3:1–7 Nebuchadnezzar takes Daniel’s commendation in 2:37–38 literally. Following Daniel’s successful interpretation of his dream, Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive statue in tribute to himself, his kingdom, and his god or gods. Despite his statement in 2:47, Nebuchadnezzar still has not learned who is truly sovereign over the kingdom of Babylon. In this chapter, Yahweh once again demonstrates His power, revealing to Nebuchadnezzar and his attendants that He is the one true God.

Miracles of the Prophets Table

3:1 made a statue of gold Nebuchadnezzar creates a massive statue, showing that his pride trumps his momentary humiliation in 2:46–47.

height was sixty cubits and its width was six cubits Approximately 90 feet high by 9 feet wide. Such a disproportionate structure would need some sort of pedestal or base to keep from toppling over.

the valley of Dura A highly visible place.

3:2 and all of the officials of The group is composed of the leaders of the empire. It probably included those who represent the Babylonian government, subjected people groups, and the citizens of their respective districts and provinces. Their veneration of the image was a reflection of their loyalty to the crown.

3:3 were assembled for the dedication of Partially repeated from v. 2. Repetition of lists is a stylistic feature throughout the book (e.g., vv. 5, 7, 10, 15). The leaders of the realm obeyed the king’s edict and came together to pledge their loyalty to the crown.

had set up, and were standing before the statue The group awaits instructions for worship.

3:4 the herald The term translated “herald” or “crier” (karoz) describes one who makes official or royal announcements to the public. The herald was likely stationed on a platform above the crowd and shouted instructions to them.

O peoples, nations and people of all languages Representative of the whole empire.

3:5 the horn, the flute Like the list of officials in v. 2, this catalog is repeated for stylistic purposes. The names of the instruments come from a period after the Babylonian Empire, but the inclusion of Greek names here may be due to later editing for clarification (see v. 2 and note).

3:6 does not fall down The Aramaic word used here indicates an act of homage and total subservience. Those present were to fall down before the statue in worship.

the furnace of blazing fire Those who do not prostrate themselves and worship will be given this death penalty.

3:8–30 The account in the remainder of the chapter stands as an example of faith, religious fidelity, and courage. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to compromise their convictions by conforming to the religious practices of Babylon; God subsequently brings about a great deliverance. The experience served as a second display of God’s power to Nebuchadnezzar and illustrates the rewards of integrity.

3:8 astrologers See 2:2 and note.

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.

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).

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 Exod 5:2. Nebuchadnezzar underestimates the power of Israel’s God, despite having had firsthand experience of it (see Dan 2). 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 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 1 Maccabees 2:59). 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 Dan 3:13 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.

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

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 2 Sam 23:8–39).

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 Dan 3:27.

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.

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.

Genesis 6 and the Sons of God

Deuteronomy 32:8 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.

God Similar to his declaration to Daniel in Dan 2:47 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, 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.

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.

3:29 And from me is set forth a decree Rulers often issued decrees that protected various religious groups within their jurisdiction. Still, it is astonishing that Nebuchadnezzar made such a proclamation. His actions demonstrate that he was greatly affected by the experience.

may utter criticism against Nebuchadnezzar commands that his subjects revere and respect the God of their captives (see 1:2 and note). The Babylonians believed the Jews to be in exile because of their God’s powerlessness, but now they honor Him.

3:30 the king promoted Promotion and blessing are typical features in these types of stories (see 2:48; 5:29; 6:28).