Meshach
Summary
Meshach was the Babylonian name given to Mishael, one of Daniel's three Hebrew companions who were miraculously preserved in the fiery furnace after refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image.
☩Background and Training
Meshach's Hebrew name was Mishael. He was of royal or noble Judean lineage, one of the youths 'in whom was no blemish, well favored, skillful in all wisdom, cunning in knowledge, understanding science, having ability to stand in the king's palace.' Along with Daniel, Hananiah, and Azariah, he was selected to be trained in Babylonian learning and language for three years, after which they would serve King Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian names given to these Hebrew youths appear to have honored pagan deities—Meshach possibly meaning 'shadow of the prince' or referring to a Babylonian goddess.
☩The Test of Faithfulness
The four young Hebrews refused to defile themselves with the king's food and wine, portions of which were first offered to idols. They requested a diet of vegetables and water instead, and after ten days were found fairer and healthier than those who ate the royal delicacies. God rewarded their faithfulness, giving them knowledge and skill in all learning, and the king found them 'ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm.' When Daniel was promoted as chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon, he remembered his three friends and had them appointed over the affairs of the province.
☩The Fiery Furnace
When Nebuchadnezzar set up a great golden image and commanded all to worship it on pain of death, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego refused. Brought before the enraged king, they declared their confidence in God's power to deliver them, but affirmed their resolve even if He did not: 'Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.' They were cast into a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual—so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were killed by the flames. Yet the three walked unharmed in the midst of the fire, accompanied by a fourth figure 'like the Son of God.' Nebuchadnezzar called them forth unscorched, without even the smell of fire on their garments, and blessed their God who had sent His angel to deliver them.
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Meshach," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Meshach," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Meshach," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.George Morrish, "Meshach," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).