saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, may you live forever! saying to King NebuchadnezzarThis phrase introduces the Chaldeans' address to the Babylonian king. The name "Nebuchadnezzar" is derived from the Akkadian "Nabu-kudurri-usur," meaning "Nabu, protect my boundary." Nabu was a Babylonian deity associated with wisdom and writing. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar II was a powerful ruler known for his military conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. His reign (605-562 BC) marked the zenith of Babylon's power. The Chaldeans' approach to the king reflects the hierarchical and formal court protocols of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where addressing the king required a specific decorum. O king
This salutation is a customary form of address in ancient royal courts, signifying respect and acknowledgment of the king's authority. The use of "O" is an exclamatory particle in Hebrew and Aramaic, often used to convey a sense of reverence or urgency. In the context of Daniel 3, the Chaldeans are about to bring an accusation against the Jewish exiles, and their respectful address sets the stage for their complaint. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where kings were seen as semi-divine figures with absolute power. may you live forever!
This phrase is a traditional expression of loyalty and well-wishing towards a monarch. In the ancient Near East, such expressions were common in royal courts, symbolizing the subjects' desire for the king's long reign and stability of the kingdom. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as ironic in the context of the Book of Daniel, which emphasizes God's eternal sovereignty over earthly rulers. While earthly kings may aspire to eternal reign, the narrative of Daniel consistently points to the ultimate authority of God, who alone is eternal. This phrase also highlights the transient nature of human power compared to the everlasting dominion of God, a central theme in the book. Persons / Places / Events 1. King NebuchadnezzarThe powerful ruler of Babylon, known for his conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens. He plays a central role in the Book of Daniel, often representing the pride and power of earthly kingdoms. 2. The ChaldeansA group of wise men or astrologers in Babylon who were often consulted by the king. In this context, they are the ones addressing King Nebuchadnezzar, likely with ulterior motives. 3. BabylonThe setting of this event, a major city and empire known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. It serves as a backdrop for the trials and faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. 4. The Golden ImageAlthough not directly mentioned in verse 9, it is the central issue of the chapter. King Nebuchadnezzar had set up a golden image, demanding worship from all his subjects. 5. Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoDaniel's friends who refused to bow to the golden image, demonstrating their faithfulness to God. Their account unfolds in the subsequent verses. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityThe Chaldeans' greeting to Nebuchadnezzar shows respect for authority, which is a biblical principle. However, respect should not lead to compromising one's faith. Discernment of MotivesThe Chaldeans' flattery may have hidden motives. Believers should be discerning of others' intentions, especially when it involves matters of faith. Faithfulness in TrialsThe context of this verse sets the stage for the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Believers are called to remain faithful even when pressured by societal norms. Idolatry and WorshipThe chapter highlights the tension between idolatry and true worship. Christians must guard against modern forms of idolatry that compete for their devotion. God's SovereigntyDespite earthly powers, God's sovereignty is evident. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority over all human rulers. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the Chaldeans' approach to King Nebuchadnezzar about the importance of discernment in our interactions with authority figures? 2. How does the commandment against idolatry in Exodus 20 relate to the actions of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in this chapter? 3. In what ways can modern Christians face similar pressures to conform to societal norms that conflict with their faith, and how should they respond? 4. How does the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty when facing trials? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between obeying God and following human authority. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it apply to future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry connects to the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship the golden image. 1 Samuel 10:24The phrase "O king, may you live forever!" is a customary greeting for kings, similar to the acclamation given to Saul as king. Acts 5:29The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels the stance of Daniel's friends in refusing to worship the image. People Abednego, Daniel, Meshach, Nebuchadnezzar, Obadiah, ShadrachPlaces Babylon, DuraTopics Ages, Forever, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnez'zar, O, Responded, Saying, Spake, Spoke, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 3:1-12 5541 society, negative Daniel 3:4-15 5421 musical instruments Daniel 3:8-12 7505 Jews, the
8800 prejudice Daniel 3:8-23 7515 anti-semitism 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 3:9 NIVDaniel 3:9 NLTDaniel 3:9 ESVDaniel 3:9 NASBDaniel 3:9 KJV
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