Shadrach

One of four young Jewish nobles taken to Babylon during the exile, along with Daniel, Meshach, and Abednego. Originally named Hananiah (“Yahweh is gracious”), he was given the Babylonian name Shadrach and trained for royal service. When Nebuchadnezzar erected a golden image and commanded all officials to bow before it, Shadrach and his two companions refused to commit idolatry despite the threat of death. Cast into a fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than normal, they emerged unharmed—protected by a fourth figure “like a son of the gods.” Their faithfulness under persecution became a model of religious courage, demonstrating that God delivers those who trust in him.