Daniel 3
McGeeCHAPTER 3THEME: The decree of Nebuchadnezzar to enforce universal idolatry; the three Hebrew children cast into the furnace when they refuse to bow to the image of goldIn the first chapter of Daniel heathen customs were judged; in the second chapter heathen philosophy was judged; and in the third chapter heathen pride is judged.
Daniel 3:1
CONSTRUCTION OF THE IMAGE OF GOLD"An image of gold"this reveals the lavish display of wealth and workmanship which went into the construction of this impressive image. Some scholars think that Nebuchadnezzar constructed this image in memory of his father, Nabopolassar. Others are equally convinced that he made it to Bel, the pagan god of Babylon. It is more likely that he made it of himself. Daniel had declared that Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold in the image of his dream. Instead of humbling himself before God, the dream caused Nebuchadnezzar to be filled with excessive pride, and he made an entire image of gold to represent the kingdom he had built. The image was sixty cubits high and six cubits in breadththat was a pretty good-sized image. A cubit is approximately eighteen inches, which would make the image ninety feet high. Babylon was situated on a plain, surrounded by flat country. Although it was a city of skyscrapers for its day, the sheer height of the image made it visible for a great distance. The plain of Dura was like an airportflat and expansiveallowing a great multitude to assemble for the worship of the image, actually the worship of the king. All the leaders and government officials were present for the dedication of the image. Only the big brass were invited, and they were to sell this project to the people. This was the first step in the brainwashing program. These bureaucrats comprised a great company. What did Nebuchadnezzar really have in mind in making this image? We can observe here three things: (1) The making of this image shows the rebellion of Nebuchadnezzar against the God of heaven who had given him world dominion. Instead of gratitude, this is a definite act of rebellion. (2) This also shows his vaunted pride in making an image which evidently was self-deification. The Roman emperors also attempted this later on. (3) Obviously, Nebuchadnezzar was seeking a unifying principle to weld together the tribes and tongues and peoples of his kingdom into one great totalitarian government. In other words, he was attempting to institute a world religion. This was nothing in the world but a repetition of the tower of Babela forming of one religion for the world. There are many who are working toward a world religion today, including the denominations which make up the World Council of Churches. They are moving toward a world religion, and, my friend, they are going to leave Jesus out altogether. All of these attempts are not toward the worship of the living and true God; they actually oppose Him. It is a movement which is going to lead to the Great Tribulation period, to the Man of Sin, and the False Prophet. This, of course, is after the true church is removed from the earth (the true church is all those who make up the body of believers). Every believer in Christwhoever he is, whatever his color of skin, whatever his denomination, if he is trusting Christwill go out together.
Daniel 3:3
DEDICATION OF THE IMAGE OF GOLDThe day of dedication had arrived. All were present, except Daniel. We believe he had a good and legitimate reason for his absence. He probably was away on state business. He was in a unique position of being the chief advisor to the king of Babylon who was now the ruler of the world. The sight of the image of gold on the plain of Dura was very impressiveas impressive as an Atlas missile set up on the launching pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It must have made a tremendous appeal to the eye.
Daniel 3:4
They knew nothing of the freedom of worship at this dedication service. When the orchestra began to play, they were to fall down and worship this image. There was no room here for spontaneous, personal religionthis is all prearranged. Notice the different instruments in this orchestra: the cornetthat’s a wind instrument; the flutea wind instrument; the harpa stringed instrument; the sackbuta trombone, or perhaps a high-stringed instrument; the psalterya stringed instrument like the harp; and the dulcimera drum with strings above which was played with a stick. Then it says, “and all kinds of music,” which means there were instruments and types of music that are not listed. I would like to give this orchestra a name: the Babylonian Beboppers; or maybe it should be the Babylonian Beatles, or the Royal Rock Quartet Plus Two (or however many instruments there were), or the Chaldean Philharmonic Orchestra. The point is this: this was more than a dedicationpeople were forced to worship. However, true worship is an expression of the heart; it cannot be forced. So it is more accurate to say that at least these people went through the outward form of worship. The music was used to appeal to the flesh. Music that is spiritual is a wonderful aid to worship, but in some of our churches today it is very difficult to tell the difference between spiritual music and worldly music. Paul had a great deal to say about the importance of music for the believer in worship. He says in Eph_5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” And then in Col_3:16 we read: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” However, at the very beginning, music got off to a bad start. It was mentioned in the godless line of Cain, back in Gen_4:21"And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ." Whenever music or ritual appeals to the flesh, it degrades man rather than elevates him, and it is not an aid to true worship. It cancels worship out; it deadens everything. However, music can also lift a worship service; it can help the spiritual ministry and be a great blessing. I recall one particular incident when I was speaking in special meetings held in a fine church in the East. Before my first message, a young lady was called on to sing, and she was quite a showman. Rather than selecting a song which contributed to the worship, she sang a number that simply gave opportunity to show off her voice. When I realized it had deadened the meeting spiritually, I had the congregation sing another hymn before I went on with my message. When I spoke to the pastor about it afterwards, he told me that she was the daughter of one of his leading officers and she always sang at the opening of any special series of meetings! May I say, music can be helpful to a service or it cannot. Worldly music has a tremendous influence upon people, and it has gotten into many of our churches today. I thank God that many ministers are taking a stand against it. Nebuchadnezzar had established a terrible penalty for those who refused to worship this image. The music helped prepare for this worldly worship, and you can be sure that everyone in that crowd went down on their faces before the imagewith the exception of three young men.
Daniel 3:7
This movement of dedication was an outward act of worship, and practically unanimous. There may have been many who were not convinced in their hearts, but they gave no visible evidence that they were contrary. I am sure they were inwardly attempting to justify their position by some form of rationalization. We rationalize our own compromises today, also. One man told me that the reason he continued in the liberal church of which he was a member was that his father had been a leader in the church, an outstanding layman, and when he died, the church had dedicated a stained glass window to him. That was the reason he felt he couldn’t leave the church! My friend, it would have been better for him to buy a replacement for that window and take the one dedicated to his father with him, than to have continued in that church upon such an unfortunate excuse.
Daniel 3:8
THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN FAIL TO WORSHIP THE IMAGEThe king had apparently appointed observers to note any irregularities in the service. “Certain Chaldeans” may indicate that they had been watching these three Jews particularly, perhaps because they were jealous or had some personal animosity toward them. The only Jews who were involved, of course, were the three Hebrew children who were among the officers of Nebuchadnezzar. The other Jews in captivity who had no position of leadership were not present at this meeting.
Daniel 3:9
This must have been a very famous orchestra in that daythis is the third time we have been given a list of its instruments. The Chaldeans’ accusation before the king was very formal and according to protocol. They made a direct charge against the three Hebrew children by name. There is no misunderstanding as to whom they referred. Although their insinuation"These men, O king, have not regarded thee"was absolutely false. The Hebrews’ refusal to worship the image was not an act of disloyalty toward the king personally. It was their recognition of a higher powerthey were obedient to their God, which will be revealed by their own answer to this charge.
Daniel 3:13
THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN DECLARE THE POWER OF GOD"Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury"this man had a real psychological problem, and such actions characterize his form of insanity. He suffered from hysteria, and a sort of manic-depressive psychosis: one moment he was hot with anger and the next he was laughing his head off.
Daniel 3:14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them if the charge were true. Had they refused to worship his gods and the image which he had set up?
Daniel 3:15
The king gives them another opportunity to change their minds and fall down before the image. Their submission now would be a worse reproach than it would have been at the outset. Nebuchadnezzar again recites the penalty for refusal and shows the fallacy of it. The king has heard of their God before, and he assures them that He is unable to deliver them.
Daniel 3:16
They address Nebuchadnezzar, but they do not say, “O king, live forever.” “We are not careful to answer thee in this matter” means that they have carefully weighed the consequences of refusing to obey the king. They have counted the cost and are not being “careful” in giving an answer; in other words, they are not being concerned for their own well-being in the answer they give to the king. The wise men in Babylon would have advised the Hebrews to fall down and worship, but God had said: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Exo_20:3-6). These Hebrew children were being true to God, and it took a great deal of courage for them to take this position.
Daniel 3:17
They make it very clear: “If it is God’s will, He will deliver us out of your hand.” Regardless of the outcome, these three had purposed to serve God and not the idol of Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 3:19
THE THREE HEBREWS ARE PRESERVED IN THE FIERY FURNACE"Full of fury"Nebuchadnezzar had an uncontrollable temper. In an extreme outrage of emotionalism, Nebuchadnezzar vented his anger against these men whom he had previously favored. The fire in the furnace was to be built up seven times larger and hotter than usual! This was not necessary, but it reveals what was in this man’s heart.
Daniel 3:21
“Their hosen” means their stockings. In other words, they were in full dress for this trip to the fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:22
The haste and high temperature caused those who threw in the captives to perish in the flames.
Daniel 3:24
This furnace apparently was an open furnace, and Nebuchadnezzar, who expected these men to expire at once, was amazed to see them alive and walking about in the fire. Another amazing fact was to see a fourth Man whom Nebuchadnezzar described as being in the form “like the Son of God.” That should be translated “like a son of gods.” Nebuchadnezzar had no knowledge of the living and true God at this time, although Daniel had spoken of Him. Having no spiritual perception, Nebuchadnezzar could only testify to His unusual appearanceHe looked like one of the sons of the gods. However, I do believe that the fourth Man was the Son of God, the preincarnate Christ. The preservation of these faithful few in the fiery furnace was miraculous. There is no other explanationyou either accept that or reject it. Either the Book of Daniel is misrepresenting things, or it is telling the truth. We have a group today, often identified as neo-orthodox, who rob the language of Scripture of its true meaning. They castrate the meaning of the language, saying it doesn’t mean what it says, but that it means something “spiritual.” That type of rationalism is not only hypocritical, it is deceptive. Several years ago a retired pastor told me of his visit to an outstanding church in Southern California where the son of a friend of his was the pastor. He told me that in his sermon the young man used language that he was accustomed to hearing in the pulpit, and he went up afterwards and congratulated him. “Why, you used in your message the same language John Wesley used!” The young man responded to this retired preacher, “I used the same language John Wesley used, but I do not mean what John Wesley meant by it.” That was positively deceptivetaking language and trying to explain away its real meaning. My point is that there are many miracles in Scripture that such men have attempted to explain away. For instance, Jesus didn’t walk on the waterHe walked on the shore, and the disciples thought He was walking on the water. The widow’s son was not really deadthey only thought he wasand Jesus just woke him up. That type of double-talk is deceptive and hypocritical. You either believe this miracle or you don’t. No three men can be thrown into a fiery furnace without being absolutely destroyed, unless a miracle takes place. I believe a miracle took place, and that the fourth Man present was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. The events recorded here in this chapter are a historical incident, but we should also note that it is an adumbration, a prophetic picture, of the Great Tribulation period. The fiery furnace represents the suffering that will occur during the Great Tribulation. This man Nebuchadnezzar represents the beast out of the sea, the Antichrist, the last great world ruler. This image of gold represents the abomination of desolation of which the Lord Jesus spoke. These three Hebrew children represent the remnant which will be miraculously preserved during the Great Tribulation period. And then, quite interestingly, Daniel is not mentioned in this chapter at all.
He wasn’t around. Apparently he acted not only as a Supreme Court Justice, but also as prime minister of the kingdom. He was out on kingdom business, out on the king’s highway somewhere. He is therefore, a picture of the redeemed ones who are to be removed before the Great Tribulation. What a very wonderful picture is presented here! In the fourth Man present in the furnace, we see that the Lord Jesus was there with them. He will be with them also in the day of the Great Tribulation, with those who are His as they go through the trials of that period. My friend, He is with you and me today as we go through our trials. He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Joh_16:33). He also said, “…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Mat_28:20). He promises never to leave or forsake His own.
Daniel 3:26
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that these three are “servants of the most high God.” I think he is getting a little closer to a knowledge of God. These men came forth with not a hair singed, nor the smell of smoke on their garments! This is a clear-cut miracle.
Daniel 3:28
NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DECREE CONCERNING THE GOD OF THE HEBREW CHILDRENThere is nothing personal in this expression of Nebuchadnezzar; yet he recognizes the omnipotence of the living God and His power in delivering these three men. He grants that their God is superior to his. This is Nebuchadnezzar’s conviction; in the next chapter, we will read his personal testimony of conversion. I believe he came to the knowledge of the living and true God. It took this man a long time to move out of the paganism and heathenism in which he was saturated. Now these three Hebrew children are back in Nebuchadnezzar’s favor. Twice they had the sentence of death upon them, twice they have been miraculously delivered, and twice they have been promoted. In the same way the Lord Jesus is able to keep His own in the world today. That ought to be a comforting thought to many of us. He said in Joh_10:27-28: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” And again in Joh_17:11"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." He continued, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil [one]” (Joh_17:15). In Heb_7:25 we read: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” And finally, Paul wrote, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2Ti_1:12). My friend, you and I are living in a world today in which we are going to have trouble. Some of God’s children do get into a fiery furnace, but He is able to keep them even there, and He is able to bring them out of it. We simply do not trust the Lord like we shouldwe do not have the faith of these three Hebrew children.