Chapter 4—The Fiery Furnace
In the same year that Daniel and his companions entered the service
of the king of Babylon events occurred that severely tested the integrity
of these youthful Hebrews and proved before an idolatrous nation the
power and faithfulness of the God of Israel.
While King Nebuchadnezzar was looking forward with anxious
forebodings to the future, he had a remarkable dream, by which he
was greatly troubled, “and his sleep brake from him” (
Daniel 2:1
).
But although this vision of the night made a deep impression on his
mind, he found it impossible to recall the particulars. He applied to
his astrologers and magicians, and with promises of great wealth and
honor commanded them to tell him his dream and its interpretation.
But they said, “Tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the
interpretation” (
verse 4
).
The king knew that if they could really tell the interpretation,
they could tell the dream as well. The Lord had in His providence
given Nebuchadnezzar this dream, and had caused the particulars to
be forgotten, while the fearful impression was left upon his mind,
in order to expose the pretensions of the wise men of Babylon. The
monarch was very angry, and threatened that they should all be slain
[35]
if, in a given time, the dream was not made known. Daniel and his
companions were to perish with the false prophets; but, taking his
life in his hand, Daniel ventures to enter the presence of the king,
begging that time may be granted that he may show the dream and the
interpretation.
To this request the monarch accedes; and now Daniel gathers his
three companions, and together they take the matter before God, seek-
ing for wisdom from the Source of light and knowledge. Although
they were in the king’s court, surrounded with temptation, they did not
forget their responsibility to God. They were strong in the conscious-
ness that His providence had placed them where they were; that they
were doing His work, meeting the demands of truth and duty. They
had confidence toward God. They had turned to Him for strength when
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