Who Was Mishael in the Bible?
Mishael is a name found several times in the Old Testament, identifying three different individuals, each serving significant roles in the biblical narrative. These individuals include a Levite, an exile returnee, and a friend of Daniel, known also as Meshach. This article will explore the lives of these three men named Mishael, examining their contributions and what their stories teach modern Christians.
Mishael the Levite
Background and Family
Mishael, a member of the tribe of Levi, is first mentioned in Exodus 6:22. He was the son of Uzziel and the brother of Elzaphan, Sithri, Micah, and Isshiah. The Levites were uniquely set apart among the twelve tribes of Israel, having no inheritance of land but designated to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple.
“The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.” (Exodus 6:22 ESV).
Role in Levitical Duties
The Levites were tasked with various duties related to worship and the care of the sacred things. They served as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle, playing a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel. Mishael’s story intersects with a significant incident involving his cousins, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by divine fire (Leviticus 10:1-2). Mishael, along with his brother Elzaphan, was instructed to carry their bodies out of the camp, highlighting the seriousness of adhering to God’s commands regarding worship.
Mishael the Exile Returnee
Post-Exilic Period
Another individual named Mishael is mentioned during the post-exilic period. This Mishael is noted in Nehemiah 8:4 as one of those who stood by Ezra as he read the Law to the assembled Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile.
“And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand.” (Nehemiah 8:4 ESV).
Role in Rebuilding Jerusalem
This Mishael participated in the significant religious and cultural revival under leaders like Nehemiah and Ezra. The returnees, including Mishael, were instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring temple worship according to God’s instructions. This period was crucial in re-establishing the identity and faith of the Jewish people after years of exile.
Mishael, Friend of Daniel (Meshach)
Faith in Babylon
Perhaps the most well-known Mishael is the friend of Daniel, renamed Meshach by the Babylonians. This Mishael is first introduced in Daniel 1:6-7 as one of the young men taken into Babylonian captivity, selected for their potential to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court.
“Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.” (Daniel 1:6-7 ESV).
Unwavering Faith
Mishael, or Meshach, along with his friends Shadrach and Abednego, is best known for his unwavering faith in the face of severe trials. In Daniel 3:12-30, they refused to bow to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, choosing to face the fiery furnace rather than compromise their beliefs.
“But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18 ESV).
Their miraculous deliverance from the furnace not only demonstrated their faith but also revealed God’s power and sovereignty to the Babylonian empire.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Faithfulness and Obedience
Each Mishael teaches a different aspect of faithfulness and obedience to God. The Levite Mishael’s adherence to Levitical duties underscores the importance of following God’s commands precisely. The exile returnee Mishael highlights the significance of participating in communal worship and restoration. Meshach’s story emphasizes unwavering faith and trust in God, even under the threat of death.
Trusting God’s Sovereignty
The story of Meshach, in particular, is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and ability to deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations. This lesson is crucial for modern Christians facing their own trials and temptations, encouraging them to trust in God’s protection and plan.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness
The lives of these men named Mishael reflect God’s faithfulness to His people. Whether in the precise instructions given to the Levites, the restoration efforts in Jerusalem, or the miraculous deliverance in Babylon, God’s care and involvement in the lives of His people are evident.
Divine Protection
Meshach’s deliverance from the fiery furnace is a profound example of God’s loving protection. It reassures believers that God is with them in their trials and has the power to save and protect.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Foreshadowing Christ’s Deliverance
The deliverance of Meshach from the fiery furnace foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. Just as Meshach was saved from physical death, Jesus offers salvation from spiritual death.
Christ as Our High Priest
The Levitical Mishael’s role points to the greater role of Christ as our High Priest. Jesus, the perfect High Priest, mediates on behalf of believers, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 7:27).
Conclusion
Mishael, a name shared by three notable Old Testament figures, presents a rich tapestry of lessons for modern Christians. Whether serving as a Levite, returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem, or standing firm in faith in Babylon, each Mishael’s story underscores the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God. These narratives also highlight God’s enduring love and protection and point forward to the ultimate deliverance and mediation offered through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the lives of these men, we are encouraged to live out our faith with the same unwavering commitment, trusting in God’s sovereign plan and loving care.