when the king addresses Daniel, especially when seeking his unique ability to provide the interpretation H6591 of a dream H2493. For instance, the king asks, "Art thou able H3546 to make known H3046 unto me the dream H2493...and the interpretation H6591 thereof?" Daniel 2:26.
Several related words provide context for the use of Belteshazzar:
- H1841 Dânîyêʼl (Danijel, the Hebrew prophet): This is Daniel's Hebrew name, and the text often clarifies the relationship, stating, "Daniel, whose name H8036 was Belteshazzar" (Daniel 2:26, Daniel 4:19).
- H4430 melek (a king): This word is central to the context of H1096, as it is the king who names Daniel and summons him as Belteshazzar to interpret visions (Daniel 4:18, Daniel 5:12).
- H2493 chêlem (a dream): This word is intrinsically linked to the name Belteshazzar, which is almost exclusively used when Daniel is called upon to deal with a royal dream and its interpretation H6591 Daniel 4:9.
The significance of the name H1096 is tied to Daniel's role in a foreign court.
- A Royal Designation: The name is bestowed by a foreign king H4430 and linked to a pagan deity, as the king states it is "according to the name H8036 of my god H426" Daniel 4:8. This highlights Daniel's position within the Babylonian system.
- Recognition of Divine Spirit: The king uses the name Belteshazzar when acknowledging Daniel's unique abilities, stating, "I know H3046 that the spirit H7308 of the holy H6922 gods H426 is in thee" Daniel 4:9. The name becomes associated with the power that makes Daniel able H3546 to reveal secrets.
- Preservation of Identity: The narrative consistently clarifies Daniel's identity by stating, "Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar" Daniel 4:19, ensuring that his Hebrew identity is not lost despite the Babylonian appellation.
In summary, H1096 is more than just an alternate name. It is the title given to Daniel H1841 by the Babylonian king H4430, marking his official role as an interpreter of dreams. The use of this name underscores the tension between Daniel's service to a foreign power and the divine spirit H7308 that set him apart, all while the text carefully preserves his true Hebrew identity.
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