“Baptism by Fire”

You have heard the saying, “Baptism by Fire”, well, I discovered that it is a phrase originating from Europe that describes an “employee that is learning something the hard way through a challenge or difficulty.” It is a test of one's abilities to perform well under pressure. This too is an appropriate theme not only for today’s story from Daniel, but actually for ALL of Daniel. It is about being spiritually fit.

We are never too old to start getting fit either physically or spiritually. A grandmother wanted to stay in shape so at the age of 60 she started walking five kilometers a day. She’s turns 97 this year and they still don’t know where she is!

Yet this is an appropriate theme not only for today’s story from Daniel, but actually for all of Daniel.

Overall, Daniel teaches us to persevere.

Marshall Shelley says, “Commitment is not simply a mental attitude; it’s developing an ability to further the cause you’re committed to.”

Overall, Daniel teaches us to persevere.

We are to refuse to let the things of the world distract us from the story of God.

We are to resist a world that wants us to think that actions like praying and showing integrity are insignificant; when in reality these actions provide opportunities for God’s power to break through.

As we hear from King Nebuchadnezzar, “As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

Marshall Shelley says, “Commitment is not simply a mental attitude; it’s developing an ability to further the cause you’re committed to.”

A little more background to the book of Daniel...

Marshall Shelley says, “Commitment is not simply a mental attitude; it’s developing an ability to further the cause you’re committed to.”

A little more background to the book of Daniel...

Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile (). When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeated the Egyptians at the battle of Carchemish (605 bc), and Judah came under his authority.

He then entered Jerusalem and took many prominent citizens to Babylon, including Daniel and three of his friends.

Several years later, Nebuchadnezzar again deported people from Judah to Babylon (597 bc; see ). These captives included the prophet Ezekiel.

Also, several years later, Nebuchadnezzar would deport people from Judah to Babylon (597 bc; see ). of which would include the prophet Ezekiel.

Daniel spent his entire adult life in Babylon—even after the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians in 539 bc (; ).

In , (let’s turn to )

The New International Version Chapter 3

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

He invites everyone to its dedication. And then he gives a clearly defined edict.

The New International Version Chapter 3

6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, may have been the only Jews present and are the only ones to defy the king’s command. Here is where their “baptism by fire” begins, to learn “something the hard way through a challenge or difficulty.” It too is a teaching for us.

Have you ever had a ‘baptism by fire?’

I remember on my very first day in the ministry, in fact only hours upon my arrival to my first church, as we were moving into the parsonage I received a call from the local funeral home, that a 36 year old man had committed suicide. For me, it was a baptism by fire, my very first funeral would be a suicide.

Themes

Living in a culture hostile to Yahweh, Daniel shows that courageous faith in Yahweh—along with personal integrity and persistent prayer—is the way to live. The stories of demonstrate how the people of God can live righteously, even in a culture that opposes their faith. Daniel and his three friends ask Yahweh to deliver them from life-threatening danger and impossible dilemmas, and He is faithful to answer.

A lot of what we do in LIFE is on the job training isn’t it?

Learning how to be a spouse; or a parent…there are no adequate manuals for that. The story continues...

The New International Version Chapter 3

12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

The visions of provide hope by teaching that Yahweh is ultimately in charge of everything. They step back from the confusion of contemporary events to focus on God’s greater plan. Daniel’s visions show the need to persist in faith through the messiness of everyday circumstances. Daniel also proclaims resurrection, indicating that some people who have died will wake up to eternal life; others will face everlasting contempt ().

So King Nebuchadnezzar becomes furious and even very disappointed with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and threatens to throw them into the fiery furnace. And he challenges them, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

And they respond with a very powerful statement of faith...

The New International Version Chapter 3

we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

There are three key points we can draw from it:

We do not need to defend ourselves. God does it.

God will deliver us. God is both able and faithful to deliver His people. God’s power and the reward of integrity…

We will not serve or worship your gods. No matter what happens. Even in death — the ultimate sacrifice!

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.pond with a very powerful answer...

The three men would rather die than obey Nebuchadnezzar’s command. Their faith in God’s ability to deliver them and their unwavering stance in the face of martyrdom has served as an example to all exiled and oppressed Jews (compare ).

They trusted in God. Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered.

Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered. In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile,

In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile, the Jews to whom the prophecies in the latter half of the book apply — those suffering at the hands of Antiochus — would also find great comfort in this truth.T heir statement here shows that they did not need to make a defense before the king; they had already made up their minds as to whom they would serve. Compliance was unthinkable to them.

Their noncompliance, initially was the reason for their capital punishment, however, it is now elevated as virtue.

the Jews to whom the prophecies in the latter half of the book apply—those suffering at the hands of Antiochus—would also find great comfort in this truth.Their statement here shows that they did not need to make a defense before the king; they had already made up their minds as to whom they would serve. Compliance was unthinkable to them.

Marshall Shelley says, “Commitment is not simply a mental attitude; it’s developing an ability to further the cause you’re committed to.”

Then one could say, things begin to heat up!

The New International Version Chapter 3

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

The New International Version Chapter 3

his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

How HOT was it? It was so hot, that it killed the kings top soldiers who took the three to the blazing furnace.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

How HOT was it? So hot, that it killed the soldiers who took the three to the blazing furnace.

the one furnace heated seven times. Is an Aramaic phrase expressing the king’s desire to have the furnace as hot as possible.

(3:26) There was a door on the side of the furnace for viewing, similar to cremation furnaces today. Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace would have been considerably larger than modern cremation furnaces and have an open top.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were bound in order to protect the executioners from being pulled into the furnace. The three fell into the fire because they would not bow before the image.

3:20 the strongest men of the guards This designation is applied to the top soldiers in the king’s employ (e.g., David’s mighty men in ).

Background

A decade after that, a final rebellion by King Zedekiah brought the full weight of Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath against Judah. Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and the remaining population was taken to Babylon (586 bc; see ). Daniel spent his entire adult life in Babylon—even after the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians in 539 bc (; ).

The date of the book of Daniel’s composition is debated, with some arguing for a sixth-century bc date and others arguing for a date as late as the second century bc. It could be that Daniel recorded at least the visions in the latter half of the book (which are narrated in the first person) in the sixth century bc and the complete book did not reach its current form until much later. Reasons often given for the later date include the book’s language and its detailed account of events that occurred in the second century.

7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?

to bind They were bound in order to streamline the execution process and protect the executioners. The men did not need the ropes to stay in the fire—they would die in a matter of seconds. Rather, the bindings protected the executioners from being pulled into the furnace.

15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

fell down The same Aramaic word here is also used in v. 6 (see note on v. 6) to indicate an act of worship. The three Hebrew youths fall into the fire because they would not bow before the image.

3:21 their garments, their trousers and their turbans The men were fully clothed. These details are included for the sake of contrast with .

12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

3:22 was severe See 2:15 and note where the same word is used.

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

killed these men In his rage, Nebuchadnezzar thinks nothing of the lives of some of his best soldiers.

3:23 men, the three of Details included to contrast v. 25.

3:22 was severe See 2:15 and note where the same word is used.

fell down The same Aramaic word here is also used in v. 6 (see note on v. 6) to indicate an act of worship. The three Hebrew youths fall into the fire because they would not bow before the image.

killed these men In his rage, Nebuchadnezzar thinks nothing of the lives of some of his best soldiers.

3:23 men, the three of Details included to contrast v. 25.

fell down The same Aramaic word here is also used in v. 6 (see note on v. 6) to indicate an act of worship. The three Hebrew youths fall into the fire because they would not bow before the image.

The New International Version Chapter 3

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Not only was the king amazed, but he is also a bit frightened and horrified. Naturally so, because there is no damage to them either from the fall or the flames.

Nebuchadnezzar describes the fourth man in the furnace as an angel (see v. 25 and note).

3:25 four men Set in opposition to the deliberate specification of three men in v. 23.

there is no damage to them The men are not hurt either by the fall or the flames. Jews in exile can be certain of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to His commands. You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments; ,

The take away here is that — the Jews in exile can be certain of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to His commands.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments; ,

there is no damage to them The men are not hurt either by the fall or the flames. Jews in exile can be certain of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to His commands. You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments; ,

You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments; ,

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments;

When we, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (). NIV

the son of a god The Aramaic phrase here for “son of the gods” is akin to the Hebrew phrase “son of God/the gods,” which is generally a reference to spiritual beings sent from God.

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Nebuchadnezzar sees the three men and a spiritual being in the fiery furnace (see his comment in v. 28). The man was a divine being sent to render service to the three Hebrew youths.

The son of a god is an Aramaic phrase here for “son of the gods” or is generally a reference to spiritual beings sent from God.

and the Sons of God

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

King Nebuchadnezzar realizes that not even his gods could have performed such a feat. He said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

They feared God more than the king. How about you?

God Similar to his declaration to Daniel in that his God is above all other gods. The king realizes that not even his gods could have performed such a feat. His statement elevates the God of the Jews above his own gods, but not above himself. Though Nebuchadnezzar has experienced two demonstrations of God’s power, it will take a third to truly humble him (see ch. 4).

Do you fear God more than…your spouse?

Do you fear God more than…your boss?

Do you fear God more than…what others think of you?

Do you fear God more than…______________________?

THE DURABILITY TEST Endurance is a quality that God expects us to manifest. If you go to an IKEA store, you will find somewhere in the chair department a glass box with what is called the durability test.

They have a mechanism that simulates someone sitting on the chair, and they say the chair was used 10 times a day for 10 years and it’s still like new in its original shape.

The furniture at IKEA was never meant to be as sturdy or as high quality as the good old teak or oak furniture that the older generation has probably been accustomed to. It’s cheaper quality, but they want to sell it by showing how durable it is.

Paul says "I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith."

Someone posted a very funny picture on the Internet called "The real IKEA durability test" where a dog is chewing one of those chairs --- thus, it didn’t pass the test.

In our lives we will be put to the test over and over again, and many times we think we are faithful and ready to endure anything, but God will sometimes allow us to go through hardships in order to help us to become approved.

His intention is not to see us failing the test of fire, but he always help us to learn our lessons and to endure our trials through faith.

While the king puts the God of the Jews above his own gods; he will not put God above himself. He has experienced two demonstrations of God’s power, but it will take a third to truly humble him (see ch. 4).

puts God of the Jews above his own gods; but not above himself. While King Nebuchadnezzar has experienced two demonstrations of God’s power, it will take a third to truly humble him (see ch. 4).

3:27 the smell of fire did not come The three captives receive no negative effects from the fire. Not only are their bodies and clothing unscathed—they do not even smell like smoke.So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Yet he proclaims, “Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

w puts God of the Jews above his own gods; but not above himself. While King Nebuchadnezzar has experienced two demonstrations of God’s power, it will take a third to truly humble him (see ch. 4).

29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

3:28 Blessed be their God In addition to elevating the God of the Jews above the Babylonian gods, the king pronounces a blessing upon Him.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. 3:8 astrologers See 2:2 and note.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

they denounced the Jews Ethnic tensions begin to surface. Since Jews could not worship the idol, they are set apart from the representative government that gathered for the ceremony. Those present immediately recognize their refusal to conform.

refusal to conform.

they denounced the Jews Ethnic tensions begin to surface. Since Jews could not worship the idol, they are set apart from the representative government that gathered for the ceremony. Those present immediately recognize their refusal to conform.

and were not serving As represented by the statue (see v. 1 and note).

pay you no heed The three men ignore Nebuchadnezzar’s command in v. 6. As vv. 16–18 indicates, they regarded death at the hands of the king to be more honorable than prostrating themselves before his idol. When it came to religious observance, they gave heed to God’s commands and proscriptions rather than those of the king.

(3:28) Blessed be their God In addition to elevating the God of the Jews above the Babylonian gods, the king pronounces a blessing upon Him.

3:12 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego These men are representative of a particular group, district, or locale, as were the others in attendance. They may have been the only Jews present.

pay you no heed The three men ignore Nebuchadnezzar’s command in v. 6. As vv. 16–18 indicates, they regarded death at the hands of the king to be more honorable than prostrating themselves before his idol. When it came to religious observance, they gave heed to God’s commands and proscriptions rather than those of the king.

Ultimately, the king praises the three for disobeying his command. Will you be remembered like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego for being faithful and non-compliant to the distractions of this world?

and were not serving As represented by the statue (see v. 1 and note).

3:16 We have no need on this matter to present a defense to you

3:15 who is the god who will rescue you from my hands? Reminiscent of Pharaoh’s response in . Nebuchadnezzar underestimates the power of Israel’s God, despite having had firsthand experience of it (see ). Nebuchadnezzar knows God to be a revealer of mysteries but, despite his claim in 2:47, he elevates himself above God. Only after the events of ch. 4 does he truly come to understand the sovereignty of God over the affairs of the empire.

3:14 Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you are not serving my god, and you are not worshiping the statue of gold that I have set up? In a state of angered disbelief, the king questions the three youths concerning the accusation of their peers in v. 12.

3:15 who is the god who will rescue you from my hands? Reminiscent of Pharaoh’s response in . Nebuchadnezzar underestimates the power of Israel’s God, despite having had firsthand experience of it (see ). Nebuchadnezzar knows God to be a revealer of mysteries but, despite his claim in 2:47, he elevates himself above God. Only after the events of ch. 4 does he truly come to understand the sovereignty of God over the affairs of the empire.

3:16 We have no need on this matter to present a defense to you

They feared God more than the king. How about you? Do you fear God more than...

3:16 We have no need on this matter to present a defense to you The three men would rather die than obey Nebuchadnezzar’s command. Their faith in God’s ability to deliver them and their unwavering stance in the face of martyrdom has served as an example to all exiled and oppressed Jews (compare ). Their statement here shows that they did not need to make a defense before the king; they had already made up their minds as to whom they would serve. Compliance was unthinkable to them.

3:17 If it is so Even if death is the consequence of noncompliance, they will still hold fast to their religious commitments and trust God for deliverance.

our God A courageous proclamation of faith. God is both able and faithful to deliver His people.

3:18 And if not If God elects not to deliver them from death, they will not regret their decision to stand firm.

let it be known to you, O king Their bold address to the world power demonstrates that they fear God more than the king.

not serve Their stated refusal to obey effectively seals their fate; Nebuchadnezzar will not tolerate open defiance.

3:19 was filled with anger Nebuchadnezzar is angered by their refusal to worship, their disloyalty to the throne, and their insolent address (see and note).

the image of his face The king is visibly enraged. This also describes the general feelings he had against the three men. He once looked favorably upon them (see 2:49); now he is enraged at them.

Do you fear God more than…your boss?

the image of his face The king is visibly enraged. This also describes the general feelings he had against the three men. He once looked favorably upon them (see 2:49); now he is enraged at them.

3:28 Blessed be their God In addition to elevating the God of the Jews above the Babylonian gods, the king pronounces a blessing upon Him.

Do you fear God more than…your spouse?

the one furnace seven times An idiomatic Aramaic phrase expressing the king’s desire to have the furnace as hot as possible.

Do you fear God more than…what others think of you?

Do you fear God more than…your ?

3:20 the strongest men of the guards This designation is applied to the top soldiers in the king’s employ (e.g., David’s mighty men in ).

to bind They were bound in order to streamline the execution process and protect the executioners. The men did not need the ropes to stay in the fire—they would die in a matter of seconds. Rather, the bindings protected the executioners from being pulled into the furnace.

3:21 their garments, their trousers and their turbans The men were fully clothed. These details are included for the sake of contrast with .

3:22 was severe See 2:15 and note where the same word is used.

killed these men In his rage, Nebuchadnezzar thinks nothing of the lives of some of his best soldiers.

3:23 men, the three of Details included to contrast v. 25.

fell down The same Aramaic word here is also used in v. 6 (see note on v. 6) to indicate an act of worship. The three Hebrew youths fall into the fire because they would not bow before the image.

3:24 was astonished The king is amazed, but he is also frightened and horrified.

3:25 four men Set in opposition to the deliberate specification of three men in v. 23.

there is no damage to them The men are not hurt either by the fall or the flames. Jews in exile can be certain of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to His commands. You and I also can be certain of God’s protection when we remain faithful to His commands. Ex. The Ten Commandments; ,

there is no damage to them The men are not hurt either by the fall or the flames. Jews in exile can be certain of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to His commands.

the son of a god The Aramaic phrase here for “son of the gods” is akin to the Hebrew phrase “son of God/the gods,” which is generally a reference to spiritual beings sent from God.

the son of a god The Aramaic phrase here for “son of the gods” is akin to the Hebrew phrase “son of God/the gods,” which is generally a reference to spiritual beings sent from God. Nebuchadnezzar sees the three men and a spiritual being in the fiery furnace (see his comment in v. 28). The man was a divine being sent to render service to the three Hebrew youths.

Ultimately, the king praises the three for disobeying his command.

Nebuchadnezzar sees the three men and a spiritual being in the fiery furnace (see his comment in v. 28). The man was a divine being sent to render service to the three Hebrew youths.

the son of a god The Aramaic phrase here for “son of the gods” is akin to the Hebrew phrase “son of God/the gods,” which is generally a reference to spiritual beings sent from God. Nebuchadnezzar sees the three men and a spiritual being in the fiery furnace (see his comment in v. 28). The man was a divine being sent to render service to the three Hebrew youths.

and the Sons of God

3:26 the door of A viewing area on the side of the furnace, similar to cremation furnaces today. Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace would have been considerably larger than modern cremation furnaces and have an open top.

Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered. In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile,

God Similar to his declaration to Daniel in that his God is above all other gods. The king realizes that not even his gods could have performed such a feat. His statement elevates the God of the Jews above his own gods, but not above himself. Though Nebuchadnezzar has experienced two demonstrations of God’s power, it will take a third to truly humble him (see ch. 4).

3:27 the smell of fire did not come The three captives receive no negative effects from the fire. Not only are their bodies and clothing unscathed—they do not even smell like smoke.

3:28 Blessed be their God In addition to elevating the God of the Jews above the Babylonian gods, the king pronounces a blessing upon Him.

his angel Nebuchadnezzar describes the fourth man in the furnace as an angel (see v. 25 and note).

(trusted in him) Demonstrates the point of this passage: Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered. In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile,

trusted in him Demonstrates the point of this passage: Those who trust in Yahweh and do not conform to the religious standards of pagan kings will be delivered. In addition to being meaningful to those in the Babylonian exile, the Jews to whom the prophecies in the latter half of the book apply—those suffering at the hands of Antiochus—would also find great comfort in this truth.

the Jews to whom the prophecies in the latter half of the book apply—those suffering at the hands of Antiochus—would also find great comfort in this truth.

(the command of the king they disobeyed) The king praises the youths for disobeying his command.

the command of the king they disobeyed The king praises the youths for disobeying his command.

they gave They yielded to death—the ultimate sacrifice.

so that they did not serve Their noncompliance, initially the reason for their capital punishment, is now elevated as virtue.

THE DURABILITY TEST Endurance is a quality that God expects us to manifest. If you go to an IKEA store, you will find somewhere in the chair department a glass box with what is called the durability test. They have a mechanism that simulates someone sitting on the chair, and they say the chair was used 10 times a day for 10 years and it’s still like new in its original shape. The furniture at IKEA was never meant to be as sturdy or as high quality as the good old teak or oak furniture that the older generation has probably been accustomed to. Let’s face it--it’s cheap quality but they want to sell it by showing how durable it is.

Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

they denounced the Jews Ethnic tensions begin to surface. Since Jews could not worship the idol, they are set apart from the representative government that gathered for the ceremony. Those present immediately recognize their refusal to conform.

3:9 O king, may you live forever An expression of respect for an overlord.

3:12 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego These men are representative of a particular group, district, or locale, as were the others in attendance. They may have been the only Jews present.

pay you no heed The three men ignore Nebuchadnezzar’s command in v. 6. As vv. 16–18 indicates, they regarded death at the hands of the king to be more honorable than prostrating themselves before his idol. When it came to religious observance, they gave heed to God’s commands and proscriptions rather than those of the king.

They have a mechanism that simulates someone sitting on the chair, and they say the chair was used 10 times a day for 10 years and it’s still like new in its original shape.

Endurance is a quality that God expects us to manifest. If you go to an IKEA store, you will find somewhere in the chair department a glass box with what is called the durability test. They have a mechanism that simulates someone sitting on the chair, and they say the chair was used 10 times a day for 10 years and it’s still like new in its original shape. The furniture at IKEA was never meant to be as sturdy or as high quality as the good old teak or oak furniture that the older generation has probably been accustomed to. Let’s face it--it’s cheap quality but they want to sell it by showing how durable it is.

and were not serving As represented by the statue (see v. 1 and note).

3:13 in rage and anger Nebuchadnezzar is angered by their noncompliance. This was not merely a religious observance; worshiping the image expressed loyalty to the king (see v. 2 and note).