Daniel 3:8–18

Worship of the Image Refused

8 For this reason at that time certain aChaldeans came forward and 1bbrought charges against the Jews.

9 They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “aO king, live forever!

10 “You, O king, have amade a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, 1lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to bfall down and worship the golden image.

11 “But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.

12 “There are certain Jews whom you have aappointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in arage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve amy gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?

15 “Now if you are ready, aat the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, 1lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will 2immediately be bcast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and cwhat god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”

16 aShadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.

17 “1If it be so, our aGod whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; 2and bHe will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 “aBut even if He does not, blet 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.”