Each one has the name of the character with the meaning of that character’s name underneath (poor Wiseman, always left out). I figured the names were valuable in figuring out some of the character.
Nebuchadnezzar is, of course, the main character. His name means “May Nabu Protect the Crown.” (Nabu was the Babylonian scribe god). He is an extremely powerful king who has been very well educated in the arts, sciences, literature, religion, politics, and war. He rules over the world and everything in it. Only God is more sovereign than he is. He is married to a Median princess named Amyitis. The have at least one son, crown prince Evil-merodach (Amel-marduk).
Arioch is the captain of the guard/chief executioner. His name means “Lion-like,” and after being seasoned by war, he is. He is the strong and silent type, earthy, aged, and scarred from battle. He remains loyal to Nebuchadnezzar and silently bears witness to all that God does with Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel is a young Judean noble who was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar’s forces. His name means “My Judge is God,” and follows that to the point of being very conscientious and wise. His Babylonian name “Belteshazzar” means “Prince of Princes” or “Bel’s Prince.” (Bel would be the equivalent of Zeus, think “Baal”), Daniel is a prophet, and God has given him the ability to understand dreams and visions of all kinds. Daniel is well educated, possessing both a Judean education and a Babylonian education. Nebuchadnezzar begins to favor Daniel above all other wisemen.
Wiseman is, well, a wise man (by occupation only). His wisdom is worldly, and thus prone to fail when dealing with the things of God. Wiseman is probably Chaldean, which is also Nebuchadnezzar’s nationality. Nebuchadnezzar respected and valued Wiseman and his associates in the past, but now that God has begun dealing with Nebuchadnezzar, Wiseman is out of his league, out of favor with the king, and simply out of luck.
No comments:
Post a Comment