Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego. Then they brought these men before the king.
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego.
And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, in the province of Babylon.
Daniel 3 tells the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew men who demonstrated unwavering faith in God, even in the face of certain death. This chapter, set within the broader context of Daniel's service in the Babylonian court, highlights the clash between earthly authority and divine sovereignty. Understanding this chapter provides valuable lessons about courage, conviction, and God's miraculous power.
Context: From Captivity to Confrontation
Following Daniel 1, which introduced Daniel and his companions, and Daniel 2, where God revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream through Daniel, Daniel 3 presents a dramatic display of faith. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, renamed Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respectively, had risen to positions of influence in Babylon (Daniel 2:46-49). However, their loyalty to God would be tested when Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship of a golden idol. This chapter is part of a section of Daniel (Daniel 2:4-7:28) written in Aramaic, signifying its relevance to the Gentile nations.
Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image (Daniel 3:1-7)
King Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps inspired by his dream in Daniel 2 where he was represented by the golden head, constructed a massive golden statue, likely ninety feet high (Daniel 3:1). Whether it was a statue, an obelisk, or another shape is not clearly specified. He summoned officials from across his vast empire for its dedication, intending to consolidate his power and establish himself as the supreme religious authority (Daniel 3:2-3). The command was simple: upon hearing the sound of specific musical instruments, everyone was to bow down and worship the image (Daniel 3:5). Refusal meant death by being thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3:6). This decree aimed to assert Babylon's dominance and the supremacy of its gods over all others.
The Accusation and the King's Fury (Daniel 3:8-15)
While many readily complied, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow (Daniel 3:12). This act of civil disobedience, a form of protest against a decree that violated God's standards, did not go unnoticed. Jealous Chaldeans, possibly resentful of the Hebrews' high positions, seized the opportunity to accuse them before the king (Daniel 3:8-12).
Nebuchadnezzar, enraged by their defiance, summoned the three men, giving them a second chance to comply (Daniel 3:13-15). He questioned whether their refusal was true and offered them another opportunity to worship the idol, boasting that no god could save them from his power. Despite his earlier acknowledgment of the Hebrew God (Daniel 2:47), Nebuchadnezzar's pride blinded him to the true source of power.
Unwavering Faith and Courageous Response (Daniel 3:16-18)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response is a testament to their unwavering faith. They declared that they would not serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods or worship the golden statue (Daniel 3:18). Their trust was not conditional; they believed God could save them, but even if He chose not to, they would remain faithful. They chose to fear God rather than the king's furnace, prepared to face death rather than compromise their faith.
The Fiery Furnace and Divine Deliverance (Daniel 3:19-27)
Nebuchadnezzar, consumed by fury, ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual (Daniel 3:19). The intensity of the heat was so great that the soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the flames were killed (Daniel 3:22). Bound and clothed, the three men were cast into the furnace (Daniel 3:21).
Then, a miracle occurred. Nebuchadnezzar, astonished, saw not three, but four men walking unharmed in the fire (Daniel 3:24-25). The fourth figure appeared "like a son of the gods," possibly an angel or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Recognizing divine intervention, Nebuchadnezzar called for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace (Daniel 3:26). They emerged unscathed, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes (Daniel 3:27).
Nebuchadnezzar's Acknowledgment and Decree (Daniel 3:28-30)
Witnessing this incredible display of God's power, Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:28). He acknowledged that God had sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him, defying the king's command and risking their lives. He then issued a decree protecting those who worshipped the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, threatening severe punishment for anyone who spoke against Him. The king then promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon (Daniel 3:30).
Lessons for Today
Daniel 3 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Courage in Conviction: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide an example of standing firm in one's faith, even when facing immense pressure and potential death.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty: They trusted that God could deliver them, but they also accepted the possibility that He might not, demonstrating faith that transcends circumstances.
- God's Miraculous Power: The story highlights God's ability to intervene in miraculous ways to protect those who are faithful to Him.
- Civil Disobedience: The actions of the three men illustrate a kingdom response of protesting through civil disobedience when government decrees violate God's standards.
- God's Glory: Ultimately, God's glory was revealed through their faithfulness, leading even a pagan king to acknowledge His power.
While Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not mentioned again in Scripture, their story continues to inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity. Their unwavering commitment serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is not about avoiding hardship, but about trusting God regardless of the outcome.
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego. Then they brought these men before the king.
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego.
And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, in the province of Babylon.
Daniel 3 tells the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew men who demonstrated unwavering faith in God, even in the face of certain death. This chapter, set within the broader context of Daniel's service in the Babylonian court, highlights the clash between earthly authority and divine sovereignty. Understanding this chapter provides valuable lessons about courage, conviction, and God's miraculous power.
Context: From Captivity to Confrontation
Following Daniel 1, which introduced Daniel and his companions, and Daniel 2, where God revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream through Daniel, Daniel 3 presents a dramatic display of faith. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, renamed Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respectively, had risen to positions of influence in Babylon (Daniel 2:46-49). However, their loyalty to God would be tested when Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship of a golden idol. This chapter is part of a section of Daniel (Daniel 2:4-7:28) written in Aramaic, signifying its relevance to the Gentile nations.
Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image (Daniel 3:1-7)
King Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps inspired by his dream in Daniel 2 where he was represented by the golden head, constructed a massive golden statue, likely ninety feet high (Daniel 3:1). Whether it was a statue, an obelisk, or another shape is not clearly specified. He summoned officials from across his vast empire for its dedication, intending to consolidate his power and establish himself as the supreme religious authority (Daniel 3:2-3). The command was simple: upon hearing the sound of specific musical instruments, everyone was to bow down and worship the image (Daniel 3:5). Refusal meant death by being thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3:6). This decree aimed to assert Babylon's dominance and the supremacy of its gods over all others.
The Accusation and the King's Fury (Daniel 3:8-15)
While many readily complied, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow (Daniel 3:12). This act of civil disobedience, a form of protest against a decree that violated God's standards, did not go unnoticed. Jealous Chaldeans, possibly resentful of the Hebrews' high positions, seized the opportunity to accuse them before the king (Daniel 3:8-12).
Nebuchadnezzar, enraged by their defiance, summoned the three men, giving them a second chance to comply (Daniel 3:13-15). He questioned whether their refusal was true and offered them another opportunity to worship the idol, boasting that no god could save them from his power. Despite his earlier acknowledgment of the Hebrew God (Daniel 2:47), Nebuchadnezzar's pride blinded him to the true source of power.
Unwavering Faith and Courageous Response (Daniel 3:16-18)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response is a testament to their unwavering faith. They declared that they would not serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods or worship the golden statue (Daniel 3:18). Their trust was not conditional; they believed God could save them, but even if He chose not to, they would remain faithful. They chose to fear God rather than the king's furnace, prepared to face death rather than compromise their faith.
The Fiery Furnace and Divine Deliverance (Daniel 3:19-27)
Nebuchadnezzar, consumed by fury, ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual (Daniel 3:19). The intensity of the heat was so great that the soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the flames were killed (Daniel 3:22). Bound and clothed, the three men were cast into the furnace (Daniel 3:21).
Then, a miracle occurred. Nebuchadnezzar, astonished, saw not three, but four men walking unharmed in the fire (Daniel 3:24-25). The fourth figure appeared "like a son of the gods," possibly an angel or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Recognizing divine intervention, Nebuchadnezzar called for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace (Daniel 3:26). They emerged unscathed, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes (Daniel 3:27).
Nebuchadnezzar's Acknowledgment and Decree (Daniel 3:28-30)
Witnessing this incredible display of God's power, Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:28). He acknowledged that God had sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him, defying the king's command and risking their lives. He then issued a decree protecting those who worshipped the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, threatening severe punishment for anyone who spoke against Him. The king then promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon (Daniel 3:30).
Lessons for Today
Daniel 3 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Courage in Conviction: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide an example of standing firm in one's faith, even when facing immense pressure and potential death.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty: They trusted that God could deliver them, but they also accepted the possibility that He might not, demonstrating faith that transcends circumstances.
- God's Miraculous Power: The story highlights God's ability to intervene in miraculous ways to protect those who are faithful to Him.
- Civil Disobedience: The actions of the three men illustrate a kingdom response of protesting through civil disobedience when government decrees violate God's standards.
- God's Glory: Ultimately, God's glory was revealed through their faithfulness, leading even a pagan king to acknowledge His power.
While Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not mentioned again in Scripture, their story continues to inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity. Their unwavering commitment serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is not about avoiding hardship, but about trusting God regardless of the outcome.