Daniel 3:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the herald proclaimed aloud, "You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

NIV: Then the herald loudly proclaimed, "Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:

NASB: Then the herald loudly proclaimed: 'To you the command is given, you peoples, nations, and populations of all languages,

CSB: A herald loudly proclaimed, "People of every nation and language, you are commanded:

NLT: Then a herald shouted out, 'People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command!

KJV: Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

NKJV: Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

King Nebuchadnezzar learned that his dream (Daniel 2:1–3) included a representation of Babylon as a golden head (Daniel 2:36–38). Perhaps out of pride, or to reiterate his commitment to Babylonian religion, he has ordered construction of a large golden idol (Daniel 3:1–3). Officials from all over the kingdom have been summoned; they will be ordered to bow before this object on command. The signal for worship will be the sound of many instruments (Daniel 3:5).

The purpose of this meeting, and the idol, is to prove that Babylon rules over all the entire middle east. So, the king's command is directed, poetically, at "peoples, nations, and languages." A similar meaning is contained in the use of a long list of musical objects in the following verse. The instruments themselves come from a wide variety of ancient middle eastern regions and cultures.

A "herald" in the ancient world served something of the same role as a modern broadcaster or spokesman. He would announce important news and events in a public place so many people would hear him. Heralds were fast runners and loud talkers. The apostle Paul might be considered a herald because he proclaimed the gospel clearly wherever he went (see Acts 20:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). Today, Christians act as heralds by proclaiming the gospel to others (Romans 10:14–15).

Nebuchadnezzar set up his image at the beginning of what is often called "the times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). The false prophet of Revelation chapter 13 will set up the image to the beast at the completion of this era, in the end times. Both Nebuchadnezzar and the false prophet of the tribulation period demand that everyone worship their image. The worship of Nebuchadnezzar's image was not optional (Daniel 3:6).

Daniel 3:1–7 follows the incident where Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's frightening dream. It's possible that the king took pride in being depicted as a head of gold (Daniel 2:37–38), and so he makes a golden image of himself to be revered. The people of Babylon are commanded to worship this idol under threat of death: being burned alive. Repetition in the passage highlights the overbearing, controlling nature of the king's edict. This passage continues a segment of the Bible recorded in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4—7:28).

Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden idol, possibly inspired by the explanation of his own dream (Daniel 2:36–38). He commands all people to worship it, at a given musical signal, on pain of death. Three Hebrew men openly defy this command and are thrown into a superheated furnace. To his shock, the king sees a supernatural figure with the still-living Israelites. Not only do they survive, but their clothes aren't singed nor even smelling like smoke. The king praises their faith, and their God, commanding that no one speak ill of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

The first chapter of Daniel explained how four captive Israelite boys became respected advisors to a Babylonian king. Chapter 2 showed these men praying for divine wisdom to untangle that same king's dream. These events set the stage for this chapter and the famous trio of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The men refuse to bow to an idol and are rescued from fiery death by God. This is the last mention of these men in Scripture, as focus shifts back to Babylon's kings and the prophet Daniel.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.