Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are popularly known as the three Hebrew Children, four including Daniel (Dan. 1:17). This word “children” (yeled) covers a number of years, being used of those just born (Ex. 1:17; cf. Ex. 21:22), of those being nursed (Ex. 2:7), and of those who had taken wives (Ruth 1:4,5). In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they were old enough to be described as having “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (1:17). They were exceptionably intelligent, capable young men.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are the names by which they are best known to most people. These were their Chaldean names, however, given to them in captivity by their captors but their original Hebrew names were Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The Hebrew name Hananiah means “the Lord is gracious,” and is a very common name in the Bible. Perhaps thirteen people wear it (e.g., I Chron. 8:24; I Chron. 25:4; Neh. 12:12). Mishael on the other hand is a rare name and means “Who is what God is.” Azariah means “Jehovah is Helper.” It also is a common name is worn by about nineteen Biblical persons (e.g., I Chron. 2:8; I Kings 4:2; I Chron. 6:36).

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were chosen by Nebuchadnezzar because they were exceptional. Not only did they excel in knowledge and science (Dan. 1:4), but they were also physically superior, being “children in whom was no blemish” (Dan. 1:4). They were possibly of the royal household (Dan. 1:3). They were chosen because they were going to be taught the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans” (Dan. 1:4). In effect, they were being brainwashed into taking on a new identity and new religion. Possibly, there was hope that these young men would influence other captives to be satisfied with their present condition.

Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah and Daniel were brought as captives to that land when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem (Dan. 1:1). They would spend seventy years there, unless they happened to die earlier (Dan. 9:2). While they submitted themselves to laws of the land in which they lived, they could not submit to laws that were contrary to God’s will (cf. Acts 5:29). They were singled out because of their unique abilities and qualities which suited the Chaldean’s purposes, but the two qualities which are not specifically ascribed to them, but which come out in the Sacred Text, are their faith and courage.

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah are a refreshing contrast to the wickedness we find in the previous kings of Israel and Judah who bowed down to idols and images created by men’s hands. When Nebuchadnezzar had built a ninety foot tall, golden image, he required everyone to fall down before it and worship, lest they be cast into a fiery furnace (Dan. 3:6,7). It is likely that King Ahab would have submitted to it. Jereboam would, as well. No doubt, so would have Omri. Very probably so would all the kings of Israel and many of Judah. But Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were of stronger metal than that and refused to follow suit.

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were also the target of certain jealous Chaldeans who railed against the Jews, who found occasion to speak out against them when these three young Hebrew men did not bow to their pressure (Dan. 3:8). Nebuchadnezzar was enraged and furious that anyone would not obey his commands and worship his false gods (Dan. 3:13). Isn’t it amazing how exacting man can be with his false gods but careless with the truth. He offered them one final chance to turn against Jehovah and the penalty for refusing was death by fiery furnace.

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah responded immediately to this ultimatum. There was no need for further deliberation. There should never be any need for deliberation when the truth is at stake. Their courage and faith in the face of this condemnation is astounding. “Our God is able to deliver us if He desires but if He does not we will still not worship this false god and golden image which you have set up” (Dan. 3:17,18). This further enraged the king and he demanded the furnace be heated seven times hotter than was normal (Dan. 3:19). The flames were so hot, in fact, that the men charged with delivering the three young men into the furnace were themselves consumed by the flames (Dan. 3:22).

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah found themselves in the fiery furnace, but the laws of physics were not enforced there. The violence of fire was quenched (Heb. 11:34). Not only were they delivered from the flames, but they were joined by the Presence of One who controls the flame (cf. Heb. 1:7; Psalm 104:4; II Kings 2:11; 6:17; Ez. 1:13,14, etc.). God promised His people when they walked through the fire, He would be with them (Is. 43:2). We can rest assured that no matter how hot the flames we may face, that God will be with us if we are with Him (Heb. 13:6). Furthermore, the promise of blessing and glory far outweighs any temporary sufferings we face (Rom. 8:18).

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified (I Peter 4:12-14).

Eric L. Padgett