“ ^3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.” We do not know precisely when this occurred, except that it was after Nebuchadnezzar was told his dream and its interpretation. At the time of this incident, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were “over the affairs of the province of Babylon” (verses 12-13). Therefore, the actions of the king follow a special revelation to him of the demise of all earthly kingdoms. I suggest that considerable time may have passed, so that the effect of the king’s dream had worn off. Suffice it to say, with the passing of time, the dream that once troubled the king, and moved him to ascribe preeminence to the God of heaven, no longer dominated his mind.

HE MADE AN IMAGE

            “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits . . . ” We do not know if this was the image of a man or not. The proportions of the image do not reflect that of a man – ten times taller than wide. Some have suggested it may have been an image of Bel, the principal deity of Babylon.

VALUE AND SIZE

            “ . . . an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits.” The value and size of this statue are staggering. It confirms the magnificent wealth that was at Nebuchadnezzar’s disposal.

Value

            This immense image was made “of gold.” Some have conjectured the entire image could not been made of gold, but must have been overlaid with gold. The Spirit does not say that, although He frequently mentions things that were overlaid with gold (Ex 25:11,13, 24,28,29,37; 30:3,5; 26:32; 1 Kgs 6:22,30). I understand the text to mean the image fashioned from gold, and not merely overlaid with gold.

            Although the extent of Nebuchadnezzar’s knowledge of the Law was no doubt very limited, the fashioning of this image violated the Law – particularly because people will be required to bow to before it. “Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold” (Ex 20:23). You remember this was one of the first command’s Israel violated – at the very foot of Mount Sinai. They had Aaron make them a golden calf, then ascribed to it Divine qualities, even offering burnt offerings and peace offerings to it (Ex 32:4-6). When Moses saw it, he “returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold” (Ex 32:31). Isaiah spoke of those who made “idols of gold” (Isa 2:20). The Revelation of John also mentions some who did not repent , or cease to “worship demons, and idols of gold” ^NKJV (Rev 9:20).

            Gold is valuable as a commodity, but worthless when shaped into an idol.

Size

            The size of this image is impressive in any culture, and at any time. It was sixty cubits high and six cubits wide. A cubit is eighteen inches, which would make the statue ninety feet high and nine feet wide. That would be the height of a nine story building.

            We are not told how this image was made, but it obviously required considerable expertise. Being ten times taller than it was wide, unusual wisdom was needed to make it stable. Whether it was built in sections, or of one solid piece, considerable engineering proficiency was essential to erect this massive image.

            History records some of Nebuchadnezzar’s architectural wonders. One of them was the temple of Jupiter Belus. The quote from Herodtus that is included on this page will serve to show how Nebuchadnezzar thought of his gods – even after He knew of the true God. It also highlights the colossal nature of some of his works.

THE PLAIN OF DURA

            “ . . . he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.” The location of this plain is not known. It appears the king chose this location so that the statue could be seen by all. The plain probably would accommodate the significant number of people who were required to bow before the image.

            I cannot help but recall another plain, generally considered to be the very one on which Babylon was built – Shinar. There men attempted to build a tower that reached into heaven. The Lord brought an end to that project (Gen 11). How much, if any, of that tower remained, we do not know. However, it is almost as though the spirit of idolatry had lingered in that area.

FLESH CANNOT LEARN THE THINGS OF GOD

            How is it that Nebuchadnezzar could build this great image, which flagrantly contradicted the revelation given to him by God? One would judge from the king’s response to Daniel’s revelation that he would never do what is recorded in this chapter. Why, after extolling the God of heaven, would he do such a thing?

            The answer is found in the nature of the flesh, or the human nature. Flesh cannot learn the things of God: it has no capacity to do so. It cannot be “trained,” so to speak, to act properly, nor can it retain a profitable remembrance of what the Lord has declared. That is precisely why it is written, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom 8:8). The flesh serves “the law of sin,” consistently, and without interruption (Rom 7:25). It straightway forgets the things of God to which it has been exposed, having neither the desire nor ability to retain them. The “carnal mind,” or mind-set of the flesh, is “enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom 8:7).

            This is the why men must be “born again” – because there is no hope for the fallen nature, which is another way of saying “flesh.” Men must take the words of our Lord seriously, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God . . . Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God . . . Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:3,5,7).

Seen In Israel

            The nature of the flesh is confirmed in the nation of Israel. Even though they were subjected to the most remarkable sensual phenomenon ever wrought in this world, it had no lasting impact upon them. Because this is such an important point, allow me to linger for a moment on it. Here is a sampling of the things they witnessed.

     Excluded from the dreadful plagues that came upon Egypt (Ex 8:22; 9:26; 10:23).

     Miraculous delivered from Egyptian bondage (Ex 14:8).

     Passed through the Red Sea on dry land (Ex 14:29).

     Witnessed the destruction of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea (Ex 14:28; 15:19).

     Given miraculous bread from heaven throughout their wilderness wandering of forty years (Ex 16:35).

     Drank water that gushed from a wilderness rock (Num 20:11; 1 Cor 10:4).

     They were given the Law of God by the disposition of angels (Acts 7:53).

     They were given such advantages that God challenged them, “What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it?” (Isa 5:4).

            The Lord gave them judges (Acts 13:20), and prophets (Jer 7:25) – each one solemnly reminding the people of their obligation to Himself. He “reproved kings for their sakes” (Psa 105:14), defeating their enemies with miraculous overthrows, and causing them to triumph over forces superior to themselves. Yet, in all of this, no change was wrought in the people. They remained fundamentally obstinate, rebelling against the Lord with staggering consistency.

            Even though this nation was chosen by God, and nurtured and cultured with tender care, this is what He said of them. “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Rom 10:21).

            In Israel, to put it one way, we have the best of all flesh. The call of God was upon the people. They were delivered by Him, directed by Him, and favored by Him. Every possible advantage was given to them. They were preferred above all other peoples. As it is written, “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deu 7:6). Yet, after all of that preferred treatment, they were noted for murmuring (Ex 15:24; 16:2; 17:3; 1 Cor 10:10), obstinance (Ex 32:9), idolatry (Psa 106:36), immortality (2 Chron 21:11; 1 Cor 10:8), and even killing their own prophets (Matt 23:31; 1 Thess 2:15).

FLESH HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN

            Unless there is some understanding of the nature of the flesh, these things tend to confuse our minds. In every way, it is unreasonable for such responses to erupt from people who had received so much. However, the flesh has a mind of its own – a particular way of thinking. It is called “the carnal mind” (Rom 8:7). This world is the domain to which it is limited, and self is the focus of its thoughts. This mind-set cannot be changed, improved, or made acceptable to God. It can neither receive nor handle the things of God.

            This is why Nebuchadnezzar forgot the tremendous impact that registered upon his spirit when he first heard the meaning of his dream. He could not forget that he had a troubling dream. However, he easily forgot what the dream meant, and was incapable of drawing any conclusions from it with a lasting impact.

Does Not Excuse Nebuchadnezzar

            All of this does not excuse the action of the king, but only accounts for his forgetfulness. Following the words of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar gave honor to him and exalted him. However, you will note that he claimed no allegiance to God, or chose to follow Him. He admitted He was the God gods and Lord of kings, but did not chose to serve Him.

GATHERED TO THE DEDICATION

            “ ² Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”

            The project now completed, the king establishes a time of dedication. All of the officials of his government were to gather together at this dedication. A most remarkable breakdown of his administration is provided in this text. There is not a clear knowledge of the specifics of this hierarchy of power. A brief overview will suffice to show the scope of delegated authority within Babylon.

            PRINCES. Most other versions read “satraps.” The meaning of the word is “a ruler of provinces.” It is understood that they had extended civil jurisdiction; authority over several smaller provinces. They were responsible for maintaining order and regulating the affairs of their province. They did not control military powers, as that was a separate branch of government ^MCCLINTOK

            GOVERNORS. Other versions use the word “administrators,” ^NKJV “prefects,” ^NASB “deputies,” ^ASV and “magistrates.” ^DOUAY These were high ranking officials, under “princes,” yet having significant power and authority. They were the chief representatives of the king in the various provinces.

            CAPTAINS. These were commanders, probably of military chiefs in the provinces.

            JUDGES. The presidents of the civil government, and those charged with guarding the country. Some consider these to be chief diviners or astrologers, using their occultic arts to rule the people.

            TREASURERS. These superintended the public treasury, collecting and dispersing funds.

            COUNSELORS. These were the arbiters, or counselors of the government. They were skilled in the law of the land.

            SHERIFFS. These are also specialists in the law; guardians of the law, or lawyers.

            RULERS OF THE PROVINCES. These were subordinate rulers, carrying out the will of the governors.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

            The breakdown of authority included civil, military, and economic branches. Within those branches were those who maintained order, interpreting and enforcing the law. All of these leaders were required to come to the dedication of Nebuchadnezzar’s great image.

            This was a gala affair that was considered quite serious by the king. Acceptable conduct was mandatory, and no deviation was allowed. Thus, the stage is being set for another test. This time, the greater weight will fall upon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo.

THE PEOPLE GATHER TO THE STATUE

            “ ³ Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.”

            In obedience to the summons of the king, all of the officials of the empire “gathered together” for the dedication of the image. They would no doubt be expected to promote this image among those who were under their authority. Those who handled the law of the land were not to interpret it in view of this new image. Not only will the image itself be dedicated, we will find those in attendance were expected to dedicate themselves as well to this image and what it stood for.

SOMETHING TO BE NOTED

            In our text, a diversity of people were gathered together in one place for a single purpose – a purpose that was not defined by those who gathered. The cause of someone else brought them tog ether – the will of someone other than themselves.

            If a gathering of this sort can occur in the flesh, how much more can it occur in the Spirit. When the Old Covenant was dedicated, the people were gathered together (Ex 19:8). When the New Covenant was dedicated, the people were also brought together (Acts 2:1). When the Lord Jesus returns, the children of God will also be gathered together (Matt 13;30; 24:31).

            In each of these cases, the people were gathered together for a purpose higher than themselves. Unlike the case of Nebuchadnezzar, in Christ such gatherings are sanctified. Therefore, they bring honor to God and edification to His people. Let every soul be more responsive to the Living God than the Babylonish leaders were to Nebuchadnezzar!

THE ORDER IS ISSUED

            “ ⁴ Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, ⁵ That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: ⁶ And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

            The assembled host is now given a commandment. In this matter, they will be given but one choice, and the harshest penalty will be exacted upon them if they fail to obey. It is not by coincidence that the requirement is precisely the one Satan set before the Son of God when He was tempted in the wilderness. Although the devil knew he could not destroy the Son of God, he offered a more subtle incentive: “Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Mat 4:8-9).

The Impact of the Gospel

            Having been raised in a society impacted by the truth of the Gospel of Christ, accounts like this are difficult to comprehend. Absolute obedience was required, and a penalty of merciless punishment was inflicted if it was not given. In such an environment one’s profession and allegiance was put to the acid test. Human rights, mercy, and the likes were not considered. For the most part, those qualities are the result of exposure to the Gospel . They are not natural human qualities, even though some have come to consider them to be so.

            Prior to Christ, barbarism and ruthlessness were on a much larger scale. In the time of the flood, the inconsideration man to man had grown to epidemic proportions. How graphically this condition is portrayed in Moses’ description of that time. “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Gen 6:11-13).

            Now, in our text, even though the earth had been purged by the flood, and a fresh start experienced, humanity is seen as degenerating into the same condition. It is only because of the restraining hand of the Lord that conditions were not worse.

            I therefore conclude that the further a society is from Christ, whether in time or spirit, the more fear and heartlessness dominate humanity. This very condition is seen in the proliferation of violence and inconsideration in our own country. The condition itself testifies to a serious departure from the truth of God.

A UNIVERSAL COMMAND FROM THE KING

            “To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages . . . ” Other versions read, “Then the herald loudly proclaimed, ‘This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language,’” ^NIV “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king's command!,” ^NLT and “Nations and peoples of every language.” ^NAB

            We see from this requirement that more were involved than those within the province of Babylon itself. Conquered nations, as well as those who willingly paid tribute, were represented – “nations and languages.” This was a global requirement, for Babylon was a global power. Later, in the fourth chapter, Nebuchadnezzar will issue another decree to “all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth” (4:1).

            Those who fear “one world government” and a universal ruler, must realize that is exactly what Shadrach, Meshach, And Abednego were confronting. They were not delivered from such a tyrant, but required to keep their faith in such a global government with a single ruler. Some imagine that such a condition (one world government with one ruler) can only occur after the people of God have been removed from the earth. However, our text has the saints very much in the earth, simultaneous with a single sovereign government and king – both of which were heathen.

THE TIME APPOINTED

            “That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up . . . ”

Other versions read, “horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music,” ^NKJV “the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music,” ^NASB and “the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble.” ^NRSV

            Cornet. This was a trumpet, or horn – often that of an animal.

            Flute. A wind instrument, often consisting of multiple pipes with holes.

            Harp. A stringed instrument on which both notes and chords could be sounded by plucking the strings.

            Sackbut. A triangular instrument with four or more strings, and described as having a shrill tone.

            Psaltery. This was similar to a twelve-stringed guitar, with six different tones.

            Dulcimer. Some feel this is a stringed instrument, and considered to be a precursor of the harpsichord, often held in a horizontal position. Some versions also refer to this as a wind instrument – the “bagpipe” (NASB, RSV), and even a “drum” (NRSV).

            The commandment required the simultaneous falling down and worshiping of everyone standing before the image. There, in the sprawling plain of Dura, there could not be a single dissenting soul. In order to assure perfect accord, an orchestra of all manner of musical instruments would strike a chord, or begin some anthem. As soon as the sound was heard, the people were to prostrate themselves and worship “the golden image.”

Also Used in Praise to God

            Although these instruments were used in an unlawful way in our text, most of them were also to be employed in the praise of God. Cornet (1 Chron 15:28; Psa 98:6), harp (Psa 33:2; 150:3), and psaltery (Psa 57:8; 144:9). The flute is mentioned in the NASB version, which is called a “Nehiloth” in the KJV. The fifth Psalm was written “for the flute accompaniment” (Psa 5:1). The “sackbut” is referred to in other translations as the “lyre.” ^{NKJV, NASB} David wrote the sixth Psalm to be played upon “an eight stringed lyre” ^NKJV (Psa 6:1).

            Under the leadership of David, certain musical instruments were dedicated to the service of God. They were called “the musical instruments of God” (1 Chron 16:42), or “instruments for the songs of God.” ^NASB

A Satanic Tactic

            The point to be seen here is that Satan makes every effort to move men to use every means to serve what is false. Here, the sound of instrumental music, a thing most sacred to the Jewish mind, was used to initiate the worship of a golden image. The music itself was not the point, but what it was designed to provoke in men.

            We should not be surprised that the devil still uses this same tactic. There are all manner of wicked ways and thoughts that are summoned into prominence by the sound of music. Just as surely as Nebuchadnezzar’s orchestra was designed to initiate profane homage and worship, so there are still certain manners of music that are designed to vault the flesh into prominence, moving people to give honor to Satan’s own devices.

THE PENALTY FOR DISOBEDIENCE DECLARED

            “And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” The king left no question about the seriousness of the occasion. The strictest conformity was required, with no provision made for any variance of opinion. Anyone and everyone who failed to conform to this requirement would be thrown into a gigantic oven – and there would be no hope of survival. Thus the king will force his subjects to do his will by holding a dreadful way of dying before them.

A Principle to Be Seen

            There is a principle to be seen here. It was abused by the king, yet there is profit to be realized if we can see it correctly. Mediocrity tends to reign where there are no requirements. When men are left to themselves, with no sure direction, they tend toward half-heartedness. Nebuchadnezzar sought to address this tendency by coercion – the threat of death. It is as though he sensed men’s reluctance to do what he commanded them to do.

            Prior to the fall of man, there is no record of incentives being held before him. We do not know the extent of God’s communication with Adam and Eve before they sinned. The record of what was said to them is worthy of note.

     "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Gen 1:28)

     "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so." (Gen 1:29-30)

     "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Gen 2:16-17)

            You will note that no appeal was made to do what was right. No blessing was promised for doing what was proper. A judgment was held forth for doing what was wrong.

            Following the fall, however, the situation changed. Now God appealed to men to do what was right. He offered incentives to move them to obey His commands, which under Moses were mostly prohibitive. A few samples will serve to illustrate this point.

     "But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries." (Exo 23:22)

     "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." (Deu 28:1-2)

     "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it." (Deu 30:16)

            Sin has so corrupted human nature, that incentives must be held before men to move them to do what is right, or compel them to do what is wrong. Under Christ, these incentives take the form of “exceeding great and precious promises,” by which we become “partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Pet 1:4).

A DIFFERENCE IN NEBUCHADNEZZAR

            Here we ought to note the difference between Nebuchadnezzar and the God of heaven. God also imposed penalties upon those who refused to do what He said. There was, however, a very distinct difference in the approach. Even under the Law, where men died “without mercy” (Heb 10:26), it was because they insisted on doing what was wrong. Men were not slain because they did not bow the knee to God, but because they did bow, and serve other gods. Note the nature of the ten commandments, and how sharply it conflicts with Nebuchadnezzar’s order.

            There is only one positive commandment:“Honor thy father and m other.” The remainder are prohibitive, declaring what men were NOT to do: “no other gods,” “not make unto thee,” not take the name,” “not do any work,” “not kill,” “not commit adultery,” “not steal,” “not bear false witness,” “not covet.” The thrust of the Law was to prohibit sin – to restrain men from doing what was wrong.

            In the case of Nebuchadnezzar, the penalty was for failing to do the very thing God had forbidden men to do. In his command, the king was binding his own will upon men, seeking to turn them to another god. That is why this test is of such critical importance – particularly to the Jews who have been brought into the land, and are in places of prominence.

            Now we will see if the terror of the king will outweigh the fear of the Lord. We will see if faith is equal to such a test. Will these young men be able to stand?

COMPLIANCE WITH THE DECREE

            “ ⁷ Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”

            The scene must have been quite impressive. As the orchestra began to play, this mass of people “fell down and worshiped the golden image that king Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” They are described as “all the peoples, nations and men of every language.” ^NIV Instantly they obeyed the word of the king. They knew a refusal to bow before this image would be taken as an act of antagonism against the king. Those who did not bow would instantly be regarded as enemies, and would be so treated.

            Thus, whatever religious persuasions that were held by these people allowed them to instantly acquiesce to the commandment of the king. Perhaps they thought they could secretly worship their own god, while they bowed and worshiped this golden image. After all, Babylon did allow for many gods. The king had not commanded that all nations abandon their own gods – only that they bow before his golden image. It is clear from the response of this multitude that they felt they could do this. For them, it was better to bow than to burn.

INFERIOR RELIGION

            The fact that this mass of people instantly bowed and worshiped the golden image confirms the inferiority of their religion. Any religion, regardless of its identity, that allows a person to bow and worship anyone or anything other than the God of heaven is unworthy of embrace. To put it another way, a religion that cannot keep a person in the midst of testing should be abandoned with zeal. Such a religion is not true, and has nothing to do with the God of heaven. A faith that does not keep is spurious and pretentious.

            I fear this whole circumstance is closer to some of our contemporary conditions than some would care to believe. Nebuchadnezzar was not the last person who set up a test of allegiance that required doing something God forbids. In our own time, we have a word from the Lord: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17), and “praying always with all prayer and supplication” (Eph 6:17). Our own government has sought to countermand that word by saying, “Do not pray in the schools,” “Do not pray in public places,” etc. Some have bowed to the decree, like the mass of people bowed to Nebuchadnezzar’s image.

A New Covenant Application

            Wherever faith is compromised, a lie has been welcomed and embraced. Deception has effectively invaded the mind, and the truth, if it ever was believed, is thrust into the background. That is why a departure from the faith is viewed with such sobriety. Note how the Spirit accounts for people leaving good and godly persuasions. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim 4:1).

            This text will profit us if we can make a correlation between it and the times in which we are living. It is written for our admonition, and there are benefits to be gained from it.

WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING?

            God is at work in this text. Something more is happening than merely carrying out the edict of king Nebuchadnezzar. Of itself, his word is not important enough to justify inclusion in the Scripture. What is really happening is this. God is setting the stage for the demonstration of His great power and absolute supremacy. He will overturn the word of the king, and show that His support of those who trust in Him is vastly superior to a Babylonian monarch. He will confirm that those who trust in Him will never be ashamed. He will never leave or forsake those who rely on Him. This event has been tailored to strengthen saints in succeeding ages.

THE ACCUSATION AGAINST THE THREE
 

            “ ⁸ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. ⁹ They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. ¹⁰ Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: ¹¹ And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. ¹² There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

            Here is the purpose for this whole account. Nebuchadnezzar has fastened the attention of the people upon the image. God will now call his attention to three young men. They are of more value than his ninety foot golden image. What is more, this pompous occasion will cause them to stand out from all others. When all of the men of distinction were called in, these three men did not stand out. As they all stood before the golden image, they did not appear prominent or distinctive. However, when the music sounded, and the people were to bow before the image, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego became very apparent. Their distinctiveness was instantly known by what they would not do.

GOD’S PEOPLE ACCUSED

            “Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.” Other versions read, “For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews,” ^NASB and “At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews.” ^NIV We will see from the following verses that the Jews in general were not accused, but three of them in particular.

            These Chaldeans had their eyes on the Jews they would accuse. Amidst this mass of people, it is difficult to conceive of them as being able to detect these particular Jews if they had not been looking for them. Prior to this, they would not have thought of accusing them before the king, for they had been put into their position by a sovereign edict. However, this occasion proved to be ideal for them to reveal their hatred of them. Thus they quickly and intentionally noted their response to the music.

            It is when the righteous and unrighteous are mingled that the uniqueness of the righteous stands out. This is particularly true at an occasion such as this, when allegiance to a worldly ruler is being confirmed.

            Some have suggested that Nebuchadnezzar was provoked to erect this idol in order that an accusation might be raised against the Jews. The reasoning is that their enemies knew they would not bow, and so arranged for this whole affair to take place so the Jews might be exposed. However, our text does not suggest this. Later, we will find such a tactic taking place (6:5-7), but there is no evidence that is what occurred here.

            As I have already said, it is my persuasion that this was orchestrated by God Himself . On this occasion, the king himself did not realize what was really taking place.

A TECHNICAL POINT

            “Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: ¹¹ And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

            The recitation of this technical point was designed to cause the king to favor the accusers. It was a way of feigning allegiance to the king, whose previous judgment they would shortly question. These were words of flattery, designed to help them realize their own desires. Note how they precede their accusation, as though they had more interest in the king’s name that those whom they would accuse: “O king, live forever.” Also, they were not sloppy in their wording, but precisely related the decree word for word. Thus they would present the Jews as rebelling against the solemn and clear decree of the king.

CERTAIN JEWS

            “There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

            There is hatred in these words. How these men must have despised the three they now accused. Even though they were captive Jews, they had been exalted over all the affairs of Babylon, and it did not set well with these men.

Three Charges Leveled

            They have not regarded the king. Other versions read, “have not paid due regard to you,” ^NKJV “have disregarded you,” ^NASB “who pay no attention to you,” ^NIV “have ignored your command,” ^NJB and “have defied your majesty.” ^NLT Thus, even though these were subjects of the king, and had been put into their place by his word, the three Jews are represented as despising, ignoring, and paying no attention to the word of the king.

           They serve not thy gods. Other versions read, “they serve not thy gods,” ^ASV “they worship not thy gods,” ^DOUAY and “refusing to serve your gods.” ^NLT Even these men knew that no god is served before whom men do not bow and do homage. They knew a god cannot be served that is not honored, or whose word is ignored.

            They do not worship the image. This was the only word that actually applied to the king’s decree. The king demanded that as soon as the music was heard, everyone was to fall down before the image and worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo did not do that. They chose to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

AN APPLICATION

            It has been a favorite tactic of the enemies of God’s people to charge them with political insurrection and disobedience. Following the Babylonian captivity, when the Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, “the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin” heard it and raised an accusation against them. After opposing the work, they finally wrote to king Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews of insubordination. “Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings” (Ezra 4:13).

            The same sort of accusation was raised against the Lord Jesus Himself. The Jews said to Pilate, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King” (Luke 23:2). When it became evident Pilate wanted to release Jesus, the Jews pressed this matter with him. “But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh Himself a king speaketh against Caesar” (John 19:12).

            Early in the history of the church, its opponents also charged it was unpatriotic, not yielding to the king. In “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus” (Acts 17:7). Paul responded to such accusations, denying they were true. “While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all” (Acts 25:8).

            Such charges were a gross misrepresentation in these cases, as well as that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They represent Satan’s effort to bring discredit upon those who trust in God.Those who serve God are the best citizens, honoring the king (1 Pet 2:17), giving honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7), paying taxes (or giving tribute (Rom 13:7), and rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s (Matt 22:21).

            What Nebuchadnezzar had required was not political in nature, but spiritual. Bowing down and worshiping a man-made image involves the repudiation of the God of heaven. In this, he had extended his authority beyond the border of Divine allotment. The response of the three Jews was not an act of disregard for the king, but of a higher regard for the Lord of the king. This will become clear in their response to Nebuchadnezzar.

THE BLASPHEMOUS FURY OF THE KING

            “ ¹³ Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. ¹⁴ Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 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 music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”

            The enemies had so framed their speech as to provoke anger in the king. Even though his exposure to the three young Jews had yielded only good, yet all of this is forgotten as he flies into a rage. When the flesh is offended, it cannot recall anything good, but only thinks of self. Those who are tempted to compromise with the flesh need to learn from this text. It will not turn to your good to yield to those who are offended by your faith. They will only turn and tear you like wild animals, as Jesus said (Matt 7:6). There are surely important things to be learned from this incident.

FURY ISSUES A COMMAND

            “Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” Other versions say he called for the three young men “in rage and anger,” ^NASB “furious with rage,” ^NIV “furious rage,” ^NRSV “shaking with fury,” ^NJB and “in wrath and passion.” ^BBE Still other versions read, “Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage.” ^NAB,NLT

            This is the kind of state the king was in when he ordered the destruction of all the wise men in Babylon (Dan 2:12). From an earthly point of view, things could not possibly be any worse. This was the ruler of the world, whose word was implemented at his command. His summons did not pass through other political chambers, as a Senate or House of Representatives. To further complicate things, he had received his power from Almighty God. Earlier Daniel told him, “You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands He has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Wherever they live, He has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold” (Dan 2:37-38).

            In this matter, however, the king is crossing over into a domain that does not belong to him. He is going to exact something beyond his authority to demand.

            How will the three Jews respond to this summons? Will they run and hide? Is this a time when they must flee, as Jesus instructed the Jews to do when they saw Jerusalem surrounded (Matt 24:16)? Will their Jewish brethren assist them to escape the wrath of the king like Paul’s brethren assisted him when they let him down a wall in a basket (Acts 9:25)? Or will they simply leave Babylon like Moses forsook Egypt (Heb 11:27)?

            We will see from this account that our response to trouble and danger is not stereotyped. The Lord has not provided us a handy manual of conduct that outlines exactly what we are to do when faced with danger and threats. Like the Hebrew children, we will have to live close enough to the Lord to know how to respond to peril and risk. In this case, running is out of order. This is a test in which standing by faith is the only thing to do. In order to please the Lord, there is no other alternative.

IS IT TRUE?

            “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?” It is as though the king cannot believe what he has heard. It is apparent he is not accustomed to his word being disobeyed. This may also be perceived as an opportunity for the young men to deny the charge, saying they are quite willing to do anything the king demands.

My Gods

            It seems to me that the Lord Himself is pushing the king’s words out of his mouth. The real issue is clearly stated, and it will allow for the predetermined exaltation of the God of heaven.

            Being polytheistic, or believing in many gods, Nebuchadnezzar was quite willing to allow the Hebrews to have their own God. He does not ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to curse their God, renounce Him, or swear they will not worship Him. He was not willing, however, for them to ignore his “gods.” He demanded that they ALSO bow down before his gods, and worship them.

            In this we behold another tactic of the devil. Satan has no difficulty with a profession of faith, or the claim to worship and honor God. When he tempted the Lord Jesus, he did not ask him to renounce the God of heaven, or to withhold worship from Him. He only asked that Jesus “fall down and worship” him (Matt 4:9).

            Much of the religious corruption that is prevalent in our day is nothing more than yielding to this crafty approach of our adversary the devil. Myriad of people are bowing down to and serving the flesh in its varied and corrupt forms, all the while maintaining they are also servants of God, and worship Him. They go to church regularly, give of their means to religious causes, and sing and pray at the appointed times. But they are also bowing down in the plain of Dura, giving homage to idols men have raised up. Those idols may take the form of money, music, pleasure, or some other worldly corruption. However, yielding to them is exactly the same thing as bowing down before the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar and worshiping.

            Of course, the truth of the matter is that we cannot serve two masters. It simply is not possible. Those who attempt to do so have been deceived. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat 6:24).

The Golden Image Which I Have Set Up

            The king does not ask that the young men acknowledge the architectural excellence of the statue in the plain of Dura. He does not request that they simply look at it, or be present at its dedication. He demands that they worship the image – bowing down before it. Now, he gives them an opportunity to change their minds by asking if it is really true that they have refused to do this simple deed.

THE THREAT REAFFIRMED

            “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 music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace . . . ”

            The king is willing to go through the entire procedure again. The orchestra will strike up yet another time, and full opportunity will be granted to correct behavior that is not acceptable to the king. If the young men will simply do what the king has commanded, all will be forgotten, and the charges will have no weight before him at all. “Now if you are ready . . . to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well." The appointed penalty is again stated, the king hoping it will strike enough fear into their hearts to obey his word.

THE EVIL CHALLENGE

            “ . . . and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” The king’s demand was bad enough as it was. Now he greatly compounds his transgression by adding something to his edict. This was not included in his original decree. It is a bold and brazen challenge that will at once draw attention to the seriousness of this matter. It will also serve to awaken the three Jews to an even stronger faith: “and what God is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” ^NASB

            This very challenge has been hurled in the face of others who put their trust in God. They are defiance against God, which He takes quite seriously.

     Pharaoh said to Moses, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go” (Exo 5:2).

     Sennacherib, the king of Assyria boasted to Hezekiah, “Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?” (2 Kgs 18:35).

     When Jesus was crucified, the people chided, “He trusted in God; let Him deliver him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God” (Mat 27:43).

            At this point, the issue is no longer with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Now it is with God, and He will come to the aid of those who trust in Him. Thus the real battle is set in array – the God of heaven against king Nebuchadnezzar, and ultimately against the gods of Nebuchadnezzar. God will not ignore this bold challenge.

THE RESPONSE OF FAITH

            “ ¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. ¹⁷ 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. ¹⁸ 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.”

            How will these young men respond to such a frightening threat of instant and dreadful death? Will their faith be able to sustain them? Will it cause them to be bold for forward in their reply? Will they have a peace that will keep them from stammering or crying? Remember, they are living in spiritually primitive times when the “exceeding great and precious promises” of God had not yet been unfolded (2 Pet 1:4). They did not have the indwelling Spirit in the sense those in Christ possess it (1 John 4:13). Nor, indeed, had they experienced Christ in them, the hope of glory (Col 1:27). For them, the star of hope was not shining as brightly as it does now that we have “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet 1:19).

            Yet, in them the power of faith will be seen – a power that is multiplied exceedingly in Christ Jesus. We do well to listen intently to their response, taking it into our hearts, and mulling it over in our spirits. Like David ran to meet Goliath, these three eagerly leap into the fray, not hesitating for a moment to respond to the king. This is nothing less than a display of the boldness of faith.

THE BOLDNESS OF FAITH

            “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.” Other versions read, “we have not need to answer you in this matter,” ^NKJV “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter,” ^NIV and “we have no need to present a defense before you in this matter,” ^NRSV “your question needs no answer from us.” ^NJB

            The words “we are not careful” mean, “there is no need for us to even give thought to this matter, for we are under no obligation to explain our refusal. What we are being asked to do is unlawful, and that is the end of the matter.” The fundamental thing here was to DO the will of God, not provide elaborate explanations for why it was being done.

            The answer of the three young men is instant. They do not hesitate for a moment. They have been living by faith, and now they can answer by faith as well. They will speak in a calm and respectful manner, but they will not yield one minuscule point in this matter. There is nothing vague about what they face, and there is nothing vague about their answer. They will speak straight to the point, leaving no doubt about where they stand.

            The idea here is that they will not negotiate with the king. This matter is not open for discussion. They have made up their mind, and, with the Psalmist, their heart is “fixed” (Psa 57:7; 108:1). The straightforward demeanor of these three men is depicted in the 112^th Psalm. “Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (Psa 112:6-7). That is precisely what is taking place in this text. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not have to deliberate about this crisis. They did not have to pray about it, speak among themselves, or frame an eloquent answer for the king. Their minds were made up, and even the threat of an awful death could not turn them. For them, ths was not a court of appeals, but a platform for witnessing to their unwavering faith in God.

            These three faithful men refused to give any thought as to how they might avoid the curse of the king and the flame of the fiery furnace. They knew in their hearts that bowing to that golden image would dishonor their God, and therefore they would not do it.

An Application

            Because these things are “written for our learning” (Rom 15:4), there is much to be gained from a sober consideration of this text. These men were living in a time of far less spiritual illumination than that of our day. The Sun of righteousness has now risen with “healing in His wings” (Mal 4:2). In the bright rays of His gracious light, we ought to have no difficulty being as firm in our resolution to honor God as these men. Yet, it is most apparent that our generation is not characterized by people who have made up their minds NOT to do what is wrong. There is altogether too much negotiation with the enemy, and compromise is the result. A brand of Christianity is being hawked in the religious world that allows both young and old to live close to the edge – so close it is difficult to detect whether people are worldly or godly. People are walking in the shadow of the forbidden. They mingle with multitudes that bow down to the golden images of this world.

            I suggest this is because they have never reached the point where a determination was made NOT to dishonor God. They have never resolutely said with David, “I will have nothing to do with evil” ^NIV (Psa