(Aramaic) the same as שַׁדְרַךְ; {Shadrak, the Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions}; Shadrach.
Transliteration:Shadrak
Pronunciation:shad-rak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term שַׁדְרַךְ (Shadrak, `{{H7715}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name of Aramaic origin. It is identified as the Babylonian name given to Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה), one of Daniel's three companions who were taken captive to Babylon. Unlike Hananiah, which means "Yahweh has been gracious," the precise etymology and meaning of "Shadrach" are debated among scholars. Some propose a connection to Akkadian roots, possibly meaning "command of Aku" (Aku being the moon god) or "royal scribe." Regardless of its exact etymology, its primary semantic function in the biblical text is to signify a new, foreign identity imposed upon a Hebrew individual, representing an attempt at cultural and religious assimilation by the Babylonian empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shadrach, `{{H7715}}`, appears exclusively within the Book of Daniel, always in reference to Hananiah, one of the four principal Hebrew youths.
* **[[Daniel 1:7]]**: This verse introduces the renaming of the four youths by the chief of the eunuchs. Hananiah is given the Babylonian name Shadrach, along with Mishael renamed Meshach, and Azariah renamed Abednego. This act of renaming was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern empires, serving to assert authority, integrate captives into the dominant culture, and potentially link them to Babylonian deities.
* **[[Daniel 2:49]]**: Following Daniel's successful interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel requests that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon. This demonstrates their rapid rise to positions of influence within the Babylonian court, likely due to their wisdom and God's favor.
* **[[Daniel 3:12-30]]**: This chapter contains the most significant narrative involving Shadrach. He, along with Meshach and Abednego, is accused of refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Their steadfast refusal, despite the threat of being cast into a fiery furnace, highlights their unwavering devotion to Yahweh. Their miraculous deliverance from the furnace, where they are seen walking unharmed with a fourth figure "like a son of the gods" (interpreted by Christians as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ), culminates in Nebuchadnezzar's decree acknowledging the God of Israel. In this context, Shadrach's name becomes synonymous with unyielding faith and divine protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Shadrach is intrinsically linked to several other names and theological concepts:
* **Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה)**: Shadrach's original Hebrew name, meaning "Yahweh has been gracious." The contrast between this divinely rooted name and the pagan-influenced "Shadrach" underscores the spiritual conflict faced by the exiles.
* **Meshach (מֵישַׁךְ, `{{H4336}}`)** and **Abednego (עֲבֵד נְגוֹ, `{{H5664}}`)**: Shadrach's two companions, whose stories of renaming and deliverance are inseparable from his own. Their original names were Mishael and Azariah, respectively.
* **Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל)**: Though renamed Belteshazzar (בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר, `{{H1095}}`), Daniel's story often runs parallel to that of his three friends, particularly in demonstrating faithfulness in a foreign land.
* **Exile and Assimilation**: The narrative of Shadrach powerfully illustrates the challenges of maintaining religious and cultural identity in a hostile, foreign environment. The imposition of new names was a key tool of assimilation.
* **Idolatry and Monotheism**: The confrontation in [[Daniel 3]] pits Babylonian polytheism and imperial cult against the exclusive worship of the one true God, Yahweh.
* **Faithfulness and Obedience**: Shadrach's refusal to compromise his faith, even when facing death, serves as a paramount example of obedience to God's commands over human decrees.
* **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**: The miraculous rescue from the fiery furnace demonstrates God's power to protect His faithful servants and His ultimate sovereignty over earthly rulers and natural forces.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Shadrach, along with Meshach and Abednego, holds profound theological significance.
1. **Identity in Exile**: Shadrach's story highlights the tension between an imposed, pagan identity (represented by his Babylonian name) and an enduring, divinely-rooted Hebrew identity. Despite being renamed, his actions consistently reflect his allegiance to the God of Israel, demonstrating that true identity is found in one's relationship with God, not in external labels or circumstances.
2. **Unwavering Faithfulness**: Shadrach's resolute refusal to bow to the golden image, even under threat of death, embodies unwavering faithfulness and courage. His declaration, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" [[Daniel 3:17-18]], is a powerful testament to faith that trusts in God's power while also accepting His sovereign will, even if deliverance does not come in the desired way.
3. **Divine Protection and Presence**: The miraculous preservation of Shadrach and his companions in the fiery furnace is a vivid demonstration of God's direct intervention and protective presence with His faithful servants. The appearance of the "fourth man" in the furnace signifies God's intimate fellowship with those who suffer for His name.
4. **Witness to the Nations**: The deliverance of Shadrach led King Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful ruler of his time, to acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel. This serves as a powerful example of how the steadfastness of believers can lead to a public witness that brings glory to God among those who do not know Him.
5. **Prefiguration of Christian Steadfastness**: Shadrach's experience serves as a type or foreshadowing for believers throughout history who face persecution for their faith. It encourages steadfastness, promising divine presence and ultimate vindication, even in the face of extreme adversity.
### Summary
Shadrach, `{{H7715}}`, is the Babylonian name given to Hananiah, one of Daniel's companions in exile. While the name itself is of foreign origin and uncertain meaning, its significance lies in the narrative of [[Daniel 3]]. Here, Shadrach, along with Meshach and Abednego, exemplifies unwavering faithfulness to Yahweh by refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace underscores God's protective power, His sovereignty over human authority, and His ability to use the steadfastness of His servants as a powerful witness to the nations. Shadrach's story remains a profound testament to spiritual identity, courage under persecution, and divine intervention.
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