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Three Hebrews in the Fiery Furnace
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events of the future was to be used to conceal the very knowledge
God wanted the world to receive. Satan knew that truth unmixed
with error is a power mighty to save, but when used to exalt self it
becomes a power for evil.
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The Golden Image: The Eternal Glory of Babylon
From his rich treasure, Nebuchadnezzar made a great golden
image, similar to what he had seen in vision, except in one particular:
the material of which it was composed. The Chaldeans had never be-
fore produced anything so impressive as this splendid statue. It is not
surprising that in a land where idol worship prevailed everywhere,
the priceless image on the plain of Dura would be consecrated as an
object of worship. A decree went out that on the day of the dedica-
tion all should show their supreme loyalty to Babylon by bowing
before the image.
A vast crowd from all “peoples, nations, and languages” assem-
bled. When the music played, the whole company “fell down and
worshiped the gold image.” The powers of darkness seemed to be
gaining a victory, permanently connecting the worship of the gold
image with the established forms of idolatry recognized as the state
religion. Satan hoped in this way to defeat God’s purpose of making
Israel in Babylon a means of blessing to all nations.
But God decreed otherwise. Not all had bowed to the idolatrous
symbol of human power. Three men firmly resolved not to dishonor
the God of heaven. Their God was King of kings; they would bow
to no other.
Certain wise men, jealous of the faithful companions of Daniel,
brought word to Nebuchadnezzar that some had dared to disobey his
mandate: “There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs
of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego;
these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not
serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
The King Tries to Pressure the Hebrews
The king commanded that the men be brought before him. Point-
ing to the fiery furnace, he reminded them of the punishment await-