rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” 3:16 The young men responded that they did not need to present a defense (lit., “return [an answer]”) to the king concerning this decision (v. 16). No apology was to be given for their stand. This was not a “proud reply” as Lacocque thinks;55 it was a “firm” reply.56 Their minds were made up. 3:17 Regarding the king’s threat