Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way." Therefore I decreeThis phrase indicates a royal proclamation, a formal and authoritative order issued by King Nebuchadnezzar. In the historical context of the Babylonian Empire, such decrees were binding and carried the weight of law. The king's decree reflects a significant shift in his attitude towards the God of Israel, prompted by the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. The Hebrew root for "decree" (גְּזֵרָה, gezerah) implies a cutting or dividing, symbolizing the decisive nature of the king's command. the people of any nation or language
This phrase underscores the vastness of Nebuchadnezzar's empire, which was a melting pot of various cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The king's decree was not limited to the Babylonians but extended to all subjects within his realm. This inclusivity highlights the universal recognition of God's power, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Historically, the Babylonian Empire was known for its diversity, and this decree acknowledges the widespread influence of the God of Israel. who say anything offensive
The phrase "say anything offensive" refers to blasphemy or any form of disrespect towards the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words held significant power, and speaking against a deity was considered a grave offense. The Hebrew concept of "offensive" (חָרַף, charaph) often implies reproach or defiance, indicating the seriousness with which such speech was regarded. against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
This phrase identifies the specific deity being honored and protected by the decree. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were Jewish exiles in Babylon, and their God is the God of Israel, Yahweh. The miraculous event in the fiery furnace served as a powerful testimony to His sovereignty and ability to save. This acknowledgment by a pagan king is significant, as it elevates the God of Israel above the pantheon of Babylonian gods. will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble
This severe punishment reflects the seriousness of the offense and the king's determination to uphold the honor of the God of Israel. The phrase "cut into pieces" (דִּין, din) suggests a violent and thorough destruction, while "houses reduced to rubble" (נְוָלָה, nevalah) implies complete desolation. Such drastic measures were not uncommon in ancient times for those who defied royal decrees or disrespected deities. for there is no other god who can deliver in this way
This concluding phrase is a powerful declaration of the uniqueness and supremacy of the God of Israel. The word "deliver" (פָּלַט, palat) conveys the idea of rescue or salvation, emphasizing God's ability to save His people in miraculous ways. The king's acknowledgment that no other god can deliver in such a manner is a testament to the unparalleled power and sovereignty of Yahweh, as demonstrated in the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This recognition serves as an inspiration for believers, affirming their faith in a God who is mighty to save. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who issued the decree after witnessing the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. 2. Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoThree Jewish men who were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, yet were miraculously saved by God. 3. BabylonThe empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, known for its grandeur and idolatry, where the events of Daniel 3 take place. 4. Fiery FurnaceThe instrument of execution intended for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which became the scene of their divine deliverance. 5. The DecreeA royal edict issued by Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the power of the God of Israel and threatening severe punishment for blasphemy against Him. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrates God's supreme power over earthly authorities and natural elements. Faithfulness in PersecutionThe unwavering faith of these three men serves as a model for believers facing trials and persecution, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's convictions. Witness to the NationsNebuchadnezzar's decree highlights how God's acts can lead to the acknowledgment of His power among unbelievers, encouraging believers to live as witnesses to God's greatness. The Cost of DiscipleshipThe potential consequences faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remind us of the cost of true discipleship and the call to prioritize obedience to God over compliance with worldly demands. God's Unique Ability to SaveThe decree underscores the truth that salvation and deliverance come solely from God, encouraging trust in His ability to rescue and redeem. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire you to stand firm in your beliefs in the face of societal pressures? 2. In what ways can you be a witness to God's power and sovereignty in your daily life, as demonstrated by the events in Daniel 3? 3. How does the account of the fiery furnace challenge your understanding of God's protection and deliverance in difficult situations? 4. What parallels can you draw between Nebuchadnezzar's decree and the call for believers to proclaim God's greatness to the nations? 5. How can the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego help you navigate situations where your faith is tested, and what other scriptures support this approach? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego upheld, refusing to bow to the golden image. Isaiah 43:2God's promise of protection through trials, which is exemplified in the deliverance from the fiery furnace. Acts 4:12The exclusivity of salvation through God, paralleling Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of God's unique power to save. Philippians 2:10-11The ultimate recognition of God's sovereignty, foreshadowed by Nebuchadnezzar's decree. People Abednego, Daniel, Meshach, Nebuchadnezzar, Obadiah, ShadrachPlaces Babylon, DuraTopics Abednego, Abed'nego, Abed-nego, Able, Amiss, Anything, Bits, Cut, Decision, Decree, Deliver, Dunghill, Erroneously, Evil, Heap, Houses, Inasmuch, Laid, Language, Limb, Meshach, Nation, Offensive, Pieces, Piles, Reduced, Rubbish, Rubble, Ruins, Salvation, Save, Saying, Shadrach, Sort, Speak, Speaks, Thus, Tongue, Torn, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 3:29 8747 false gods Daniel 3:28-29 5366 king
5931 resistance
8345 servanthood, and worship
8444 honouring God Daniel 3:28-30 8369 worthiness Library Harmless Fires
'Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15. Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Three Names High on the Muster-Roll
IF YOU READ the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, you will think that Nebuchadnezzar was not far from the kingdom. His dream had troubled him; but Daniel had explained it. Then the king made this confession to Daniel, "Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret." He acknowledged that Jehovah, the God of the Jews, was the greatest of gods, and was a great interpreter of secrets; and yet in a short time …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 The Song of the Three Children
DANIEL iii. 16, 17, 18. O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. We read this morning, instead of the Te Deum, the Song of the Three Children, beginning, 'Oh all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God The Power and Triumph of Faith. Dan 3:06
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Lord Coming to his Temple
The LORD , whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple; even the messenger of the covenant in whom ye delight: Behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like a fuller's soap, -- and he shall purify the sons of Levi -- that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. W hereunto shall we liken the people of this generation? and to what are they like? (Luke 7:31) …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Disciple, -- what is the Meaning and Purpose of the Cross...
The Disciple,--What is the meaning and purpose of the cross, and why do pain and suffering exist in the world? The Master,--1. The cross is the key to heaven. At the moment when by My baptism I took the cross upon My shoulders for the sake of sinners, heaven was opened, and by means of My thirty-three years bearing of the cross and by death upon it, heaven, which by reason of sin was closed to believers, was for ever opened to them. Now as soon as believers take up their cross and follow Me they …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 3:29 NIVDaniel 3:29 NLTDaniel 3:29 ESVDaniel 3:29 NASBDaniel 3:29 KJV
Daniel 3:29 Commentaries
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