THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
In the account regarding Daniel, it is mentioned that he was designated with the name Belshazzar. This name was similarly bestowed upon the deity they worshipped, or more accurately, it was used for the royal heir. Was it not, then, inappropriate to address the captive by this title? Indeed, such a naming would seem disrespectful unless we consider that here it bears a different significance, akin to Joseph, who was revered by his father. And what significance lies in being given such a name? Even today, we observe that many common individuals bear the names of rulers. However, one might argue that not within the royal lineage. What is the purpose behind the renaming? Observe how God orchestrates the events: the king does not have his dream until three years later.
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Do you see the divine design? For what reason? To enable Daniel to approach the king with greater confidence. Some might argue that his glory would have been enhanced had the king experienced the dream earlier. Yet, if that had occurred, the decree against the young men might not have come to pass, and Daniel’s words would have lacked credibility. Consequently, the eunuch receives evidence of God's favor through seemingly trivial matters, allowing him to consider requests of greater import without skepticism, thus facilitating their learning of the language and bolstering their courage.
Consider how a similar situation unfolded with David; when the king assessed his capabilities based on his youth, he doubted David's promise to vanquish an enemy champion. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Daniel diligently studied the fundamentals of the lives of the people around him. Both Moses and Daniel scrutinized foreign customs closely. This was necessary to prevent the appearance of favoring their own people out of ignorance. Thus, God granted them the opportunity to appreciate the wisdom of others, ensuring that when we hear Moses declare, 'This great nation alone is a wise and prudent people' (Deuteronomy 4:6), we recognize that this acknowledgment was not a result of favoritism but rather sound discernment, affirming that he did not reject their teachings out of animosity towards the instructors. Both men were greatly esteemed, yet they held their own people in preference. In similar fashion, Paul expressed his admiration for Moses, noting that 'he was more willing to suffer with the people of God than to have the temporal pleasure of sin, and he considered the reproach of Christ a greater treasure than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:25-26).
In the context of Daniel, it is noted that he was referred to as Belshazzar. This name was also associated with their deity, or more accurately, it was the title given to the son of the king. Was it inappropriate for him to address the captive using that name? He certainly would have acted inappropriately if that title had not carried a different connotation, much like Joseph, who was revered by his father. What significance does it hold that he bore such a name? Even today, we observe that many ordinary individuals are named after royalty. However, you might argue that such names are not typical within the royal family. What, then, is the significance of the name change? Observe the careful design of these events. The king does not experience a dream until three years have passed.
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Can you discern what God is orchestrating here? For what reason? So that Daniel would possess greater courage when speaking to the king. Some may argue that Daniel would have been more esteemed had the king experienced the dream sooner. However, this would have resulted in the decree against the young men being enacted, and Daniel's words may have been disregarded. In this way, the eunuch is granted evidence of God's favor through minor matters, enabling him to trust them with greater requests later, and allowing them to learn the language better and grow in confidence. You may recall how a similar situation occurred with David, when the king, judging him by his youth, did not believe his promise to overcome a foreign adversary. Furthermore, note that Daniel took time to learn about their culture. Both Moses and Daniel studied the people around them meticulously. It was essential that they did not seem to favor their own people out of ignorance. Thus, God permitted them to engage with the wisdom of others, so that when you read or, more accurately, hear Moses proclaiming, “This great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Deuteronomy 4:6), you would realize that such praise stemmed from discernment and not from favoritism, for it would be unfair to say they abandoned their teachings out of hatred for their instructors. Both received great reverence, yet they still held a preference for their own people. Similarly, Paul spoke of Moses with admiration, acknowledging, “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin; he regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt” (Heb. 11:25-26).