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Prophets and Kings
provided for, and a decree went forth that on the day of the dedication
all should show their supreme loyalty to the Babylonian power by
bowing before the image.
The appointed day came, and a vast concourse from all “people,
nations, and languages,” assembled on the plain of Dura. In harmony
with the king’s command, when the sound of music was heard, the
whole company “fell down and worshipped the golden image.” On
that eventful day the powers of darkness seemed to be gaining a signal
triumph; the worship of the golden image bade fair to become con-
nected permanently with the established forms of idolatry recognized
as the state religion of the land. Satan hoped thereby to defeat God’s
purpose of making the presence of captive Israel in Babylon a means
of blessing to all the nations of heathendom.
But God decreed otherwise. Not all had bowed the knee to the
idolatrous symbol of human power. In the midst of the worshipping
multitude there were three men who were firmly resolved not thus to
dishonor the God of heaven. Their God was King of kings and Lord
of lords; they would bow to none other.
To Nebuchadnezzar, flushed with triumph, was brought the word
that among his subjects there were some who dared disobey his man-
date. Certain of the wise men, jealous of the honors that had been
bestowed upon the faithful companions of Daniel, now reported to the
king their flagrant violation of his wishes. “O king, live forever,” they
[507]
exclaimed. “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.”
The king commanded that the men be brought before him. “Is it
true,” he inquired, “do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden
image which I have set up?” He endeavored by threats to induce them
to unite with the multitude. Pointing to the fiery furnace, he reminded
them of the punishment awaiting them if they should persist in their
refusal to obey his will. But firmly the Hebrews testified to their
allegiance to the God of heaven, and their faith in His power to deliver.
The act of bowing to the image was understood by all to be an act of
worship. Such homage they could render to God alone.
As the three Hebrews stood before the king, he was convinced
that they possessed something the other wise men of his kingdom did