Meaning of the first name

Belshatzzar

The name Belshazzar derives from ancient Hebrew and Babylonian roots, combining elements that translate to Bel protect the king. Bel refers to the Babylonian god Marduk, the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon, while shazzar denotes a protective or salvific function associated with kingship. Thus, the name encapsulates a powerful invocation for divine protection over royalty, a sentiment that was deeply significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where the favor of the gods was believed to be crucial for a ruler’s legitimacy and success.

Belshazzar is a prominent figure in historical texts and biblical accounts, most notably recognized as a Babylonian king mentioned in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. Historical references suggest that he served as co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, during the Neo-Babylonian Empire's final phases. His reign occurred during a period of decline for Babylon before the city fell to the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE. The biblical narrative of Belshazzar’s feast and the writing on the wall serves as a moral and prophetic lesson, symbolizing the impending doom due to his hubris and sacrileges against the divine.

In contemporary settings, the name Belshazzar is relatively uncommon but occasionally appears in literary and artistic contexts, where it evokes themes of power, divine judgment, and historical intrigue. It may be used in academic discussions pertaining to biblical studies, ancient history, or literature as a symbol of lost empires and the moral lessons drawn from their narratives. Additionally, the figure of Belshazzar has inspired various artistic interpretations in theater, painting, and literature, illustrating the lasting significance of this ancient name and its connections to human behavior and the consequences of pride and arrogance.