Mishael
“Who Is What God Is?”
Summary
A Hebrew youth taken to Babylon and given the name Meshach, one of Daniel's three companions.
☩Identity
Mishael was among 'the children of Judah' selected for service in Nebuchadnezzar's court: 'among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names' (Daniel 1:6-7). His Babylonian name Meshach possibly means 'Who is what Aku is?' (Aku being a Sumerian moon god).
☩Faithful Stand
When Nebuchadnezzar commanded all to worship his golden image, Mishael (Meshach) with his companions refused: 'We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods' (Daniel 3:16-18).
☩Divine Deliverance
Cast into a furnace heated seven times hotter than normal, the three emerged unharmed. The king saw four men walking in the fire, the fourth 'like the Son of God' (Daniel 3:25). Nebuchadnezzar blessed their God 'who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him' (Daniel 3:28). They were promoted in Babylon.