Mish'a-el is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness and role during the Babylonian exile. His name, Mish'a-el, is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "Who is what God is?" or "Who is like God?" This name reflects a common theme in Hebrew nomenclature, emphasizing the uniqueness and incomparability of the God of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Daniel 1:6-7: Mish'a-el is introduced in the Book of Daniel as one of the young men from Judah taken into Babylonian captivity. Alongside Daniel, Hananiah, and Azariah, Mish'a-el is selected to serve in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king's chief official assigns them new names, and Mish'a-el is given the name Meshach. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah the name Shadrach, to Mishael the name Meshach, and to Azariah the name Abednego."

2. Daniel 3:12-30: Mish'a-el, under his Babylonian name Meshach, is prominently featured in the account of the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar erects a golden statue and commands all to worship it. Mish'a-el, along with Shadrach and Abednego, refuses to bow down, demonstrating unwavering faith in God. As a result, they are thrown into a blazing furnace. However, God miraculously delivers them unharmed, and Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the power of their God. The BSB recounts: "But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king. They do not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up."

Theological Significance:

Mish'a-el's account is a powerful testament to faith and divine deliverance. His refusal to compromise his beliefs, even in the face of death, serves as an enduring example of steadfastness and trust in God's sovereignty. The narrative underscores the theme of God's protection over His faithful servants and His ability to save them from seemingly insurmountable trials.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Babylonian exile was a period of great trial for the people of Judah, as they were removed from their homeland and subjected to foreign rule. The renaming of Mish'a-el and his companions reflects the broader cultural assimilation efforts by the Babylonians. Despite these pressures, Mish'a-el's account illustrates the resilience of Jewish identity and faith during this tumultuous time.

Legacy:

Mish'a-el, as Meshach, is remembered as a hero of faith. His account, along with those of Shadrach and Abednego, is often recounted in Christian teachings to inspire believers to remain faithful under persecution. The account of the fiery furnace is celebrated for its dramatic demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God's deliverance and to stand firm in their convictions.Mish'a-el (7 Occurrences)

Leviticus 10:4
And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them: 'Draw near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.'
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 8:4
And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
(See RSV)

Daniel 1:6
And there are among them out of the sons of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
(See RSV)

Daniel 1:7
and the chief of the eunuchs setteth names on them, and he setteth on Daniel, Belteshazzar; and on Hananiah, Shadrach; and on Mishael, Meshach; and on Azariah, Abed-Nego.
(See RSV)

Daniel 1:11
And Daniel saith unto the Meltzar, whom the chief of the eunuchs hath appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
(See RSV)

Daniel 1:19
And the king speaketh with them, and there hath none been found among them all like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and they stand before the king;
(See RSV)

Daniel 2:17
Then Daniel to his house hath gone, and to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, he hath made the thing known,
(See RSV)

Mish'a-el (7 Occurrences)
Mish'a-el. Mi'sha-el, Mish'a-el. Mishal . Multi-Version Concordance
Mish'a-el (7 Occurrences). Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael ...
/m/mish'a-el.htm - 8k

Mi'sha-el (1 Occurrence)
Mi'sha-el. Mishael, Mi'sha-el. Mish'a-el . Multi-Version Concordance
Mi'sha-el (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Mishael, Mi'sha-el. Mish'a-el . Reference
/m/mi'sha-el.htm - 6k

Mishael (8 Occurrences)
... MISHAEL. mish'-a-el, mi'-sha-el (misha'el, perhaps equals "who is equal to God?"):
(1) A Kohathite, 4th in descent from Levi (Exodus 6:22). ...
/m/mishael.htm - 10k

Mishal (2 Occurrences)

/m/mishal.htm - 7k

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