Nebuchadnezzar declared, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king's command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Nebuchadnezzar declaredThis phrase highlights the surprising acknowledgment from a pagan king. Nebuchadnezzar, known for his pride and idolatry, recognizes the power of the God of Israel. This moment is significant as it shows a shift in his perception, albeit temporary, towards the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Historically, Babylonian kings were seen as divine or semi-divine figures, making this declaration even more remarkable. Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
The blessing of God by a foreign king underscores the impact of the miraculous deliverance. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers. This phrase also emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His faithful servants, as He is specifically identified as their God. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God is praised by non-Israelites, such as Pharaoh acknowledging God's power in Exodus. who has sent His angel and delivered His servants
The mention of an angel suggests divine intervention, a common theme in the Old Testament where angels act as messengers or agents of God's will. This deliverance is reminiscent of other biblical accounts, such as the angelic protection of Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) and the deliverance of Peter from prison (Acts 12). The angel here is often seen as a type of Christ, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance through Jesus. who trusted in Him
Trust in God is a central theme throughout Scripture, and this phrase highlights the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their unwavering trust serves as a model for believers, illustrating the principle that faith can lead to divine protection and deliverance. This trust is echoed in Hebrews 11, the "faith chapter," which commends those who trusted God despite facing severe trials. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives
This phrase underscores the courage and conviction of the three men, who chose obedience to God over compliance with human authority. Their actions reflect the biblical principle of obeying God rather than men, as seen in Acts 5:29. The willingness to face death rather than compromise their faith is a powerful testament to their devotion and serves as an example of true discipleship. rather than serve or worship any god except their own God
The exclusivity of worship is a recurring theme in the Bible, beginning with the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3). This phrase highlights the monotheistic faith of the Israelites in a polytheistic culture. The refusal to worship other gods is a testament to their understanding of God's unique sovereignty and holiness. This commitment to exclusive worship is a precursor to the New Testament call to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who erected a golden statue and commanded all to worship it. His decree led to the testing of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faith. 2. Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoJewish exiles in Babylon who refused to bow to the king's statue, demonstrating unwavering faith in God. 3. The Fiery FurnaceThe place of execution for those who disobeyed the king's command. It became a site of divine deliverance for the three faithful men. 4. The AngelSent by God to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a divine messenger. 5. BabylonThe empire where these events took place, representing a culture in opposition to the worship of the one true God. Teaching Points Faith Under PressureShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplify the courage to stand firm in faith despite severe consequences. Believers today are called to trust God in the face of societal pressures. Divine DeliveranceGod's intervention in the fiery furnace reminds us of His power to save and protect. This encourages believers to rely on God's sovereignty in their trials. Witness to the WorldThe faithfulness of these men led to a pagan king acknowledging the true God. Our steadfast faith can be a powerful testimony to those around us. Obedience Over ConformityThe refusal to bow to the statue highlights the importance of obeying God's commands over conforming to worldly demands. God's Presence in TrialsThe presence of the angel in the furnace assures us that God is with us in our most challenging moments, providing comfort and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenge you to stand firm in your beliefs today? 2. In what ways can you identify "fiery furnaces" in your life where you need to trust in God's deliverance? 3. How can the account of these three men inspire you to be a witness to those who do not know God? 4. What are some modern-day "idols" that you might be tempted to bow to, and how can you resist them? 5. How does the presence of the angel in the furnace encourage you about God's presence in your own trials? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego upheld by refusing to worship the golden statue. Isaiah 43:2God's promise to be with His people through trials, as seen in the deliverance from the fiery furnace. Acts 5:29The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men, paralleling the resolve of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Hebrews 11:34The faith chapter, which speaks of those who "quenched the fury of the flames," likely referencing this event. People Abednego, Daniel, Meshach, Nebuchadnezzar, Obadiah, ShadrachPlaces Babylon, DuraTopics Abednego, Abed'nego, Abed-nego, Angel, Blessed, Bodies, Changed, Command, Defied, Delivered, Except, Faith, Fire, Kept, King's, Meshach, Messenger, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnez'zar, Nought, Obeisance, Praise, Rather, Rescued, Responded, Safe, Servants, Serve, Shadrach, Spake, Spoke, Trust, Trusted, Violating, Willing, Worship, Worshippers, YieldedDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 3:28 1418 miracles, responses
4111 angels, servants
5257 civil authorities
5511 safety
5829 defiance
6738 rescue
7160 servants of the Lord
8031 trust, importance
8435 giving, of oneself
8624 worship, reasons
8625 worship, acceptable attitudes 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 3:28 NIVDaniel 3:28 NLTDaniel 3:28 ESVDaniel 3:28 NASBDaniel 3:28 KJV
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