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Daniel 3

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‹ Chapter 2 Daniel — All Chapters Chapter 4 ›

1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. 4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace." 7 Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 8 At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews, 9 saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! 10 You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. 12 But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up." 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? 15 Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up." 19 At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, 20 and he commanded some mighty men of valor in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. 21 So they were tied up, wearing robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, and they were thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the fiery flames killed the men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, firmly bound, fell into the blazing fiery furnace. 24 Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and asked his advisers, “Did we not throw three men, firmly bound, into the fire?” “Certainly, O king,” they replied. 25 “Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods! “ 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way." 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

‹ Chapter 2 Daniel — All Chapters Chapter 4 ›

Study Notes — Daniel 3

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Chapter Summary

Daniel chapter 3 begins with King Nebuchadnezzar setting up a golden statue and commanding all the people in his kingdom to worship it. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew men who were high-ranking officials in the kingdom, refused to worship the statue, citing their loyalty to the one true God. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace, but God miraculously delivered them, and they emerged unharmed. The king was amazed by their faith and the power of their God, and he issued a decree that no one in his kingdom could speak against the God of the Hebrews. This chapter showcases the bravery and faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as well as the power and mercy of God. Key verses include Daniel 3:16-18, where the three men express their trust in God, and Daniel 3:24-25, where they are seen walking in the furnace with a fourth figure, who is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.

Context for the Chapter

Daniel chapter 3 is set in the kingdom of Babylon, during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Daniel, which tells the story of the Israelites in exile and their interactions with the Babylonian kingdom. This chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which describes the ongoing struggle between God and the forces of evil. As seen in Isaiah 45:1-7, God is the sovereign ruler of the nations, and He will ultimately deliver His people from the hands of their enemies.

Heart Application

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity. As Christians, we are called to be faithful to God, just as the three Hebrew men were faithful. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by trusting in God's power and mercy, and by being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their trust in God is a model for our own trust in Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Daniel chapter 3 tells the story of three Hebrew men who refused to worship a golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. They were thrown into a fiery furnace, but God miraculously delivered them. This chapter teaches us about the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, the three men's trust in God is a model for our own trust in Christ.

Voices from the Church

“The faith of these three men was not a mere sentiment, but a living, burning flame that guided their actions and directed their steps. May we have such faith, that we may stand firm in the face of opposition and trust in God's power and mercy.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and providence. It serves as a model for Christian trust in God, and it demonstrates the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of adversity.”

— John Calvin

“The story of the three Hebrew men is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God. It serves as a model for Christian living, and it demonstrates the power of God to deliver His people from the forces of evil.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Setup of the Golden Statue (Daniel 3:1-7) — King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden statue and commands all the people in his kingdom to worship it. This event serves as a test of the people's loyalty to the king and their willingness to worship false gods.
  2. The Refusal of the Three Men (Daniel 3:8-12) — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue, citing their loyalty to the one true God. Their refusal is a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, and it serves as a model for Christian courage and conviction.
  3. The Condemnation of the Three Men (Daniel 3:13-15) — The three men are condemned to death for their refusal to worship the golden statue. This event serves as a reminder of the persecution that Christians may face for their faith, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity.
  4. The Deliverance of the Three Men (Daniel 3:16-25) — The three men are thrown into the fiery furnace, but God miraculously delivers them. This event serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance.
  5. The Aftermath (Daniel 3:26-30) — The king is amazed by the deliverance of the three men and issues a decree that no one in his kingdom can speak against the God of the Hebrews. This event serves as a reminder of the power of God to deliver His people, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over all things. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
The Importance of Faith
The faith of the three men is a central theme in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their faith is a model for Christian trust in God, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
The Power of Prayer
The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is a powerful reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's help in times of need. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, the three men's prayer is a model for Christian prayer, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection.
The Witness of the Christian
The faithfulness and bravery of the three men serve as a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in one's faith and trusting in God's power and mercy. As seen in Daniel 3:28-30, their witness leads to the king's decree that no one can speak against the God of the Hebrews, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being a light in a dark world.

Lessons from Daniel 3

  1. The Importance of Standing Firm in One's Faith — The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their faith is a model for Christian trust in God, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy.
  2. The Power of God to Deliver His People — The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace demonstrates God's power and mercy, and serves as a reminder that He is always able to deliver His people from the forces of evil. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
  3. The Importance of Faithfulness and Bravery — The faithfulness and bravery of the three men serve as a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in one's faith and trusting in God's power and mercy. As seen in Daniel 3:28-30, their witness leads to the king's decree that no one can speak against the God of the Hebrews, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being a light in a dark world.
  4. The Role of Prayer in Times of Need — The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is a powerful reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's help in times of need. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, the three men's prayer is a model for Christian prayer, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection.
  5. The Witness of the Christian — The faithfulness and bravery of the three men serve as a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in one's faith and trusting in God's power and mercy. As seen in Daniel 3:28-30, their witness leads to the king's decree that no one can speak against the God of the Hebrews, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being a light in a dark world.

Themes from Daniel 3

  1. Faithfulness — The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their faith is a model for Christian trust in God, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy.
  2. Persecution — The persecution faced by the three men serves as a reminder that Christians will face opposition and hardship in this world. However, God is always with His people, delivering them and giving them the strength to persevere. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
  3. Deliverance — The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and serves as a reminder that He is always able to deliver His people from the forces of evil. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
  4. Witness — The faithfulness and bravery of the three men serve as a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in one's faith and trusting in God's power and mercy. As seen in Daniel 3:28-30, their witness leads to the king's decree that no one can speak against the God of the Hebrews, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being a light in a dark world.
  5. Sovereignty — The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over all things, and serves as a reminder that He is always in control. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and how can we apply their example to our own lives?
  2. How does the deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace demonstrate God's power and mercy, and what lessons can we learn from this event?
  3. What role does prayer play in this chapter, and how can we use the example of the three men to inform our own prayer lives?
  4. How does the witness of the three men serve as a model for Christian witness, and what lessons can we learn from their example?
  5. What can we learn from the king's response to the deliverance of the three men, and how can we use this event to inform our own understanding of God's sovereignty and providence?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Setup of the Golden Statue (Daniel 3:1-7)

Daniel 3:1 King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden statue and commands all the people in his kingdom to worship it. This event serves as a test of the people's loyalty to the king and their willingness to worship false gods.
Daniel 3:2 The king summons all the high-ranking officials in his kingdom to come and worship the golden statue. This event serves as a reminder of the pressure to conform to the world's standards, and the importance of standing firm in one's faith.

2. The Refusal of the Three Men (Daniel 3:8-12)

Daniel 3:8 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue, citing their loyalty to the one true God. Their refusal is a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, and it serves as a model for Christian courage and conviction.
Daniel 3:9 The three men are accused of disobedience and are brought before the king. This event serves as a reminder of the persecution that Christians may face for their faith, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity.

3. The Condemnation of the Three Men (Daniel 3:13-15)

Daniel 3:13 The king condemns the three men to death for their refusal to worship the golden statue. This event serves as a reminder of the ultimate cost of following Christ, and the importance of being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Daniel 3:14 The king gives the three men a second chance to worship the statue, but they refuse again. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.

4. The Deliverance of the Three Men (Daniel 3:16-25)

Daniel 3:16 The three men are thrown into the fiery furnace, but God miraculously delivers them. This event serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance.
Daniel 3:17 The three men express their trust in God, even if He does not deliver them from the furnace. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and it highlights the importance of being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.

5. The Aftermath (Daniel 3:26-30)

Daniel 3:26 The king is amazed by the deliverance of the three men and issues a decree that no one in his kingdom can speak against the God of the Hebrews. This event serves as a reminder of the power of God to deliver His people, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
Daniel 3:27 The three men are promoted to high-ranking positions in the kingdom, and their faith is recognized and respected by the king and the other officials. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of being a light in a dark world, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the golden statue in Daniel 3?

The golden statue represents the idolatry and rebellion against God that characterized the Babylonian kingdom. It serves as a symbol of the world's opposition to God and His people, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:1-7, the statue is a powerful reminder of the pressure to conform to the world's standards, and the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy.

Why did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue?

The three men refused to worship the golden statue because they were loyal to the one true God and did not want to compromise their faith. As seen in Daniel 3:8-12, their refusal is a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, and it serves as a model for Christian courage and conviction.

What is the significance of the fourth figure seen in the furnace with the three men?

The fourth figure is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, this event serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Daniel 3:1 → Isaiah 45:1-7 The golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar is similar to the idols described in Isaiah 45:1-7, which are powerless and unable to deliver their worshippers. As seen in Daniel 3:1-7, the statue serves as a reminder of the world's opposition to God and His people, and it highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
2 Daniel 3:8 → Acts 5:29 The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship the golden statue is similar to the refusal of the apostles to obey the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:29, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:8-12, their refusal is a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, and it serves as a model for Christian courage and conviction.
3 Daniel 3:16 → Hebrews 11:34 The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is similar to the faith of the heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11:34, who trusted in God's power and mercy, even in the face of persecution or adversity. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their faith is a model for Christian trust in God, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
4 Daniel 3:24 → Psalm 23:4 The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is similar to the deliverance described in Psalm 23:4, where God is described as a shepherd who guides and protects His people. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
5 Daniel 3:25 → John 1:1 The fourth figure seen in the furnace with the three men is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, this event serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance.
6 Daniel 3:26 → Revelation 21:8 The king's decree that no one in his kingdom can speak against the God of the Hebrews is similar to the warning in Revelation 21:8, where those who are cowardly and unbelieving will be thrown into the lake of fire. As seen in Daniel 3:26-30, the king's decree serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
7 Daniel 3:27 → 1 Peter 2:9 The promotion of the three men to high-ranking positions in the kingdom is similar to the description of believers as a royal priesthood in 1 Peter 2:9, highlighting the importance of being a light in a dark world. As seen in Daniel 3:27-30, their promotion serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
8 Daniel 3:28 → Isaiah 43:2 The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is similar to the promise in Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with His people in times of trouble and to deliver them from the fires of sin and death. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, God is able to deliver His people from the forces of evil, and He will ultimately bring all things under His control.
9 Daniel 3:29 → Romans 8:31 The king's recognition of the God of the Hebrews is similar to the statement in Romans 8:31, where God is described as being for us, and no one can be against us. As seen in Daniel 3:26-30, the king's recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
10 Daniel 3:30 → 2 Corinthians 1:10 The promotion of the three men to high-ranking positions in the kingdom is similar to the description of believers as ambassadors for Christ in 2 Corinthians 1:10, highlighting the importance of being a light in a dark world. As seen in Daniel 3:27-30, their promotion serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity.

Sermons on Daniel 3

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from
Elisabeth Elliot I Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence, sovereignty, and love. He encourages the audience to have a quiet heart and not rush after thei
Jim Cymbala Against the Flow by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story
Keith Daniel (Mount Vernon) Daniel by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The s
David Wilkerson Guarding the Sheep by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false te
Leonard Ravenhill The Indestructible Man (Kansas City) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the three things that are missing in modern preaching: immensity, intensity, and eternity. He believes that if a sermon does not touch on et
Leonard Ravenhill Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f
George Verwer 1) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 1 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering four key words that represent divine principles and truth. He shares his personal struggle to be a spiritual Da
David Ravenhill Divinely Lead by David Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cycle of bondage and captivity that the nation of Israel experienced due to their disobedience to God. The speaker highlights specific ins
A.W. Tozer Forward With Christ In by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total commitment to Jesus Christ. He warns against making the Christian life too easy and highlights the radical nature of

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Daniel 3

In his commentary on Daniel 3, Matthew Henry notes that the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution or adversity. Henry highlights the faithfulness and bravery of the three men, and notes that their deliverance from the fiery furnace is a demonstration of God's power and mercy. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and notes that the story of the three men serves as a model for Christian living. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, Henry notes that the three men's faith is a model for Christian trust in God, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy. He also notes that the fourth figure seen in the furnace with the three men is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. As seen in Daniel 3:24-25, Henry notes that this event serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power and mercy, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Unity of the Three Men

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are united in their faith and their refusal to worship the golden statue. This unity is a powerful witness to the king and the other officials, and it serves as a model for Christian unity today. As seen in Daniel 3:16-18, their unity is rooted in their shared faith in God.

The Power of God

The deliverance of the three men from the fiery furnace is a dramatic demonstration of God's power and mercy. It serves as a reminder that God is always able to deliver His people, no matter what challenges they face. This is evident in Daniel 3:24-25, where the king sees the four men walking in the furnace.

The Witness of the Three Men

The faithfulness and bravery of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serve as a powerful witness to the king and the other officials. Their witness is a reminder that Christians are called to be salt and light in a world that often opposes God. As seen in Daniel 3:28-30, their witness leads to the king's decree that no one can speak against the God of the Hebrews.

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