Shadrach

Q: What was Shadrach's Hebrew name?

His Hebrew name was Hananiah, meaning 'The LORD is gracious.' The Babylonians renamed him Shadrach, possibly meaning 'command of Aku' (a moon god). Despite the pagan name, he remained faithful to the God of Israel.

Survivor of the Fiery Furnace

Old Testament

Shadrach (Hebrew name Hananiah) was one of the three young Jewish nobles taken to Babylon with Daniel. Along with Meshach and Abednego, he refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image and was thrown into a fiery furnace, where God miraculously protected them.

Character Traits

FaithfulCourageousUncompromising

Life Timeline

Exile605 BC

Hananiah (renamed Shadrach) is taken to Babylon with Daniel.

DAN 1:6-7

Training605-602 BC

Shadrach refuses the king's food and excels in Babylonian wisdom.

DAN 1:8-20

Fiery Furnacec. 586 BC

Shadrach, with Meshach and Abednego, refuses to bow to the golden image.

DAN 3:12-18

Deliverancec. 586 BC

The three emerge from the furnace unharmed; a fourth figure seen with them.

DAN 3:24-27

Key Relationships

Danielrelations.colleague

Friend - Fellow exile who stood together in faithfulness.

Meshachrelations.colleague

Companion - Stood together in the fiery furnace.

Abednegorelations.colleague

Companion - Stood together in the fiery furnace.

Key Locations

Babylon

Where Shadrach served and faced the fiery furnace.

Spiritual Lessons

Faith Without Guarantee

Shadrach declared 'even if God does not deliver us, we will not bow.' His faith didn't depend on deliverance—he would obey regardless. True faith obeys God whether or not rescue comes.

Key Verses

Daniel 1:6-7 Daniel 3:12-30

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Shadrach's Hebrew name?+

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