What does Daniel 3:14 mean?
Nebuchadnezzar is investigating an accusation against three captive Hebrews (Daniel 1:6–7), made by his court astrologers (Daniel 3:8, 12). The men being interrogated were given positions of great power (Daniel 2:48–49) after Daniel, a fellow Hebrew, successfully interpreted the king's dream (Daniel 2:17–19). Rather than simply having the men killed, he asks for their response. This may reflect Nebuchadnezzar's mistrust of some of his advisors (Daniel 2:8–11). It's entirely possible their claim (Daniel 3:12) was invented merely to harass the Jewish men—yet the accused will openly admit their defiance of the king's order (Daniel 3:16–18).Christians often find themselves in situations where compromising faith would make them more popular, or more comfortable, or physically safer. Yet believers ought to stand fast in the Lord and refuse to compromise their faith. Knowing an honest answer would bring painful death, what would most people tell the king? Would they give an answer that would please the king of Babylon or one that would please the King of heaven and earth?