Daniel Chapter 3
Nebuchadnezzar Erects an Image and Commands Universal Worship
1. The Image is Made and Set Up
Daniel 3:1 (NKJV) – "Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon."
a. The Creation of the Image: An Act of Rebellion Against God
King Nebuchadnezzar, in defiance of the vision given by God in Daniel 2, constructs a massive image of gold. This act is deeply symbolic, as it represents the king’s attempt to establish his reign as eternal, in direct opposition to God's revelation that other kingdoms would follow after Babylon. The golden head of the statue in Daniel 2:38 was meant to signify Nebuchadnezzar’s temporary rule, yet in his arrogance, he crafted an entire image of gold, signifying his rejection of God’s prophetic decree.
This act illustrates the heart of human pride and rebellion—man seeking to establish his own glory apart from divine sovereignty. Theologically, this is akin to the sin of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) where mankind sought to create a name for itself apart from God. The king’s image is a foreshadowing of future world leaders who will demand absolute loyalty, much like the Antichrist who will set up an image to be worshiped in the last days (Revelation 13:14-15).
i. The Nature of the Image: Its Construction and Symbolism
The dimensions of the statue—ninety feet (thirty meters) high and nine feet (three meters) wide—indicate that it was more of an obelisk or pillar rather than a traditional human-shaped statue. Given the impracticality of constructing a solid gold image of such massive proportions, it was likely a wooden structure overlaid with gold, a common practice in the ancient Near East.
The plain of Dura, where the statue was set up, was an ideal location for such a monument. The flat landscape provided an unobstructed view for miles, allowing the towering structure to dominate the horizon. Archaeological evidence suggests that a large square-shaped foundation, approximately twenty feet high and forty-six feet across, still exists in this region today, lending historical credibility to the biblical account.
ii. The Theological Significance of Nebuchadnezzar’s Image
From a Baptist theological perspective, Nebuchadnezzar’s image serves as a striking illustration of idolatry and false worship, which God explicitly condemns. The Second Commandment warns against graven images:
Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV) – "You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me."
Nebuchadnezzar’s insistence that all people worship this image prefigures the ultimate global rebellion against God in the end times. Just as he demanded total allegiance, so too will the final world ruler, the Antichrist, establish an enforced system of worship centered around an image (Revelation 13:15). The pattern is clear: human rulers, under the influence of satanic pride, continually seek to usurp divine authority and demand worship for themselves.
In contrast, Scripture teaches that true worship belongs only to the Lord:
Isaiah 42:8 (NKJV) – "I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images."
b. The Challenge of Idolatry in Every Age
While it is easy to dismiss Nebuchadnezzar’s idolatry as an ancient error, the underlying spiritual principle remains relevant today. Modern society may not bow before golden statues, but idolatry takes many forms—materialism, power, prestige, and the self-exaltation of man. The Apostle Paul warns of the dangers of greed and idolatry:
Colossians 3:5 (NKJV) – "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Nebuchadnezzar’s demand for universal worship reveals the age-old struggle between fidelity to God and the pressures of conformity to the world. The faithful remnant—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego—would soon face the consequences of their refusal to compromise. Their unwavering stand serves as a powerful testament to the truth that believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Conclusion: The Eternal Kingdom vs. Temporary Thrones
Nebuchadnezzar’s attempt to defy God’s revelation by erecting an image of gold ultimately proves futile. No matter how powerful earthly rulers may seem, their kingdoms are temporary. The only eternal kingdom is that of Jesus Christ:
Daniel 2:44 (NKJV) – "And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."
For believers, this passage is a sobering reminder to remain steadfast in faith, resisting the pressures of cultural conformity. As Nebuchadnezzar's decree would soon test the faith of God’s people, so too are Christians today called to stand firm in the face of trials. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be unshaken in their commitment to Christ:
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) – "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
As we continue in Daniel 3, we will see the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who demonstrate that God is faithful to those who refuse to bow to the idols of this world. Their story is not just one of miraculous deliverance but of the deeper theological truth that God alone is sovereign over kings and nations, and He alone is worthy of worship.
Soli Deo Gloria! (To God Alone Be the Glory!)
Daniel 3:2-3 – All Babylonia’s Dignitaries Gathered at the Dedication of the Image
(2) And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (3) So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (New King James Version)
a. "Gather together the satraps"
The term "satrap" is of Persian origin, meaning protector of the realm. It designates high-ranking provincial governors who had military, judicial, and administrative authority over their regions. The inclusion of satraps indicates that even the most powerful officials in Babylon’s vast empire were required to attend.
This reflects Nebuchadnezzar’s absolute authority, showing that even regional rulers had to submit to his decrees. The king’s political structure ensured that no province had autonomy from his rule, demonstrating his centralized power.
The gathering of such high-ranking officials emphasizes the scope of Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion and suggests that this event was more than a mere dedication—it was a public test of submission.
b. "All the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image"
The fact that all provincial officials were summoned reveals that this was not merely a religious ceremony but a test of political loyalty.
In the ancient world, worship and allegiance were intertwined—to reject the worship of a king’s god was to reject the king himself.
Nebuchadnezzar’s decree sought to enforce uniformity in worship, which would serve to solidify his control over the vast and diverse empire.
The officials did not come of their own will but by royal command. This illustrates the totalitarian nature of Nebuchadnezzar’s rule, where compliance was expected under threat of severe consequences.
The repetition of the officials’ titles in both verses (2 and 3) serves to reinforce the sheer magnitude of the gathering and emphasizes that no one was exempt from the king’s demand.
Theological and Prophetic Implications
Foreshadowing of Future Persecution – This event foreshadows the Antichrist’s global religious system in the end times, where worship of the Beast and his image will be required under penalty of death (Revelation 13:15). Just as Nebuchadnezzar sought forced allegiance through false worship, the future world leader will demand submission through idolatry.
God’s Faithful Remnant – While the vast majority complied, Daniel’s three friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) refused to bow (Daniel 3:12). Their resistance serves as a model for true believers, who must stand firm against idolatry and worldly pressure, even at great personal cost.
The Nature of False Worship – This passage highlights the political manipulation of religion—Nebuchadnezzar’s goal was not merely religious devotion but political unity through enforced idolatry. This is a common theme throughout history, where leaders use religious conformity as a means of control rather than genuine worship of the true God.
Daniel 3:4-6 – The Command to Worship the Image
(4) Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, (5) that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; (6) and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” (New King James Version)
a. "Horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery"
These instruments represent a grand and impressive orchestra, designed to captivate the senses and reinforce the emotional weight of the ceremony. The use of elaborate music suggests that Nebuchadnezzar understood the power of music in shaping public behavior and worship.
The presence of musical instruments indicates a highly organized and rehearsed event, which implies a deliberate strategy to unite the people under a single act of worship.
i. Linguistic Debate Over Greek Loanwords
Some scholars argue that the presence of Aramaic words derived from Greek suggests the Book of Daniel was written centuries after the events took place. They claim these musical terms only entered the Hebrew vocabulary around the third century B.C., long after Daniel’s time.
However, archaeological and historical evidence refutes this claim. Greek mercenaries and traders had interactions with the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires as early as the eighth century B.C.. This means Greek loanwords could have been present much earlier than critics assume.
Additionally, the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the authenticity of Daniel as an ancient text, showing that the book existed well before the third century B.C.
b. "Whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace"
This decree was backed by a severe and immediate punishment, making compliance not merely expected but forced. Nebuchadnezzar framed the refusal to worship as treason, showing that this was not just about idolatry—it was about absolute submission to his rule.
This mirrors how totalitarian governments throughout history have used religion or ideology to consolidate power.
i. Historical Parallels of Political and Religious Manipulation
Nazi Germany (1936): Baldur von Schirach, the head of Nazi youth programs, said:
“If we act as true Germans we act according to the laws of God. Whoever serves Adolf Hitler, the Führer, serves Germany, and whoever serves Germany serves God.”
This blending of national loyalty and divine authority mirrors Nebuchadnezzar’s tactics. Totalitarian rulers have long used religious imagery to justify absolute obedience to the state.
Ghana (1960): The President of Ghana erected a larger-than-life statue of himself in front of Parliament. It bore the inscription:
"Seek ye first the political kingdom and all other things shall be added unto you."
This blasphemous distortion of Matthew 6:33 turned political power into a religious goal. Like Nebuchadnezzar, modern rulers have sought to make themselves objects of worship.
c. "A burning fiery furnace"
This reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s character—he was a ruler who did not tolerate defiance. He was known for his devotion to strict justice, as recorded in Babylonian cuneiform texts.
One inscription describes how criminals were executed swiftly, sometimes in brutal ways, to serve as warnings to others. In one case, a decapitated criminal’s stone image was displayed publicly as a deterrent.
This fits Nebuchadnezzar’s psychology—he saw himself as the divine enforcer of order, and defying his commands was treated as an existential threat to his rule.
Daniel 3:7 – The Crowd Obeys Nebuchadnezzar’s Command
(7) So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (New King James Version)
a. "When all the people heard the sound"
The ceremony was orchestrated with precision, ensuring that as soon as the music played, everyone knew their role—fall down and worship.
This demonstrates the psychological power of music in mass influence. Throughout history, dictatorships and false religions have used grand processions, chants, and music to create emotional and social pressure to conform.
b. "Fell down and worshiped the gold image"
The Aramaic text suggests immediate and total obedience—as soon as they heard, they fell down. There was no hesitation, no debate, no resistance.
The vast majority complied without question, showing that the fear of punishment outweighed any personal convictions.
This reflects human nature—many will compromise their beliefs to avoid suffering, a pattern seen throughout history when persecution arises.
Theological and Prophetic Implications
A Preview of the End Times – This forced worship foreshadows the coming system of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:15-17), where those who refuse to worship the Beast’s image will be executed. Just as Nebuchadnezzar used political power to enforce religious submission, the Antichrist will unite religion and global governance to demand worship.
The Power of Fear in Enforcing False Worship – Many comply with idolatry not out of devotion, but out of self-preservation. The crowd’s immediate obedience reflects how, when the pressure is high, people will conform to avoid persecution. This presents a warning for believers to prepare for times of testing.
The Role of Music in Manipulation – Music is a powerful tool that can be used for both worship and deception. In Scripture, music is often associated with true worship of God (Psalm 150), but here it is used to promote false worship. This is a reminder that not all worshipful experiences are of God—Satan can mimic and corrupt what God created for His glory.
B. Three Hebrew men refuse the demand.
1. (8-12) Certain Chaldeans accuse the three Hebrew men.
Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
a. Certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews: These Chaldeans had an obvious political motivation against these Jews who were promoted to high office along with Daniel in the events recorded in the previous chapter.
b. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image: Apparently their failure to worship the image was not discovered until these certain Chaldeans made it known. With so many thousands of government officials in attendance, it would be easy to overlook these three. Additionally, we see from this that the three Jewish men did not lodge a formal protest; they simply refrained from sharing in the sin of idolatry themselves.
i. Their actions were not public but neither were they hidden. These three Hebrew men must have known they would be discovered, yet they obeyed God rather than man.
2. (13-15) Nebuchadnezzar interviews the disobedient Hebrew men.
Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
a. Is it true: To his credit, Nebuchadnezzar did not accept the accusation on hearsay. He made sure of it with a personal interview. This was an even greater test for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. It is one thing to make a stand for God; it is a greater thing to stick to your stand when pointedly asked, “Is it true?” Peter followed Jesus after His arrest, but he wilted and denied Jesus when asked, “Is it true?”
b. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace: Nebuchadnezzar would not tolerate losing face on such an important occasion. His pride made him declare, “You shall have no other gods than me.”
i. We can imagine the enormous pressure on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to compromise. Everything in front of them – the king, the furnace, the music, their compatriots, their competitors – all of it conspired to convince them to compromise. Yet God was more real to them than any of those things.
c. Who is the god who will deliver you from my hands? Nebuchadnezzar thought nothing of insulting all gods with this statement. He is more of a secularist or a humanist than a theist. The god he really believes in is himself, not the gods of Babylon.
3. (16-18) The three Hebrew men insist they will never worship the image.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
a. We have no need to answer you: They had no need to defend themselves. Their guilt in the matter was clear – they clearly would not bow down to this image.
b. Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us: In this, the Jewish men showed a good understanding and appreciation of God’s great power. In fact, they knew that God was able to save them from both the burning fiery furnace and from the hand of Nebuchadnezzar himself.
c. But if not: In this, the Jewish men show they had a good understanding and appreciation of submission to God. They knew God’s power, but they also knew that they must do what was right even if God did not do what they expect or hope Him to do.
i. We often complain about our rights and what is fair. Often it is better to make a stand and endure our difficulty, leaving our fate in God’s hands.
ii. They did not doubt God’s ability, but neither did they presume to know God’s will. In this they agreed with Job: Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15). They recognized that God’s plan might be different than their desires. I have my own desires and dreams and I pray that God fulfills them. But if He doesn’t, I can’t turn my back on Him.
iii. These were men who did not love too much. There are popular self-help books that hope to help people who seem to love too much, yet many Christians are hindered because they love too much. Remember that early Christians were not thrown to the lions because they worshipped Jesus, but because they would not worship the emperor.
iv. In our day, many do love Jesus and think highly of Him – yet they are far from God because they also love and worship the world, sin, and self. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
d. Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up: It took great faith to say this. God brought them to this place of great faith by preparing them with tests in less dramatic areas.
i. These men stood firm when challenged to eat impure foods and they saw God bless their obedience. That gave them the courage to obey now, when the stakes were much higher.
ii. Many fail in their obedience because they wait for something “big” to test their faith before they really start to obey God. Some fill their life with many small compromises; yet tell themselves that they will stand firm when it really matters. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego show us that obedience to God in small things really matters.
e. Let it be known to you, O king: The statement of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego is also remarkable for what it does not have – any hint of an excuse. In a time of testing like this it is easy to think of a thousand excuses that seem to justify compromise.
i. They might have said, “There is nothing to gain by resisting; wouldn’t we do more good by living?” It is easy to say, “We must live,” but in reality, we all must die – so why not die making a stand for God?
ii. They might have said, “We are in a different place; in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Yet they knew that God has unlimited jurisdiction. We must do more than “perform” acts of religious obedience when we have an audience.
iii. They might have said, “We will lose our jobs and our standard of living.” Often when God blesses us, we make the blessing an idol and compromise God to keep what we have.
iv. They might have said, “After all, we are not being called to renounce our God.” They did not have a super-elastic conscience that said, “We are not bowing down to the idol, but only bowing down in respect for the king, or in honor of the music.” Excuses like this are common but prove the principle that anything will serve as an excuse, when the heart is bent on compromise.
v. They might have said, “Everybody else is doing it.” Instead they cultivated brave personalities, willing to stand alone with God.
vi. They might have said, “It is only for once, and not for very long. Ten minutes, just for the king. It is stupid to throw our lives away for ten minutes.” These men knew that ten minutes could change an entire life. Ten minutes can chart the course for your eternity.
vii. They might have said, “This is more than can be expected of us; God will understand just this once.” It is true that God understands our struggle with sin – that is why He loves the sinner and made provision at the cross for freedom from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. Knowing that “God understands” should be a spur to obedience, not a license to sin.
viii. “I am glad that the three holy children were not ‘careful to answer,’ [the KJV has, “we are not careful to answer thee” here] or they might have fallen upon some crooked policy or lame excuse for compromise. What have we to do with consequences? It is ours to do the right, and leave results with the Lord.” (Spurgeon)
C. The Hebrew men in the fiery furnace.
1. (19-23) The three men are cast violently into the furnace.
Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 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. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
a. Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury: No matter how brave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were, facing the fury of a king was still extremely intimidating. We get the feeling that prior to their statement Nebuchadnezzar spoke kindly, almost in a fatherly manner to these wayward boys. After hearing their bold challenge the expression on his face changed.
b. Bound in their coats… the furnace exceedingly hot: Everything was done to make sure that the three Hebrew men were quickly and completely burned.
2. (24-25) Nebuchadnezzar sees four alive and well in the furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
a. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished: It is astonishing that anyone survived for a moment inside the furnace when others perished at the door.
i. The Septuagint says in Daniel 3:24 that Nebuchadnezzar’s attention was caught when he heard the men singing praises in the furnace. We can imagine that the king had them cast into the furnace and didn’t intend to look twice, believing they would be immediately consumed. As he walked away with a satisfied look on his face, he was immediately stopped by the sound of singing coming from the furnace. At a safe distance from the raging heat, he peered inside – and saw four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire.
ii. If this singing in the furnace is true, it reminds us of Paul and Silas singing in the Philippian jail (Acts 16:25).
b. I see four men loose… and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God: Nebuchadnezzar tells us who the fourth person was – the Son of God. Jesus was literally with them in the worst of their trial.
i. We don’t know if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego knew that the Son of God was with them in their fiery trial. Sometimes we are aware of Jesus’ presence in our trials and sometimes we are not – but He is there nonetheless.
ii. Spurgeon observed that God’s people are often in the furnace, and though there are different kinds of furnaces, they serve similar purposes in our life.
· There is the furnace that man prepares.
· There is the furnace that Satan prepares.
· There is the furnace that God prepares.
iii. God can deliver us from a trial, or He can miraculously sustain and strengthen us in a trial. Trapp quotes an English martyr who said this as he was burnt at the stake: “O ye Papists, behold ye look for miracles; here now you may see a miracle; for in this fire I feel no more pain than as if I were in a bed of down; but it is to me as a bed of roses.”
c. I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire: Nebuchadnezzar also observed that the four men were free in the fire. The fire only burnt the ropes that bound them.
3. (26-27) The Hebrew men leave the furnace unharmed.
Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.”Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
a. Servants of the Most High God: Before they were out of the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar recognized that these men served the true God, the God Most High.
b. These men on whose bodies the fire had no power: The trial had no power over these men because they were thoroughly submitted to the power and will of God. Before the time of Jesus, they knew the truth of Jesus’ promise: In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
c. The smell of fire was not on them: This demonstrates how complete their deliverance was.
i. This whole account illustrates – perhaps serving as a type of – the future of Israel during the Great Tribulation.
· Nebuchadnezzar is like the Antichrist, who forces the whole world into one religion of idolatry.
· Nebuchadnezzar’s image is like the image described in Revelation 13, that the whole world will be commanded to worship.
· The fiery furnace is like the Great Tribulation, which will be great affliction for the Jews.
· The three Hebrew men are like Israel, who will be preserved through the tribulation.
· The executioners who perished are like those in league with the Antichrist, who Jesus will slay at His return.
· The mysteriously absent Daniel is like the church, not even present for this time of great tribulation.
D. Aftermath.
1. (28) Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the greatness of the God of the three Hebrews.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!”
a. Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego: Nebuchadnezzar gave glory to God, but he recognized that this great God is not his God. He was still the God of these three brave men.
b. Who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him: In Daniel 3:15 Nebuchadnezzar asked, “who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” Now Nebuchadnezzar knew a great deal about this God.
· He is the God of the Hebrews (the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego).
· He is the God who sends a Savior (who sent His Angel).
· He is the God of great power (delivered His servants).
· He is the God worthy of trust (who trusted in Him).
· He is the God worthy of full surrender (frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies).
· He is the God who demands exclusive allegiance (that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God).
i. Nebuchadnezzar knew a lot about God – but he did not yet know Him personally.
c. Yielded their bodies: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego surrendered themselves completely to God – body, soul, and spirit. It was the kind of submission Paul wrote of in Romans 12:1: present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
i. This whole account is a powerful illustration of the principle of Romans 12:1. We see Satan trying to make the believer bow down to his idealized image of what men and women should be. Christians must resist this with everything they have and pursue God’s ideal. In this, we will fulfill Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2. (29-30) Nebuchadnezzar makes a proclamation that nothing evil should be said against the God of the Hebrews.
“Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
a. Therefore I make a decree: The three Hebrew men did not ask for Nebuchadnezzar to make this decree, and they probably did not want him to. Coerced worship isn’t good, either towards an idol or towards the true God.
b. There is no other God who can deliver like this: Seeing God at work in the life of His people was an extremely effective testimony to Nebuchadnezzar.
i. Paul expressed the same idea in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3: You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
