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

13 Furiousg 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 godsh or worship the imagei of gold I have set up? 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 godj will be able to rescuek you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednegol 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 deliverm us from it, and he will delivern usc 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.o”