.......Chapter 3 - The Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace
.......Chapter 3 - The Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace
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How important is God in our lives? Who is more important, God or Man.. Who do we fear the most, God or Man? In Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to make this important choice with full knowledge of the severe consequences.
Time Frame: According to the Septuagint this event took place in the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign.
Where was Daniel? The Bible doesn't give us any hint. According to Daniel 2:48 he was made ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief perfect over all the wise men of Babylon. It is quite possibile that Daniel was away on a trip engaged in the King's official business.
What do you suppose motivated Nebuchadnezzar to build this image? Nebuchadnezzar confronts Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Why do you suppose certain Chaldeans came forward with charges against the Jews?
Once again we see the most powerful man in the world challenging the God of this universe. What is Nebuchadnezzar's response?
What were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's response? Dan 3:16 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV) |
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Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego expect God to save them? This question did not appear to be important to them. Option 1 - God is able to deliver and He will. Option 2 - Whether He does or doesn't is not as important as who they serve.
Isa 43:2 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (NIV)
Acts 5:29 ".....we ought to obey God rather than men".
Put yourself in their shoes. Do they really have to take such a strong stand? It seams like there has got to be some justification for compromise. Or is there? Matthew Henry Suggests 7 reasons that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego may have argued as to why it was OK to follow the king's orders. 1. They were not required to turn from the worship of the true God, nor to make any profession as to this image, but only to bow to it. 2. They were not required to adopt idolatry, but only to commit one act, which they might later have declared their sorrow for, and sought forgiveness from God. Surely 1 John 1:9 was as true then as now! 3. The king, who commanded this act, had absolute power and they were forced to do his will. Therefore the responsibility for any evil would be his alone. "War criminals" at the close of World War II frequently offered just such an excuse. 4. Nebuchadnezzar had been their benefactor, had educated and honored them. It would seem but right to strain their consciences a bit to show their gratitude to him. 5. They were in a strange land, and so might easily have been excused for following the customs of that country. "When in Rome do as the Romans do." 6. Their ancestors - even the kings, princes, and priests - had often worshiped idols, even on occasion setting them up in the very Temple of God. Their own act would be much less grievous. (Keep in mind that this is one of the reasons they are now in exile.) 7. By complying with the king's decree they would save their lives, keep their high positions, and thus be able to help the people of God in their hour of great need. On the other hand, if they refused the king, their lives would be snuffed out in a moment and would be of value to no one.
This is simply the old argument that the end justifies the means.
Twice these men were destined to die and twice God saved them. John 10:27-29 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. (NIV)
Rather than to fear man, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego decided to follow God's Command. Exodus 20:4-6 "....You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me...."
Luke 12:4-5 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. (NIV)
Nebuchadnezzar has become tolerant In other words he is politically correct. He made a harsh decree that no one is to speak anything offensive against the God of Heaven. It is however apparent that he remains tolerant of the other gods as well. In Dan 2:47 He acknowledges God to be greater than all gods but he continued to tolerate other gods. It is clear from Dan 4 that Nebuchadnezzar has yet to be humbled to the point that he himself is ready to turn to God.
What ways can we learn from the examples of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?
Some claim that pain or sickness or trial is always the results of sin or lack of faith. How would you respond to that claim in the light of this passage?
2 Tim 1:12 (Paul states) "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (NIV) |
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