DANIEL 3

1. Daniel 3 deals with Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image which was erected on the plain of Dura.
2. This idol was set up to be worshipped after his dream in chapter 2, where he was represented by the head of gold (2:38).
3. Rather than humbling him, the dream and its interpretation by Daniel seems to have hardened his heart toward the things of God. The events in chapter 3 take place about 20 years after the events of chapter 2.
4. Daniel himself is not mentioned in this chapter. Most likely he was out of town when this happened.
5. The story of the courageous Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego has inspired Christians through the years.
6. Nebuchadnezzar’s statue prefigures the statue of the antichrist which will be set up for enforced worship during the tribulation (Rev.13).

THEME: Against worldly pride and fierce Satanic opposition, God’s people should take their stand.

3:1 The description of Nebuchadnezzar’s image. A cubit is approximately 18 inches; therefore, the height was about 90 feet, and the breadth was 9 feet. We see the number 6 predominating and pointing to the ultimate climax of lawlessness (Rev.13:18).

3:2-5 The dedication of Nebuchadnezzar’s image. Why did Nebuchadnezzar make this huge idol? Several reasons could be given:

1. Rebellion against the God of the Bible who gave him his kingdom (Dan.2:37,38). God said, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…" (Ex.20:4), and "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them" (Ex.20:5). But Nebuchadnezzar rebelled against God and His laws.
2. Pride and self-deification (cf. 5:18-22). Throughout history there have been tyrants who demanded that they be worshipped as gods (e.g., the Caesars). Religious leaders have done the same (e.g., the popes of Rome). This practice will continue up to the antichrist (cf. II Thess.2:3,4).
3. Unifying of worship – a one-world religion which will be forced upon people whether they like it or not. Nebuchadnezzar commanded that all must worship his image or be cast alive into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. The antichrist will also have all opponents executed (cf. Rev.6:9-11; 13:15; 20:4).
4. This is the debut performance of the Chaldean Philamonic Orchestra (3:5). The sackbut was something like a trombone; the psaltery was a stringed instrument. There is a connection between worldly music and idolatry and false religion. Worldly music appeals to the flesh (cf. Ex.32:17). After listening to this music, they would loosen their inhibitions and get on their knees and worship the statue. The Babylonians were known to be music lovers (cf. Isa.14:11; Ps.137:1-4).

3:4-7 The demands of King Nebuchadnezzar: either worship his image or be cast into the fire. This horrible type of punishment was popular with the Babylonians (cf. Jer.29:21-23).

3:8-15 The defiance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

1. The Chaldeans were jealous and resentful of the Jews, and so they falsely accused them before King Nebuchadnezzar (3:8-12). The false accusation was that they "have not regarded thee" (3:12). Notice the contrast between these selfish Chaldeans and Daniel (2:24).
2. Nebuchadnezzar was a hothead – "in his rage and fury" (3:13); and an arrogant idolater – "and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" (3:15).

3:16-23 The defense of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

1. "Not careful" (3:16) does not mean disrespectful. It means that they could not in good conscience comply with his commands.
2. They had faith that God would deliver them (3:17).
3. "But if not" (3:18) does not suggest that God could not deliver them but whether or not He chose to deliver them (cf. Job 13:15).
4. As we noticed from 3:13, Nebuchadnezzar had a problem controlling his temper. His order to "heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated" (3:19) was foolish. Actually a slower fire would have prolonged the torture. But because of this foolish command, he lost his "most mighty men" (3:20-22).

3:24-28 The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (cf. Isa.43:1,2).

1. Their Deliverer was the pre-incarnate Son of God (3:24,25).
2. Nebuchadnezzar refers to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as "the most high God" (3:26; cf. 3:15b).
3. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the true God (3:28; cf. 2:47).
4. Notice the phrase "yielded their bodies" (3:28; cf. Rom.12:1,2).

3:29,30 The decree of King Nebuchadnezzar.

1. Nebuchadnezzar frequently threatened people (3:29; cf. 2:5).
2. The Bible teaches that God uses worldly people to promote His servants (3:30) and His program.
3. The key though is that these servants, like Daniel and Joseph, were totally yielded to God.
4. I do not believe Nebuchadnezzar was saved at this point but do believe he was converted at the end of chapter 4.