The events of chapter three are hard to date, but it seems that they take place within a few years of Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. "The Prayer of Azarias," and "The Song of the Three Holy Children." 2. princes--"satraps" of provinces [GESENIUS]. The miracles wrought in behalf of Daniel and his friends were a manifestation of God's glory in Daniel's person, as the representative of the theocracy before the Babylonian king, who deemed himself almighty, at a time when God could not manifest it in His people as a body. None of the Jews seem to have been present, except the officers, summoned specially. While it is often assumed that this “image” was a towering statue of Nebuchadnezzar himself (as envisioned in his vivid dream interpreted by Daniel in chapter two), the dimensions are stunningly similar to an obelisk (phallic structure), which were common among ancient pagan societies. 9 “They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “O king, live forever!”. And He will do this not only before the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar himself but also before the watching eyes of all of Babylon’s government officials assembled at this ceremony. Once the music began to play, the assembled rulers are commanded to “fall down and worship the golden image.” That is, the assembled rulers were to show their obedience to Babylon’s king and kingdom by bowing down (prostrating oneself) in an act, not just of homage, but of outright worship directed towards the golden image that “Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”. Check back often for more commentaries! 7 Inconvenient Biblical Facts About “Illegal” Immigrants, Seven Amazing Benefits For Those Who “Fear” the Lord. It was evidently aimed at the Jews by those jealous of their high position in the king's court, who therefore induced the king to pass an edict as to all recusants, representing such refusal of homage as an act of treason to Nebuchadnezzar as civil and religious "head" of the empire. Their blood is on his hands. We also meet three men who are truly ‘profiles in courage.’ One of the central themes of this book is the absolute sovereignty of God and his love for his people. . 25 “He said, “Look! – Once all of the king’s men are in position before the gold image, the “herald” (the one who issues public proclamations) issued a loud command directly from the king. 24. – Their reply implies no hesitation to obey God’s commands over those of the king. This time, instead of demanding an interpretation of his dream, he erects a golden “image” in the plain of Dura (just outside of his capital city of Babylon) and commands all officials within his government to bow in worship to this golden image or face an immediate fiery death. Because the Babylonian empire covered a vast territory, which included many lands of conquered peoples, it is understandable that this command is given to “peoples, nations, and men of every language.” In other words, the forthcoming royal command will apply to all who have gathered in the plain of Dura. – Here, the accusers specifically remind the king of his bold threat towards anyone who dares to defy his edict. The colossal size makes it likely that the frame was wood, overlaid with gold. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”. As a sidenote, death by fire was apparently a common form of capital punishment employed by the king of Babylon as evidenced by Jeremiah 29:22. Daniel 3 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary by one of the most revered Methodist leaders gives new insight into God's Word. Any other reason for rebellion should be carefully weighed against Scripture and considered suspect. Though the king had called them “out” of the fire, this command was only issued after he had ordered them to be cast “into” the fire. – Despite the deaths of their executors, the three Hebrews meet the fate intended for them by the hasty king as they “fell into the midst” of the burning fiery furnace. . The image itself might be of gold, or more probably gilt, that is, covered with thin plates of gold, and on this account it might be called the golden image; and most probably the height of the image may be … sheriffs--men learned in the law, like the Arab mufti [GESENIUS]. Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. nor worship--by prostration of the body. 2 But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication 4 will rise with healing wings, 5 and you will skip about 6 like calves released from the stall. – Here, the defiant Hebrews display a remarkable faith similar to that shown by suffering Job in the depths of his trials when he said: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15). changed--He had shown forbearance ( Daniel 3:14 Daniel 3:15 ) as a favor to them, but now that they despise even his forbearance, anger "fills" him, and is betrayed in his whole countenance. https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/19670426/christians_and_government.mp3, Should Christians Kill To Protect “Religious Liberty?”. The Pulpit Commentary, Daniel (Grand Rapids: Wm. – Amid his fury, the king ordered some of his most mighty soldiers to bind up the three Hebrews in preparation for their public execution. The Phoenicians made the first known sea journey around Africa. 3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits 1 and its breadth six cubits. – Their initial greeting before the king was common to the age and is one that often appears in the Old Testament (1 Kings 1:31; Daniel 2:4, 5:10, 6:6,21), 10 “You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image.”, – As these “certain Chaldeans” prepare to make their accusations, they appeal to the king’s own words and remind him that he has issued a “decree.”. The phrase "the angel of the Lord" is used repeatedly in the Old Testament is accepted widely as referring to the Messiah. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”, – Here, we see the king, though furious, makes accommodation for the three Hebrews, condoning their previous actions while commanding them to fall into line at their next opportunity. This rare defiance of authority is found within the New Testament when the Apostles are ordered to stop preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus Christ. Why then should it not be expected that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego should have survived after falling into the flames? The king summons the “satraps” (a word derived from the Persian language meaning the protector of the realm, a prince, or a lieutenant), the “prefects” (meaning a provincial ruler or superintendent), the “governors”, the “counselors” (meaning those who were chief diviners or astrologers), the “treasurers”, the “judges” (derived from a Persian word referring to those skilled in the law), the “magistrates” (those who served as judicial overseers, or sheriffs), and “all the rulers of the provinces.”. Some think it was a short time after t… Daniel 3:7 - Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. The "height," sixty cubits, is so out of proportion with the "breadth," exceeding it ten times, that it seems best to suppose the thickness from breast to back to be intended, which is exactly the right proportion of a well-formed man [AUGUSTINE, The City of God, 15.20]. 42 While there seems to be a connection between the statue of chapter 2 and the image of chapter 3, there are striking contrasts between these two representations. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S IDOLATROUS IMAGE; SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABED-NEGO ARE DELIVERED FROM THE FURNACE. Daniel Daniel Taken to Babylon. 12 “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. Between the vision of Nebuchadnezzar in the second chapter and that of Daniel in the seventh, four narratives of Daniels and his friends' personal history are introduced. They tended also to secure, by their impressive character, that respect for the covenant-people on the part of the heathen powers which issued in Cyrus' decree, not only restoring the Jews, but ascribing honor to the God of heaven, and commanding the building of the temple ( Ezra 1:1-4 ) [AUBERLEN]. furnace--a common mode of punishment in Babylon ( Jeremiah 29:22 ). This story is a fitting illustration of the cosmic battle between good and evil which is taking place in our world today. (Daniel 6:22). Though He slay them, they will still trust in Him ( Job 13:15 ). After all, God’s people are called to obey the civil authorities and to not rebel against them. To download a pdf version (where the fonts come … 3. stood before the image--in an attitude of devotion. The Book of Daniel Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET CHAPTER 3 Dan 3:1-30. 24 “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.”. There is an interesting irony here as King Nebuchadnezzar (who in his madness will literally roam the earth as a beast himself as described in Daniel 4) threatens all who fail to worship his authority by paying homage to his “image” will face a fiery furnace. – After having this enormous image of gold constructed and placed in the plain of Dura, the king then summons all of his royal representatives from across the Babylonian empire to attend the grand dedication of this image. . Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Commentary on Daniel 3 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Refuse to Bow) July 29, 2016 Bill Pratt Leave a comment. 17. This theme runs through both the books of Daniel and Revelation.. Their service of God is not mercenary in its motive. True, O king--God extorted this confession from His enemies' own mouths. – There is almost a tinge of disbelief in Nebuchadnezzar’s tone, indicating that he seeks to avoid an embarrassing encounter where his own government appointees are flagrantly disobedient to his most recent command. And yet again, Nebuchadnezzar beholds a mind-bending miracle at the hands of the Almighty. Chapter 3. – These “certain Chaldeans” now come to their charge against these “certain Jews.” Specifically, three Jewish men named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who had been placed in charge to manage affairs in Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. incoming searches: Daniel Chapter 3 Commentary, Daniel 3 Commentary, Book Daniel Bible Study, book of daniel bible study, fiery furnace. Daniel is a book of a number of astounding miracles; and these should be understood in light of the absolute necessity of God's prevention of the absorption of the Judaic remnant (the truly important part of Israel) into the gross paganism of their Babylonian captors. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. On the surface, the lives of these three men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — are in jeopardy when the three are hurled into a fiery furnace because of their refusal to worship … Continue reading "Commentary on Daniel 3:1 [2-7] 8-30" As the story begins, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, erects a massive golden statue and commands that all must bow before it. It should be stressed that there few other instances where a political ruler had so much power and authority that he could realistically threaten every elite ruler in his domain with a horrific death for failing to bow down to a mere object upon his orders. Why Daniel was not summoned does not appear. hats--HERODOTUS [1.195] says that the Babylonian costume consisted of three parts: (1) wide, long pantaloons; (2) a woollen shirt; (3) an outer mantle with a girdle round it. No other nation but the Jews would feel this edict oppressive; for it did not prevent them worshipping their own gods besides. Now, we enter the Book of Daniel for a verse-by-verse study of this amazing text. Many questions must have plagued those looking on, including: How are these men still alive? In giving some better traits in Nebuchadnezzar's character, Daniel agrees with Jeremiah 39:11 , 42:12 . Their deliverance from sinful compliance was as great a miracle in the kingdom of grace, as that from the furnace was in the kingdom of nature. Specifically, because they chose to “put their trust in Him” instead of placing their trust in the false god erected by the king. Their youth, and position as captives and friendless exiles, before the absolute world potentate and the horrid death awaiting them if they should persevere in their faith, all enhance the grace of God, which carried them through such an ordeal. Bible Commentary Daniel 3. While the specifics of how this was done are not revealed, it is likely that the king’s officials added seven times more fuel to the flame. 3:23. – Anyone who violates the king’s command to refrain from speaking evil of the Hebrew God will face severe judgment. But Belshazzar goes further, blaspheming God by polluting His holy vessels. However, the only Biblical precedent for civil disobedience is when we are asked to bow or pledge allegiance to a false god (Daniel 3) or when we are asked to cease our work of the Great Commission (Acts 5:29). Instead, to indicate his extreme wrath, and perhaps to make an example of the “rebels”, the king orders his officials to increase the heat of the furnace sevenfold. (Proverbs 8:15; Daniel 2:21, 4:17; John 19:11; Romans 13:2). Nebuchadnezzar had just returned from finishing the Jewish and Syrian wars, the spoils of which would furnish the means of rearing such a colossal statue [PRIDEAUX]. It contains things we all like in a story... 90 foot idols, furious kings, fiery furnaces hot enough … Also, the Jews enemies found it more politic to begin by attacking Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who were nearer at hand, and had less influence, before they proceeded to attack Daniel. His admittance that the God of the three Hebrews was the “Most High” or supreme God of gods reveals the work that God was doing in his heart through this incredible moment. Indeed, the dimensions of this image (60 cubits H x 6 cubits W) are remarkably similar to that of an obelisk, which was an extremely common pagan symbol used in ancient religious rites and ceremonies. And yet, the alarmed king, after peering into the fiery furnace, asks his high court ministers to reaffirm the number of men that he himself had just condemned to death. The flames killed some of Nebuchadnezzar’s best men. Daniel 3:1 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. 1 In the third year of a the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. Like Job, these Hebrews are willing to face physical death in the event that their God, in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, chose not to deliver their physical bodies from the fiery furnace. – The scene must have initially been one of disbelief. Under most other circumstances, these Hebrews have been compliant and willing to obey the king’s requests. Notice that the trust in God shared by Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego led them to violate the king’s command. The first six chapters tell of four young Israelites in the Babylonian captivity (chapter 1)—Daniel (also known as Belshazzar), Hananiah (aka Shadrach), … Not even a hint of fear is evident in their reply as they inform the king that their God “is able to deliver” them both out of the fiery furnace and, ultimately, out of the king’s hand. Abednego Refuse to bow ) July 29, 2016 Bill Pratt leave a comment God 's people the who. For our own edification today I ’ m English is not made in God ’ command. 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