The testimony for the Lord on the earth in Daniels day was Israel, specifically Jerusalem and His house the temple. Humanly speaking Israel failed and Satan had won. God seemingly now has no testimony with their destruction and captivity. So Israel is brought back to the land of Shinar where she was formed out of Abram, out of idolatry. Why? To stir up a testimony for Himself on the earth. Israel had a poor testimony because of their idolatry. These young overcomers are standing in the home of the King of Babylon, Satans choice city, yet they stand boldly and effectively for the Lord. They will not submit to the Devil’s diet. This may seem trivial to us, but the Lord is concerned about what we take in because our daily appetites indicate what we treasure. If we treasure anything but the Lord, this can become idolatry. Daniel and his brothers regained God’s testimony so much so that they were renowned throughout Babylon. They were known as having a name associated with God. In the king of Babylon‘s house, where Satan‘s throne was established God now had a testimony! They tried to attach Babylonish names to them but they were not known as being idol worshipers, but God worshipers. The name of Daniel, which means “God is the Judge,” or “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar—“the prince of Bel,” or “the favorite of Bel” (Isa. 46:1). The name of Hananiah, which means “Jehovah is kind,” or “the favorite of Jehovah,” was changed to Shadrach—“enlightened by the sun god.” The name of Mishael means “Who can be like God?” but his name was changed to Meshach—“Who can be like the goddess Shach?” The name of Azariah, which means “Jehovah is my help,” was changed to Abed-nego—“the faithful servant of the fire god Nego.” They may have called them by their Babylonian names, but their character demonstrated names that associated them with the Lord. What are you known for.? An athlete ? A gamer? Miss Social media? Mr. YouTuber? Etc. what do others recognize you as treasuring? This is the name they associate with you. May the person of Jesus be associated with you when your name is said!
