(Aramaic) corresponding to בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר; {Belteshatstsar, the Babylonian name of Daniel}; Belteshazzar.
Transliteration:Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar
Pronunciation:bale-tesh-ats-tsar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר (Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar), Strong's number `{{H1096}}`, is a proper noun, specifically the Babylonian name given to the prophet Daniel. Derived from Akkadian, the name is generally understood to mean "Bel protect his life" or "Bel's prince," where "Bel" refers to the chief Babylonian deity, Marduk. As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow, referring exclusively to Daniel in his Babylonian context. The name signifies an attempt by the Babylonian authorities to integrate Daniel into their religious and cultural system, replacing his Hebrew identity with one honoring their principal god.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Belteshazzar (`{{H1096}}`) appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, beginning with its bestowal upon Daniel by Ashpenaz, the chief eunuch, at the command of King Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 1:7]]). This act was part of a broader strategy to assimilate the young Hebrew exiles into Babylonian culture, which also included instruction in the Chaldean language and literature. The name Belteshazzar stands in stark contrast to Daniel's Hebrew name, דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniel, `{{H1840}}`), which means "God is my judge."
Throughout the Book of Daniel, Babylonian kings and officials, such as Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, consistently refer to Daniel by his Babylonian name, especially when seeking his unique interpretive wisdom regarding dreams and visions (e.g., [[Daniel 2:26]], [[Daniel 4:8-9]], [[Daniel 5:12]]). This usage underscores the pagan context in which Daniel operated and the ironic situation where a pagan king relies on a servant of Yahweh, identified by a pagan name, to reveal divine mysteries. Daniel himself sometimes uses this name when recounting events or visions that specifically involve the Babylonian kings, acknowledging the name by which he was known within that imperial court (e.g., [[Daniel 4:18-19]]). The consistent use of Belteshazzar by the Babylonians highlights their perception of Daniel as one of their own wise men, despite his unwavering allegiance to the God of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is Daniel's original Hebrew name, דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniel, `{{H1840}}`). The juxtaposition of Belteshazzar and Daniel is central to understanding the prophet's identity and mission. While Belteshazzar links him to Babylonian paganism, Daniel affirms his identity as a servant of the true God.
Another crucial connection is to בֵּל (Bel, `{{H1078}}`), the Babylonian god whose name forms the first element of Belteshazzar. This directly links the name to the polytheistic religious system of Babylon, setting up a theological conflict with the monotheism of Israel. The concept of *assimilation* is also critically related, as the renaming was a deliberate attempt by the Babylonians to erase the exiles' Hebrew identity and integrate them into their dominant culture. Despite this attempt, Daniel's steadfast faith and God's continued use of him demonstrate the *sovereignty of God* over all earthly powers and deities.
### Theological Significance
The name Belteshazzar carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it represents the challenge to Daniel's identity as a faithful servant of Yahweh in a pagan land. The imposition of a name honoring a foreign deity symbolized the Babylonian empire's attempt to subjugate not only the people of Judah but also their God. However, Daniel's unwavering commitment to Yahweh, even under such pressure, serves as a powerful testament to faithfulness in exile.
Secondly, the name highlights the supremacy of Yahweh over the false gods of Babylon. Despite being named after Bel, Daniel's wisdom and ability to interpret divine mysteries did not come from Bel but from the God of Israel. It was Yahweh who revealed secrets to Daniel, demonstrating His unparalleled power and knowledge over all other deities. This is particularly evident when Daniel, bearing the name Belteshazzar, is called upon to interpret dreams that confound the Babylonian wise men, thereby exposing the impotence of their gods and the true divine source of wisdom.
Finally, the narrative surrounding Belteshazzar underscores the enduring identity of God's people even when immersed in a hostile, pagan environment. While the world may try to rename or redefine believers, their true identity and purpose are rooted in their relationship with God. Daniel's story, through the lens of his two names, powerfully illustrates that God uses His chosen vessels, even those bearing names imposed by foreign powers, to accomplish His divine purposes and manifest His glory.
### Summary
Belteshazzar (`{{H1096}}`) is the Babylonian name given to Daniel, likely meaning "Bel protect his life," reflecting the attempt by King Nebuchadnezzar to assimilate the young Hebrew exile into Babylonian culture and religion. Found exclusively in the Book of Daniel, this name stands in stark contrast to Daniel's Hebrew name, "Daniel" (`{{H1840}}`), meaning "God is my judge." Theologically, Belteshazzar symbolizes the challenge to Daniel's identity and faith in a pagan environment, yet it ultimately serves to magnify the sovereignty of Yahweh. Daniel's continued faithfulness and God's use of him, even when known by a name honoring a false god, powerfully demonstrate that divine purpose and identity transcend external circumstances and the world's attempts at redefinition.
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