2 Chronicles 6:12
2 Chronicles 6:12 in Multiple Translations
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.
¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:
And he stood before the altar of Jehovah in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands
Then he took his place in front of the altar of the Lord, all the men of Israel being present,
Then Solomon stood in front of the altar of the Lord before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands in prayer.
And the King stoode before the altar of the Lord, in the presence of all the Congregation of Israel, and stretched out his hands,
And he standeth before the altar of Jehovah, over-against all the assembly of Israel, and spreadeth out his hand, —
He stood before the LORD’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands
And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:
And he stood before the altar of the I Lord, in presence of all the multitude of Israel, and stretched forth his hands.
Then Solomon stood in front of the altar which was in front of the people of Israel who had gathered there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 6:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד
לִ/פְנֵי֙
מִזְבַּ֣ח
יְהוָ֔ה
נֶ֖גֶד
כָּל
קְהַ֣ל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/יִּפְרֹ֖שׂ
כַּפָּֽי/ו
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵי֙
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נֶ֖גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יִּפְרֹ֖שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַּפָּֽי/ו
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 6:12
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵי֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
נֶ֖גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּפְרֹ֖שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כַּפָּֽי/ו
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
10Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
11And there I have placed the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with the children of Israel.”
12Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.
13Now Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high and had placed it in the middle of the courtyard. He stood on it, knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, 14and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven or on earth, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 63:4 | So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. |
| 2 | Isaiah 50:10 | Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. |
| 3 | Job 11:13 | As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, |
| 4 | Exodus 9:33 | Then Moses departed from Pharaoh, went out of the city, and spread out his hands to the LORD. The thunder and hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. |
| 5 | Psalms 143:6 | I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah |
| 6 | Psalms 28:2 | Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 8:22–53 | Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. You have kept Your promise to Your servant, my father David. What You spoke with Your mouth You have fulfilled with Your hand this day. Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk before Me as you have done.’ And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David. But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today. May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading with You in this temple, then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel. May You restore them to the land You gave to their fathers. When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come, then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men— so that they may fear You all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers. And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the LORD in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name, then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause. When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy. For they are Your people and Your inheritance; You brought them out of Egypt, out of the furnace for iron. May Your eyes be open to the pleas of Your servant and of Your people Israel, and may You listen to them whenever they call to You. For You, O Lord GOD, as Your inheritance, have set them apart from all the peoples of the earth, as You spoke through Your servant Moses when You brought our fathers out of Egypt.” |
| 8 | 2 Kings 11:14 | And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 23:3 | So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. |
| 10 | Psalms 29:1–2 | Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. |
2 Chronicles 6:12 Summary
In this verse, Solomon stands before the altar of the LORD and spreads out his hands, showing that he is ready to pray and talk to God. This means that he is humble and willing to listen to God, just like we should be when we pray (see Psalm 46:10). Solomon's actions remind us that prayer is not just about talking to God, but also about being still and listening to Him, as we see in Isaiah 30:15. By following Solomon's example, we can learn to approach God with humility and reverence, and to trust in His presence and guidance in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Solomon standing before the altar of the LORD?
Solomon standing before the altar of the LORD symbolizes his humility and willingness to submit to God's authority, as seen in other instances like Genesis 22:9 where Abraham stood before the altar ready to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God's plan.
Why did Solomon spread out his hands in front of the whole assembly of Israel?
By spreading out his hands, Solomon is demonstrating a posture of prayer, surrender, and dependency on God, similar to what we see in Psalm 134:2 where the priests lift their hands in blessing and prayer to God.
What can we learn from Solomon's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and surrender in our prayer lives, just as Solomon demonstrated, and also remember that our prayers should be offered with reverence and awareness of God's presence, as Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.
How does this verse relate to our own worship and prayer?
This verse reminds us that our worship and prayer should be characterized by humility, reverence, and a deep awareness of God's presence, just as Solomon's actions in this verse, and as we see in Revelation 7:9-10 where the multitude worships God with reverence and awe.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to stand before God in prayer, and how can I cultivate this posture in my own life?
- How can I, like Solomon, demonstrate humility and surrender in my prayers, and what are some practical ways to do this?
- What are some ways I can, in my daily life, spread out my hands in prayer and surrender to God, just as Solomon did in this verse?
- How can I balance the desire to be heard by God with the need to listen to Him and be still in His presence, as Solomon's actions might suggest?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 6:12
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 5:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 6:12
And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:12
3. THE KING UTTERS THE PRAYER OF (2 Chronicles 6:12-42). (Comp. 1 Kings 8:22-53.) The whole is given as in Kings, save that one verse (2 Chronicles 6:13) is added, and the peroration (2 Chronicles 6:40-42) is quite different. (12) Stood.—Took his place. It is not implied that he remained standing. (Comp. 1 Samuel 17:51; 2 Chronicles 6:3, supr.) Spread forth his hands.—Towards heaven (Kings). Syriac and Arabic have both.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 6:12
12–39 (= 1 Kings 8:22-50). Solomon’s Prayer The prayer is reproduced from 1 Kings with a few verbal changes and with the omission of v. 50–53. it is chiefly to the effect that future prayers made “in” or “towards this house” may be heard. The subjects of the different parts of the prayer are as follows:— Ch 6:14-17. The promise made to David. Ch 6:18-21. Prayer made towards this place. Ch 6:22-23. The oath of ordeal taken in this place. Ch 6:24-25. Prayer under defeat.
Ch 6:26-27. Prayer for rain. Ch 6:28-31. Prayer under diverse afflictions. Ch 6:32-33. The stranger’s prayer. Ch 6:34-35. The prayer of the army at war abroad. Ch 6:36-39. The prayer of Israel in captivity. .
Solomon had made a brasen scaffold] This “scaffold” is not mentioned in 1 Kings. The word used (kiyyôr) properly means a “laver” (Son 4:6).
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Burden and Blessing of Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, Dr. Paisley recounts the story of John Douglas, his first convert as the minister of a church in Ravenhill Road. Despite being a slow speaker, John felt compelled t |
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Personal Meditations on Powerful Texts by Rodney Tolleson | Rodney Tolleson preaches on the significance of Solomon's temple dedication, emphasizing four important truths: the temple as the place of God's presence, a house of prayer for all |
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Sanctification and the Fight by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the causes of conflict and the road to victory for Christians. He refers to a treatise by John Owens on the nature, power, deceit, and prevale |
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Brokenness by Alan Andrews | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 48-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah and the purposes of God in his being smitten. The preacher mentions how Jesus was smitten and buffeted, wit |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 5 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in times of darkness. He references Psalm 139:12, which states that darkness is not hidden from God. T |
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Our God Is a Consuming Fire by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how God protected them in the fiery furnace and emphasize |