Abednego

 Abednego tells the story of Azariah, prince of Israel.  Stripped of his home and country, forced to walk through the desert all the way to Babylon, his enemies gave him a new name and new identity.

Many of the other princes gave in and worshipped the new gods, was it worth it to hold to the old ways? Even if it meant death? 

“I’ll be faithful,” Hananiah said.  “I’ll vow.”

 Azariah frowned.  Could they really make a difference? 

“Let’s do it together,” Mishael said.

Azariah’s heart pounded so hard that he was sure his brothers could hear it, but he nodded.

“Right!” Daniel said.
They all stood up and put their right hands together.

“We vow that we will not bend the knee to false gods,” Daniel said.
“We will follow the law,” Mishael said.
“We will seek truth,” Hananiah said.
“And do justice,” Daniel said. “Even if we die,” Azariah said.

 Later that night as Azariah lay between Hananiah and the wall, he wondered if that would be enough.  Jeremiah said that Adonai the Holy One was angry, so the whole nation of Judah would have to bear the consequences.