Astrologers from king Nebuchadnezzar's court are accusing Jews captured from Judah and forced to serve as advisors (Daniel 1:6–7; 3:8). As a whole their group failed to interpret the king's dream (Daniel 2:8–11), and only survived because of God's miraculous intervention through Daniel (Daniel 2:17–19). In response, the king appointed the Hebrew men to important roles (Daniel 2:48–49). This seems to have inspired jealousy in the court astrologers (Daniel 3:12). When the king orders everyone to worship an idol, on pain of death, the bitter Chaldeans see an opportunity to harass the Jewish captives (Daniel 3:1–7). They will accuse three of the men of defying the royal order.

The Chaldean accusers flatter Nebuchadnezzar before spelling out the details of their accusation. The book of Daniel makes it clear that Nebuchadnezzar had a huge ego—he was extremely impressed by himself. Yet, the greeting used here was common for rulers of the ancient middle east (1 Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3; Daniel 2:4; 6:21). In that era, it was commonly believed that long life was a special blessing and a sign of divine approval. The Chaldeans' expression implied that they wanted Nebuchadnezzar to enjoy a long, happy life. Scripture indicates that longevity can be one of the benefits associated with obedience to the Lord's commands. One of the Ten Commandments includes such a remark (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2–3).

Daniel 3:8–18 records an accusation, a confrontation, and a confession. Daniel's three friends (Daniel 1:6–7) are reported to the king by jealous advisors who claim the Jewish men refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Daniel 3:1, 4–5). The king offers them an opportunity to disprove the charge, or at least to change their minds. Instead, the three faithful men admit they have not and will not compromise their faith in the One True God. Whether they live or die, they will not worship the false gods of Babylon. This passage is part of the Scriptures 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.

Accessed 11/23/2024 5:17:08 AM

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